Levels and Ecological Risk Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in the Godavari River Waters of Telangana State, India

Abstract:

Rivers play a vital role on the planet to create life and essential water resources for socio-economic development. Due to anthropogenic activities, rivers are acting as a sink of pollutants, especially pesticides, thus being responsible for the riverine transport and distribution of such chemicals. The present study was proposed to identify the levels and spatial distribution patterns of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Telangana region falling under the Godavari river. Water samples were collected from the 16 carefully identified sites in Godavari River (GR) and OCPs were measured using the gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) after extracted through Solid Phase Extraction (SPE) with Bond Elut C18 cartridges. The concentrations of OCPs in the surface waters from the Godavari River ranged from 3 to 70 ng L^-1 with a mean of 20 ng L^-1 for ∑HCH; ND (non-detectable) to 10 ng L^-1 (mean 3 ng L^-1) for ∑DDT, and ND to 5 ng L^-1 (mean 1 ng L^-1) for ∑Endoulfans. These results corresponded well with the historical production and application of OCPs in India. DDTs imposed higher eco-toxicological risk, on the other hand Endoulfans and Lindane are indicating lower risk. The results were considerable when compared with the quality guidelines. The results of the present study should be taken seriously by policymakers as there is a severe threat to ecological integrities by OCPs exposure.