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.     

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).     

Organochlorine pesticides in surface soils and sediments from obsolete pesticides dumping site near Lahore city,Pakistan: contamination status and their distribution

Surface soil and sediment samples were collected from the surroundings of Lila stream, which passes through the obsolete pesticides dumping area Kalashah Kaku near Lahore city, to evaluate the residual levels of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), their distribution and potential sources. OCPs followed the order: ∑ DDT>∑ HCH>dicofol>endrin>heptachlor>dieldrin. Ratios of β to γ-HCH highlighted an old source of technical HCH in the study area, whereas the predominance of p, p′-DDT and p, p′-DDE indicated presence of technical DDT in surface soils. Factor analysis based on principal component analysis identified the origin of OCPs from industrial activities in Kalashah Kaku and waste dumping from Ittehad Chemical Industries via open drains into Lila stream. Greater levels of DDTs and HCHs above quality guideline pose potential exposure risk to biological organisms, safety of agricultural products and human health in the surrounding of Lila stream.     

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.     

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.     

Butyltin compounds and organochlorine residues in green mussel (Perna viridis L.) from India

Butyltin compounds (BTs) and organochlorine residues (OCs) were determined in green mussel (Perna viridis L.) collected along the coastal waters of India in 1994 and 1995 to elucidate their contamination levels and distribution. BTs were detected in all of the mussel samples, ranging from 2 to 378 ng/g wet wt, which indicated that BTs are widely distributed, with elevated concentrations in intense boating areas. BTs concentrations in green mussels were lower than those reported for developed nations as well as developing countries such as Thailand. Concentrations of OCs were much lower than those of BTs. Among OCs examined, DDTs were found to be greatest, followed by HCHs, PCBs, CHLs and HCB. Considering the fact that the usage of tributyltin (TBT), DDTs and HCHs are not controlled in India, their contamination in the aquatic environment may increase unless regulatory measures are imposed. To our knowledge, this is a first report on the detection of BTs in Indian mussels.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in amniotic fluids of pregnant women in south-central Turkey†

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in amniotic fluid of 200 pregnant women from the Cukurova region of Turkey. The concentrations of OCPs [hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), and various metabolites], and different PCB congeners (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection as follows: HCB 6.6 ± 4.7, ΣHCH 21.6 ± 14.2, ΣDDT 12.5 ± 7.5, and ΣPCBs 74.0 ± 54 ng mL^?1. Correlations of maternal or gestational age and levels of OCPs and PCBs were not significant. The levels of these organochlorine compounds (OCs) were below detection limit for 5% of the samples, 80% contained more than one OC. This study illustrates that prenatal exposure of a fetus to OCs is prevalent in the Cukurova region.     

Biotransfer of persistent organic pollutants from a large site in China used for the disassembly of electronic and electrical waste

Samples of groundwater, river water, river sediment, paddy soil, rice seeds, hen eggs, fish, umbilical cord blood, and newborn meconium were collected from October 2002 to October 2003 near a large site in China used for the disassembly of obsolete transformers and other electronic or electrical waste. Six indicator PCB congeners, three non-ortho dioxin-like PCB congeners, and six organochlorine pesticides were determined in the samples by GC with electron capture detector. The results demonstrated that the local environment and edible foods had been seriously polluted by toxic PCBs and organochlorine pesticides. The actual daily intakes (ADIs) of these pollutants were estimated for local residents living in the area. The intake data showed that the contents of PCBs in these local residents were substantial, as the ADI estimates greatly exceed the reference doses set by the World Health Organization and the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The presence of the indicator PCB congeners in the cord blood and the meconium samples, as well as significant correlations (r ² > 0.80, p < 0.05) between these levels, suggests a potential biotransfer of these indicators from mothers to their newborns. This preliminary study showed that obsolete transformers and other electronic or electrical waste can be an important source for the emission of persistent organic pollutants into the local environment, such as through leakage, evaporation, runoff, and leaching. Contamination from this source appears to have reached the level considered to be a serious threat to environmental and human health around the disassembly site.     

