Fate and assessment of persistent organic pollutants in water and sediment from Minjiang River Estuary,Southeast China

Persistent organochlorine compounds were analyzed in surface water, porewater and surficial sediment samples from Minjiang River Estuary, which is the first large river in Fujian Province, Southeast of China. The total concentrations of 18 organochlorine pesticides were 214.4-1819, 4541-13,699 ng/l, 28.79-52.07 ng/g in surface water, porewater and sediments (dry weight) respectively, and those of 21 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the three phases were: 203.9-2473, 3192-10,855 ng/l, 15.14-57.93 ng/g respectively. The results showed that the concentrations of these selected organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in porewater were higher than those in surface water. It may be due to the fact that these organic hydrophobic pollutants tend to stay in the sediments, and then re-suspend from the sedimentary phase to the upper water. We have analyzed the distribution characteristics of individual organochlorine pesticide components and PCBs, and found that alpha-HCH, DDE, Heptachlor, Endosulfan II, Methoxychlor were the most common organochlorine pesticides contaminants. Considering the groups of HCHs (HCHs=alpha-HCH+beta-HCH+gamma-HCH+delta-HCH) and DDTs (DDTs=DDT+DDD+DDE), the predominance of beta-HCH, DDE in all water, porewater and sediment samples was clearly observed. This observation suggested that beta-HCH was resistant to biodegradation and the DDTs had been transformed to its metabolites, DDE and DDD, of which DDE that was more un-degradable. The PCB congeners containing 3-6 chlorines had the great preponderance in the three phase. These results were compared with those present in other estuaries and harbors. A risk assessment was evaluated for the persistent organic pollutants in the Minjiang River Estuary.     

Occurrence of PAHs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in the Tonghui River of Beijing, China

Tonghui River, a typical river in Beijing, People's Republic of China, was studied for its water and sediment quality, by determining the levels of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 18 organochlorine pesticides in water and sediment samples. Total PAHs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides concentrations in water varied from 192.5 to 2651 ng/l, 31.58-344.9 ng/l and 134.9-3788 ng/l, respectively. The total PAHs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides concentrations in surficial sediments were 127-928 ng/g, 0.78-8.47 ng/g and 1.79-13.98 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The results showed that the concentration of these selected organic pollutants in sediment was higher than those in surface water. It may be due to the fact that organic hydrophobic pollutants tend to stay in the sediments. The PAHs were dominated by 2-, 3-ring components in water samples and by 3- and 4-ring compounds in sediment. For organochlorines, alpha-HCH, delta-HCH, Heptachlor, Endosulfan II, DDT are the major organochlorine pesticides in water while Heptachlor, Dieldrin and DDE composed of 95% of total organochlorine pesticides in sediment. For HCHs (HCHs=alpha-HCH+beta-HCH+gamma-HCH+delta-HCH), the predominance of alpha-HCH of total HCHs were clearly observed in water and sediment. PCB18, PCB31 and PCB52 were predominant in water, on average these compounds collectively accounted for 67% of total PCBs. But in sediment, the predominant compounds were PCB28, PCB31 and PCB153, which accounted for 71% of total PCBs in sediment. The levels of micro pollutants in our study areas were compared with other studies.     

Inside-sediment partitioning of PAH, PCB and organochlorine compounds and inferences on sampling and normalization methods

Comparability of sediment analyses for semivolatile organic substances is still low. Neither screening of the sediments nor organic-carbon based normalization is sufficient to obtain comparable results. We are showing the interdependency of grain-size effects with inside-sediment organic-matter distribution for PAH, PCB and organochlorine compounds. Surface sediment samples collected by Van-Veen grab were sieved and analyzed for 16 PAH, 6 PCB and 18 organochlorine pesticides (OCP) as well as organic-matter content. Since bulk concentrations are influenced by grain-size effects themselves, we used a novel normalization method based on the sum of concentrations in the separate grain-size fractions of the sediments. By calculating relative normalized concentrations, it was possible to clearly show underlying mechanisms throughout a heterogeneous set of samples. Furthermore, we were able to show that, for comparability, screening at <125 μm is best suited and can be further improved by additional organic-carbon normalization.     

