Uptake of dieldrin, dimethoate and permethrin by cyanobacteria, Anabaena sp. and Aulosira fertilissima

Blue-green algae showed a poor ability to pick up and concentrate dieldrin and dimethoate. However, the uptake and bioconcentration factor for permethrin was very high. The uptake of dieldrin by Anabaena and Aulosira ranged from 5.1 to 73.2 and 5.5 to 17.4 microg g(-1) (ppm), respectively. The uptake of permethrin was from 9.0 to 249.7 and 4.6 to 1422.5 microg g(-1) by Anabaena and Aulosira, respectively. The highest bioconcentration factors for permethrin in Anabaena and Aulosira were 813 and 2373, respectively. This was followed by the bioconcentration factor of dieldrin (620) and dimethoate (119) in Aulosira fertilissima.     

A field study on residues of four insecticides used in strawberry protection

Abstract

In 1986 strawberry plots were treated with dimethoate, malathion, permethrin and cypermethrin at 80% bloom of primary flowers. In 1987 the plots were sprayed with dimethoate, malathion and permethrin at 30% bloom. Residue analysis of these insecticides on the flowers were analyzed using solvent extraction and gas liquid chromatography. Residue analysis at 0 to 18 days on flowers and fruit showed an exponential decrease. Organophosphates tended to degrade more quickly than synthetic pyrethroids. The results are discussed in the context of an integrated pest management program.     

Occurrence of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in water of the Nile river at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches, north of Delta, Egypt

A study was conducted from summer 1995 to summer 1997 to assess the seasonal occurrence of pesticide residues and other organic contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in water at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches of the Nile river. The results indicated that organochlorine compounds (OCs) including HCB, lindane, p,p'-DDE, p,p'DDD, p,p'-DDT, aroclor 1254 and aroclor 1260 were present in all the water samples at concentration levels ranging between 0.195-0.240, 0.286-0.352, 0.035-0.067, 0.019-0.033, 0.024-0.031, 0.390-0.70 and 0.166-0.330 microgram/l, respectively. The levels of these compounds were higher in water of Damiatta branch than those found in water of Rosetta branch. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin were not detected in all water samples. Only 4 compounds from 36 organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s-triazine herbicides tested were detected in water samples collected during summer and autumn seasons from Rosetta branch. The concentration levels of these detected compounds, dimethoate, malathion, captan, and ametryne, ranged from 0.011 to 0.340 microgram/l, respectively. Similar compounds during the same seasons as found in water of Rosetta branch were also detected in water of Damiatta branch except ametryne. The levels of the detected compounds (dimethoate, malathion and captan) ranged between 0.030 and 0.330 microgram/l. The levels of detected organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s-triazine herbicides were in the order: dimethoate > malathion > captan > ametryne.     

Organophosphorus insecticide residues in farm ditches of the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia

Abstract

Farm ditches flowing into three important rivers in the Lower Fraser Valley of British Columbia, Canada, were sampled periodically at seven locations from July to December in 1991, to determine the occurrence and levels of seven organophosphorus (OP) insecticides. Based oh sales records for the year, the uses of OP insecticides in this area were as follows: malathion > diazinon > parathion > dimethoate > azinphos‐methyl > fensulfothion, but no sales of chlorfenvinphos. Residues of parathion, diazinon, fensulfothion, dimethoate and chlorfenvinphos were detected at levels ranging from 1 ‐ 7,785 >μg/kg in cropped soils collected from areas adjacent to the sites for sampling ditch water and sediments. Malathion and azinphos‐methyl were not detected in any of the substrates studied, demonstrating their rapid degradation in the environment. Diazinon and dimethoate were consistently found in ditch water at seven locations, with an average concentration of 0.07 μg/L and 0.27 μg/L, respectively. Fensulfothion and parathion, with an average concentration of 0.08 μg/L and 0.17 μg/L, respectively, were sporadically found in ditch water at two locations. In ditch sediments, diazinon was detected at three locations and fensulfothion at two. The average concentrations of these two insecticides were 16 μg/kg and 9 jug/kg, respectively. The potential impact on aquatic organisms of these OP insecticides in ditches is discussed.     

