Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in the Surface Sediments of River Yamuna in Delhi, India

Abstract

The present study reports the concentration levels and distribution patterns of the organochlorine pesticide residues in the surface sediments of river Yamuna in the Indian capital state, Delhi. Analytical measurements were carried out for twenty organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Pre-monsoon, Monsoon and Post-monsoon seasons, at six different sampling locations along the 22 km stretch of the river Yamuna in Delhi. The results revealed contamination of the surface sediments with several persistent organochlorine pesticides. Endrin aldehyde, Endosulfan sulfate and DDT showed the highest percentage composition of OCP at all the sampling sites in all the three seasons. The total organochlorine pesticides level ranged from 157.71 - 307.66 ng/g in Pre-monsoon to 195.86 - 577.74 ng/g in Monsoon and 306.9 - 844.45 ng/g in the Post-monsoon season. This not only demonstrates the pollution of the river with pesticide residues, but also the necessity of a continuous long-term monitoring of the affected environment

Current status of persistent organic pesticides residues in air, water, and soil, and their possible effect on neighboring countries: A comprehensive review of India

“…Before 1970, the nine chemicals targeted by the Stockholm Convention were formulated and consumed internationally, and were used in agricultural crops or in the public health sector (Pandey et al, 2011). These pesticides were subsequently either banned or restricted in many countries in 1970s.…”

“…More than 60 technical grade pesticides are manufactured in India, mainly by multinational corporations, while the formulation market is highly fragmented and includes small formulators. At present, 30 technical grade pesticides have been banned (Table S.1), while seven, including DDT, are restricted (Table S.2) (Pandey et al, 2011). Aldrin, chlordane and heptachlor were banned in September, 1996, while DDT has been restricted since July 1989.…”

“…Dieldrin was banned in July, 2003, Endrin in May 1990, and HCH in April 1997. Endosulfan and methoxychlor are allowed for use in India, however, HCB has never been registered as a pesticide (Pandey et al, 2011;UNEP, 2003).…”

Environmental assessment of fate, transport and persistent behavior of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and hexachlorocyclohexanes in land and water ecosystems

“…1) in a mixture of 50-70, 5-14, 10-18 and 6-10 %, respectively (Wang et al 2014). The abbreviation HCHs has been used to denote the sum of these four HCH fractions in the literature (Pandey et al 2011). The characteristics of HCHs are strongly influenced by the physical and chemical properties of the isomers.…”

Farming-Biodiversity Segregation or Integration? Revisiting Land Sparing versus Land Sharing Debate

“…For example, pesticides and nitrogen fertilizers are amongst the greatest cause of water contamination [14] [15]. Critiques on LSP concern the fact that there is a positive effect of yield increase on farmland expansion (Jevons Paradox Hypothesis) [16] [17]; the dynamic relationship among production and economic aspects (there is no fixed targeted yield); the high productivity of some non-intensive methods; the fact that significant biodiversity can be held in intermediate intensive systems; and the importance of social aspects that affects food security beyond gross yield [18].…”