Pesticides and PCBs in sediments and fish from the Salton Sea, California, USA

The Salton Sea, the largest manmade lake in California, is officially designated by the State of California as an agricultural drainage reservoir. The purpose of this study was to determine organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticides, as well as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in sediments and fish tissues in the Salton Sea and evaluate the relative ecological risk of these compounds. Sediment samples were taken during 2000-2001 and fish tissues (Tilapia mossambique, Cynoscion xanthulu) were collected in May 2001. All samples were analyzed for 12 chlorinated pesticides, 6 organophosphorus pesticides, and 55 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. SigmaDichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (SigmaDDT) and total PCB concentrations observed in sediments ranged from 10 to 40 and 116 to 304 ng/g dry wt, respectively. DDT/DDD ratios in sediments and fish tissues of the northern Sea in 2001 indicated recent DDT exposure. Lindane, dieldrin, dichlorodiphenylethane (DDE) and total PCB concentrations detected in sediments exceeded probable effect levels established for freshwater ecosystems, and pp-DDE and total PCB concentrations were higher than effect range-median values developed for marine and estuarine sediments. In fish liver, concentrations of endrin and SigmaDDT exceeded threshold effect level established for invertebrates. SigmaDDT concentrations detected in fish tissues were higher than threshold concentrations for the protection of wildlife consumers of aquatic biota. DDE concentrations in fish muscles tissues were above the 50 ng/g concentration threshold for the protection of predatory birds. Dimethoate, diazinon, malathion, chlorpyrifos, disulfoton varied from < or = 0.15 to 9.5 ng/g dry wt in sediments and from < or = 0.1 to 80.3 ng/g wet wt in fish tissues. Disulfoton was found in relatively high concentrations (up to 80.3 ng/g) in all organs from Tilapia and Corvina. These results demonstrate continued contamination of specific organochlorine compounds in sediments and resident fish species of the Salton Sea.     

Evaluation of HCH isomers and metabolites in soils, leachates, river water and sediments of a highly contaminated area

In this work we evaluate the contamination caused by HCH residues in the soil, leachates, river water and sediments of an industrial estate of the NW of Spain. We study the distribution of the isomers in the different matrices, analysing 37 soil samples, collected in eight points at several depths, six natural leachates, four river water samples and three river sediments. Soil and leachate samples present very high levels of HCH isomers, higher than the established by legislation, and some pesticides were also detected in the analysed river water whereas no pesticides were detected in the river sediments. The distribution of isomers was different depending on the matrix analysed. Some natural degradation products and also other organochlorine pesticides were detected in the samples analysed.     

Measurement of pollution levels of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in water, soil, sediment, and shrimp to identify possible impacts on shrimp production at Jiquilisco Bay

This study aims to identify levels of several organochlorine and organophosphorus compounds in shrimp-raising areas of coastal El Salvador, to assess potential impacts on shrimp growth and survival that hamper the sustainability of aquaculture in the region. The paper reports the current levels of γ-HCH, 4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDD, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, parathion, methyl parathion, and etoprophos in soils (depth 20 cm), sediments (depth 5 cm), shrimp (Penaeus sp.), and water of three rearing ponds and also in the sediment (depth 5 cm) and water surrounding those ponds in Jiquilisco Bay. Sampling was carried out during the dry (January-March) and rainy (June-August) seasons of 2008. The presence of pesticides in the samples of water, shrimp, and sediment at shrimp ponds was not detected in either season; however, in soil samples (depth 20 cm) taken from these ponds, heptachlor, endrin, dieldrin, 4,4'-DDD, and 4,4'-DDT were identified at concentrations below the method limit of quantification (LOQ), and 4,4'-DDE was found in a concentration falling in the range from 3.85 to 19.61 ng/g. In samples of water taken at the bay water intakes to the rearing ponds, we observed dieldrin concentrations in the range between 0.085 ng/mL and 0.182 ng/mL during the dry season. In the samples of sediments taken in the surrounding areas of shrimp ponds, we found-for both seasons-that in 60 % of the samples, 4,4'-DDE was present in concentrations ranging from 3.75 ng/g to 30.97 ng/g. Additionally, in the rainy season, we observed heptachlor in sediment at concentrations below the method quantification limit. It was concluded that organochlorine compounds from pesticides are still present in Jiquilisco Bay, trapped in deep sediment, even though they have been banned since the 1980s. These were not detected in shrimp tissue, surface water, and shallow sediment in rearing ponds, and hence, we do not believe their presence has any major impact on shrimp production in sampled areas.     

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.     

