Vertical Fluxes and Accumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediments of Haihe River,Tianjin, China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) concentrations in sediments and sediment trap fluxes of particulate organic carbon and OCPs were measured from October 2006 to May 2008 in the urban reach of Haihe River, Tianjin, China, in order to investigate vertical fluxes and accumulation of OCPs in sediments. The concentrations of OCPs in sediments (dry weight basis) were in the range of 2.08–10.07 ng/g (mean 4.70 ng/g) for HCHs (α-, β-, γ-, δ-HCH), 5.82–43.39 ng/g (mean 17.43 ng/g) for DDTs (p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT). Compared with data reported in Haihe River 2003, the levels of OCPs showed a significant decrease between 2003 and 2008. This is mainly attributed to significant decrease of production and usage of HCHs and DDTs and biodegradation of HCHs and DDTs in sediment. Concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in sediments were well correlated with sediment organic carbon contents. Concentrations of OCPs in settling particles (dry weight basis) ranged from 21.2 to 138.4 ng/g (mean 52.6 ng/g) for HCHs, 30.0–245.7 ng/g (mean 87.1 ng/g) for DDTs, which were 2.2–48.2-fold higher than those associated with sediments. β-HCH was the dominant HCH isomer in both sediments and settling particles. Among DDTs, p,p′-DDE was found to be dominant in sediments, while p,p′-DDT was the predominant form in settling particles. This suggests that further biodegradation of OCPs occurred during the course of sedimentation and burial. The annual sediment trap flux of OCPs in Haihe River in the urban area of Tianjin was 177–211 μg/m² yr for HCHs and 213–341 μg/m² yr for DDTs, respectively.     

Distribution and Sources of Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediments from Typical Catchment of the Yangtze River, China

Residues of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and their environmental risks in surface sediments collected from the rivers and lakes in Yangtze River Catchment of Wuhan, China, are investigated in this paper. Based on dry weight (dw), the concentrations of ΣHCH (α-, β-, and γ-HCH) and ΣDDT (p p′-DDT, o p′-DDT, p p′-DDE, p p′-DDD) in sediments ranged from 0.10 to 21.10 ng g⁻¹ (mean, 4.03 ng g⁻¹ dw) and 0.79 to 35.61 ng g⁻¹ dw (average, 6.93 ng g⁻¹ dw), respectively. Compared with some published guideline values of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments, the concentrations of HCHs were at safe levels while the DDT residues would pose adverse biological effects in this studied catchment. The distribution of OCPs in sediments indicated that the input of tributaries was an important factor for OCP residues in the mainstream of the Yangtze River. Levels of OCPs in the sediments were influenced by total organic carbon contents, clay contents, water contents, and pH values of sediments. The present study suggested that historical usage of technical HCH and DDT was the main reason for OCP residues in the sediments from both rivers and lakes. Furthermore, the composition of OCPs reflected additional sources of the holding usage of lindane and fresh inputs of dicofol mixture in this region.     

Levels and Chiral Signatures of Organochlorine Pesticides in Urban Soils of Yinchuan,China

In this study, residual level and enantiomeric composition of typical organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were surveyed in urban soils of Yinchuan, China. The median levels of ∑HCHs and ∑DDTs were 0.852 and 2.24 ng/g, respectively, which suggested little risk for ecological environment and human health in the study area. Both chiral α-HCH and o,p′-DDT displayed the non-racemic signatures in all samples. The isomer ratios of ∑HCHs and ∑DDTs combined with enantiomer fractions (EFs) of α-HCH and o,p′-DDT, suggested that contamination source of HCHs derived from historical HCHs (including technical HCHs and Lindane) and that of DDTs originated from old source with the usage of mixed technical DDTs and dicofol.     

Comparison of Organochlorine Pesticides Occurrence,Origin, and Character in Agricultural and Industrial Soils in Beijing

The origin and occurrence of organochlorine pesticides [OCPs; hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2- bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDTs)] in the surface and profile of soils from former OCPs production areas were compared with those of agricultural plots in Beijing, China in order to identify their characteristics, assess the eco-toxicological risk, and provide management suggestions. The comparison indicated heavier contamination caused by the production, storage, and waste disposal than the application of OCPs. Concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in topsoils varied by several orders of magnitude among different land-use groups. The concentrations (ng/g dry soil, geometric means) of HCHs (1958.2) and DDTs (3998.2) in the topsoils of former OCPs production factories were significantly higher than those in agricultural soils. The residue of DDTs and HCHs accumulated only on the surface of agricultural soil, but at depths ranging from 0 to 400 cm for the OCPs plant and warehouse. β-HCH and p,p’-DDE dominated in the agricultural soils, whereas β-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p’-DDT, and p,p’-DDE were dominant in the industrial soils. The risk of examined OCPs in soils on human health was assessed in light of the Dutch and Canadian soil quality criteria, and the results indicated a high risk in the OCPs production factory area and the agricultural lands with large application. The results point to the need for urgent actions to evaluate long-term toxicity and preassessment for OCPs-related land-use management.     

