Spatial distribution and partitioning of polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine pesticide in water and sediment from Sarno River and Estuary, southern Italy

The Sarno River is nicknamed "the most polluted river in Europe". The main goal of this study is to enhance our knowledge on the Sarno River water and sediment quality and on its environmental impact on the gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) in order to become a useful assessment tool for the regional administrations. For these reasons, 32 selected polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and aldrin, α-BHC, β-BHC, δ-BHC, γ-BHC (lindane), 4,4'-DDD, 4,4'-DDE, 4,4'-DDT, dieldrin, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulphate, endrin, endrin aldehyde, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide (isomer B) and methoxychlor were determined in the water dissolved phase (DP), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments. Total concentrations of PCBs ranged from 1.4 to 24.9 ng L(-1) in water (sum of DP and SPM) and from 1.01 to 42.54 ng g(-1) in sediment samples. The concentrations of total organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) obtained in water (sum of DP and SPM) ranged from 0.54 to 7.32 ng L(-1) and from 0.08 to 5.99 ng g(-1) in sediment samples. Contaminant discharges of PCBs and OCPs into the sea were calculated in about 1,247 g day(-1) (948 g day(-1) of PCBs and 326 g day(-1) of OCPs), showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of PCBs and OCPs to the Tyrrhenian Sea.

Endosulfan wet deposition in Southern Florida (USA)

The atmosphere is an important transport route for semi-volatile pesticides like endosulfan. Deposition, which depends on physical-chemical properties, use patterns, and climatic conditions, can occur at local, regional, and global scales. Adverse human and ecological impact may result. We measured endosulfan wet deposition in precipitation over a 4-year period within an area of high agricultural use in Southern Florida (USA) and in nearby Biscayne and Everglades National Parks. Endosulfan's two isomers and degradate, endosulfan sulfate, were detected at high frequency with the order of detection and concentration being β-endosulfan>α-endosulfan>endosulfan sulfate. Within the agricultural area, detection frequency (55 to 98%) mean concentrations (5 to 87 ng L(-1)) and total daily deposition (200 ng m(-2) day(-1)) exceeded values at other sites by 5 to 30-fold. Strong seasonal trends were also observed with values at all monitored sites significantly higher during peak endosulfan use periods when vegetable crops were produced. Relatively high deposition in the crop production area and observations that concentrations exceeded aquatic life toxicity thresholds at all sites indicated that endosulfan volatilization and wet deposition are of ecotoxicological concern to the region. This study emphasizes the need to include localized volatilization and deposition of endosulfan and other semi-volatile pesticides in risk assessments in Southern Florida and other areas with similar climatic and crop production profiles.

Insecticide residues in bats along a land use-gradient dominated by cotton cultivation in northern Benin, West Africa

Many regions in Africa are currently being converted from subsistence to cash crop farming such as cotton. Agricultural intensification is usually accompanied by increased use of pesticides, which can have an impact on non-target organisms. Bats are particularly sensitive to insecticide loads while providing substantial ecosystem services as predators of herbivorous insects. In this study, pesticide residues in bats in a landscape in northern Benin were investigated, which spanned a land use gradient from an agricultural zone dominated by cotton farms, through a buffer zone, and into a national park. Insecticides used in cotton cultivation, such as endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, flubendiamide, and spirotetramat, as well as persistent insecticides such as bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (DDT), lindane, and aldrine, were analysed. Insecticide residues detected in bats comprised DDT, endosulfan, and their corresponding transformation products. Maximum concentrations in the sampled bats were 11.2 mg/kg lipid of p,p'-DDE (median: 0.0136 mg/kg lipid) and 0.797 mg/kg lipid of β-endosulfan (median: below detection limit [DL]). While insecticide concentrations were below lethal concentrations our data suggest that DDT had probably been recently used in the study region, and larger scale use would pose an increased risk for bat populations due to the high biomagnification of DDT.

