Current-use and Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Biodegradable Fraction of Source Separated Household Waste,Compost, and Anaerobic Digestate

Several current-use (≤80 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) and organochlorine pesticides (≤15 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) and polychlorinated biphenyls (≤18 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) were found in the biodegradable fraction of source separated household waste, compost, and/or anaerobic digestate. The degradation rates of individual compounds differ depending on the treatment. Dieldrin and pentachloroaniline, e.g., degrade more rapidly than the waste is mineralized and accumulates in the products after all treatments. Many organochlorines degrade at the same rate as the waste and have the same concentrations in the waste and products. Chlorpyrifos degrades slower than the waste and accumulates in all products and ethion during anaerobic digestion. The polychlorinated biphenyls and some pesticides show different degradations rates relative the waste during different processes. Understanding the degradation of the contaminants under different conditions is necessary to develop quality criteria for the use of compost and digestate.     

Residues of Organochlorine Pesticides in Fish from the Gomti River,India

This study reports the levels and distribution patterns of some organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in fish samples of the Gomti river, India, collected from three sites. In the fish muscles ∑OCPs ranged between 2.58–22.56 ng g⁻¹ (mean value: 9.66 ± 5.60 ng g⁻¹). Neither spatial nor temporal trends could be observed in distribution of the OCPs. Aldrin was the predominant OCP, whereas, HCB and methoxychlor could not be detected. α-HCH and β-HCH among the isomers of HCH and pp-DDE among the metabolites of DDT were the most frequently detected OCPs. The results revealed that the fish of the Gomti river are contaminated with various OCPs.     

Persistent Organochlorine Compounds in Human Milk Collected in Croatia Over Two Decades

The distribution and time trend of organochlorine pesticide (OCP), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/PCDF) concentrations in human milk samples from Croatia collected in 1981–2003 are presented. Between 1981/1982 and 1987/1989, the concentrations of HCB, β-HCH, DDE, and total PCBs decreased about 50%, while for the last decade, the concentrations have been decreasing very slowly. In 2002/2003 the range of PCB congeners and OCPs was from below the limit of determination to 332 ng g⁻¹ milk fat. PCDD/PCDF concentrations in human milk samples collected in 1981–2000 ranged between 5.2 and 26.7 pg I-TEQ g⁻¹ milk fat and showed a decreasing trend.     

Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Sediment Cores of Sunderban Wetland, Northeastern Part of Bay of Bengal, India, and Their Ecotoxicological Significance

This paper presents the first comprehensive report of the organochlorine pesticide residues (OCs) such as hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its six metabolites (DDTs), and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in core sediments (<63-μm particle size) from the Indian Sunderban wetland. The pooled mean values of the mass fraction of ΣHCHs, HCB, and ΣDDTs in the sediments were 0.05–12, 0.05–1.4, and 0.05–11.5 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, respectively. The vertical distribution of pesticides reveals an erratic pattern. The concentration of four isomers of HCHs reveals a heterogenic distribution where γ-HCH (lindane) and β-HCH shared the dominant part. The mass fraction of HCB did not show any sharp spatial variation. The prevailing sequence of DDT metabolites indicates an active degradation of the parent compound in the sediments and/or inputs of already degraded pp’DDT to the region. Peak concentrations of HCH isomers and DDT metabolites have the potential to induce ecotoxicological impact as per the sediment quality guidelines.     

Profiles of Organochlorine Pesticides in Earthworms from Urban Leisure Areas of Beijing, China

In this study, organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) in earthworm and soil contacted closely with it were determined for the purpose of the risk assessment of chemicals in the urban leisure environment. The level of total hexachlorocyclohexanes and (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in earthworms was 0.6500–44.78 ng g⁻¹ and 18.97–1.112 × 104 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Absolutely high levels of DDT and its metabolites in earthworm and correlative soils samples, and the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of DDTs probably presents certain risk to the higher trophic organisms through its food chain, especially birds.     

