Organochlorine pesticides in Piracicaba river basin (São Paulo/Brazil): a survey of sediment, bivalve and fish

Abstract

The main objective of this paper was to evaluate the level of occurrence of the organochlorine compounds in samples of sediments, bivalves and two fish species collected in the Piracicaba River basin (São Paulo, Brazil). The isomers alpha and gamma of HCH and Heptachlor were most frequently detected in samples of sediments and specimens of bivalve and fish. Therefore, although the levels of these compounds found were not critically high, they are still found in the environment. This fact suggests that they are still being used, despite the fact that the use of these compounds was outlawed more than twenty years ago

Ecological and toxicological responses in a multistressor scenario: Are monitoring programs showing the stressors or just showing stress? A case study in Brazil

“…Although these compounds were not detected during an intensive sampling campaign conducted at one sampling point in 2007, this does not imply the absence of these substances at other locations or in the future, because inputs could occur due to point source spills, as well as due to economic or demographic shifts (as indicated by the bioassay responses in the next years). Due to inadequate wastewater treatment and sewage disposal, high concentrations of nutrients, pesticides and emerging and unregulated pollutants have been detected in freshwater ecosystems of South America (Magdaleno et al, 2014;Valdés et al, 2014;Barletta et al, 2010;Barra et al, 2006) and, specifically, in the State of São Paulo (De Sousa et al, 2014;Montagner and Jardim, 2011;Locatelli et al, 2011;Sodré et al, 2010;de Almeida and Weber, 2009;Silva et al, 2008). Inadequate wastewater treatment and disposal is still a main problem in South America and source of pollutants in freshwater ecosystems [from 2.4 to 83.3% of population connected to wastewater treatment depending on the Country in South America (UN Stats, 2011)].…”

Swat model for in potential contamination a tributary of the rio São Francisco, Brazil

“…However, it was not possible to make analysis of pesticides in sediment in the field, based on the lack of consistent data for adsorption / desorption of less persistent pesticides in sediments difficult to predict the behavior of these substances in this compartment. It is worth noting that some authors have identified the presence of Chlorpyrifos in sediments [32,33,34].…”

Analytical chemistry in Brazil: healthy and growing

“…Zn, Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and Hg concentrations were high and seemed to be associated with human activities. Silva et al 129 determined organochlorine pesticides in Piracicaba river basin (São Paulo State) in sediment, bivalve and fish samples. They observed that the isomer α and γ of HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) and heptachlor were most frequently detected in samples of sediments and specimens of bivalve and fish.…”