Organochlorine pesticides in the dust fall around Lake Chaohu, the fifth largest lake in China

The residual levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the dust fall around Lake Chaohu were measured using gas chromatography mass spectrometry from April 2010 to March 2011. The fluxes, components, temporal-spatial variations, and sources of OCPs were also analyzed. Twenty-one types of OCPs were detected in the dust fall samples around Lake Chaohu, with a total concentration of 51.54 ± 36.31 ng/g and a total flux of 10.01 ± 13.69 ng/(m(2) day). Aldrin (35.3 %), endosulfan (39.1 %), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) (49.8 %), and isodrin (37.1 %) were the major OCPs in the spring, summer, autumn, and winter, respectively. Both the residual level and the flux were higher in the spring than in other seasons and higher at the outer lake sampling sites than inner lake sampling site. The potential source of the hexachlorcyclohexanes in the dust fall may be recent lindane usage. The DDTs mainly came from historical dicofol usage, and a significant input of DDT was found during April and June. The presence of endosulfan may be due to the present use of technical endosulfan. The aldrin in the dust might be due to its occasional usage, and isodrin may be a result of long-distance transport from other countries.

Effectiveness of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides L. Nash) for phytoremediation of endosulfan in two cotton soils from Burkina Faso

The influence of vetiver grass (Vetiveria zizanioides) on the fate of endosulfan was studied using a vertisol and a lixisol soils from cotton-growing areas of Burkina Faso. Endosulfan adsorption isotherms were prepared for planted and unplanted soils. Pot experiments were then conducted for six months. For both soils, endosulfan adsorption was higher on planted soils (K(f) = 6.53-9.73 mg(l-n) L(n) kg(-1)) than on unplanted soils (6.27-7.24 mg(l-n) L(n) kg(-1)). In unplanted soils, vertisol adsorbed more endosulfan than lixisol. From the pot experiments, the estimated half-lives of endosulfan in unplanted soils (40.6 to 43.1 days) were higher than in planted soils (34.5 to 40.6 days) containing a greater number of endosulfan-degrading microorganisms. Six months after treatment, endosulfan was not detected in soils. The effectiveness of vetiver in promoting adsorption and the disappearance of endosulfan in both studied soils should be validated on the cotton plot scale in Burkina Faso.

Sixty-year sedimentary record of DDTs, HCHs, CHLs and endosulfan from emerging development gulfs: a case study in the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea

The temporal distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was examined in the (210)Pb dated sediment core from the Beibu Gulf, South China Sea. The total OCPs concentrations were in the range of 0.93-26.6 ng g(-1) dry weight. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) (0.17-24.8 ng g(-1)), Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) (0.04-0.51 ng g(-1)), Chlordane related compounds (CHLs) (0.22-1.72 ng g(-1)) and endosulfan (n.d.-0.91 ng g(-1)) were the predominant compounds. Similar to most Chinese coastal areas, the levels of DDTs in the Beibu Gulf became elevated since the early 1990s, especially since 2000 despite the ban in 1983 in China. This suggests that the concentrations of DDTs were controlled by several processes, such as land reclamation and soil runoff. The isomer ratios of (p,p'-DDE + p,p'-DDD)/p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDT/DDTs along with construction land expansion indicated that economic activities, land reclamation, soil runoff and the use of DDT-containing antifouling paints might be responsible for the input of DDT. The ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH (and γ-HCH/HCHs) and trans-chlordane/cis-chlordane (TC/CC) indicated fresh inputs of lindane and chlordane, respectively. In addition, CC was found to be degraded faster than TC under anaerobic conditions in sediments from the Beibu Gulf.

Comparative assessment of pesticide residues in grain, soil, and water from IPM and non-IPM trials of basmati rice