HCH and DDT Residues in Bivalves <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anodonta woodiana</Emphasis> from the Taihu Lake,China

The present article attempts to use freshwater bivalves Anodonta woodiana for monitoring the pollution of hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-, β-, γ-, δ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (o, p′, p, p′-DDT) and metabolites (p, p′-DDE, p, p′-DDD) in the Taihu Lake, China. A total of 36 bivalves were sampled from 4 sites of Huzhou city, Dapu of Yixing city, Xueyan of Changzhou city, and Wulihu of Wuxi city around the lake in August–October 2004. The organochlorines were detected in all bivalves, and the mean concentration of ΣDDTs (7.07 ng/g wet weight) was significantly higher than that of ΣHCHs (2.37 ng/g wet weight). Overall, ΣHCHs are at the highest concentrations in the bivalves from the Dapu and Huzhou site, whereas ΣDDTs are at highest concentrations in the bivalves from the Wulihu site. Compositions of ΣHCHs were predominated by α- and γ-HCH isomers in the bivalves from all four study sites. Among these sampling sites, p, p′-DDT exhibited the highest percentage in the bivalves from Huzhou site. Furthermore, significant regional variations in compositions of both ΣDDTs and ΣHCHs had been identified. The residue levels of ΣDDTs and ΣHCHs in the bivalves of the present study were much lower than the corresponding residue limits for aquatic products of Ministry of Agriculture of China, FDA, and FAO/WHO. These findings suggest that Anodonta woodiana could serve as a unique bioindicator to monitor the HCH and DDT pollutions in the freshwater environment.     

Residues of Organochlorine Pesticides in Water and Suspended Particulate Matter from Xiangshan Bay,East China Sea

Residual levels, distribution and possible sources of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in nine water column and suspended particulate matter (SPM) samples collected from Xiangshan Bay, East China Sea were investigated. Total OCPs concentrations in water column and SPM ranges from 2.88 to 34.72 ng/L and 2.47 to 29.94 ng/L, respectively, which exceed the US Environmental Protection Agency regulatory limits. Moreover, low ratio of α-HCH/γ-HCH and high ratios β- and γ-HCH suggested the cocktail input pattern of fresh and weathered HCHs. Meanwhile, low ratio of (DDE + DDD)/DDT and high ratios p,p′- and o,p′-DDT reflected a “dicofol type DDT pollution” pattern.     

Distribution of HCHs and DDTs in Soils from Beijing City, China

Concentrations of HCH isomers, DDT, and its metabolites have been measured in 63 soil samples collected in the urban area and outskirts of Beijing City. HCHs and DDTs were observed in all samples and their geometric mean levels were 5.78 and 38.21 ng g⁻¹, respectively. The spatial distribution of OCPs in Beijing was clearly showed by the contour map, suggesting the sites with the higher level of OCPs are located in the west and the south region and urban areas within the study regions.” Furthermore, a t-test showed a significant difference of the level of some compounds between urban and outskirts areas. The temporal distribution of HCHs and DDTs suggested that the historical application of OCPs has a great effect on the residual level. The ratios of (α-/γ -HCH (p,p’-DDE+p,p’-DDD)/p,p’-DDT, and o,p’-DDT/p,p’-DDT indicated the present of lindane and impure dicofol besides technical HCHs and technical DDTs in Beijing. The potential risk of HCHs and DDTs was assessed on the basis of some current guideline values for soil. The level of OCPs in our study area was compared with other studies.     

