A Preliminary Evaluation of the DDT Contamination of Sediments in Lakes Natron and Bogoria (Eastern Rift Valley,Africa)

Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) is still used in Africa for the indoor control of malaria and it may represent a potential hazard for wildlife. The littoral sediments of two alkaline-saline lakes, Natron (Tanzania) and Bogoria (Kenya), in the Eastern Rift Valley, supporting large populations of lesser flamingos (Phoeniconaias minor), were analysed for DDT residues. Physical–chemical analyses (temperature, conductivity, pH and dissolved oxygen) were also performed on the water of the two lakes and in the tributaries of Lake Natron, to evaluate the influence of the environmental variables on pollutant occurrence. At Lake Natron, around 1 km from the sediment collection sites, tree leaves of Acacia tortilis were also collected. The main metabolite found in all sediment samples was pp’DDE, whilst equal concentrations of pp’DDT and pp’DDE were measured in acacia leaves. The levels of DDTs measured in the sediments were within 5.9–30.9 ng g⁻¹ d.w., reaching the maximum value in a tributary of Lake Natron. On the whole, the contamination of Lake Natron and Lake Bogoria basins seems to be quite moderate. Nevertheless, the pp’DDE/pp’DDT ratio equals 1 in the Acacia tortilis leaves, which makes one suppose that the input of the parent compound was rather recent and could have been from aerial transport or dust from relatively close-by old pesticides storage sites.     

The residual levels and health risks of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs) in the fish from Lake Baiyangdian, North China

The tissue and organs (muscle, brain, liver, and gill) of four species of freshwater fish from Lake Baiyangdian were analyzed for hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs). The distribution characteristics were analyzed for HCHs and DDTs in various tissue and organs, which determined the health risks for humans. The research results showed that the wet weight content of all HCHs (∑HCHs) ranged from 0.05?～?14.53 ng?g^?1, with a mean of 3.47 ng?g^?1. The wet weight content of all DDTs (∑DDTs) ranged from ND to 8.51 ng?g^?1, with a mean of 2.41 ng?g^?1. For the various species of fish, the residual level of ∑HCHs was relatively higher in chub and grass carp and lowest in snakehead. The residual level of ∑DDTs was the highest in snakehead and did not exhibit a significant variance in the other three species. For the various tissues and organs, the contents of HCHs and DDTs were both highest in the fish liver, second highest in the fish gill, and lowest in the fish brain and muscle. Among the four types of isomers, the residual level of γ-HCH was relatively higher, while the residual level of α-HCH was the lowest. The content of p,p′-DDE was significantly greater to other forms of DDT and its isomer. The residual levels of HCHs and DDTs in fish were both below the national standard. However, the carcinogenic risk from the HCHs in parts of the tissue and organs of four fish species in Lake Baiyangdian exceeded the screen value threshold set by USEPA.     

Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Water,Sediment, and Fish of the Songhua River,China

This study examined residual concentrations and associated ecological risks of the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) hexa- chlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) in water, sediment, and fish of the Songhua River in Zhaoyuan County, China. In June 2012, 10 water, 10 sediment, and 20 fish samples were collected. Residual concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT ranged from 10.0–35.59 ng L^?1 (mean 28.03 ± 11.66 ng L^?1) and 5.12–39.66 ng L^?1 (mean 32.36 ± 11.58 ng L^?1) for water. Residual concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT ranged from 0.52–3.00 ng g^?1 (mean 2.04 ± 0.73 ng g^?1) and 0.34–3.41 ng g^?1 (mean 2.38 ± 0.92 ng g^?1) for sediment. The ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH were close to 1 at the majority of sampling points, indicating considerable new pollution from the use of lindane. The ratios of p,p′-DDE + p,p′-DDD/ΣDDT were less than 0.5, indicating recent inputs from DDT impurities in dicofol. All HCH and DDT isomers except for p,p′-DDD were detected in fish tissue samples, but the associated ecological risks were estimated to be below levels of concern. The study revealed a historical usage of OCPs in the Zhaoyuan section of the Songhua River and new OCP from the use of lindane and dicofol.     