The integrated pest management (IPM) modules of pesticide schedule on Basmati rice were validated at field experiments conducted in Northern India for consecutive 3 years (2005-2008). The pesticide residues were found below the detectable limit (<0.01-0.001 mg/kg) in soil and irrigation water samples of Kaithal region. In Dehra Dun region of Uttrakhand, the residues of carbendazim in rice grains and soil were detected below <0.01 mg/kg level. In second year experiments (2006-2007), only four non-IPM soil samples indicated the presence of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan in the range of ND <0.001 to 0.07 mg/kg, out of 45 samples analyzed. Carbendazim applied as seed treatment at Dehradun and Kaithal field trials was found below detectable limit in both IPM and non-IPM rice grains (<0.01 mg/kg) and irrigation water (0.01 μl/ml). Chlorpyrifos was detected in five water samples from Kaithal and one from Pant Nagar in the range of 0.003-0.006 μl/L, α- and β-isomer of endosulfan in the range of 0.005-0.03, and 0.005-0.02 μl/ml, respectively, in one sample from Pant Nagar and two from Kaithal, out of a total of 22 samples. In the region of Uttrakhand and Uttar Pradesh during 2007-2008, four non-IPM samples of soil indicated trace levels of endosulfan, out of 16 samples analyzed. The residues were detected below detection limit for carbendazim (<0.01 mg/kg) in soil samples of Dehradun IPM fields and for endosulfan and carbendazim (0.001-0.01 μl/L) in water samples each from IPM and non-IPM fields of Uttar Pradesh. The results of 3-year trials of IPM module indicated basmati rice as safe and economical with pesticide residue-free rice grains.

Pesticides in the River Ravi and its tributaries between its stretches from Shahdara to Balloki Headworks, Punjab-Pakistan

The present study investigated the presence and potent source of pesticides and specific pesticide bearing effluent release points on the River Ravi, between the Shahdara and Balloki Headworks. Pakistan has banned the use of organochlorine and nitrogen containing pesticides, yet no attention has been paid to the continuous monitoring and assessment of these banned pesticides to make sure that they are not being used in practice. Levels of selected organochlorine and nitrogen containing pesticide residues were assessed in water collected from 18 sampling sites on the River Ravi and its tributaries using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). All water samples were found to be contaminated with varying concentrations of pesticide residues. However, levels of pesticides were below the tolerance limits suggested in national and international standards. Pesticide concentrations in the water of river sites ranged from 0.034 to 0.045 microg/L for DDT, 0.033 to 0.046 microg/L for DDE, 0.108 to 0.123 microg/L for endosulfan and 0.028 to 0.040 microg/L for carbofuran. In tributaries, pesticide concentrations ranged from 0.0468 to 0.0685 microg/L for DDT, 0.0390 to 0.0637 microg/L for DDE, 0.111 to 0.147 microg/L for endosulfan and 0.0396 to 0.0631 microg/L for carbofuran. The results show pesticide concentrations in river water in the order: endosulfan > DDE > DDT > carbofuran. Pesticide concentrations in tributary waters decreased in the order: endosulfan > DDT> DDE > carbofuran. After Degh Fall and After Hudiara Nulla Fall river sampling sites were severely contaminated while, among the tributaries, Degh Fall and Hudiara Drain were severely contaminated with DDT, DDE, endosulfan and carbofuran. Constant monitoring programs should to be initiated to reform the present situation.

Efficient removal of endosulfan from aqueous solution by UV-C/peroxides: a comparative study

This study explored the efficiency of UV-C-based advanced oxidation processes (AOPs), i.e., UV/S2O8(2-), UV/HSO5(-), and UV/H2O2 for the degradation of endosulfan, an organochlorine insecticide and an emerging water pollutant. A significant removal, 91%, 86%, and 64%, of endosulfan, at an initial concentration of 2.45 μM and UV fluence of 480 mJ/cm(2), was achieved by UV/S2O8(2-), UV/HSO5(-), and UV/H2O2 processes, respectively, at a [peroxide]0/[endosulfan]0 molar ratio of 20. The efficiency of these processes was, however, inhibited in the presence of radical scavengers, such as alcohols (e.g., tertiary butyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol) and natural organic matter (NOM). The inhibition was also influenced by common inorganic anions in the order of nitrite > bicarbonate > chloride > nitrate ≈ sulfate. The observed pseudo-first-order rate constant decreased while the degradation rate increased with increasing initial concentration of the target contaminant. The degradation mechanism of endosulfan by the AOPs was evaluated revealing the main by-product as endosulfan ether. Results of this study suggest that UV-C-based AOPs are potential methods for the removal of pesticides, such as endosulfan and its by-products, from contaminated water.

