Organochlorine pesticide in water and bottom sediment from Aiba Reservoir (Southwestern Nigeria)

Levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in water and sediment from Aiba reservoir (Southwestern Nigeria) have been assessed. The aim of the study was to investigate the pollution status of the reservoir water and the bottom sediment. Analytical measurements were carried out for 20 OCPs using standard literature methods. The results showed higher levels of OCPs in the bottom sediment than the water. Significant positive correlations at p<0.05 level were observed for OCPs compounds in water except γ-BHC and endosulfan III, whereas in sediments α-chlordane, dieldrin, endosulfan II, pp-DDT, endrin ketone and methoxychlor did not show any correlation, and aldrin was negatively correlated with pp-DDD. The mean levels of OCPs in both water and sediments were higher, in most cases, than recommended levels for drinking water. Owing to possible toxicity and bioaccumulation tendency of OCPs by the aquatic habitats, the levels of OCPs detected in water and sediment samples could be a source of future health problems. Environmental monitoring of the reservoir is highly recommended.