Dissipation and leaching of (14)C-monocrotophos in Soil Columns under subtropical climate

Dissipation and leaching behavior of 14C-monocrotophos was studied for 365 days under field conditions using PVC cylinders. The first set (24 cylinders) was spiked with 1.0 microCi 14C-labeled monocrotophos along with 1.06 mg unlabeled monocrotophos to give a concentration of 2 mg kg -1 in the soil up to 15 cm depth. The second set (24 cylinders) received 14C-labeled monocrotophos along with other non-labeled insecticides viz., dimethoate @ 300 g a.i ha-1, deltamethrin @ 12.5 g a.i ha-1, endosulfan @ 750 g a.i ha-1, cypermethrin @ 60 g a.i ha-1, and triazophos @ 600 g a.i ha-1 at an interval of 15 days each as recommended for the cotton crop. 14C-monocrotophos dissipated faster, up to 45% in first 90 days in columns treated with only monocrotophos compared to 25% in columns that received monocrotophos along with other insecticides. However, both the columns showed similar residues 180 days onward. After 180 days of treatment, 46% radiolabeled residues were observed, which reduced up to 39.6% after 365 days. Leaching of 14C-monocrotophos to 15-30 cm soil layer was observed in both the experimental setups. In the 15-30 cm soil layer of both soil columns, up to 0.19 mg 14C-monocrotophos kg-1d. wt. soil was detected after 270 days.     

Occurrence of pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in water of the Nile river at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches,north of delta,Egypt

Abstract

A study was conducted from summer 1995 to summer 1997 to assess the seasonal occurrence of pesticide residues and other organic contaminants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), in water at the estuaries of Rosetta and Damiatta branches of the Nile river. The results indicated that organochlorine compounds (OCs) including HCB, lindane, p,p‘‐DDE, p,p‘DDD, p,p‘‐DDT, aroclor 1254 and aroclor 1260 were present in all the water samples at concentration levels ranging between 0.195–0.240, 0.286–0.352, 0.035–0.067, 0.019–0.033, 0.024–0.031, 0.390–0.70 and 0.166–0.330 μg/l, respectively. The levels of these compounds were higher in water of Damiatta branch than those found in water of Rosetta branch. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin were not detected in all water samples. Only 4 compounds from 36 organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s‐triazine herbicides tested were detected in water samples collected during summer and autumn seasons from Rosetta branch. The concentration levels of these detected compounds, dimethoate, malathion, captan, and ametryne, ranged from 0.011 to 0.340 μg/l, respectively. Similar compounds during the same seasons as found in water of Rosetta branch were also detected in water of Damiatta branch except ametryne. The levels of the detected compounds (dimethoate, malathion and captan) ranged between 0.030 and 0.330 μg/l. The levels of detected organophosphorus insecticides, fungicides and s‐triazine herbicides were in the order: dimethoate > malathion > captan > ametryne.     

Bioefficacy,dissipation kinetics and safety evaluation of selected insecticides in Allium cepa L

This paper reports the bioefficacy of selected insecticides against thrips and their pre-harvest intervals (PHI) in onion pertaining to their recommended application rates and maximum residue limits. Profenophos, methomyl and imidacloprid showed comparatively higher bioefficacy against thrips. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS-based residue analysis methods in onion bulbs and composite matrix of bulbs+leaves were thoroughly validated. The residue data for bulb+leaves was assessed with reference to the EU-MRLs applicable for spring onion. Dimethoate was the most stable chemical with PHI of 52.5 days, followed by monocrotophos (24 days) and carbofuran (20.5 days). The PHIs of profenophos, chlorpyrifos, methomyl and cypermethrin were similar and within the range of 10–13 days. Imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin had similar PHI of 4.5 days. Spinosad was the fastest-degrading chemical with PHI of 2 days. The combined bioefficacy and residue dynamics information will support label-claim of these insecticides for the management of thrips in onion, help in scheduling their applications in pest management program as per relative PHIs and minimize the residue accumulations at harvest. The dietary exposure was less than the maximum permissible intake for most of the insecticides on all sampling days except for dimethoate and monocrotophos.     