Occurrence and distribution of endosulfan in water, sediment, and fish tissue: an ecological assessment of protected lands in south Florida

Over the past 30 years, endosulfan, one of the last polychlorinated pesticides still in use, has received considerable attention and has been the subject of a number of international regulations and restriction action plans worldwide. This study aimed to monitor the presence and to assess the potential transport of endosulfan within the protected areas of Everglades National Park, Biscayne National Park, and Big Cypress National Preserve, South Florida, USA. Endosulfan sulfate was the major metabolite detected in all matrices in areas along the C-111 and C-111E canals, which drain the Homestead agricultural area and discharge to either Florida or Biscayne Bays, both of which are critical wildlife habitats. Endosulfan concentrations of up to 158 ng L(-1) and 57 ng g(-1) were observed in surface water and sediments, respectively, which exceeded the U.S. EPA's chronic water quality criteria (56 ng L(-1)). Elevated levels of up to 371 ng g(-1) of endosulfan sulfate were detected in whole fish tissue.

Atmospheric deposition of current use pesticides in the Arctic: snow core records from the Devon Island Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada

Current use pesticides (CUPs) have been detected in the Arctic, even though there are no direct sources and their long range atmospheric transport potential is generally lower than that of legacy pesticides. Data on the deposition of CUPs in the Arctic are required to assess the impact of their global usage and emission. In this study, selected CUPs were measured in the layers of a snow pit sampled on the Devon Ice Cap, Nunavut, Canada. The oldest sampled layers correspond to deposition from the early 1990s. Dacthal and endosulfan sulfate were most frequently detected, with peak deposition fluxes of 1.0 and 0.4 pg cm(-2) per year. While endosulfan sulfate was more abundant than its parent compounds in most years, endosulfan (sum of α and β isomers) was predominant in 2003 and 2006, which together with air mass backward trajectories suggests a possible origin from ongoing use in Eurasia. The interannual variation in CUP deposition fluxes could not be explained with annual variations in the extent of air mass origin over agricultural lands, suggesting that other factors, such as the interannual variation in pesticide use, play a role in affecting the long range transport of CUPs to the Arctic. The very high variability in the concentrations of CUPs in the horizontal layers of Arctic ice caps is most plausibly explained by the highly episodic nature of long range atmospheric transport and deposition. While this strong influence of rare events limits the suitability of ice caps as reliable records of historical trends in Arctic contaminant deposition with annual resolution, the presence of concentration peaks in the ice record is proof of the possibility of such transport and deposition.

[Distribution characteristics of organochlorine pesticides in soil from Daiyun Mountain Range in Fujian, China]

Totally 101 typical surface soil samples were collected from Daiyun Mountain Range, and 20 compounds of OCPs were analyzed by a Ni electron capture detector (GC-ECD) to investigate the horizontal distribution and composition of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the surface soil of Daiyun Mountain Range. The results showed that all OCPs were detected in the soil samples. The detection ratios of OCPs were all over 90%, except for Endrin and beta-HCH. The sum concentration of HCHs, DDTs, Endosulfan and Endosulfan sulfate, accounted for 79.51% of the total OCPs, which were considered to be the dominant OCPs in the Daiyun Mountain Range. The OCPs concentrations in the surface soils ranged from 2.56 to 465.99 ng x g(-1) with a mean value of 38.00 ng x g)(-1). Compared with other regions, the concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in this study stayed in a low pollution level. Endosulfan and Endosulfan sulfate showed a certain degree of risk in the surface soil of the study area. Source analysis showed that new input of lindane and dicofol might occur in the survey region. The historical application was the prime source of Endosulfan. The residue level of OCPs in different lands was in the following order: paddy land > vegetable land > orchard. The OCPs pollution of orchard soil was primarily due to the new input of lindane and dicofol, while the pollution of paddy land was mainly from the usage of Endosulfan.