Analysis of Organochlorine Pesticides in Coral (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Porites evermanni</Emphasis>) Samples Using Accelerated Solvent Extraction and Gas Chromatography/Ion Trap Mass Spectrometry

A gas chromatography/ion trap mass spectrometry method was developed for analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in coral samples, which were extracted with accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and cleaned up on a sulfuric acid-modified silica gel column. The optimal ASE conditions were found to be 100°C and 2000 psi, with a mixture of acetone and methylene chloride (1:1, v/v). The target analytes include hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs, specifically, α-, β-, γ-, and δ-HCH isomers), heptachlor, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), o,p′-, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p′-, p,p′-DDT), o,p′-, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyl-dichloroethylene (o,p′-, p,p′-DDE), and o,p′-, p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (o,p′-, p,p′-DDD). Standard sand samples were used as an alternative matrix spiked with OCP standards to determine the method precision and accuracy. Average recoveries of OCPs ranged from 82% to 102%, with relative standard deviations (RSDs) of 3%–6%, at a level of 10 ng/g and from 50% to 68%, with RSDs of 13%–19% at a level of 2 ng/g. The developed method was applied for analysis of OCPs in coral samples collected from Tern Island and Bikini Atoll in the Pacific Ocean. The concentrations of HCB were 7–26 pg/g dry weight in the samples from Bikini Atoll and 3–45 pg/g in those from Tern Island, and heptachlor concentrations were 208–2200 and 44–104 pg/g in the coral samples from Bikini Atoll and Tern Island, respectively. ∑HCH (sum of α-, β-, γ-, and δ-HCH) were 8–82 pg/g in Bikini Atoll coral and 86–629 pg/g in Tern island coral, and ∑DDT (sum of o,p′-, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-, p,p′-DDE, and o,p′- p,p′-DDT) were 80–212 pg/g in Bikini Atoll coral and 593–3165 pg/g in Tern Island coral. The results suggest that coral is a viable indicator species for pollution monitoring, which pollutants and their concentrations may be related to dated carbonate layers.     

Occurrence and Ordination of Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and Hexachlorocyclohexane in Agricultural Soils from Guangzhou,China

On a global scale tropical regions in developing countries are thought to be significant source areas of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), owing to a long history of widespread use and only a recent production ban or restriction on the application of these pesticides. In the present study, 32 soil samples were collected in 2004 from agriculture lands around the urban area of Guangzhou, in southern China, and analyzed for residues of OCPs including p,p’-DDT, p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDD, and α-, β-, γ-, and δ-HCH. The dry weight concentrations of ΣHCH (ΣHCH = α-HCH + β-HCH + γ-HCH + δ-HCH) ranged from 0.2 to 103.9 ng/g, with a median of 4.4 ng/g. Residues of ΣDDT (ΣDDT = p,p’-DDT + p,p’-DDE + p,p’-DDD) ranged from 7.6 to 662.9 ng/g, with a median of 67.3 ng/g. The predominance of β-HCH among HCHs in most soil samples suggested that they were from historical contamination rather than recent input. The mean HCH α/γ-ratio of 2.72 was lower than that of technical HCHs, possibly due to more loss of α-HCH via evaporation from soil with time, conversion of γ-HCH to α-HCH or recent application of lindane in the region. The mean ratio of (DDE + DDD)/ΣDDT was 0.54, indicating that quite a portion of DDT in soils was degraded since its official ban in 1983. Higher DDT concentrations with lower (DDE + DDD)/ΣDDT ratios at a few sites suggested possible local DDT sources via the application of Dicofol. A positive but weak correlation (r = 0.449, p < 0.01) between DDT residues and TOC contents implied that soil organic matter might enhance adsorption of DDT in soils in the tropical regions. Hierarchical cluster analysis and principal component analysis were also performed to study the distribution and compositional patterns of OCPs as well as their sources and environemtal fates within the study area.     

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.     

Occurrence,Distribution and Sources of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Surface Sediments from the Lijiang River,a Typical Karst River of Southwestern China

The Lijiang River is a typical karst river of southwestern China. Karst-aquifer systems are more vulnerable to contamination compared to other types of aquifers. The occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments from the Lijiang River were investigated to evaluate their potential ecological risks. The total concentrations of them in sediments ranged from 0.80 to 18.73 ng/g dry weight (dw) (mean 6.83 ng/g dw). The residue levels of OCPs varied in the order of HCB > HCHs > DDTs. Compositional analyses of OCPs showed that HCHs and DDTs were mainly from historical usage. The ecological risk assessment suggested that HCHs and DDTs in Lijiang River sediments may cause adverse ecological risks, particularly at sites near agricultural areas.     

Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Eggs and Tissues of House Sparrow, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Passer domesticus,</Emphasis> from Tamil Nadu,India

This study provides information on the current status of contamination by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in eggs and tissues of House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, in Tamil Nadu, India. The mean concentration of total hexachlorocyclohexane (∑HCH) and total dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (∑DDT) in eggs ranged from 0.01 to 1.81 μg/g and 0.02 to 1.29 μg/g, respectively. Concentration of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE) ranged from below detectable limit (BDL) to 0.64 μg/g, representing more than 60% of the ∑DDTs. About 28% of samples had p,p′-DDE levels above the critical concentration associated with reproductive impairment. However, the mean concentrations of cyclodiene insecticides were less than 0.5 μg/g. Although OCPs levels detected in tissues are not indicative of toxicity, continuous monitoring is recommended.     

Concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in some edible fish species from the Shadegan Marshes (Iran)

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and analogs, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), were determined in 8 fish species collected during October and November 2007 from the largest Iranian wetland, the Shadegan Marshes. Fishes were selected on the basis of their importance in the local diet and feeding behavior. In all samples, OCPs were found in higher concentrations than PCBs. Common carp (Cyprinus carpio) had the highest OCs (1680 ng/g lipid wt.), with DDTs being most prevalent and p,p′-DDE contributing by 53-88% to the total DDTs. In all samples, OCs were found in order of DDTs>HCHs>PCBs>HCB. The highest concentration of HCHs was found in common carp (410±180 ng/g lipid wt.) and α-HCH was the predominant compound among HCH isomers (range 70-90%, mean 82%) in all species. All samples contained PCBs and CB 28 (37%) and CB 52 (26%) were the most frequently occurring congeners. common barbel (Barbus barbulus) (70±17 ng/g lipid wt.) exhibited the highest concentrations of HCB. OC levels in fish were relatively low, but the levels of several OCs in some of our specimens exceed the guidelines for food safety issued by the European Union (EU) and US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).     

Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Levels in Human Milk from Chelem,Yucatán,México

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human milk from Chelem, Yucatan, Mexico were analyzed. Relatively high levels of p,p′-DDE, γ-chlordane, β-hexacyclohexane (β-HCH) and PCB congeners 170, 28, and 44 were found. Concentration profiles by OCP groups followed the next order: ΣDDTs > ΣChlordanes > ΣHCHs > ΣChlorobenzenes > ΣDrins. Total OCPs showed a decreasing tendency with number of births (primipara and multipara and age ranks) but these differences were not significant. ΣDDT levels were lower than in other studies in Mexico, but 36% of the samples exceeded the JMPR-FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI). About 60.53% of samples exceeded the ADI value for heptachlors.     

Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in California Sea Lions (Zalophus californianus californianus) from the Gulf of California, México

We report concentrations of several classes of organochlorines (OCs) in the blubber of California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) from the Gulf of California. Summed OC levels measured in 34 wild-ranging animals were, in general, lower than those previously reported in sea lions from the eastern Pacific. The rank order of OCs was ΣDDTs (mean = 3400 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight [lw]) > ΣPCBs (1400 ng g⁻¹ lw) > ΣHCHs (50 ng g⁻¹ lw) ≥ ΣCHLORs (46 ng g⁻¹ lw). The most abundant OC measured was the DDT metabolite, p,p′-DDE. No significant differences in OC profiles were found between genders or rookeries. Although the mean concentrations of OCs measured in adult males and females were similar, only adult females had significantly higher (p < 0.05) mean blubber concentrations of ∑DDTs and ∑HCHs than pups.     

Seasonal Variation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticide Levels of Sea and Cultured Farm Fish in the Samsun Region of Turkey

The concentrations of selected Organochlorine (OC) pesticides (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, HCB, aldrin, 2,4′-DDE, 4,4′-DDE, 2,4′-DDT, 4,4′-DDT) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) (28, 70, 74, 81, 99, 101, 105, 118, 128, 138, 153, 156, 170, 180, 183, 187) were measured in two species of cultured freshwater fish (rainbow trout, Oncornhychus mykiss and catfish, Silurus glanis) and two kinds of sea fish (mullet, Mugil cephalus and salmon, Salmo salar) between March 2008 and June 2009 in order to evaluate the status, seasonal changes and potential sources of pollution in the Samsun region of Turkey. Concentrations of total PCBs ranged from 17.6 to 335 ng/g in rainbow trout, 1,063 to 3,234 ng/g in mullet, 21 to 1,887 ng/g in salmon and 108 to 1,172 ng/g lipid in catfish and total OC pesticide concentrations ranged from 303 to 473, 319 to 6,158, 101 to 249 and 34 to 6,069 ng/g lipid in rainbow trout, mullet, salmon and catfish, respectively. It is concluded that the levels of persistent organic pollutants should be monitored regularly and rigorously by the appropriate government agency, with mandatory public reporting.     