Bioefficacy, dissipation kinetics and safety evaluation of selected insecticides in Allium cepa L

This paper reports the bioefficacy of selected insecticides against thrips and their pre-harvest intervals (PHI) in onion pertaining to their recommended application rates and maximum residue limits. Profenophos, methomyl and imidacloprid showed comparatively higher bioefficacy against thrips. GC-MS and LC-MS/MS-based residue analysis methods in onion bulbs and composite matrix of bulbs+leaves were thoroughly validated. The residue data for bulb+leaves was assessed with reference to the EU-MRLs applicable for spring onion. Dimethoate was the most stable chemical with PHI of 52.5 days, followed by monocrotophos (24 days) and carbofuran (20.5 days). The PHIs of profenophos, chlorpyrifos, methomyl and cypermethrin were similar and within the range of 10-13 days. Imidacloprid and λ-cyhalothrin had similar PHI of 4.5 days. Spinosad was the fastest-degrading chemical with PHI of 2 days. The combined bioefficacy and residue dynamics information will support label-claim of these insecticides for the management of thrips in onion, help in scheduling their applications in pest management program as per relative PHIs and minimize the residue accumulations at harvest. The dietary exposure was less than the maximum permissible intake for most of the insecticides on all sampling days except for dimethoate and monocrotophos.     

Effects of some insecticides on several enzymes of tryptophan metabolism in rats

The activities of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.11), indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (EC 1.13.11.17), kynurenine 3-hydroxylase (EC 1.14.13.9), kynureninase (EC 3.7.1.3), kynurenine transaminases, and pyridoxal phosphokinase (EC 2.7.1.35) in the liver, kidney and lung rats were measured after administration of a single dose and repeated doses of dimethoate, carbaryl and fenvalerate, respectively. Ten percent LD50 of each insecticide was orally administered to a rat for a single dose, while 5% LD50 was orally given for five consecutive days as repeated doses. The control animals received the same volume of vehicle (polyethylene glycol 300). Body weight and organs weight losses were recognized only after repeated doses of dimethoate, while protein content remained constant compared to control animals. Repeated administration of dimethoate caused significant decrease in the activity of kynurenine 3-hydroxylase (28.3% decrease in liver, and 32.5% in kidney), kynurenine-pyruvate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.7) (40% in liver, and 24.2% in kidney), kynurenine- pyruvate transaminase (EC 2.6.1-) (24.5% in kidney) and pyridoxal phosphokinase (36.1% in liver). Repeated doses of carbaryl resulted in a significant decrease in the activity of apo-tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (42.8%), kynurenine-2-oxoglutarate transaminase (40% in liver), kynurenine-pyruvate transaminase (30.6% in liver), and serine-glyoxylate transaminase (EC 2.6.1.51) (47.9% in liver). Externally added insecticides at different concentrations to the incubation mixture resulted in an inhibition to tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, while the other enzymes examined showed no change in their activities.     

Behavior of dialifor, dimethoate, and methidathion in artificially fortified grape juice processed into wine.

Dialifor and methidathion were added to diluted "Zinfandel" grape concentrate at 25 ppm and dimethoate at 1.0 and 25 ppm prior to fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The finished wine 56 days later contained 10% (2.5 ppm) of the dialifor, 46% (12 ppm) of the methidathion and 85% (21 and 0.98 ppm) of the dimethoate added to the grape must. Residues in wine stored at 24 degrees C dissipated by hydrolysis; half-lives in wine were 7 days for dialifor and methidathion and 30 days for dimethoate. Residues were unchanged in wine in frozen storage for one year. Analysis of seven commercial wines for dimethoate indicated less than 0.03 ppm dimethoate was present; identity could not be confirmed by thin-layer chromatography at this level.     