Concentrations and distributions of 18 organochlorine pesticides listed in the Stockholm Convention in surface sediments from the Liaohe River basin,China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed in 26 surface sediment samples from the Liaohe River basin, and the distributions of and potential environmental risks posed by OCPs in the basin were evaluated. Eighteen OCPs listed in the Stockholm Convention were determined using isotope-dilution gas chromatography–high resolution mass spectrometry. This is the first study of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in the Liaohe River basin sediments. The total OCP concentrations were 0.39–68.06 ng g^?1 dry weight. The total α-, β-, γ-, and δ-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), the total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT – p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), o,p^'-DDT, and p,p′-DDT), and the HCB concentrations in the sediment samples were 0.1–28.48 ng g^?1 (mean 4.01 ng g^?1), 0.08–6.52 ng g^?1 (mean 3.07 ng g^?1), and 0.18–24.8 ng g^?1 (mean 4.38 ng g^?1), respectively. The HCB concentrations were higher than the concentrations of the other OCPs, and the HCHs and HCB together were the dominant OCPs. β-HCH was the most abundant HCH isomer. The concentrations of DDTs and other OCPs were relatively low, and the (DDE+DDD)/DDT ratios (>0.5) and DDD/DDE ratios (<1) indicated that no recent DDT inputs had occurred in the Liaohe River system. The main sources of HCHs were probably the historical production and agricultural use of HCH in the study area. The DDT and HCH concentrations were generally below or similar to the concentrations that have been found in other parts of the world. An ecotoxicological evaluation indicated that HCHs in surface sediments pose slight risks to human and ecological health in the Liaohe River basin.     

DDT residues in water, sediment, domestic and indigenous biota from a currently DDT-sprayed area

DDT is used for indoor residual spraying (IRS) in Limpopo Province, northern South Africa to control malaria. Through IRS, DDT may reach the outdoor environment via dust and air and from possible spillages during application. In this area the local people consume domestic chickens, wild fish or birds. Fish from the river catchment and impoundments seem to be the major source of protein intake. Water, sediment and tissue samples from two such fish species, domestic chickens and wild birds (terrestrial and aquatic) from this DDT-sprayed area were analysed for DDT and metabolite residues. The samples contained p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDE residues, with the latter the most ubiquitous and in the highest concentrations. These findings raise concern that both water and food may be major routes of human exposure to DDT and metabolites, thereby posing possible adverse human health implications to the local communities.     

Distribution and change of DDT and HCH levels in oysters (Crassostrea rivularis) from coast of Guangdong,China between 2003 and 2007

This investigation was undertaken to understand the temporal trend, the spatial distribution and the residue level of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs) and hexachlorobenzenes(HCHs) in bivalves from the coast of the South China in recent years. Jinjiang oysters (Crassostrea rivularis) were sampled from 15 bays along the coast of Guangdong province, China between 2003 and 2007. Gas chromatography with electron capture detector was used to quantify the contents of HCH isomers (α-, β-, γ-, δ-HCH), DDT isomers (p,p′-, o,p′-DDT), p,p′-DDD and p,p′-DDE in the oyster tissues. The results demonstrate that annual level of DDTs in the tissue increase throughout the study, particularly between 2004 and 2006. The DDTs content in the tissue varied significantly among sampling regions and some sampling sites (p < 0.05). On the other hand, the HCHs content was significantly lower than DDTs content in the tissue (p < 0.01), and remain constant among sampling years, sampling regions and sampling sites (p > 0.10). Predominance of isomer form of DDTs and higher ratio of γ-HCH/HCHs at some sites indicated that recent input of DDT and lindane in the coastal waters of Guangdong, which might be caused by dicofol spraying in crop planting and lacquer painting on fisher boat. In the soft tissues of the oysters, the highest content of HCHs was 1.21 ng/g (wet weight), and DDTs levels ranged from 0.11 ng/g to 76.3 ng/g (wet weight), far below the Maximum Residual Limits in China and many developed nations.     