Residues of Organochlorines in Sediments and Tilapia Collected from Inland Water Systems of Hong Kong

The levels and patterns of organochlorines including DDTs, HCHs, and PCBs were investigated in sediments and tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) collected from inland water systems [Tai Wai (S1), Fo Tan (S2), Siu Lek Yuen (S3), Tai Po (S4), and Tai Wo (S5)] in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Sediment and tilapia samples were also collected from two fish ponds for comparison. The ranges of DDTs, HCHs, and PCBs in river sediments were 2.82–8.63 ng/g (DW), 0.05–2.07 ng/g (DW), and 43–461 ng/g (DW), respectively. All these values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the pond sediments. Low chlorinated congeners (especially mono-, tri-, and tetrachlorobiphenyls) were enriched in sediment samples accounting for 70–80% of total PCBs.  The ranges of DDTs, HCHs, and PCBs in tilapia muscle collected from Fo Tan and Tai Wai were 28.2–40.1 ng/g (DW), 2.04–3.76 ng/g (DW) and 267–310 ng/g (DW), respectively. These values were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those collected from the fish ponds. Higher chlorinated PCBs (tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorobiphenyls) were commonly found in tilapia accounting for almost 60% of the total PCBs. The effect of lipid contents in organochlorines accumulation was not significant (p < 0.05) in general. Received: 24 July 1998/Accepted: 18 November 1998     

Levels of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Blood Plasma of Various Species of Birds from India

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in blood plasma of 13 species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India. Among the various OCPs determined, HCHs and its isomers had higher contribution to the total OCPs. Concentration of ∑HCHs varied from 11.4 ng/mL in White ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus to 286 ng/mL in Sarus Crane Grus antigone, while ∑DDT ranged between 19 ng/mL in Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa and 147 ng/mL in Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala. p,p′-DDE was accounted for more than 50% of total DDT in many of the samples analysed. However, a p,p′-DDT to p,p′-DDE ratio higher than one obtained for many species of birds indicates the recent use of DDT in this study region. The concentrations of cyclodiene insecticides, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and total endosulfan ranged from 15.8 to 296.2 ng/mL, below detectable level to 15 and 41.1–153.2 ng/mL, respectively. The pattern of total OCP load generally occurred in the following order: granivores < insectivores < omnivores < piscivores < carnivores. Although, the organochlorine residues detected in blood plasma of birds are not indicative of toxicity, the presence of residues in birds over the years (2005–2007) indicates continued exposure to organochlorine compounds. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to facilitate the early identification of risks to the survival of a species.     

Polychlorinated Biphenyl and Organochlorine Pesticide Levels in Human Breast Milk from the Mediterranean city Antalya,Turkey

In this study, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyles (PCBs) levels were determined in 100 human milk samples from the city of Antalya. The levels of seven major PCB congeners; 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180 and nine OCPs, α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, HCB, heptachlor epoxide, p.p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, endosulfan-α and endosulfan-β were determined by gas chromatography with ECD detection. The levels of analyzed compounds were as follows: ΣPCBs 27.46 ± 11.58, ΣDDT 1,407 ± 123, and ΣBHC 160 ± 490 ng/g lipid wt.basis. PCB 153 and p,p′-DDE were the dominant contaminants. The results have been discussed and compared with similar studies from other regions of Turkey.     

Levels and Sources of Organochlorine Pesticides in Surface Sediment from Anhui Reach of Huaihe River,China

Twenty-two organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated in Anhui reach of Huaihe river, China. Seventeen out of 22 OCPs were detected by GC-MS. The mean concentrations of OCPs followed the order: HCHs?>?DDTs?>?HCB?>?chlordanes?>?endosulfans. Levels of total HCHs and total DDTs ranged from 2.54 to 13.91 ng g^?1 (mean?=?7.52 ng g^?1) and 0.016 to 2.54 ng g^?1 (mean?=?0.45 ng g^?1), respectively. The concentrations of DDTs were lower than those of HCHs. Compared with the other rivers in China, DDTs and HCHs were relatively lower or similar. Statistical analysis indicated that the OCPs concentration differences were not insignificant between upstream, midstream and downstream. The compound compositions suggested that historical usage of lindane and fresh DDT were the main sources. The regression analysis indicated that TOC has influence on the levels of HCHs and little influence on the levels of DDTs in the sediments.