Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in carnivorous waterbird species from Lake Ziway, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study presents the assessment of bioaccumulation and reproductive health risk associated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure in carnivorous waterbird species. We investigated OCPs and PCBs exposure in muscle tissues of 4 species of carnivorous waterbird species from Lake Ziway, Ethiopia. The influences of trophic position and size on accumulation of organochlorine pollutants are investigated. The result shows that Dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs), Endosulfan and PCBs are detected. DDTs constitute the dominant contaminant among OCPs investigated. Trophic position and wing chord length are positively associated with levels of ∑DDTs. Mean levels of ∑DDTs and ∑PCBs vary from 143.9 to 1051.1 ng g−1 wet weight (ww) and not detected (ND)—3.5 ng g−1 ww, respectively. Mean levels of 4,4′-dichloro-diphenyl-dichloro-ethylene (p,p′-DDE), and 4,4′-dichloro-diphenyl-dichloro-ethane (p,p′-DDD) are significantly varied among the bird species. p,p′-DDE contribute 92.3–98.6% of total DDTs. About 26.7% of birds show p,p′-DDE levels above the minimum threshold to cause reproductive failures in birds. Generally, the findings of this study shows that DDT exposure in high trophic levels bird species from Lake Ziway could result in reproductive health risk. The present study may serve as a baseline for future comprehensive exposure and risk assessment studies. Article Highlights p,p’-DDE is the dominant contaminant in muscle tissue of the investigated bird species DDT accumulation varies among the bird species investigated A quarter of the investigated birds are at risk of reproductive failure as a result of high p,p’-DDE levels

Comparative Analysis of Marine Fish for the Content of Pollutants in the Eurasian Region

“…In the results of the study by S. Ayele et al 29) , C. Fang et al 30) it was found that the concentration of the total a, ß and y isomers of HCH in fish muscle tissue samples collected during the 2nd expedition exceeded the maximum permissible level. The level of excess in the roach was 9.2 times the level of the maximum allowable concentration.…”

Screening, characterization and optimization of potential dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDT) degrading fungi

“…Because of this, consumers suffer serious health consequences as a result of DDT bioaccumulation [ 29 ]. According to reports by Ayele et al [ 30 ], DDT pesticide residues are more common in Ethiopian food items. This suggests greater hazards for young children and babies, who are more vulnerable to pesticide toxicity because of their developmental stage and smaller body weight [ 29 ].…”

“…This suggests greater hazards for young children and babies, who are more vulnerable to pesticide toxicity because of their developmental stage and smaller body weight [ 29 ]. In Ethiopia, DDT and its metabolic products have been recognized in bird carcasses, plants, lakes, and human breast milk [ 30 ]. The level of DDT in Lake Ziway accounted for 92.3–98.6 % of all DDTs.…”

“…The level of DDT in Lake Ziway accounted for 92.3–98.6 % of all DDTs. More than 26 % of the birds exhibited p,p′-DDE, which has caused bird reproductive failure [ [30] , [31] , [32] ]. It exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL = 0.02 g/g milk fat) set by FAO and WHO.…”