Persistent organochlorine pesticide residues in fish, sediments and water from Lake Bosomtwi, Ghana

Some organochlorine pesticide residues in tilapia fish (Tilapiazilli), sediment and water samples from Lake Bosomtwi (the largest natural lake in Ghana) were determined to find out the extent of pesticide contamination and accumulation in the lake. The extracted residues were analyzed on a micro-capillary gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector. DDE (p,p'-1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene) was the predominant residue in all the samples analyzed; detected in 82% of water samples, 98% of sediment samples and 58% of fish samples at concentrations of 0.061+/-0.03 ng g(-1), 8.342+/-2.96 ng g(-1) and 5.232+/-1.30 ng g(-1), respectively. DDT (p,p'-1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-(4-chlorophenyl)ethane) was detected in 78% at a mean concentration 0.012+/-0.62 ng g(-1) of water samples analyzed. The mean concentrations of DDT in sediments and fish were 4.41+/-1.54 ng g(-1) and 3.645+/-1.81 ng g(-1), respectively. The detection of lower levels of DDT than its metabolite, DDE, in the samples implies that the presence of these contaminants in the lake is as result of past usage of the pesticides.     

Placental transfer of DDT in mother-infant pairs from Northern Thailand

The present study objective was to investigate ratios and correlation coefficients between dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) compounds in cord and maternal sera of mother-infant pairs from northern Thailand. The study site was located in Chiang Dao District of Chiang Mai Province which was an agricultural and former malaria endemic area. DDT compounds were analyzed in 88 cord and maternal serum samples using gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD). p,p′-DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene) was the major component and detected in every cord and maternal serum samples with geometric means of 1,255 and 1,793 n g^?1 lipids, respectively. p,p′-DDT (1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) was detected at 89.8 and 100% of cord and maternal serum samples, respectively. The second and third highest levels detected were p,p′-DDD (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane) and p,p′-DDT, respectively. The ratios between cord and maternal sera for p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDD that were less than 1 had high correlation coefficients (ratio = 0.70, r = 0.82 for p,p′-DDE, ratio = 0.62, r = 0.66 for p,p′-DDT, and ratio = 0.79, r = 0.78 for p,p′-DDD). The high correlation coefficients indicate that cord serum levels of DDT compounds could be accurately estimated from maternal serum levels. It can be concluded that cord serum levels of p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDD were approximately 70%, 62%, and 79% of maternal serum levels, respectively. Furthermore, our findings can be applied in public health to monitor and evaluate risk among infants from high DDT exposure area.     

Fenton (H2O2/Fe) reaction involved in Penicillium sp. culture for DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane)] degradation

The purpose of this work was to demonstrate that a Fenton (H₂O₂/Fe) reaction was involved in DDT [1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane)] degradation in a culture of Penicillium sp. spiked with FeSO₄. A commercial DDT mixture (10% DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene], 30% o,p-DDT and 60% of p,p′ -DDT) of 10 mg L^{? 1} was used. Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), tartaric acid and oxalic acid were identified at 18 h in culture media, with and without added DDT; this correlated positively with lowering of pH from 5.8 to 2.7. Lower concentrations of oxalic acid and H₂O₂ (7.9 and 52.6 mg L^{? 1}, respectively) occurred in media with DDT at 30 h, in comparison to that one without DDT mixture (27.9 and 65.3 mg L^{? 1}, respectively), at this time there was maximum degradation (87.7, 91.7 and 94.2%) for DDE, o,p-DDT and p,p′-DDT, respectively. We propose that the degradation of the DDT mixture by Penicillium sp. was through a Fenton reaction (H₂O₂/Fe) under acidic conditions produced in situ during the fungal culture amended with FeSO₄.     

Isolation and characterization of an Alcaligenes sp. strain DG-5 capable of degrading DDTs under aerobic conditions

In this study, an Alcaligenes sp. strain DG-5 that can effectively degrade dichlorodiphenyltrichloro-ethanes (DDTs) under aerobic conditions was isolated from DDTs-contaminated sediment. Various factors that affect the biodegradation of DDTs by DG-5 were investigated. About 88 %, 65 % and 45 % of the total DDTs were consumed within 120 h when their initial concentrations were 0.5, 5 and 15 mg L^?1, respectively. However, almost no degradation was observed when their concentration was increased to 30 mg L^?1, but the addition of nutrients significantly improved the degradation, and 66 % and 90 % of the total DDTs were degraded at 336 h in the presence of 5 g L^?1 peptone and yeast extract, respectively. Moreover, the addition of 20 mM formate also enhanced the ability of DG-5 to transform DDTs, and its DDT transformation capacity (T_c) value was increased by 1.8 - 2.7 fold for the pure (p,p’-DDT or o,p’-DDT only) and mixed systems (p,p’-DDT, o,p’-DDT, p,p’-DDD and p,p’-DDE). Furthermore, it was found that competitive inhibition in the biodegradation by DDT compounds occurred in the mixed system.     