HCH and DDT in Sediments from Marine and Adjacent Riverine Areas of North Bohai Sea, China

Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and their environmental risks in surface sediments collected from marine and adjacent riverine/estuarine areas in the northern Bohai Sea, China, were investigated. Concentrations of ΣHCH and ΣDDT in sediments ranged from below detection (<LOD) to 1964.97 ng g⁻¹ dry wt (dw; mean, 92.51 ng g⁻¹ dw) and <LOD to 86.46 ng g⁻¹ dw (mean, 9.23 ng g⁻¹ dw), respectively. Concentrations of HCH and DDT were generally higher in marine than riverine sediments. Concentrations of HCH and DDT residues found in the present study were higher than those reported in marine and river/estuary sediments from other areas of the world. The source of HCH in sediments could be explained by the large amount of historical use, while DDT seemed to be a combination of erosion of the weathered soils and long-range atmospheric transport. Concentrations of HCH in sediments from the study areas did not exceed sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), with the exception of γ-HCH. However, risks posed by concentrations of DDT observed in sediments were found to be moderate to high compared with those posed by consensus-based SQGs. Although the mean sedimentary concentrations of HCH and DDT found in the area of the northern Bohai Sea, China were lower than suggested SQGs in general, their concentrations in some locations were close to or above the SQGs for adverse effects in benthic organisms and, thus, remain a cause for concern.     

Organochlorine Pesticides in the Soil in Linfen,China

Ten soil samples collected in Linfen were analyzed for 21 organochlorine pesticides. The concentration of total organochlorine pesticides ranged from 4.3 to 23.2 ng g⁻¹ in soil from urban areas and from 26.3 to 247.4 ng g⁻¹ in soil from industrial plants. The highest levels of contamination were observed in northwest and central Linfen, reflecting the distribution of industrial plants. The HCH and DDT profiles revealed that the sources were associated mainly with lindane and technical DDT, respectively, while HCHs in the soil of industrial plants might originate from a new source.     

Organochlorine Pesticide Levels in Ensis siliqua (Linnaeus, 1758) from Ría de Vigo, Galicia (N.W. Spain): Influence of Season, Condition Index and Lipid Content

Levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including ΣDDTs, γ-HCH, HCB, aldrin, isodrin, trans-nonachlor, heptachlor and dieldrin, were determined in the razor clam, Ensis siliqua, collected monthly from February 2003 to April 2004 from the Islas Cíes in Ría de Vigo (Galicia, Spain). The sum of DDTs ranged from 2.17 to 26.9 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw). Principal component analysis showed seasonal trends in the levels of some OCPs (γ-HCH and dieldrin). Pearson correlations (p < 0.05) were observed between OCP levels and the biometric parameters of condition index and body lipids.     

Organochlorine Compounds in Pine Needles from Croatia

Levels of seven organochlorine pesticides and 17 congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed in pine needles collected at eight sites along eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia). The concentration of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs ranged between 0 (below determination limit) and 7.44 ng g⁻¹ in 1-year-old needles and between 0 (below determination limit) and 15.57 ng g⁻¹ dry weight in 2-year-old needles. Organochlorine levels were compared with those found in urban and mountain areas.     

DDT and HCH Isomer Levels in Soils, Carrot Root and Carrot Leaf Samples

Agricultural cultivation assists organochlorine pesticide migration from contaminated soils to growing plants. This phenomenon is caused by retention processes that modify volatile pesticide exchange between soil, air and plants. The aim of the study was to monitor organochlorine pesticide (HCB, α– and γ-HCH, pp′DDE, op′DDT, pp′DDT) levels and compare these concentrations in soil, carrot roots and carrot leaves. Fifty soil samples, 50 carrot root and 50 carrot leaf samples were taken from the same fields and analyzed by GLC-ECD. The results reveal organochlorine pesticide diffusion from agricultural soils to growing carrot plants and their vapors adsorbtion by leaves. Within the carrot plant, organochlorine pesticides accumulate especially in carrot root peel, 3–7 times more than in root flesh.     