Persistent organochlorine contaminants in human tissues of the Czech and Slovak populations

The persistence of lipophilic organochlorine substances leads to their incorporation into the food chain and subsequent uptake by humans. Due to their use in the past, Czech and Slovak countries belong to the countries with a relatively high body burden of organochlorines. Levels of PCBs in human tissues based on the congener‐specific analysis are reported in this paper. Samples were analysed for the most abundant PCB congeners. Prevalent persistent organochlorine pesticides and their isomers/metabolites have also been included. The present study is focused on following areas: i) distribution of analysed substances in the various human tissue samples from selected regions of the Czech and Slovak Republic and ii) comparison with the results from other foreign and local studies.     

Evaluating heavy metal contamination of riverine sediment cores in different land-use areas

• Metal pollution was studied in riverine sediments from different land-use areas. • Cd was the most serious heavy metal contaminant in riverine sediment cores. • Riverine sediment cores from industrial area were most polluted by heavy metals. • B1 fraction determined metal pollution, risk and toxicity in riverine sediments. Anthropogenic activities are regarded as the main sources of heavy metal pollution, yet few studies have investigated the effects of land-use setting on heavy metal accumulation in riverine sediments. Based on both total contents and geochemical fractions, heavy metal pollution, risk and toxicity were determined in riverine sediment cores from different land-use areas (mountain area- MA, farm area- FA, city area- CA, and industrial area- IA) of the Yang River Basin in North China. The results showed that FA had higher contents of riverine sedimentary Cu; CA had higher contents of Cd; IA had higher contents of both Cd and Zn. Most riverine sediments from FA and IA were contaminated with the investigated metals, although these concentrations were evaluated to have low potential ecological risk and no toxicity to benthic organisms. However, a high proportion of Cd in the B1 fraction of riverine sediments in IA indicating high risk should receive more attention. The B1 fraction largely determined the contamination, risk and toxicity levels associated with heavy metals in the riverine sediments of the Yang River Basin.     

Organochlorines and heavy metals in the harbour seal Phoca vitulina from the German North Sea Coast

Samples of various tissues and organs from healthy, sick and dead harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) from the North German Waddensea collected during the years 1974–1976 were analysed for copper, zinc, total mercury, cadmium lead, and organochlorine pesticide residues (PCB, DDT, Lindane and Dieldrin). The investigations were carried out in order to increase our knowledge about the actual degree of heavy metal and organochlorine pesticide accumulation in these animals. The study was also directed towards a comparison of healthy and sick young seals and those found dead for a possible relation between the condition and concentration of polutants in the organs. There was great variation within all series of compounds investigated, but in general the analytical data obtained indicated that high amounts of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides can be present even in young seals. An age-specific increase in the mercury and cadmium content in liver samples could be demonstrated. The results are compared with data published by British and Dutch authors for other North Sea regions, and with a few exceptions, no significant differences can be established: cadmium (kidney) and DDT (blubber) contents in areas off the British coast are usually higher than corresponding values for seals from the German coast. There was no clear evidence that the concentrations of any of the compounds investigated had negative effects on the health of the seals. However, possible combined effects cannot be excluded.     

Riverine and marine ecotypes of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sotalia</Emphasis> dolphins are different species

