The Content of Organochlorine Pesticides in Surface Waters of the Kurgan Region

Abstract

The content of organochlorine pesticides in water has a negative impact on human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to determine the content of organochlorine pesticides DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene), 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4–D) and hexachlorocyclohexane (α–HCCH, γ–HCCH) in the surface waters of the Kurgan Region (Oblast). This article discusses the content of 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 –D) and organochlorine pesticides (OCP) in surface waters (rivers). The following types of pesticides were determined in water: 2,4–D, α–HCCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), γ–HCCH, DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene), DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane). Water sampling and measurement of the mass concentration of 2,4-D were carried out in accordance with GOST 31861. The equipment used for water sampling always complied with GOST 31861. In our study, the sample was transferred unfiltered into glass bottles with a capacity of 0.5 - 1 dm³ using a sampler and sealed with ground glass or wrapped with Teflon foil (or aluminum foil), cork or polypropylene stoppers. The use of rubber stoppers and plastic utensils was not permitted. Water samples were taken for the study from April to September. The surface water of the Tobol River and the Uy River was examined in different parts of the region. Sampling in the rivers took place in spring and autumn, at a depth of 0.3 m. A total of 238 water samples were taken during the study period (2015-2022) (34 samples per year). In the Tobol and Uy rivers (Belozerskoye, Kostousovo, Arbinka, Ust-Uyskoye, Zverinogolovskoye villages), no detectable concentrations of pesticides were found at a depth of 0.3 m. The measurements are based on the extraction of herbicides from acidified water samples by extraction with diethyl ether. 2,4-D, α-HCCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), γ-HCCH, DDE (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene), DDT (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) were determined using gas-liquid chromatography; a Color-800 gas chromatograph was used to determine these pesticides. The analyzes for organochlorine pesticides were carried out at the Kurgan Center for Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring of the Federal State Budgetary Institution "Ural Department of Hydrometeorology and Environmental Monitoring". No concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), 2,4 – D, hexachlorocyclohexane α – HCCH, γ – HCCH were detected during the study of surface waters of the Kurgan region in 2015-2022. The problem of water pollution by organochlorine pesticides in the Kurgan region is not of global significance. The content of organochlorine pesticides in water has a negative impact on human health and the environment.