Levels of organochlorine pesticides in the blood of people living in areas of intensive pesticide use in Sudan

Abstract

Ninety-six human blood samples were collected from six locations that represent areas of intensive pesticide use in Sudan, which included irrigated cotton schemes (Wad Medani, Hasaheesa, Elmanagil, and Elfaw) and sugarcane schemes (Kenana and Gunaid). Blood samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues by gas liquid chromatography (GLC) equipped with an electron capture detector (ECD). Residues of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), heptachlor epoxide, γ-HCH, and dieldrin were detected in blood from all locations surveyed. Aldrin was not detected in any of the samples analyzed, probably due to its conversion to dieldrin. The levels of total organochlorine burden detected were higher in the blood from people in the irrigated cotton schemes (mean 261 ng ml(-1), range 38-641 ng ml(-1)) than in the blood of people from the irrigated sugarcane schemes (mean 204 ng ml(-1), range 59-365 ng ml(-1)). The highest levels of heptachlor epoxide (170 ng ml(-1)) and γ-HCH (92 ng ml(-1)) were observed in blood samples from Hasaheesa, while the highest levels of DDE (618 ng ml(-1)) and dieldrin (82 ng ml(-1)) were observed in blood samples from Wad Medani and Kenana, respectively. The organochlorine levels in blood samples seemed to decrease with increasing distance from the old irrigated cotton schemes (Wad Medani, Hasaheesa, and Elmanagil) where the heavy application of these pesticides took place historically.

Determination of pesticide residues in the serum of flower farm workers: A growing occupational hazards in low income countries

“…From different studies, endosulfan is an endocrine disruptor, mimicking estrogen at very low concentration and may lead to risk of breast cancer, a neurotoxin, parkinson’s disease and birth defects [29] , [30] . In the present study, Aldrin was not detected in all blood samples analyzed, similar study in Sudan reported the same result [31] . This may be due to their ready conversion to its metabolite dieldrin.…”

Organochloride pesticides impaired mitochondrial function in hepatocytes and aggravated disorders of fatty acid metabolism

“…Various blood levels of OCPs were documented in populations from several countries141516. In India, reported serum levels were as high as 743 ng/mL for DDT and 627 ng/mL for HCH16.…”

Insecticide Residues in Cotton, Sorghum and Fallow Soil from the Nuba Mountains Cotton Corporation of South Kordofan State, Sudan

“…Therefore, the presence of its residues and/or its metabolite endosulfan sulfate is expected. 28 – 29 The absence of p,p-DDT residues may be explained by the possible environmental conversions to p,p-DDE and p,p-DDD as found in previous studies. 26 , 30 – 33…”