Abstract
Background
Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been dispersed ubiquitously in the environment. Bottom sediments act as sinks for these compounds and their concentrations often reflect the degree of anthropogenic pollution. This study was designed to evaluate the occurrence and distribution of OCPs in superficial streambed sediments and their relation to land use in two creeks that contribute to the coastal pollution of the southeastern region of Argentina.
Methods
Sampling sites were selected by a combination of land use and stream type. Las Brusquitas creek, which passes through vast agricultural areas, and La Tapera creek which originates in a natural wetland and passes through horticultural farming and urban areas. OCPs quantification was carried out by GC-ECD.
Results and Discussion
Results showed similar total OCP concentrations in sediments from both creeks in the range of 6–25 ng/g dry wt. However, when OCPs were expressed in ng/g total organic carbon (TOC), La Tapera creek presented 4-fold higher total levels as a consequence of a higher OCP input during the recent past in that watershed. La Tapera outfall showed 4-fold higher levels than that seen in Las Brusquitas, although both values were below the sediment quality criteria demanded to protect wildlife. ΣZEndosulfans, ΣDDTs and Σchlordanes were the main OCP group in all samples, with Endosulfan sulfate being the most frequent and abundant compound. The predominance of metabolites with respect to parent compounds suggests a contamination mainly by runoff from aged and weathered agricultural soils.
Conclusions
Despite OCPs being banned, they still exist in creek sediments from the studied region, representing continuous contributions of land-based source contaminants to the marine environment.
Outlook
Future research on OCP levels in suspended sediments is recommended in order to determine the total OCP concentrations in the selected stream systems.
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Miglioranza, K.S.B., Aizpún de Moreno, J.E. & Moreno, V.J. Land-based sources of marine pollution: organochlorine pesticides in stream systems. Environ Sci & Pollut Res 11, 227–232 (2004). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02979630
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02979630