(汍)汊湖水体和表层沉积物中有机氯农药分布特征

用GC/ECD内标法定量测定了(汍)汉湖水体和表层沉积物中的有机氯农药(OCPs).(汍)汊湖水样和表层沉积物中20种OCPs均有检出.表层沉积物上层中(0～2 cm)的OCPs明显高于下层(2～10 cm),这是(汍)汉湖具有稳定的水动力条件所致.氯丹在表层沉积物中浓度最高,与该化合物在环境中的强稳定性以及在该地区的大量使用有关.表层沉积物样品DCHsO2上层OCPs中o,p'-DDT主要成分,表明近期可能有新的DDTs,特别是含大量o,p'-DDT的三氯杀螨醇的使用.DDD/DDE则显示表层沉积物上层DDTs的降解主要处在厌氧条件下,而下层处在好氧条件下.     

Contamination by selected chlorinated pesticides in surface waters in Hanoi, Vietnam

Fifteen insecticides, which were banned in Vietnam in the period from 1990 to 1998, were chosen for the investigation of surface water samples in Hanoi and its surroundings. The investigation was focused on an area of approximately 30 by 20 km. Thirty water samples, in total were analysed: 11 samples from the Red river, seven from the Duong river, four from various lakes (West lake, Thuyen Quang, Bay Mau, Ba Mau), six from irrigation canals and two samples from wells. The procedure was repeated in November 1998 and in August 1999. The results showed that the contamination of the banned pesticides was highest in the rivers and then in the irrigation canals, followed by the lakes and wells. These pesticides could hardly be determined in just two drinking water samples (wells) and their concentrations rarely exceeded detection limits (0.05-0.25 ng l(-1)). The mean concentrations of sigmaHCHs (alpha, beta, gamma, delta-HCH) and sigmaDDTs (2,4'-, 4,4'-DDE; 2,4'-, 4,4'-DDD; 2,4'-, 4,4'-DDT) in the rivers were 17.2 +/- 71.8 and 43.7 +/- 79.9 ng l(-1) in the dry season (DS, November 1998), 29.3 +/- 117 and 56.1 +/- 65.6 ng l(-1) in the rainy season (RS, August 1999), respectively. However, the highest concentration of DDTs detected in a river sample (DS): 0.324 microg l(-1) was much lower than their allowable limit of concentration in surface waters, which is accorded with Criteria of Vietnam (1995) (DDTs < 10 microg l(-1)). Moreover, endrin, heptachlor, aldrin were also detected in most of water samples with considerable mean concentrations in rivers: 25.3 +/- 40.5, 17.4 +/- 23.8, 11.0 +/- 9.02 ng l(-1) in the DS and 18.5 +/- 23.2, 19.3 +/- 29.0, 12.8 +/- 8.44 ng l(-1) in the RS, respectively. Heptachlor epoxide (isomer A) and dieldrin were detected in some water samples with lowest concentrations.     

Organochlorine pesticides,PCBs and heavy metals in tissues of the mullet Liza aurata in lake Ganzirri and Straits of Messina (Sicily,Italy)

The aim of this research was to investigate the presence of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs and heavy metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn) in fish living in lake Ganzirri and the Straits of Messina, using the mullet Liza aurata as a "biological indicator". Different tissues of Liza aurata, which include the muscle, gill and vertebral column, were taken for analyses. Quantitative determination of the organochlorine compounds was performed by GC-ECD and confirmed with GC-MS. The concentrations of "essential" and "toxic" heavy metals were determined by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry. For the mullets of lake Ganzirri, the study showed DDE in three samples of gills and one of muscle, at concentrations below the MRL; no appreciable residues of PCBs (Aroclor 1232 series) were found. The concentrations of Zn and Cu were much higher than those of the "toxic" metals. No traces of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were found in the individuals from the Straits of Messina. Therefore, these results indicate that these two environments are not at toxicological risk.     

Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in marine-, surface-, ground- and drinking waters from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as DDT and its metabolites (DDDs and DDEs). chlordane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor and endosulfan were determined in drinking-, ground-, surface- and marine waters from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Percentage recoveries of the OCPs from spiked river water ranged from 71.03 +/- 8.15% (dieldrin) to 101.25 +/- 2.17% (alpha-BHC). The levels of OCPs ranged from 5.5 ng/L (2,4-DDD) to 160 ng/L (HCB) in the water samples. Some endocrine disrupting OCPs such as DDT, DDE, heptachlor, endosulfan and chlordane were detected.     