Root-to-Shoot transfer and distribution of endosulfan in the wetland macrophyte Bidens laevis L

Endosulfan is genotoxic in somatic cells of Bidens laevis, and reproduction could be affected if translocated from roots to flower buds. Hydroponic experiments were conducted to quantify this transfer. While the root uptake of [(14) C] endosulfan and its transfer to aboveground tissues was relatively low, the resulting average flower bud concentration (1.01 ± 0.76 ng/g) after 30 d of exposure to an aqueous concentration of 5 μg/L could still represent a genotoxic risk for germ cells.

Gridded inventories of historical usage for selected organochlorine pesticides in Gansu Province, China

HCHs and DDTs were banned in 1983 in China; however, they are still remaining in various environmental media. Since endosulfan was introduced in China in 1994, it is widely used in agriculture. In this study, temporal and spatial uses of endosulfan, HCHs, and DDTs in Gansu province of China have been presented. It is estimated that the total usage is 701 tons for endosulfan between 1994 and 2007, 1,712 tons for HCHs between 1952 and 1983, and 462 tons for DDTs between 1951 and 1983, respectively. Endosulfan usage increased dramatically in 1998 due to its application on other crops except on cotton. The HCH and DDT usage displayed a rapid increase after 1972, reaching the peak in 1976 and in 1975, respectively; since then, they declined until being banned in 1983. The gridded usage inventories of these three kinds of organochlorine pesticides in Gansu province, with a 1/4° longitude by 1/6° latitude resolution, have been created by using different crops for endosulfan and the area of dry farmland for HCHs and DDTs as surrogate data. The most intensive use was in northwestern regions for endosulfan and southeastern regions for HCHs and DDTs in Gansu province.

Pesticide residues in human breast milk: risk assessment for infants from Punjab, India

Punjab state in India is an agrarian society, where agriculture is the lifeline of farming community. To keep pace with increasing demands of food for growing population the indiscriminate use of pesticides has led to the contamination of environment and food commodities in this region. Analysis of human breast milk samples (n=53) for pesticide residues revealed the presence of β-, γ-HCH, p,p' DDD, p,p' DDE, p,p' DDT and endrin with mean concentration of 97.9, 101.7, 239.8, 1574.1, 100.3 and 90.7 ng g(-1) lipid wt., respectively. In addition, occurrence of β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos in this study have also been reported for the first time in human breast milk in Punjab, India. With increase in parity, HCH and DDT residue burden in donor's milk decreased. Although levels of HCH and DDT residues in breast milk samples have decreased significantly, yet estimated daily intake values for DDT are higher than the FAO/WHO permissible tolerable daily intake values for few infants.

Simultaneous analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their metabolites in natural soil and water samples using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Analysis of endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, and their nonpolar metabolites in extracts from environmental aqueous and soil samples was performed using a gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) technique. Full-scan GC-MS analysis showed poor sensitivity for some of the metabolites (endodiol and endosulfan ether). A multisegment MS/MS method was developed and MS/MS parameter isolation time, excitation time, excitation voltage, and maximum excitation energy were optimized for chosen precursor ions to enhance selectivity and sensitivity of the analysis. The use of MS/MS with optimized parameters quantified analytes with significantly higher accuracy, and detection limits were lowered to ~1/6th compared with the full-scan method. Co-eluting compounds, chlorpyrifos and chlorpyrifos oxon, were also analyzed successfully in the MS/MS mode by choosing exclusive precursor ions. Analysis of soil and water phase samples from contaminated soil slurry bioreactors showed that the MS/MS method could provide more reliable estimates of these pesticide and metabolites (especially those present in low concentrations) by annulling interferences from soil organic matter.

Health risk assessment of pesticides residue in maize and cowpea from Ejura, Ghana