Behavior of dialifor,dimethoate, and methidathion in artificially fortified grape juice processed into wine

Abstract

Dialifor and methidathion were added to diluted “Zinfandel”; grape concentrate at 25 ppm and dimethoate at 1.0 and 25 ppm prior to fermentation with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The finished wine 56 days later contained 10% (2.5 ppm) of the dialifor, 46% (12 ppm) of the methidathion and 85% (21 and 0.98 ppm) of the dimethoate added to the grape must. Residues in wine stored at 24°C dissipated by hydrolysis; half‐lives in wine were 7 days for dialifor and methidathion and 30 days for dimethoate. Residues were unchanged in wine in frozen storage for one year. Analysis of seven commercial wines for dimethoate indicated less than 0.03 ppm dimethoate was present; identity could not be confirmed by thin‐layer chromatography at this level.     

Macrophage activity and histopathology of the lymphohematopoietic organs in male Wistar rats orally exposed to single or mixed pesticides

The noxious effects of low or effective dose exposure to single or mixed pesticides on macrophage activity and the lymphohematopoietic organs were investigated. Male Wistar rats were orally exposed to dichlorvos, dicofol, endosulfan, dieldrin and permethrin, either as single or combined mixtures during a 28-day study containing eight groups: one group received a semipurified diet (non-treated); two groups received a semipurified diet containing low dose mixture (dieldrin 0.025 mg/kg, endosulfan, 0.6 mg/kg, dicofol 0.22 mg/kg, dichlorvos 0.23 mg/kg, permethrin 5 mg/kg) or an effective dose mixture (dichlorvos 2.3 mg/kg, dicofol 2.5 mg/kg, endosulfan 2.9 mg/kg, dieldrin 0.05 mg/kg and permethrin 25.0 mg/kg), respectively; the other five groups received a semipurified diet containing each single pesticide in effective doses. At sacrifice, the thymus, spleen, mesenteric lymph nodes, Payer's patches and bone marrow were removed for histological analysis. Peritoneal macrophages were obtained to determine the phagocytosis and spreading indexes and tumoral necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO) and H₂O₂ production. Exposure to pesticide mixtures did not alter the percentage of macrophage phagocytosis and spreading, TNF-α production or the NO and H₂O₂ release when compared to the non-treated group. Neither was there any apparent evidence that a pesticide mixture at low or effective doses altered the histological structure of the lymphohematopoietic organs. The findings indicate that short-term treatment with pesticide mixtures did not induce an apparent immunotoxic effect in male Wistar rats.     

The dechlorination of cyclodiene pesticides by methanogenic granular sludge

Cyclodiene pesticides: aldrin, isodrin, dieldrin and endrin were dechlorinated by methanogenic granular sludge in spiked batch tests. Initial pesticides concentration was 7 or 9 mgl(-1). Two monodechlorinated analogues were formed during the conversions of aldrin and isodrin. Dieldrin was transformed into two monodechlorinated products as well as into aldrin and two monodechlorinated derivatives of aldrin. In respect of endrin three monodechlorinated and three didechlorinated products were found. The dechlorination of endrin was the most rapid, and was almost complete within 28 days. The dechlorinations of aldrin, isodrin and dieldrin were much slower: over a period of 3 months only 59%, 70% and 88% was transformed, respectively. The amounts of released chloride corresponded 0.54 +/- 0.23, 1.05 +/- 0.25, 1.10 +/- 0.12 of theoretical value for suggested reactions, for aldrin, isodrin and dieldrin respectively. For endrin it was much higher. These transformations did not occur in control samples containing autoclaved granules or in control blank samples without sludge. However, in aldrin spiked blanks, a conversion into a six-chlorinated analogue was found.     