Pentachlorophenol (PCP), PCDD,PCDF and pesticide concentrations in a freshwater lake catchment

The concentrations of pentachlorophenol (PCP), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) polychlorinated dibensofurans (PCDFs) and organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in water, sediments and biota from the Lake Rotorua catchment were determined to evaluate the relative significance of various contaminants and their potential sources. PCP was found in water, sediments and biota (fish and freshwater mussels) and the highest concentrations in water (3.62 μ g.L⁻¹) and in sediments (400 ng.g⁻¹ dry weight (DW) were found in and near a stream that had been affected by PCP contamination from a sawmill. PCDD and PCDF concentrations in all cases, except for the waters and sediments of the stream near to the sawmill, were relatively low compared to values reported in the literature for similar sites. Negligible pesticide contamination was found in the Lake Rotorua catchment. Pesticides found included low concentrations of p.p′-DDE, p.p-TDE and dieldrin in rainbow trout from the lake.     

Monitoring of organochlorine pesticides residues in green mussels (Perna viridis) from the coastal area of Thailand

The utilization of organochlorine pesticides for pest control chemical has been of great interest on residue contamination from biological organisms in the environment. Green mussel (Perna viridis) samples were monitored as bioindicators for assessment of the water quality in coastal waters along the Gulf of Thailand. Thirty-six samples were collected from 12 stations during 1997-1999 and analysed for 26 organochlorine pesticide compounds. This paper focuses on the contamination of organochlorine pesticide residues in green mussel (P. viridis) during 1997-1999. The limit of detection of all organochlorine pesticides compounds was at the range of 0.1-8.3 ng g(-1) wet weight and recovery 75-95%. The concentration of organochlorine pesticides residues in green mussel was lower than the maximum residue limit for aquatic animals as recommended by the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand. The trend of organochlorine pesticide residue contamination in this area decreased from 1989 to 1999.     

Organochlorine pesticides in the surface waters of Northern Greece

A survey undertaken in Northern Greece has shown that organochlorine pesticides are present in the surface waters. Surface water samples have been collected seasonally from four rivers and five lakes for a period of two years. Solid-phase extraction followed by gas chromatographic techniques with electron capture detection was used for the determination of the compounds. The most commonly encountered organochlorine pesticides in surface waters were the isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, aldrin, dieldrin and endosulfan sulfate. In some cases the concentrations detected were higher than the qualitative target levels set by the European Union, especially for hexachlorocyclohexane and aldrin. The occurrence of these compounds in Greek surface waters can be attributed to intense agricultural activity as well as to transboundary pollution.     

Distribution and fate of organochlorine pesticide residues in sediments from the selected rivers in Taiwan

The contamination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments from selected rivers in Taiwan was investigated to evaluate the pollution potentials and hazard in river sediments. Da-han River and Erh-jen River were selected as the target rivers due to their serious pollution. A total of 40 surface sediment samples were collected at five sampling stations along the rivers. Results showed that the concentrations of various pesticides in sediments were in the range of 0.57-14.1 ng/g for sigmaHCH, 0.05-0.15 ng/g for aldrin, 0.12-5.8 ng/g for dieldrin, 0.22-0.64 for endrin, 0.24-6.37 ng/g for endosulfan and 0.21-8.81 ng/g for EDDT (p,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDT). Among the OCPs, sigmaHCH, endosulfan and sigmaDDT were the most dominant compounds in the river sediments. Endosulfan sulfate was the most frequent detected compound in the sediments from the selected rivers. Also, sigmaDDT, dieldrin and beta-HCH were in abundance. Different contamination patterns between the selected river sediments were also observed. Da-han River was mainly contaminated with endosulfan sulfate and sigmaDDT. Whereas the main pesticides in Erh-jen River were beta-HCH and sigmaDDT. Among the cyclodiene compounds, dieldrin was in abundance in most of the sediments. Moreover, the frequencies of detection of the metabolites were higher than those of parent compounds, depicting that the sediments have contaminated for a long time. The results obtained in this study showed that there still exist a variety of OCP residues in the river sediments in Taiwan.     

Organochlorine contaminants in the estuarine and coastal marine environments of the Fiji Islands

No information has been published on the presence of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in the Fiji Islands. This paper reports the first data on the concentration of a range of organochlorine compounds in sediments and shellfish in the estuarine and coastal marine environment around Fiji. Twenty-three sediment and two shellfish samples were analysed for 22 pesticides and related residues, and PCBs. While a significant number of organochlorines (20 pesticide related species and PCBs) was detected, the concentrations were generally very low (< 10 ng g), indicative of a relatively 'less contaminated' marine environment. Relatively high concentrations were observed only near the two major ports (Suva and Lautoka), with Suva harbour samples having the largest number of detectable species and the largest total concentrations of organochlorines (up to 91 ng g). No PCBs were detected in areas away from major industrial centres. The variations in the concentrations found, and the possible sources and movement of the organochlorine contaminants are discussed.     

