Authors: Olatunbosun S. Samuel Sojinu, Oluwadayo O. Sonibare, O. Ekundayo, Eddy Y. Zeng
Journal of Applied Sciences Research, 7(8): 1299-1305, 2011
Abstract
The occurrence, sources and toxicity of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments of selected rivers, canals and streams in the Niger Delta were investigated.
The concentrations of 21 target OCPs ranged from 20 to 313 ng/g with a mean value of 102 ng/g. Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were the dominant components accounting for approximately 50% of the total OCPs detected. The high concentrationof HCHs could be attributed to the use of HCHs pesticides (lindane) in the region. The compositional profiles of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in most samples suggested that DDTs were not derivedfrom fresh inputs, but rather related to anaerobic biodegraded products. The sediments can be considered tobe highly polluted with HCHs when compared to similar samples from other parts of the world. An assessment using the widely cited sediment quality guidelines for OCPs indicated that there were potential ecological and human health risks for HCHs in the area.
Keywords: Organochlorine Pesticides; Surface sediments; Niger Delta; Hexachlorocyclohexanes, Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes.