Polychlorinated biphenyls and Organochlorine insecticides residues in fish and shellfish from lake Biwa

Results of surveys on Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine insecticides (HCH and DDT) in fish and shellfish from Lake Biwa were summarized from 1987 to 1996. In 1975, fish and shellfish in Lake Biwa were highly contaminated with PCB, HCH and DDT but recently in 1992–1996 the concentrations of these chemicals were very low and nearly constant. In the composition of HCH isomers, β‐HCH was dominant in all kinds of fish and shellfish. In the composition of DDT and DDT metabolites, pp'‐DDE was similarly dominant in all kinds of fish and shellfish. Further, the data in Lake Biwa were compared with those in Lake Michigan and Lake Baikal.     

Characteristics and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in surface sediments collected at the Qingshitan Reservoir

ABSTRACT

An ultrasonic extraction – gas chromatography – electron capture detector analytical method was used to measure the concentration and types of organochlorine (OC) pesticides in sediment to obtain a better understanding of the characteristics and hidden ecological risks associated with OC pesticide exposure in surface sediment of the Qingshitan Reservoir. Fifteen types of OC pesticides were detected in the sediment, and the sum concentration of these chemicals was in the 149.32–490.19 ng/g range (mean value: 319.39 ng/g). The concentrations of detected OC pesticides occurred in the following order: hexachlorohexanes (HCHs) (mean value: 200.17 ng/g) > DDTs (mean value: 36.92 ng/g) > heptachlors (mean value: 32.74 ng/g) > methoxychlor (mean value: 24.13 ng/g). There was a 100% detection rate for HCH isomers, and their concentrations occurred in the following order: β-HCH > δ-HCH > γ-HCH > α-HCH. β-HCH was the main component of HCHs. Ratios between α-HCH/γ-HCH and β-/(α+γ)-HCH were used to investigate the sources of pollution. Most of the surveyed areas were polluted by lindane, which originated from past pesticide residue usage, and no new inputs of HCHs were found. DDT was the major component of the DDTs, and accounted for 52%–87% of the DDTs. The ratios of (DDE+DDD)/DDT at all sample collection points were less than 1, indicating that degradation rate of DDTs in sediment was low and there was a new input of DDTs in these surveyed areas. The ratio of DDD/DDE was less than 1 at most of the sample collection points, indicating that the degradation of DDT in the sediments primarily took place under aerobic conditions. Comparison of OC pesticide residual levels in the underwater sediment collected at the Qingshitan Reservoir to other states and countries showed the pollution level of these chemicals of the Qingshitan Reservoir was relatively high. The ecological risk was assessed based on guideline values of effects range-low (ERL) and effects range-medium (ERM). The results showed that DDD, DDE, DDTs and endrin residues in the sediment posed a moderate ecological risk, but DDT and γ-HCH showed high ecological risk. These OC pesticides might adversely affect biological systems, and need to be addressed.     

Residues of organochlorinated pesticides in eggs of water birds from Tai Lake in China

The levels of organochlorine compounds in eggs of water birds from the colony on Tai Lake in China were studied. The eggs were collected in 2000 and belonged to the following species: 65 samples of black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax), 36 samples of little egret (Egretta garzetta), 26 samples of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) from 13 clutches and 43 samples of Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus) from 17 clutches. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its derivates (DDE and DDD), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and its isomers (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, delta-HCH), heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, alpha-endosulfan, beta-endosulfan, and endosulfan sulfate were determined in the laboratory by gas chromatography. The data showed that DDE had the highest levels in all the samples, followed by beta-HCH. The mean levels of DDE among the water bird species were in the order as follows: black-crowned night heron (5464.26 ng/g, dry weight) > Chinese pond heron (2791.12 ng/g, dry weight) > little egret (1979.97 ng/g, dry weight) > cattle egret (660.11 ng/g, dry weight). DDT and its metabolites accounted for 90% of the total organochlorines, except that it was only 73% for cattle egret. The differences of the residue among the bird species were statistically significant and could be attributed to their variations in prey and habitat. Although the DDE burdens in Tai Lake were much lower than 8 microg/g (wet weight) which are thought to have significant adverse effects on black-crowned night herons, they would be expected to increase the risk of adverse effects on survival of chicks of herons and egrets, particularly black-crowned night heron, based on the critical value of 1 microg/g (wet weight) DDE. The burdens of HCHs in this study were higher and the cyclodienes were lower than those found elsewhere.     

Organochlorine insecticide residues in Egyptian mothers’ milk

Two hundred ninety‐two mother's milk samples were collected during 1994 from ten Egyptian governorates representing rural, metropolitan, and newly reclaimed desert areas. The samples were analyzed for 14 organochlorine insecticides and metabolites using electron capture gas chromatography and confirmed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The overall samples average showed that the most abundant organochlorine insecticide residues were p,p'‐DDE, α‐endosulfan, β‐HCH and, p,p’‐DDT. Residues in the range of not detectable to less than 14μg/l whole milk were recorded for α‐HCH, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin endrin aldehyde and p,p'‐DDD. The percentage of samples exceeding the acceptable daily intake for children (ADIs) set by the FAO/WHO ranged from 19% to 44% in all governorates included in the study except the governorate of Minia in which only 2.6% of the samples exceeded the ADI values. The insecticides exceeding ADI values are mostly heptachlor and heptaclor epoxide (ADI = 3.12 μg/1 whole milk).     

Occurrence and distribution of organochlorine residues and metals in sediment,water and fish in the catchment area of lake baiyangdian,china

The occurrence and distribution of metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn), organochlorine residues (HCH, DDT and metabolites, PCBs) and EOC1 (extractable organic bound chlorine) were monitored in 1993 and 1996 in sediment, water and fish in the catchment area of Lake Baiyangdian, China. The levels of the metals, especially Cd and Zn, were significantly higher in the sediment than those in non‐polluted areas. PCBs and chlorinated pesticides constituted only a minor part (< 8.4%) of the extractable organic bound chlorine, indicating the presence of additional, unknown, organochlorine residues. Among the pesticides, DDT was widely distributed and high levels occurred in fish despite a ban of its production and use in 1983. The low quotient of pp‐DDT/pp‐DDE in sediment and fish indicated that the input of DDT to the catchment area was not of recent origin.     

Evaluation of organochlorine insecticide residue levels in locally marketed vegetables of Jaipur City,Rajasthan, India

Considerable quantities of organochlorine insecticides are still used worldwide and their persistent residues are widely distributed throughout the environment. Various researchers from different parts of India and abroad have highlighted the extent of pollution caused by these insecticides. In view of the above facts the present study was conducted during 1993-1996 to investigate the magnitude of contamination of organochlorine insecticides in vegetables which were brought for sale to the consumers in the local markets of Jaipur city, Rajasthan, India. Samples of vegetables (potato, tomato, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach and okra) were collected at beginning, middle and end of the seasons with respect to different vegetables and organochlorine levels were assessed using Gas Liquid Chromatograph (GLC) equipped with Electron Capture Detector (ECD). Most of the collected samples were found to be contaminated with residues of DDT and its metabolites (DDD, DDE) isomers of HCH (alpha,beta and gamma-HCH), heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and aldrin. Some of the detected insecticides exceeded the limit of tolerance prescribed by WHO/FAO.     

Historical trends of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) recorded in sediments across the Tibetan Plateau

Sediment cores from four lakes across the Tibetan Plateau were used as natural archives to study the time trends of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The total concentrations of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ΣDDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (ΣHCH) were in the range of 0.04–1.61 and 0.08–1.88 ng/g based on dry weight (dw), while the input fluxes were in the range of 0.3–236 and 0.7–295 pg/cm²/y in the core sediments, respectively. The input fluxes of ΣDDT and ΣHCH generally peaked in sediment layers corresponding to the 1970s–1990s and peaked in top sediment layers. The ratio of α/γ-HCH decreased in the top layer sediments, implying that the contribution of lindane (pure γ-HCH) has been increasing in recent years. In addition, the ratio of o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT increased significantly over the last 15–20 years, suggesting that dicofol (characterized by high ratio of o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT about 7.0) has recently become a relatively more important source of DDT compared to technical DDT itself. The time trends of OCPs recorded in lake sediments examined the impact on such remote alpine regions by human activities.     

The level and distribution of selected organochlorine pesticides in sediments from River Chenab,Pakistan

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), viz. β-hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), γ-HCH, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, endosulfan-I, endosulfan-II, heptachlor endoepoxide, heptachlor exoepoxide, mirex, dicofol, o,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p′-DDT), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethylene (DDE) and 12 other physicochemical parameters were measured in surface sediments from River Chenab during two sampling seasons (summer and winter, 2007) to evaluate spatial and temporal trends of sediment pollution. Hierarchical agglomerative cluster analysis identified three groups of sites based on spatial similarities in physicochemical parameters and OCP residual concentrations. Spatial discriminant function analysis (DFA) segregated 14 parameters, viz. dicofol, endosulfan-I, heptachlor endoepoxide, dieldrin, DDD, DDE, endosulfan-II, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), Cl⁻¹, total P (%), and silt, which explained 96% of total variance between spatial groups. γ-HCH was the most frequently detected (63%) pesticide, followed by DDD (56%). The ratio of DDTs to their metabolites indicated current input and anaerobic biodegradation. Temporal DFA highlighted aldrin, heptachlor endoepoxide, Cl⁻¹, total P, and EC as important variables which caused variations between summer and winter. DDTs were relatively more prevalent as compared to other OCPs in the sediments samples during both seasons. DDT metabolites were detected at greater frequencies and concentrations in winter, whereas DDT isomers were more prevalent in summer sediment samples. Factor analysis identified agricultural and industrial activities as major sources of sediment OCP contamination. Concentrations of γ-HCH, heptachlor endoepoxide, dieldrin, and DDTs (isomers and metabolites) in all sediment samples were well above interim sediment quality guidelines (ISQGs) and probable effect limits (PEL) given by Canadian Sediment Quality Guidelines (CSQGs).     

Pesticide Residues in Water From River Kaveri,South India

The residue levels of presistent chlorinated pesticides such as HCH (hexachlorocyclo-hexane) isomers and DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) compounds were quantified in water samples collected from the River Kaveri and its distributor River Coleroon in Tamil Nadu, South India. HCH showed higher levels in River Kaveri during premonsoon (July to September) and monsoon (October to December) months, reflecting the HCH usage during that season for paddy crops. But in the case of DDT no clear trend in residue level was observed. the α-HCH was detected as the dominant isomer in all the three sampling sites. Among DDT compounds, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE showed higher percentage of the total. International comparison of residue levels revealed that the present values are comparable to the waters from Asian and South East Asian nations, but lower than some samples from other parts of India. the value of DDT is well below the EEC's maximum acceptable concentration for surface waters and lower than the recommended limit of 2000ng 1^-1 in USA water for protection of aquatic life (Water Quality Criteria, 1972).     

Persistent of Organochlorine Pesticides in the Green Lip Mussel (Perna Viridis) From Marine Estuaries in Thailand

Thailand has benefited from the availability of pest control chemicals for improving agricultural products and in public health like any other developing countries. in order to understand the distribution and contamination in the Gulf of Thailand, a Mussel Watch programme has been set up to monitor trace toxic substances of organochlorine pesticides along the Gulf of Thailand since 1989.

This paper focuses on the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in green lip mussels (Perna viridis) during 1989 to 1996. the mussel samples were used as a biological indicator and analyzed for 23 organochlorine compounds. the highest frequencies of organochlorine pesticide residues in Thailand were found in aldrin, dieldrin and DDTs in all samples and the highest concentration of DDT-isomer were p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT during 1989-1990 and 1991. the p,p'-DDE was only found during 1993-1995.

In 1996 the level of the DDT isomer (o,p-DDE) were found in the range of 11-16ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight), HCH isomer (a-HCH) was found ND -1.6ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight) and cis-chlordane found at ND - 3.4 ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight). Other organoichlorine pesticide compounds such as dieldrin, heptachlor, aldrin, endrin and endosulfan isomers were not detected. the detection limit of all organochlorine compounds were 1.3-8.2ppb(ngg^-1 wet weight). Trends of organochlorine pesticide residue in this area were found differently from the previous data during 1989-1991.     

成都城区蔬菜地土壤中农药残留及其分布特征

采用GC-ECD检测、GC/MS-MS确证的方法对成都城区14个区县蔬菜地土壤中23种有机氯农药（OCPs）进行分析,以揭示OCPs的残留现状及其分布特征。结果表明,OCPs残留水平在不同区县间差异很大,变化范围20.18～104.33μg.kg-1之间,近郊区县（双流、龙泉驿、郫县、新都、温江）远低于边缘区县。被检出的18种OCPs中,DDTs、HCHs检出率最高（100%）,残留水平为16.11～99.51、1.31～9.34μg.kg-1,分别占OCPs残留总量质量分数的87.68%、8.15%;六氯苯（HCB）次之（90%）;灭蚁灵、环氧七氯、硫丹Ⅰ和γ-氯丹也有不同程度的检出（44.29%～47.14%）,主要分布在近郊区县;艾氏剂、狄氏剂、异狄氏剂、毒杀芬的检出率较低（32.86%～37.14%）,多分布于彭州、都江堰、大邑、崇州等地。土壤中OCPs的各种异构体、代谢物变化规律显示,DDTs、HCHs残留主要源于早期的使用或大气输入,但不排除金堂、青白江、新津地区近期可能有新的DDTs输入,崇州、彭州、都江堰、大邑地区可能有HCHs输入。     

Organochlorine pesticide residues in fodder from rural areas of Haryana,India

Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) namely 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCH-isomers), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and its metabolites, and endosulfan stereoisomers were analyzed in dry and green fodder samples from rural areas of Ambala, Gurgaon, and Hisar districts of Haryana, India during winter, summer, and post-monsoon seasons. The HCH isomers γ-HCH and β-HCH, and DDT and its metabolites p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, and p,p′-DDT had more traceability in test samples as compared to other isomers and metabolites studied. Total OCPs (ΣOCPs), i.e., ΣHCH, ΣDDT, and Σendosulfan were found to be the highest in wheat straw (1.1–1.2?mg?kg^?1) from Ambala and Gurgaon, followed by that in sorghum straw (0.46?mg?kg^?1) from Hisar. Dry fodder samples were found to have relatively higher residue levels than green fodders. In case of green fodder samples, maximum ΣOCP residues of 0.44?mg?kg^?1 were found in whole plant samples of sorghum from Gurgaon district followed by that in pearl millet (0.40?mg?kg^?1) from Ambala. The findings indicate highly significant differences (p?>?0.0001) in ΣOCPs and ΣDDT in wheat straw between different districts and reveal the persistence of OCP residues in both dry and green fodder samples in the study area.     

珠江八大入海口表层沉积物中DDTs和HCHs残留调查

于2010年8月-2011年5月4次采集珠江八大人海口表层沉积物,采用气相色谱-电子捕获（GC—ECD）法分析沉积物中DDTs（p,P’-DDE、P,P’-DDD、0,P’-DDT、P,P-DDT）和HCHs（α-HCH、β-HCH、γ-HCH、δ-HCH）的污染现状。结果显示,珠江8大人海口表层沉积物中DDTs总含量介于1．02—3．08μg·kg-1之间（以干质量计,下同）,平均值为1．91μg·kg-1;HCHs总含量介于0．21—0．41μg·kg-1之间,平均值为0．31μg·kg-1。DDTs平均含量大于HCHs,其中P,P。DDT对污染的贡献最大,含量范围为ND～7．66μg·kg-1,平均值为2．12μg·kg-1。大部分样点伽（α-HCH）／w（γ-HCH）比值小于3,说明研究区α-HCH大都被降解,或者林丹正取代工业HCHs成为珠江口水环境中HCHs输入的主要来源;甜（DDT）／w（DDD＋DDE）比值大于2,表明沉积物中除早期农药残留外,仍然有新的DDTs类农药输入。     

Accumulation of Organochlorine Compounds in Oysters (Crassostrea Gasar) of an Estuarine Environment: Case of A Tropical Lagoon in the Gulf of Guinea

As part of a pollution monitoring study, oysters (Crassostrea gasar) were sampled in June 1996, in order to determine the concentrations and distribution of chlorinated hydrocarbons in two stations (near Boulay Island and Riviera Golf) of the Ebrie Lagoon, in the Abidjan area.

The chromatographic analysis of the oven dried samples revealed the presence of PCBs (2.13 to 86.22 ppb or ng/g dry weight), DDE (<0.48 to 169.55 ppb), DDD (<1.04 to 60.27 ppb), DDT (1.43 to 77.81 ppb, lindane (<0.22 to 91.64 ppb), aldrin (<0.30 to 154.1 ppb), endrin (<0.23 to 293.31 ppb) and dieldrin (<0.26 to 199.74 ppb). the results indicated high concentrations in oysters sampled near Boulay Island, due to industrial, agricultural and port activities going on in this area.

Compared to DDD/ΣDDT and DDT/ΣDDT, the DDE/ΣDDT ratios were high indicating old DDT inputs. the ΣDDT/PCBs ratios were higher than 1 illustrated the predominance of organochlorine inputs from agriculture activities. the presence of lindane in both stations illustrated the problem of fishing with toxic products.

Negative correlations found between dry tissue weight and organochlorine compounds concentrations showed that young oysters may concentrate more of these substances. More studies are needed in order to make any conclusions on their bioaccumulation trends.     

Concentrations of Hchs and Ddts in the Tissues of River Dolphins,Platanista Gangetica,From the River Ganges,India

Abstract

Concentrations of HCH and DDT organochlorine insecticide residues were measured in blubber, muscle and oil samples from three specimens of river dolphins, Platanista gangetica, from the River Ganges, India. Concentrations of HCH and DDT ranged from 94 to 289 ng g^?1 and from 1324 to 9388 ng g^?1 on wet wt. basis respectively. Comparisons are made with other aquatic mammals and other studies on river dolphins. P. gangetica appears to exhibit similar patterns of accumulation with age and with ß-HCH and p-p′-DDE being accumulated to higher levels than other HCH isomers and parent DDT and its other metabolites, respectively. These organochlorines may pose a health risk to river dolphin populations that are already showing evidence of environmental stress. Further studies are recommended.     

Factors affecting HCH and DDT in soils around watersheds of Beijing reservoirs,China

The factors that influence the dynamics of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in soils around the watersheds of Beijing reservoirs were examined. Compared with other studies on HCH and DDT in soils and established reference values, the concentrations of HCH and DDT in soils around our study area were relatively low. The relationships between HCH and DDT concentrations and land use, soil texture, and soil properties were discussed. HCH and DDT concentrations were higher in arable soils than those in uncultivated fallow soils. Although land use was the most important factor affecting HCH and DDT residues, additional factors such as soil texture and soil total organic carbon were also involved in pesticide retention in soils. The results indicated that the historical agricultural applications of HCH and DDT were the major source of their residues. Atmospheric deposition, as well as long-distance transportation and inputs from surrounding weathered agricultural soils may also serve as important sources of HCH and DDT residues in the watersheds.     

Determination of pesticide residues in muscle of Cyprinus carpio from River Ravi

The levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, carbofuran, and cartap were determined in muscles of Cyprinus Carpio sampled from 10 different sites of River Ravi between Shahdara to Balloki Headworks to assess level of contamination of these pesticides by GC-ECD (gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector) method. All fish samples were found contaminated with different concentrations of DDT, DDE, endosulfan, and carbofuran. DDT and DDE concentrations were higher than maximum residue limits (MRL) in food standards, while endosulfan sulfate and cartap were not detected. These findings indicate that pesticide concentrations in fish muscles decreased in the order: DDT > DDE > carbofuran > endosulfan. Furthermore, the sampling sites after Degh fall and beyond Hudiara Nulla Fall river sampling sites were more polluted. It is proposed that constant monitoring programs are needed to assess potential exposure risks.     

Post-war levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in air from Serbia determined by active and passive sampling methods

For the duration of the war accident in former Yugoslavia, several industrial and military targets were burnt and damaged, resulting in a significant release of persistent organic pollutants. Locations heavily targeted in the attacks were later defined by UNEP as four “hot spots”: Kragujevac, Novi Sad, Pancevo and Bor. We analyzed concentration levels of pollutants collected in 2004 and 2005 in air samples from the city of Kragujevac, Serbia, following the war accident of 1999. Pollutants included polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (DDE), dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). We present results obtained during air sampling campaign conducted in July 2004 by the active sampling method; and during September 2004–June 2005 by the passive sampling method. Our findings show the occurrence of residual quantities of DDT, HCH, PCBs and PAHs in air samples. High levels of PCBs are probably due to the destruction of transformers during the war accident.     

Organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea,China

A systematic survey of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH and ΣHCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane metabolites (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and ∑DDT) in soils along the north coastal areas of the Bohai Sea, China, has been lacking. In this study, 31 representative surface soil samples were collected along the north coastal and riverine areas of the Bohai Sea to characterise the potential for adverse effects of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and their individual isomers and transformation products. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in soils ranged from less than the limit of detection (1 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 3.5 ng · g^?1 dw) and2 ng · g^?1 dw (mean: 1.7 × 10¹ ng · g^?1 dw), respectively. Compared with studies of OCPs in soils from other locations, concentrations of HCHs and DDTs observed in this study were moderate. Concentrations of OCPs observed in soils were generally less than proposed reference values. HCH residues were a mixture of historical technical HCH and current lindane sources. The pattern of DDTs was consistent with historical releases of technical DDTs. Selected soil physicochemical properties did not explain the sorption and/or partitioning of HCHs or DDTs.     

Organochlorine residues in maternal milk from inhabitants of the Thohoyandou area,South Africa

The presence of organochlorine compounds (OC) such as DDT and their metabolites in the environment have created a significant environmental concern over the years due to adverse effects. Consequently, DDT has been banned in many countries. However, it is still used in some countries including South Africa, particularly for vector-borne disease eradication programmes. Since the presence of DDT and its metabolites may provide an indication of the general exposure and use of these compounds, there was a need for such a study. Human breast milk samples (n = 30) were collected from mothers within the age range of 19–40 years from the Thohoyandou area, South Africa. The liquid–liquid extraction method was used to extract DDT and its metabolites from the samples. The crude extracts were subjected to column chromatography for measurements of OC levels. The concentration ranges of the contaminants were as follows: not detected (ND) to1770 ng g^?1 (2,4′-DDE); ND to 3977 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDE); ND to 3250 ng g^?1 (2,4′-DDD); ND to 2580 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDD) and ND to 2847 ng g^?1 (4,4′-DDT). The mean ΣDDE, ΣDDD and ΣDDT obtained from the villages were 1180 ng g^?1, 830 ng g^?1 and 690 ng g^?1, respectively. The total DDT ranged from 820–7473 ng g^?1. The estimated daily intake varied from 260 to 4696 ng g^?1, ND-10551 ng g^?1 and ND-4237 ng g^?1 for DDE, DDD and DDT, respectively. These values are significantly higher than the FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI) of 20 ng g^?1. The ΣDDT was found to decrease with increasing age of the mothers. The observed high levels of DDE compared to DDT indicated chronic exposure of the mothers to DDT, which is metabolized to DDE and retained in the body.