Low productivity in agriculture due to damage cause by pests has led to the application of pesticides to control pest infestation. Residues of pesticides applied on crops are often found in the food which can cause chronic effect on the health of humans who consume such products. The aim of this study is to measure pesticides residues in maize and cowpea and compare the values with stablished safety limits. A total of 37 pesticides comprising 15 organochlorines, 13 organophosphorus and 9 pyrethroids pesticides were identified in maize and cowpea samples obtained from farms in Ejura. Analytical methods included solvent extraction of the pesticide residues and their subsequent quantification using gas chromatograph equipped with Electron Capture Detector and Pulse Flame Photometric Detector after clean-up on alumina/activated charcoal column. The results showed that the mean concentration of pesticides in maize ranged from 0.001 to 0.103 mg kg(-1) for organochlorine pesticides, 0.002-0.019 mg kg(-1) for organophosphorus pesticides and 0.002-0.028 mg kg(-1) for pyrethroids pesticides. In cowpea the mean concentration ranged from 0.001 to 0.108 mg kg(-1) for organochlorine pesticides, 0.002-0.015 mg kg(-1) for organophosphorus pesticides and 0.001-0.039 mg kg(-1) for pyrethroids pesticides. Maximum Residue Limits for β-HCH, β-endosulfan, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDD were exceeded in both maize and cowpea samples. Health risk estimation revealed that residues of heptachlor, dieldrin, endrin, β-endosulfna, γ-chlordane and chlorfenvinphos found in maize exceeded the Acceptable Daily Intake. Similarly the levels of heptachlor and p,p'-DDD found in cowpea also exceeded the Acceptable Daily Intake. This suggests a great potential for chronic toxicity to consumers of these food items.

Perspectives on communicating risks of chemicals

The Agrochemicals Division symposium "Perfecting Communication of Chemical Risk", held at the 244th National Meeting and Exposition of the American Chemical Society in Philadelphia, PA, August 19-23, 2012, is summarized. The symposium, organized by James Seiber, Kevin Armbrust, John Johnston, Ivan Kennedy, Thomas Potter, and Keith Solomon, included discussion of better techniques for communicating risks, lessons from past experiences, and case studies, together with proposals to improve these techniques and their communication to the public as effective information. The case studies included risks of agricultural biotechnology, an organoarsenical (Roxarsone) in animal feed, petroleum spill-derived contamination of seafood, role of biomonitoring and other exposure assessment techniques, soil fumigants, implications of listing endosulfan as a persistant organic pollutant (POP), and diuron herbicide in runoff, including use of catchment basins to limit runoff to coastal ecozones and the Great Barrier Reef. The symposium attracted chemical risk managers including ecotoxicologists, environmental chemists, agrochemists, ecosystem managers, and regulators needing better techniques that could feed into better communication of chemical risks. Policy issues related to regulation of chemical safety as well as the role of international conventions were also presented. The symposium was broadcast via webinar to an audience outside the ACS Meeting venue.

Assessment of Argentinean Patagonia pollution: PBDEs, OCPs and PCBs in different matrices from the Río Negro basin

This work reports the occurrence and distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in soil, sediment, suspended particle matter (SPM), streamwater and macrophytes, along the Río Negro basin, Argentinean Patagonia. The clear predominance of OCPs among all matrices indicates the impact of agriculture on the watershed. The highest levels were found for pp'-DDE which represented up to 95% in agricultural soils (42.0-1.27x10(3) ng/g d.w) from the Upper Valley (upstream), where long and historical intensive fruit cultures have been settled and represent a hot spot of legacy pesticides for the environment. The insecticide endosulfan, currently in use, was also found in all matrices. Levels ranged between 0.3 and 708.0 ng/g d.w, being the highest concentrations those of SPM from the Middle Valley, just before the delta area, where pesticides would be retained leading to lower concentrations as was observed downstream. PCB (#153, 138, 110, 101) and PBDE (BDE-47) levels were directly related with the presence of hydroelectric power plants, dams and dumping sites, mainly settled in the Upper Valley (0.8 ng/g and 15.1 ng/g d.w for PBDEs and PCBs, respectively). Although there was a decreasing gradient of these pollutant concentrations through the river flow, downstream urban areas enhanced PCB concentrations in the aquatic environment. More efforts and monitoring programs are highly required to control and reduce soil erosion in order to prevent the availability of forbidden pollutants in the environment.

