Seasonal variations of organochlorine insecticide residues in air from Porto Novo, South India

Air samples collected from Porto Novo (11 degrees 29' N, 79 degrees 46' E), Tamil Nadu State, South India from December, 1987 to January, 1989 were analysed to determine the seasonal variations of the levels of organochlorine insecticides such as HCH (BHC) and DDT. Both these insecticides showed higher levels from August to January, although this trend was more marked in HCH than DDT, reflecting the application of HCH largely, and probably small quantities of DDT during the flowering season of rice. The alpha-HCH was detected as a dominant isomer for all seasons monitored followed by gamma-HCH. Among DDT compounds, p,p'-DDT was the highest except in dry season (January to April) when p,p-DDE showed higher percentage. The levels and percentage composition of these insecticides recorded in the present study may aid in interpreting the role of a 'point source' area since India is one of the countries still using the persistent organochlorine pesticides in large quantities.