Residues of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides in human milk of Jordanian women

A total of 411 milk samples were screened for the residues of the following chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides using chromatographic methods: DDT insecticides (P,P'-DDT, P,P'-DDE, P,P'-DDD, O,P' -DDT); cyclodiene insecticides (aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, cis-and trans-chlordane); hexachlorocyclohexane (alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB). The milk samples were obtained from lactating women selected randomly from five different geographical regions in Jordan. These regions were North and Middle Jordan Valley, Amman, Irbid and Zarqa. All of the studied insecticides were found to contaminate human milk in Jordan, but with high variations in the concentration and percentage of population occurrence. P,P'-DDE was the predominant contaminant occurring in 80.3% of studied population, followed by P,P'-DDT occurring in 53.5%. The regional results showed that the DDT residues were also the predominant contaminant in all regions and that the North and Middle Jordan Valley regions were the most affected. Infant's age (i.e. lactation period) had a significant inverse relationship with the concentration of insecticides in the milk fat.     

Dissipation and Leaching of 14C-Monocrotophos in Soil Columns under Subtropical Climate

Dissipation and leaching behavior of ¹⁴C-monocrotophos was studied for 365 days under field conditions using PVC cylinders. The first set (24 cylinders) was spiked with 1.0 μCi ¹⁴C-labeled monocrotophos along with 1.06 mg unlabeled monocrotophos to give a concentration of 2 mg kg ^?1 in the soil up to 15 cm depth. The second set (24 cylinders) received ¹⁴C-labeled monocrotophos along with other non-labeled insecticides viz., dimethoate @ 300 g a.i ha^?1, deltamethrin @ 12.5 g a.i ha^?1, endosulfan @ 750 g a.i ha^?1, cypermethrin @ 60 g a.i ha^?1, and triazophos @ 600 g a.i ha^?1 at an interval of 15 days each as recommended for the cotton crop. ¹⁴C-monocrotophos dissipated faster, up to 45% in first 90 days in columns treated with only monocrotophos compared to 25% in columns that received monocrotophos along with other insecticides. However, both the columns showed similar residues 180 days onward. After 180 days of treatment, 46% radiolabeled residues were observed, which reduced up to 39.6% after 365 days. Leaching of ¹⁴C-monocrotophos to 15–30 cm soil layer was observed in both the experimental setups. In the 15–30 cm soil layer of both soil columns, up to 0.19 mg ¹⁴C-monocrotophos kg^?1d. wt. soil was detected after 270 days.     

Effects of five insecticides used in apple orchards on Hyaliodes vitripennis (Say) (Hemiptera: Miridae)

Azinphos-methyl, carbaryl, dimethoate, phosmet and phosalone were used in apple orchards to manage apple aphid, apple maggot, woolly apple aphid and leaf eating caterpillars. Among the five insecticides evaluated, dimethoate, carbaryl and azinphosmethyl were the most toxic to the nymphs and adults of Hyaliodes vitripennis (Say) from two regions. Phosalone was the least toxic. Nymphs were more resistant than the adults. While the LC50 for dimethoate was 130 ppm for nymphs, it was 3 ppm for adults from St. Jean-Baptiste-de-Rouville. There were also significant differences in the level of resistance between the two regions where the H. vitripennis were collected. At St. Alexandre the LC50 for phosalone on nymphs was 19,250 ppm whereas, at St. Jean-Baptiste-de-Rouville it was 160,000 ppm.     

Anthropogenic and naturally-produced organobrominated compounds in bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean Sea

In the present study, bioaccumulation potential of two pyrethroid insecticides, bifenthrin and permethrin, was measured using a Lumbriculus variegatus sediment bioaccumulation test. Two sediments differing in their physical characteristics and two different aging periods were tested. Desorption rates measured by Tenax extraction suggested that pyrethroids were bioavailable to L. variegatus, however bioavailability varied among chemicals, sediments and aging time, and was greater for permethrin than bifenthrin. The relatively low biota-sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) values resulted from the extensive biotransformation of pyrethroids by L. variegatus. Biotransformation capacity of L. variegatus to permethrin was further studied with a water-only exposure, and the percentage parent compound dropped to 36.0% after 14 d. These results indicated sediment-associated pyrethroids were bioavailable to L. variegatus, however bioaccumulation was limited because L. variegatus was capable of biotransforming the pyrethroids.     