The current taxonomic status of Sotalia species is uncertain. The genus once comprised five species, but in the twentieth century they were grouped into two (riverine Sotalia fluviatilis and marine Sotalia guianensis) that later were further lumped into a single species (S. fluviatilis), with marine and riverine ecotypes. This uncertainty hampers the assessment of potential impacts on populations and the design of effective conservation measures. We used mitochondrial DNA control region and cytochrome b sequence data to investigate the specific status of S. fluviatilis ecotypes and their population structure along the Brazilian coast. Nested-clade (NCA), phylogenetic analyses and analysis of molecular variance of control region sequences showed that marine and riverine ecotypes form very divergent monophyletic groups (2.5% sequence divergence; 75% of total molecular variance found between them), which have been evolving independently since an old allopatric fragmentation event. This result is also corroborated by cytochrome b sequence data, for which marine and riverine specimens are fixed for haplotypes that differ by 28 (out of 1,140) nucleotides. According to various species definition methods, we conclude that marine and riverine Sotalia are different species. Based on priority criteria, we recommend the revalidation of Sotalia guianensis (Van Bénéden 1864) for the marine animals, while riverine dolphins should retain the species name Sotalia fluviatilis (Gervais 1853), thus becoming the first exclusively riverine delphinid. The populations of S. guianensis show a strong subdivision (Φ_ST=0.628) along the Brazilian coast, with at least three evolutionarily significant units: north, northeastern and south/southeastern.     

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.     

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.     

Bacterial diversity in mining and non-mining regions with emphasis on plant growth-promoting traits

A total of 20 soil samples were collected from mining and non-mining areas of coal field regions of Dhanbad, India. These samples were grown on different types of selective media and a total of 141 isolates, each having plant growth-promoting (PGP) characteristics were obtained. The isolates were further tested for PGP traits (phosphate solubilisation, production of indole acetic acid, hydrogen cyanide, ammonia and siderophores) and a biochemical analysis was done to determine the prevalent species of the region. All the strains selected showed at least two PGP characteristics, which indicated that they can be used as plant growth promoters. Bacillus and Pseudomonas species were prevalent in both mining and non-mining areas, whereas Rhizobium, Azospirillum and Azotobacter were found mostly in the non-mining area. A total of 48 Bacillus, 29 Pseudomonas, 4 Rhizobium, 11 Azospirillum and 10 Azotobacter species were obtained from the two selected regions. The soil samples from the mining region were poor in nutrient content and thus relatively lower numbers of PGP isolates were attained.     

Bacteriological quality assessment of drinking water available at the flood affected areas of Peshawar

Monsoon flooding occurred in the main areas of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Balochistan as well as parts of Gilgit Baltistan of Pakistan and Azad Jammu Kashmir in July 2010. Water-borne diseases such as cholera, enteric fever, and dysentery were common among the inhabitants of flood-affected areas which were selected for sample collection. In the present study, 10 sites in District Peshawar were selected and drinking water samples collected. These samples were analyzed for the total plate count (TPC), total coliform bacteria (TCB), total fecal coliform bacteria (TFCB), Escherichia coli (EC), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA), Vibrio cholerae (VB), Salmonella Shigella, and Staphylococcus aureus. The TPC ranged from 8 × 10¹ to 7 × 10⁴ CFU/ml. The TCB ranged from <1.1 to 280 MPN/100 ml. Twenty percent of the samples were contaminated with TFCB, EC, Salmonella, Shigella, and Staphylococcus aureus, while only one sample contaminated with PA. Forty percent of the samples were contaminated with VB. The surface and well water was greatly contaminated by flooding and major improvements on priority basis are essential.     

Assessment of persistent organic pollutants in soil and sediments from an urbanized flood plain area