Production and use of DDT containing antifouling paint resulted in high DDTs residue in three paint factory sites and two shipyard sites, China

This study provides the first intensive investigation of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDT) distribution in typical paint factories and shipyards in China where DDT containing antifouling paint were mass produced and used respectively. DDTs were analyzed in soil, sludge and sediment samples collected from three major paint factories and two shipyards. The results showed that the total DDTs concentrations detected in paint factory and shipyard sites ranged from 0.06 to 8387.24 mg kg⁻¹. In comparison with paint factory sites, the shipyard sites were much more seriously contaminated. However, for both kinds of sites, the DDTs level was found to be largely affected by history and capacity of production and use of DDT containing antifouling paint. (DDE + DDD)/DDT ratios indicated that DDT containing antifouling paint could serve as important fresh input sources for DDTs. It can be seen that most samples in shipyards were in ranges where heavy contamination and potential ecological risk were identified.     

Seasonal variation of organochlorine contaminants in bonito (Sarda sarda L. 1758) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L. 1758) in Black Sea region,Turkey

The concentrations of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine insecticides were determined in bonito (Sarda sarda L. 1758) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L. 1758) from the Black Sea, Turkey. Concentrations of total indicator PCBs ranged between <1–17.0 in bonito, and <1–17.5 ng/g fresh weight in anchovy, and total of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-chlorophenyl-ethane and its metabolites’ (DDTs) concentrations ranged between 13.4–26.3, and 2.96–19.0 ng/g fresh weight in bonito and anchovy respectively. PCB 52, p,p′-DDE and endosulfan (α + β) were found dominant in both of the fish species. Except endosulfan, and some DDT metabolites, none of the studied organochlorine pesticides was detected in the fish samples. Concentrations of PCBs in anchovy were found higher than those in bonito, whereas DDT and endosulfan concentrations were found similar in both of the fish species. All of the fish samples had residue concentrations below the maximum residue limits (MRL) recommended by FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Spatial distribution of organochlorine contaminants in soil, sediment, and fish in Bikini and Enewetak Atolls of the Marshall Islands, Pacific Ocean

Several nuclear tests were performed at Enewetak and Bikini Atolls in the Marshall Islands between 1946 and 1958. The events at Bikini Atoll involved several ships that were tested for durability during nuclear explosions, and 24 vessels now rest on the bottom of the Bikini lagoon. Nine soil samples were collected from different areas on the two islands of the atoll, and eighteen sediment, nine fish, and one lobster were collected in the vicinity of the sunken ships. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCTs) in these samples were analyzed using gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry (GC/ITMS). The average recoveries ranged from 78% to 104% for the different PCB congeners. The limits of detection (LOD) for PCBs, PCTs, DDE, DDT, and dieldrin ranged 10-50 pg g⁻¹. Some fish from Enewetak contained PCBs at a concentration range of 37-137 ng g⁻¹, dry weight (dw), and most of the soils from Enewetak showed evidence of PCBs (22-392 ng g⁻¹ dw). Most of the Bikini lagoon sediment samples contained PCBs, and the highest was the one collected from around the Saratoga, an aircraft carrier (1555 ng g⁻¹ dw). Some of the fish samples, most of the soil samples, and only one of the sediment samples contained 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (DDE) and PCBs. In addition to PCBs, the soils from Enewetak Atoll contained PCTs. PCTs were not detected in the sediment samples from Bikini Atoll. The results suggest local pollution sources of PCBs, PCTs, and OCPs.     

DDT residue contamination in sediments from Lake Sibaya in northern KwaZulu-Natal,South Africa: Implications for conservation in a World Heritage Site

Maputaland in northern KwaZulu-Natal is a biodiversity hotspot and host to a number of ecologically important systems, including Lake Sibaya, southern Africa’s largest natural freshwater lake. The region is malaria endemic and this study reports the presence of DDT and its metabolites in the sediments of Lake Sibaya that have resulted from the widespread and continued use of DDT in the region. DDT residues (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDD, and p,p′-DDE) were detected at all 11 sites sampled, with total concentrations ranging from 0.8 to 123 ng g⁻¹. Total DDT concentrations at Lake Sibaya represent some of the highest levels reported in South Africa, with most samples exceeding sediment quality guideline values. The findings from this study raise concerns and indicate that urgent further work is needed to investigate the potential for bioaccumulation, which could adversely affect breeding fish, bird, and crocodile populations in the region. While this study represents the first report on DDT contamination in Lake Sibaya, results have important implications for a number of other aquatic ecosystems within the Maputaland ecoregion, as well as the many local people who depend on them.     