1-D and 2-D NMR-based metabolomics of earthworms exposed to endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate in soil

One-dimensional (1-D) and two-dimensional (2-D) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics was used to investigate the toxic mode of action (MOA) of endosulfan, an organochlorine pesticide, and its degradation product, endosulfan sulfate, to Eisenia fetida earthworms in soil. Three soil concentrations (0.1, 1.0 and 10.0 mg/kg) were used for both endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate. Both earthworm coelomic fluid (CF) and tissues were extracted and then analyzed using (1)H and (1)H-(13)C NMR techniques. A similar separation trajectory was observed for endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate-exposed earthworms in the mean principal component analysis (PCA) scores plot for both the earthworm CF and tissue extracts. A neurotoxic and apoptotic MOA was postulated for both endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate exposed earthworms as significant fluctuations in glutamine/GABA-glutamate cycle metabolites and spermidine were detected respectively. This study highlights the application of NMR-based metabolomics to understand molecular-level toxicity of persistent organochlorine pesticides and their degradation products directly in soil.

Organic pollutant levels in an agricultural watershed: the importance of analyzing multiple matrices for assessing stream water pollution

This study is aimed at analyzing the occurrence and transport of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Quequén Grande river basin, as representative of a catchment under diffuse pollution sources. Pollutant levels in soils, river bottom sediments (RBS), streamwater (Sw), suspended particle materials (SPMs), macrophytes and muscle of silverside were determined by GC-ECD. Soil K(d) values for the current-used insecticides, endosulfans and cypermethrin, were established. Total levels (ng g(-1) dry weight) in soil ranged between 0.07–0.9 for OCPs, 0.03–0.37 for PCBs and 0.01–0.05 for PBDEs. Endosulfan insecticide (α- + b- + sulfate metabolite) represented up to 72.5% of OCPs. The low soil retention for α-endosulfan (K(d): 77) and endosulfan sulfate (K(d): 100) allows their transport to Sw, SPM and RBS. Levels of endosulfan in Sw in some cases exceeded the value postulated by international guidelines for aquatic biota protection (3 ng L(-1)). PCB and PBDE pollution was related to harbour, dumping sites and pile tire burning. Tri and hexa PCB congeners predominated in all matrices and exceeded the quality guideline value of 0.04 ng L(-1) in Sw. Considering levels in silverside muscle, none of the oral reference doses were exceeded, however, PCBs accounted for 18.6% of the total daily allowed ingest for a 70 kg individual. Although the levels of PCBs and OCPs in soil and RBS were low and did not go beyond quality guidelines, these compounds could still represent a risk to aquatic biota and humanbeings, and thus actions towards preventing this situation should be undertaken.

Systematic study of the contamination of wastewater treatment plant effluents by organic priority compounds in Almeria province (SE Spain)

The occurrence of priority organic pollutants in wastewater (WW) effluents was evaluated in a semi-arid area, characterized by a high agricultural and tourism activity, as Almeria province (Southeastern Spain). Twelve wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were sampled in three campaigns during 2011, obtaining a total of 33 WW samples, monitoring 226 compounds, including pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), phenolic compounds and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Certain banned organochlorine pesticides such as aldrin, pentachlorobenzene, o,p'-DDD and endosulfan lactone were found, and the most frequently detected pesticides were herbicides (diuron, triazines). PAHs and VOCs were also detected, noting that some of these pollutants were ubiquitous. Regarding phenolic compounds, 4-tertoctylphenol was found in all the WW samples at high concentration levels (up to 89.7 μg/L). Furthermore, it was observed that WW effluent samples were less contaminated in the second and third sampling periods, which corresponded to dry season. This evaluation revealed that despite the WW was treated in the WWTP, organic contaminants are still being detected in WW effluents and therefore they are released into the environment. Finally the risk of environmental threat due to the presence of some compounds in WWTP effluents, especially concerning 4-tertoctylphenol must be indicated.