Toxicity Evaluation of a Conservation Effects Assessment Program Watershed, Beasley Lake, in the Mississippi Delta, USA

Beasley Lake was assessed monthly in 2005 for biological impairment from 17 historic and current-use pesticides in water and leaf litter using Hyalella azteca (Saussure). Sixteen pesticides were detected in both water and leaf litter with peak detections in spring and summer. Detections ranged from 1–125 ng L⁻¹ in water and 1–539 ng g⁻¹ OC in leaf litter. Ten-day H. azteca survival and growth (mg dw) bioassay results indicated no adverse effects on survival or growth in H. azteca exposed to water or leaf litter. Rather, enhanced growth occurred in both lake water and leaf litter exposures for 8 and 6 months, respectively.     

Persistent Organic Pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in European Conger Eel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conger conger</Emphasis> L., from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

The present study provides novel data regarding levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs) in muscle tissue of European conger eel (Conger conger) from Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). The mean concentration of PCBs (891 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight) was higher than those of DDTs (543 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight). PCB pattern was dominated by higher chlorinated congeners (hexa-CBs: 69.3 %, penta-CBs: 17.2 %, hepta-CBs: 13.3 %). Regarding DDT pattern, p,p′-DDE was prevalent in all samples (85.5 %), suggesting no recent DDT input. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono-and non-ortho congeners was 0.41 pg g⁻¹ wet weight (29.92 pg g⁻¹ lipid weight). The PCB and DDT levels, as well as TEQ concentrations were lower than most of the corresponding published data for fish from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions, probably reflecting a moderately contaminated area.     

Automated Sample Clean-up and Fraction of Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediments Using the SPE–GPC–VAP System

This paper describes an automated sample clean-up and fraction method using the SPE–GPC–VAP system for the determination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments. The method is based on a simultaneous extraction/clean-up step to reduce analysis time and solvent consumption. The parameters of a solid-phase extraction procedure, a gel permeation chromatography procedure and an AccuVap procedure were optimized to obtain maximum recovery of the target analytes with minimum presence of matrix-interfering compounds. The detection limits ranged from 0.03 to 0.13 ng g⁻¹ and the recovery ranged from 50.05% to 104.39%. The relative standard deviation was lower than 19.34% when OCPs concentrations in sediments ranged from 1.25 to 125 ng g⁻¹.     

Levels of Organochlorine Compounds in the Mediterranean Blue Mussel from the Adriatic Sea

The distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was investigated in Mediterranean blue mussel collected at four locations in Mali Ston Bay few times a year in 2005–2007. OCPs were found in all samples and levels ranged between 0.07 and 7.58 ng g⁻¹ dry wt. Levels of PCBs ranged between 0 (below detection limit) and 21.55 ng g⁻¹ dry wt. For most analyzed compounds there were no significant level changes between the 3 years. Exceptions are decreased levels of β-HCH, DDD, and PCB-138 and increased levels of γ-HCH and DDT in 2007. However, mussels from this area are applicable for human diet.     

Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners in the Aquatic Environment of the Mekong River,South of Vietnam

Polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) were analyzed in sediments and clams’ soft tissues from sampling sites in the Mekong River delta from the border with Cambodia to the coast of South China Sea. Concentrations of 13 individual PCB congeners are reported. Median concentration of ΣPCB congeners was 0.279 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (range 0.106–2.016 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) in sediments, and 5.20 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (range 1.89–19.37 ng g⁻¹) in clams. Distribution and bioaccumulation of PCBs in the delta are discussed. It is concluded that in the Mekong River delta PCB concentrations were generally lower than in other regions of Vietnam and their likely sources have been waste discharges from repair workshops and other facilities in the delta cities.     

Organochlorine Contaminants and Quality of Olive Oil Collected from Olive Oil Growers along the Croatian Adriatic Coast

In this study we assessed 48 samples of virgin olive oil collected along the Croatian Adriatic coast for quality control, and for the presence of residues of seven organochlorine pesticides and 17 congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Organochlorine pesticide levels ranged between below the limit of determination and 3.7 ng g⁻¹ of oil, while PCBs ranged between below the limit of determination and 1.8 ng g⁻¹ of oil. A larger problem than the presence of organochlorine compounds was that the seven tested oils (out of 48) did not meet some quality standards.     

Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trend in Concentration of Carbofuran,Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos Ethyl Residues in Sediment and Water in Lake Naivasha,Kenya

Chlorpyrifos ethyl was found to be widely distributed in water and sediment in Lake Naivasha. Higher levels were reported in sediment (11.2–30.0 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) in wet season than in dry season (4.7–17.4 ng g⁻¹ dw). The mean concentration of chlorpyrifos ethyl in water in wet season ranged between 8.8 and 26.6 μg L⁻¹ and decreased to between below detection limit to 14.0 μg L⁻¹ in dry season. On average, higher concentrations of chlorpyrifos ethyl were observed in sediment than water samples. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in concentration between the seasons, and a significant interaction between seasons and mean concentrations at p ≤ 0.05. However, levels of diazinon and carbofuran were below the detection limit in all the samples analyzed. Notably, levels of chlorpyrifos ethyl were higher than the maximum allowable limits (0.1 μg L⁻¹) recommended by European Union for drinking water and general water quality criterion for protection of freshwater water organisms (0.083 μg L⁻¹).     

Survival,Growth, and Body Residues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyalella azteca</Emphasis> (Saussure) Exposed to Fipronil Contaminated Sediments from Non-Vegetated and Vegetated Microcosms

We assessed chronic effects of fipronil and metabolite contaminated sediments from non-vegetated and Thallia dealbata vegetated wetland microcosms on Hyalella azteca during wet and dry exposures. Mean sediment concentrations (ng g⁻¹) ranged from 0.72–1.26, 0.01–0.69, 0.07–0.23, and 0.49–7.87 for fipronil, fipronil-sulfide, fipronil-sulfone, and fipronil-desulfinyl, respectively. No significant differences in animal survival or growth were observed between non-vegetated and vegetated microcosms during wet or dry exposures. Mean animal body residue concentrations (ng g⁻¹) ranged from 28.4–77.6, 0–30.7, and 8.3–43.8 for fipronil, fipronil-sulfide, and fipronil-sulfone. Fipronil-desulfinyl was not detected in any animal samples.     

Organophosphorus Pesticides Residues in Fish Samples from the River Nile Tributaries in Egypt

The concentration of organophosphorus pesticides in fish samples from different tributaries of the Nile River in Egypt was monitored. Fish samples were collected from El Menofiya, canal water supplies (El-Sarsawia, El-Bagoria and Bahr Shebin), in addition to El-Embaby, El-Menofi and Miet Rabiha drainage canals each 2 month during periods of 16 month, June 2007–Septemper 2008. Chloropyrifos, cadusafos, diazinon, prothiphos and malathion were detected in fish tissues samples at level below the maximum residue limit. The highest average amount of chlorpyrifos (9.38 ng g⁻¹) and malathion (8.31 ng g⁻¹) were detected in El-Embaby drain. Prothiphos were found in tissues collected from El-Sarsawia canal and Miet-Rabiha drain at mean concentration of 4.91 and 6.55 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Diazinon was only found in one fish sample that collected from El-Menofi drain at the level of 9.23 ng g⁻¹.     

Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Crabs. Endosulfan Accumulation in Different Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zilchiopsis collastinensis</Emphasis> P. (Decapoda: Trichodactylidae)

We examined the bioaccumulation of α- and β-endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate in tissues from the crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis. There was more endosulfan accumulated in the hepatopancreas (from <2 to 467.8 ng g⁻¹) than in the gonads (from <2 to 52.1 ng g⁻¹) or muscles (<2 ng g⁻¹). The endosulfan concentrations in the hepatopancreas decreased over time and with the endosulfan dilution (p < 0.05). In the gonads there was little bioaccumulation, which did not vary over time (p > 0.05). The hepatopancreas is a dynamic organ that is able to depurate itself, whereas the gonads act as a sink for pesticides.