Seasonal variation of organochlorine contaminants in bonito (Sarda sarda L. 1758) and anchovy (Engraulis encrasicolus L. 1758) in Black Sea region, Turkey

The concentrations of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine insecticides were determined in bonito (Sardasarda L. 1758) and anchovy (Engraulisencrasicolus L. 1758) from the Black Sea, Turkey. Concentrations of total indicator PCBs ranged between <1-17.0 in bonito, and <1-17.5 ng/g fresh weight in anchovy, and total of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-chlorophenyl-ethane and its metabolites’ (DDTs) concentrations ranged between 13.4-26.3, and 2.96-19.0 ng/g fresh weight in bonito and anchovy respectively. PCB 52, p,p′-DDE and endosulfan (α + β) were found dominant in both of the fish species. Except endosulfan, and some DDT metabolites, none of the studied organochlorine pesticides was detected in the fish samples. Concentrations of PCBs in anchovy were found higher than those in bonito, whereas DDT and endosulfan concentrations were found similar in both of the fish species. All of the fish samples had residue concentrations below the maximum residue limits (MRL) recommended by FAO/WHO Codex Alimentarius Commission.     

Distribution and ecotoxicological concerns of persistent organic pollutants in sediment from creek ecosystem

In order to study the distribution and ecotoxicological concerns of persistent organic pollutants, grab sediment samples were collected from different locations across Thane creek, India. Analyses of samples were carried out using gas chromatography (GC)–electron capture detector and GC–mass spectrometry techniques. In organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), DDT (1,1,1,-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane), DDE (1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene), DDD (1-chloro-4-(2,2-dichloro-1-(4-chlorophenyl)ethyl) benzene) and α, β, and γ conformer of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and 9 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners were analyzed in surface sediment samples. Concentrations of these pollutants in grab sediment samples may indicate their current use and impact on marine ecosystem. Average concentrations of total DDT (including DDD and DDE), HCH, and Σ₉PCBs were found to be 4.9, 12.5, and 2.9 µg kg^?1(dry weight) respectively. High concentrations of OCPs and PCBs were found at discharge locations in creek compared to other locations. Location-wise distribution of OCPs and PCBs indicates their high concentrations at the waste water receiving point. Data were compared for ecotoxicological impacts based on the levels specified in the sediment quality standards of the US Environmental Protection Agency and the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment. γ-HCH was found to have maximum potential to induce ecotoxicological impacts.     

Concentrations,distributions, sources,and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in surface water of the East Lake,China

East Lake resides in the urban area of Wuhan City and is the largest urban lake in China. The concentrations of 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed in 108 surface water samples collected from the East Lake. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged from not detected to 120 ng L^?1 with predominance of δ-HCH, heptachlor, and α-HCH. The mean values of HCHs and DDTs were 7.40 and 5.70 ng L^?1, respectively, accounting for 40 and 31 % of the total OCPs. For the five lakelets in East Lake, Houhu Lake exhibited the highest concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, and total OCPs, which has been used actively for fisheries and surrounded by suburban rural areas and farmlands. Historical lindane or technical HCH input was probably the source of HCH, while technical DDTs might be the source of DDT in the East Lake. The ratio between heptachlor and its metabolic products indicated recent input of heptachlor. Although the combining ecological risks for all aquatic species in the East Lake calculated by species sensitivity distribution reached approximately 10^?5, the OCPs in the East Lake had slight effects on aquatic organisms. The carcinogenic risks and non-carcinogenic hazard indices of DDTs and HCHs indicated that water in the East Lake was not suitable as water sources for human. However, the results indicated the water quality was safe for people to swim in the urban lake.     