Organochlorine residues in roof timbers and possible implications for bats

In Britain, many species of bat regularly use buildings as roosts. DDT, DDE, dieldrin (HEOD) and gamma-HCH (lindane) have been detected in carcasses of bats that had died a short while before they were found. Roof timbers may be a source of this contamination. This study reports concentrations of organochlorines in (i) roof timbers known to have been treated in the past (spot samples; n - 17) and (ii) timbers before and after treatment with commercial permethrin formulations (pre-treatment and post-treatment samples, n = 11). Gamma-HCH was detected in 13 spot samples and HEOD in 6. Where present, mean (+/-1 SE) concentrations in wood were 15.6+/-6.5 microg g-1 WW (n = 13) and 25.0+/-11.8 microg g-1 WW (n = 6), respectively. DDT was not detected in any spot samples, but permethrin was detected in four (1264+/-567 microg g(-1) WW) samples, but not in the corresponding pre-treatment samples; in one other pair of samples, concentrations of gamma-HCH increased from 74 to 2468 microg g-1 WW after treatment. Both DDT and HEOD occurred in low (<2 microg g-1 WW) concentrations in five post-treatment samples and in one and zero pre-treatment samples, respectively; the highest dieldrin concentration measured was 30.9 microg g-1 WW. Permethrin was not detectable in any pre-treatment samples but was present in ten post-treatment samples in concentrations ranging from 93 to 2995 microg g-1 WW. The spot results suggest that low concentrations of organochlorines can persist in treated roof timbers for at least 13 years post-treatment. Occasionally, these pesticide residues in timber may be of sufficient magnitude to result in bats absorbing a substantial proportion of a lethal dose. Results also suggest that there is organochlorine contamination of permethrin formulations and that the solvents used in new applications of pesticide may re-mobilise organochlorines already present in wood.     

The synaptosomal membrane bound ATPase as a target for the neurotoxic effects of pyrethroids,permethrin and cypermethrin

Pyrethroids are used widely as insecticides both in agriculture and in households. A cellular target of pyrethroids is the sodium channel in the membrane. In the present study, the activity of the membrane bound integral protein ATPase was studied as a biomarker for the membrane effect of the pyrethroids permethrin and cypermethrin. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were used for cerebral synaptosome preparation. The isolation of synaptosomes was performed with the Percoll gradient method. Both total ATPase and Mg(2+) activated ATPase were studied by determining inorganic phosphate liberated from the substrate ATP. One hour exposure to permethrin (Biokill) and cypermethrin (Ripcord) insecticide products affected ATPase activities. The activity of Na(+), K(+) ATPase decreased dose-dependently in 10-50 microM concentrations of permethrin, and Mg(2+) activated ATPase increased over twofold in the same concentrations of the active components. The effect of the cypermethrin compound Ripcord was not clearly dose-dependent. The activity of total ATPase was almost entirely lost in the concentrations of 100 microM of permethrin and cypermethrin. The results support the idea that membrane ATPases are one target of the neurotoxic effect of pyrethroid compounds.     

An eleven-year study of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues in bovine fat in Illinois, 1972-1982

Bovine fat samples in Illinois were monitored for residues of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticides from 1972 through 1982. The percentage of fat samples that were contaminated with all chlorinated hydrocarbons decreased during the 11-year study. The percentage of samples contaminated with DDT and its analogs decreased most markedly from 82.4% in 1972 to 2.1% in 1982. The percentage of samples contaminated with aldrin/dieldrin and heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide began to decline in 1980 and continued to decrease through 1982.