Determination of Occurrences, Distribution, Health Impacts of Organochlorine Pesticides in Soils of Central China

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticides are groups of chemicals applied to prevent pest and insect infestation. This study was aimed at investigating the concentration, potential sources, cancer risk and ecological toxicity of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in Huangpi district, Wuhan, China. Eight OCPs in soil samples collected from four land-use types at depths of 0–10 and 10–20 cm were examined. Sample extraction was carried out by solid phase matrix extraction method and analyzed using Agilent gas chromatograph 7890B equipped with electron capture detectors (ECD). The total concentration of OCPs ranged from 0.00–32.7 ng g−1 in the surface and 0.01–100.45 ng g−1 in the subsurface soil layer. Beta hexachlorocyclohexanes (β-HCH) with 2.20 and 7.71 ng g−1 in the surface and subsurface soil layers, respectively, was the dominant compound. The mean concentrations of OCPs in all samples were less than the threshold values for hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) in China soil. Concentration of OCPs in the four land-use types were in the order of: paddy field > barren land > farmland > plastic greenhouse. Results of composition analysis revealed recent application of lindane as a major and historical use of new technical HCHs as a minor source of HCHs. On the other hand, application of new technical p,p’-DDT is the main source of DDTs in the study area. The estimated lifetime average daily dose, incremental lifetime cancer risks and hazard quotient values revealed that there is less likelihood of carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic health risks on the local residents.

Transfer of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues during Household and Industrial Processing of Ginseng

“…Moreover, these persistent chemicals can be transferred and magnified to higher trophic levels through the food chain [14]. Organic matter in the soil can absorb and fix OCPs, which is the natural pool of OCPs in the environment [15]. Being planted in the soil containing OCPs, ginseng may absorb the organic chlorine pesticides in the soil and enrich them in various parts, which will affect the quality of ginseng products and ultimately endanger human health.…”

Remediation of Soil Polluted by Organic Compounds Through Chemical Oxidation and Phytoremediation Combined with DCT

“…The issues of soil protection, sustainable use, conservation and remediation (where feasible) have growing importance worldwide, also in view of the environment and human health management [1,2,3,4,5,6]. In the process of harmonization of national policies within the EU and the pathway of transposition and implementation of European rules and regulations, the problem of contamination of soil and groundwater is one of the fundamental aspects of protection of the environment.…”

Occurrence and Toxicological Risk Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticides from Suburban Soils of Kenya

“…Environmental pollution from organic compounds, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), is continually increasing with rapid urbanization and industrialization activities [1]. Health risks from OCPs, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), are a growing concern.…”