Pesticide contamination profiles of water, sediment and aquatic organisms in the effluent of Gaobeidian wastewater treatment plant

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs, including DDT, HCH and HCB) and six indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, and 180) were measured in water, sediment, zooplankton, fish and Chinese softshell turtle (Pelodiscus sinensis) from Gaobeidian Lake, which is located in the effluent of Gaobeidian wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Beijing, China. DDTs were dominant except for in water. In water, the concentrations of DDTs (6.22 ng l(-1)) and HCHs (18.0 ng l(-1)) were less than the limits (l000 ng l(-1) for DDTs and 5000 ng l(-1) for HCHs). However, PCBs concentration (20.8 ng l(-1)) exceeded the limit (14 ng l(-1)) suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The high ratio of p,p'-DDT/DDTs (0.80) in water suggested that DDTs had recently been discharged into the ambient environment despite a longtime ban in China. For fish and Pelodiscus sinensis, the accumulation patterns of OCPs and PCBs were different in muscle and liver. And HCB and PCB 153 were significant different in different species (p<0.05). PCBs were dominated by PCB 52 in zooplankton, but by PCB 138 and 153 in Pelodiscus sinensis. The highest food web magnification factor (FWMF) was 4.83 for p,p'-DDT and the second highest was 4.36 for PCB 101 in Gaobeidian Lake. As compared with the other studies, biomagnification in the present study was not obvious. Trophic levels and age were two important factors that might contribute to the bioaccumulation in the present study.     

Distribution characteristics of organochlorine pesticides in surface and vertical sediments from the Zha Long Wetland, China

Introduction

The Zha Long Wetland, the first water bird conservation area in China, lies on the northern bank of the Song Nen Plain with an area of 2,100 km². In many areas of the Zha Long Wetland, water pollution has led to a decrease in the wetland??s ecological function, vegetation degradation, a decrease in the number of bird species, and the depletion of fish resources.

Materials and methods

The sediments used in this study were collected from the surface sediment of seven sites and from different depths in three types of marshes in the Zha Long Wetland in northeast China in late October 2006. The levels and distribution patterns of 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; ??-HCH, ??-HCH, ??-HCH, ??-HCH, p,p??-DDE, p,p??-DDD, p,p??-DDT, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulfate, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, and methoxychlor) in surface sediments as well as hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) in vertical sediments were investigated.

Results and discussion

The concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, endosulfans, heptachlors, aldrin, and methoxychlor in surface sediments ranged from 10.44 to 41.97 ng/g, nd (undetectable levels) to 211.88 ng/g, nd to 69.89 ng/g, nd to 28.10 ng/g, 9.81 to 623.83 ng/g, and from nd to 3.99 ng/g, respectively. The highest levels of OCPs were detected in Tangtugangzi at a total concentration of 727.72 ng/g, where the dominant compound was endrin at a concentration of 483.04 ng/g. In the vertical sediments, the HCHs and DDTs were in the ranges of nd?C136.00 and nd?C214.06 ng/g, respectively.

Conclusions

Different distributions of HCHs, DDTs, and other OCPs indicated that they originated from different contamination sources. Composition analyses in surface sediments indicated recent OCP usage or discharge at some sample sites in the Zha Long Wetland.     

Distribution and ecological risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in surface sediments from the East Lake,China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous pollutants, and their presence in urban lakes is a concern for human and ecological health. Surface sediments in the East Lake, China, were collected in winter 2012 and summer 2013 to investigate concentrations, distribution patterns, possible sources, and potential ecological risks of OCPs in this area. The total concentrations of 14 OCPs ranged from 6.3 to 400 ng g^?1 dry weight (dw) with an average concentration of 79 ng g^?1 dw. The mean values of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) (α-, β-, γ-, and δ-HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) (p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDD, and p,p’-DDT) were 36 and 7.6 ng g^?1 dw, accounting for 45 and 10 % of the total OCPs, respectively. The concentrations of OCPs in sediment samples collected in winter were significantly higher than those in summer, especially the HCHs, of which in winter were two times greater than summer. Composition analyses indicated that DDTs and endosulfan were mainly from historical contribution. Historical use of technical HCH and new input of lindane were probably the source of HCHs in the East Lake. Most sampling sites of HCHs and DDTs were found to have the potential ecological risk based on levels specified in the sediment quality standards.