Pesticide pollution remains severe after cleanup of a stockpile of obsolete pesticides at Vikuge, Tanzania

High levels of DDT residues and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were found in soil, well water, and surface water around a collapsed pesticide storage shed at Vikuge Farm, Tanzania. Residues of DDT and HCHs were found at three soil depths down to 50 cm. Surface soil samples contained up to 28% total DDT and 6% total HCH residues. Water samples had concentrations of up to 30 microg L(-1) of organochlorine pesticides. Other compounds detected were aldrin, azinphos-methyl, carbosulfan, gamma-chlordane, chlorprofam, heptachlor, hexazinone, metamitron, metazachlor, pendimethalin, and thiabendazole. Although the visible remains of pesticides have been removed, the remaining soil is itself hazardous waste and poses a risk to the environment and the inhabitants of the surrounding villages. These findings show the necessity to follow up the environmental situation at former storage sites of obsolete stocks of pesticides, and that the environmental problems are not necessarily solved by removing the visible remains.     

Spatial and temporal variations and possible sources of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites in rivers in Tianjin, China

Water, suspended solid (SS) and sediment samples were collected from nine water courses in Tianjin, China and analyzed for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs, including o,p'-,p,p'-DDT, DDD and DDE). The average DDX concentrations in water, SS and sediment were 59+/-30 ng l(-1), 2690+/-1940 ng g(-1)dry wt. and 340+/-930 ng g(-1)dry wt., respectively. Due to the termination of the extensive agricultural application and industrial manufacture, DDXs in river sediment decreased by one order of magnitude since 1970's and low DDT fractions in these sediments were observed. Still, DDXs in the sediments near the outlets of the major manufacturers remained relatively high attributed to the historic input. DDXs in sediment were also positively correlated with organic matter content. Spatial distributions of DDXs in SS and water was different from that in sediment. For SS, a negative correlation between DDX concentration and SS content indicated a dilution effect in many rivers. Dissolved organic carbon content was the major factor affecting DDX concentrations in water phase. Wastewater discharged from dicofol manufacturers and likely illegal agricultural application were the primary reasons causing high DDT (DDE+DDD) ratios in SS and water.     

The status of pesticide pollution in surface waters (rivers and lakes) of Greece. Part I. Review on occurrence and levels

This review evaluates and summarizes the results of long-term research projects, monitoring programs and published papers concerning the pollution of surface waters (rivers and lakes) of Greece by pesticides. Pesticide classes mostly detected involve herbicides used extensively in corn, cotton and rice production, organophosphorus insecticides as well as the banned organochlorines insecticides due to their persistence in the aquatic environment. The compounds most frequently detected were atrazine, simazine, alachlor, metolachlor and trifluralin of the herbicides, diazinon, parathion methyl of the insecticides and lindane, endosulfan and aldrin of the organochlorine pesticides. Rivers were found to be more polluted than lakes. The detected concentrations of most pesticides follow a seasonal variation, with maximum values occurring during the late spring and summer period followed by a decrease during winter. Nationwide, in many cases the reported concentrations ranged in low ppb levels. However, elevated concentrations were recorded in areas of high pesticide use and intense agricultural practices. Generally, similar trends and levels of pesticides were found in Greek rivers compared to pesticide contamination in other European rivers. Monitoring of the Greek water resources for pesticide residues must continue, especially in agricultural regions, because the nationwide patterns of pesticide use are constantly changing. Moreover, emphasis should be placed on degradation products not sufficiently studied so far.     

Organic pollutants in the Odra river ecosystem

The paper presents the results of the analysis of water and bottom sediment samples from different locations along the Odra river, collected during eight campaigns in the years 1997-2000. All the basic organic pollutants were determined. Pollution of water with PCBs was negligible while with PAHs was not critical. Concentrations of volatile organochlorine compounds in water were the highest in Brzeg Dolny and its surroundings. Concentrations of tetrachloroethene were exceptionally high in the Szczecin Lagoon. The Odra sediments were non-polluted or only slightly polluted with PCBs, pesticides and different classes of volatile organic pollutants. However, PAHs were present in rather large concentrations, especially in the upper course of the Odra river. The data obtained contributed to the evaluation of pollutants discharges to the Baltic sea via Szczecin Lagoon as well as to the characterization of pollution sources (point sources and area sources) in the Odra catchment area.