Evaluation of mutagenicity of wastewater in the vicinity of pesticide industry

Pesticide industrial wastewater samples were taken from the Chinhat industrial area nearby Lucknow city, India. GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of pesticides lindane, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, chlorpyriphos, monocrotophos, dimethoate and malathion. A pesticide mixture and wastewater extracts were studied to determine the mutagenicity by Ames Salmonella test, survival of DNA repair defective E. coli K-12 mutants and bacteriophage λ systems. Wastewater samples were concentrated with XAD-resins as an adsorbent and liquid-liquid extraction procedure. The XAD concentrated sample exhibited maximum mutagenic activity in comparison to liquid-liquid extracted sample. TA98 strain was the most responsive strain for both test samples with (+S9) and without (-S9) metabolic activation, while other strains exhibited weak response. A significant decline of DNA repair defective E. coli K-12 mutants, bacteriophage λ was observed with test samples in the survival. The intracellular damage was highest when treated with XAD concentrated sample as compared to liquid-liquid extract after 6h treatment.

Endocrine disruptive potential of endosulfan on the reproductive axis of Cichlasoma dimerus (Perciformes, Cichlidae)

Endosulfan (ES), a persistent organochlorine pesticide, is widely used despite its toxicity to non-target animals. Upon reaching water bodies, ES can cause negative effects on aquatic animals, including disruption of hormonal systems. However, the action of ES on fish reproductive axis has been hardly studied thus far. The aim of the present work was to assess the endocrine disruptive potential of endosulfan on the pituitary gonadotropins levels and on the testes function due to ES in the South American freshwater fish Cichlasoma dimerus, using in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro experiments showed that ES inhibited the LH-stimulated steroidogenesis in gonads; no change was observed in gonadotropins release from pituitaries in culture. Laboratory waterborne ES (0.1, 0.3 and 1 μg/L) exposure for two months caused decrease in βFSH pituitary content and γGT activity in the testes (Sertoli cell function marker). Testicular histology revealed pathologies such as scarce intermediate stages of spermatogenesis, release of immature germ cells into the lobular lumen, presence of foam cells and interstitial fibrosis. As FSH and FSH-mediated steroidogenesis regulate spermatogenesis and Sertoli cell function, the effect of ES on FSH could be responsible for the morphological alterations observed in testes. In vitro, ES disrupted steroidogenesis in gonads, therefore similar effects in vivo cannot be ruled out. Based on this evidence, ES exhibits an endocrine disruptive action on the reproductive axis of C. dimerus, causing disruption at the pituitary and/or at the gonad level. These effects could acquire ecological significance under prolonged exposure to the pesticide in nature.

Pesticide residues in berries harvested from South-Eastern Poland (2009-2011)

BACKGROUND

Poland is a leading grower/producer of berries in Europe that are either eaten raw or processed. As well as berries this includes fruit such as grapes, strawberries and other small fruits. Testing for the presence of active substances in Plant Protection Products, (PPP), in such fruit is however important, as part of measures taken to minimise human intake.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence of pesticide residues in berries harvested from South-Eastern Poland in 2009-2011.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

. Chromatographic separation followed by analytical detection was performed on 250 samples of various test fruits using an accredited methodology: GC/ECD/NPD, together with spectrophotometric detection wherever necessary, according to PN-EN ISO/IEC 17025. As part of previous monitoring, 126 active substances were identified in 2009, 132 in 2010 and 153 in 2011; levels were compared to Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs). RESULTS;. Analyses showed that 46.4% of samples contained PPPs of which 4% exceeded the MRL. The most were found in raspberries, (58.8% of all tested), followed by 58.3% redcurrants, and gooseberries as well as 50% grapes. The most frequently found active substances of PPPs were pyrimethanil (15.6%), dithiocarbamates (12.4%), procymidone (8%), cyprodinil (5.6%) and difenoconazole (5.2%). The highest MRL exceedances were found in blackcurrants. Testing also revealed many examples of pesticides not recommended for the protection of specific crops: propiconazole in gooseberries, cyprodinil, flusilazole, iprodione, pyrimethanil in blackcurrants and folpet and captan in raspberries. Furthermore, active substances whose use in PPPs have been forbidden since 2008 were also detected, ie. endosulfan in blackcurrants and strawberries, fenitrothion in black and red currants as well as procymidone in raspberries, blackcurrants and strawberries. These data are consistent to those obtained from the whole of Poland and the European Union (EU).

CONCLUSIONS

Most pesticides were present in raspberries, redcurrants, gooseberries and grapes of which fungicides were the most frequently detected. These results are in keeping with other similar studies.