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and phenolic compounds (PCs) are persistent organic compounds. Contamination of these potentially toxic organic pollutants in soils and sediments is most studied environmental compartments. In recent past, studies were carried out on PAHs, OCPs and PCs in various soils and sediments in India. But, this is the first study on these pollutants in soils and sediments from an urbanized river flood plain area in Delhi, India. During 2018, a total of fifty-four samples including twenty-seven each of soil and sediment were collected and analyzed for thirteen priority PAHs, four OCPs and six PCs. The detected concentration of ∑PAHs, ∑OCPs and ∑PCs in soils ranged between 473 and 1132, 13 and 41, and 639 and 2112 µg/kg, respectively, while their concentrations in sediments ranged between 1685 and 4010, 4.2 and 47, and 553 and 20,983 µg/kg, respectively. PAHs with 4-aromatic rings were the dominant compounds, accounting for 51 and 76% of total PAHs in soils and sediments, respectively. The contribution of seven carcinogen PAHs (7CPAHs) in soils and sediments accounted for 43% and 61%, respectively, to ∑PAHs. Among OCPs, p, p’-DDT was the dominant compound in soils, while α-HCH was found to be dominated in sediments. The concentrations of ∑CPs (chlorophenols) were dominated over ∑NPs (nitrophenols) in both the matrices. Various diagnostic tools were applied for the identification of their possible sources in soil and sediments. The observed concentrations of PAHs, OCPs and PCs were more or less comparable with the recently reports from various locations around the world including India. Soil quality guidelines and consensus-based sediment quality guidelines were applied for the assessment of ecotoxicological health effect.

     

Correlation between lead and iron in children's blood in Jordan

A total of 200 Jordanian children were classified into two groups: 100 Fe replete and 100 Fe deficient with ages ranging between 3.0 and 12.0 years (6.9 ± 2.7 years). All participants were chosen according to proper selection criteria followed by the sample collection: the samples were analyzed for hemoglobin and red blood cells; ferritin, an immunoassays-based instrument; and levels of Pb, Cu, and Zn. There were no significant differences between genders regarding Fe-deficiency (p = 0.57 and χ2 = 0.33), with a significant association of younger individuals (3.0–9.1 years) with Fe-deficiency (p < 0.05 and χ2 = 22.7).

In addition, there is a significant positive correlation between Fe-deficiency with blood levels of Pb, Cu, and Zn (p < 0.05), (r = 0.43, 0.35, and 0.42, respectively) as compared to control group, this findings supported, by comparing the levels of the examined metals in both groups, in individuals whom close to heavy metals source (highway traffic or oil gas station), and found that the mean of the heavy metals level in close Fe-deficient group higher than in close Fe-replete group.     

Organic contaminants in sediments and mussels from Thermaikos gulf,Greece

Thirteen surficial sediment samples, two sediment cores and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from six locations were collected from Thermaikos gulf, Greece and analyzed for herbicides, organochlorine compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Herbicide concentrations were low in surface sediments (not detected‐0.8 ng/g dry wt) and undetectable in subsurface samples. Organochlorine concentrations ranged between 0.8 and 88.2 ng/g dry wt for the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and between 1.7 and 22.8 ng/g dry wt for the SDDTs, while aliphatic hydrocarbon values varied from 28.8 to 965.4 ng/g dry wt. The highest concentrations for all the pollutants were measured in the vicinity of the city of Thessaloniki. Petroleum‐related hydrocarbons were dominant in surface sediments, while were still detected till about 1 m depth in the sediment core. Mussels presented low organochlorine concentrations (3.6–10.5 ng/g dry wt for the PCBs, 12.2–34.0 ng/g dry wt for the DDTs), but petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were rather increased, mainly in the samples collected along the east coastline of the gulf (aliphatic hydrocarbons 52.3–224.3 μg/g dry wt).     

Accumulation of persistent organic pollutants in the food chain of lake baikal

Lake Baikal is the deepest and oldest freshwater lake in the world containing about 20% of the world's fresh water. The present state of its contamination with organic pollutants was studied during 1997–1998 by collecting samples of sediments, phytoplankton, Zooplankton, sponges, aquatic plants, algae, muscles of various fish species, eggs of various birds and blubber of seals. Samples were prepared and analysed using GC‐MS for semivolatile priority pollutants on the US EPA list, for the presence of organochlorine pesticides and for PCBs. The results showed that there was pronounced bioaccumulation of persistent organochlorine compounds along the trophic chain, leading to substantial residues of organochlorine compounds in seals (e.g. 0.87–25.3 ppm of p,p'‐DDT in blubber).