# Organochlorine Pesticides in Surface Water of Jiuxi Valley, China: Distribution, Source Analysis, and Risk Evaluation

Authors: Zheng Liu; Guanlin Zheng; Zhen Liu
Journal: Journal of Chemistry
 (2020)

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## Abstract

Residual levels of 11 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface water of Jiuxi Valley were determined during spring and autumn at nine sampling points to assess their contamination and potential risks. The water samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE), and OCPs were analyzed by gas chromatograph equipped with a63Ni-ECD detector. The investigation results indicated that the concentration of total OCPs varied from 4.07 to 13.5 ng·L−1 with an average value of 7.15 ng·L−1 in spring, and from 12.5 to 30.1 ng·L−1 with an average value of 19.9 ng·L−1 in autumn. Jiuxi Valley was slightly contaminated by OCPs, and the concentrations of ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs in the river were at relatively low levels. HCHs were the main pollutant in spring, and also in autumn, and α-HCH was the main component of the HCH isomers at most sampling points. Source analysis indicated that local use of lindane or input of fresh γ-HCH contributed to the presence of HCHs. New inputs were the major sources of DDTs, aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin. The OCP levels of this investigation were within the standard limits set by a majority of the water quality standards and guidelines of China, WHO, European Union, and Canada. However, although the γ-HCH concentrations at all sampling sites, endrin concentrations at all sampling sites, and β-HCH concentrations at most sampling sites were below the human health water quality standard, and the levels of other tested OCPs (α-HCH, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, aldrin, and heptachlor) exceeded the value of EPA-recommended water quality criteria for human health, which indicated potential risks to human health around the region.


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## Body

## 1. Introduction

As common persistent organic pollutants (POPs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have received great attention worldwide due to their high toxicity, chemical durability, and biological concentration [1]. These chemicals were once widely used in agricultural production and pest control universally. Researchers had found OCPs caused great threats to ecosystems and human health [2, 3]. Despite the prohibition of production and use of these pesticides by many countries in the 1970s and 1980s, some OCPs, including hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin, were still widely distributed everywhere because of their persistence. China produced a large number of OCPs using for broad spectrum pesticides, medical, and industrial purposes from the late 1940s to the 1980s. From the 1950s to 1983, millions of tons of technical-grade HCHs and DDTs were yielded, accounting for the world output of 33% and 20%, respectively [4]. Even though production and use of OCPs had been forbidden since 1983, the comparatively high concentrations of residue OCPs were still detected in water and other environmental media.As an important environmental medium, water bodies play a vital part in the migration and transformation of OCPs. OCPs can enter rivers or lakes via agricultural nonpoint source pollution, industrial wastewater discharge, atmospheric sedimentation, and other ways [5–7]. Although most OCPs are difficult to dissolve in water, they are easy to be enriched in organisms by reason of their relatively high octanol-water partition coefficient and have the probability to bioaccumulate through the food chain, causing health risks [8, 9]. After being discharged into water bodies, they are mainly adsorbed on suspended particles. Under certain circumstances, it will be resuspended after disturbance and become a secondary pollution source [10, 11]. In addition, OCPs may be involved in atmospheric circulation and migrated to remote places from the source, causing environmental issues at regional and global scale [12].Jiuxi Valley is located in the east of Xiang’an District, Xiamen City. Xiamen is a beautiful tourist city in southeast China. Jiuxi Valley is 21 km long and has a drainage area of 101 km2. The nine main branches form a tree-like water system, which flows into the Dadeng sea area in Xindian Town. Jiuxi is called the mother river of Xiang’an District. It flows across the basic farmland protection area of Xiamen. It is a source of farmland irrigation and livestock drinking water. There are also a large number of egrets perched every winter. The government has viewed the Jiuxi Valley as a beautiful ecological green stream. After comprehensive treatment, the water quality of the Jiuxi Valley has been improved, but more information is needed to evaluate the pollution situation and identify the potential risk to human health and ecological risk to aquatic life. As far as we know, this work first reported on the concentrations of OCPs contaminants in Jiuxi Valley.The major aims of this research work were (1) to investigate the concentrations, spatial distribution, and composition of 11 OCPs (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT, aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin) in surface water of Jiuxi Valley and (2) to investigate the pollution profiles to identify seasonal pollution characteristics, and source apportionment and to evaluate potential risks to human health around the region, thus offering scientific information for efficient strategical environmental management.


## 2. Methodology

### 2.1. Sampling

Nine sampling points (namely, S1 to S9) along the river were selected, as shown in Figure1. The collection of water samples at 0.15 m below the surface of water was carried out in autumn (October 8 to November 8, 2018) and spring (March 12 to April 12, 2019), and they were stored in precleaned 1 L brown glass bottles. The suspended matter and impurities in water samples were removed by using 0.45 μm fiber glass filters. The extraction was completed within 7 days, and the analysis was completed within 30 days.Figure 1
Sampling points of the Jiuxi Valley, Xiamen.


### 2.2. Extraction

The water samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE). In brief, the Florisil SPE cartridges (1000 mg/6 ml) were rinsed successively with 5 ml of ethyl acetate, 5 ml of methanol, and 10 ml of ultrapure water. Using vacuum pumping, water samples flowed via the SPE columns at a flow velocity of 10 ml/min. When the extraction was completed, the OCPs captured in SPE columns were eluted twice with 10 ml of ethyl acetate. Then, anhydrous sodium sulfate (roasted at 300°C) was used to dehydrate the extracts, and then the extracts were concentrated to roughly 0.5 ml with high purity nitrogen streaming. The extracts were spiked with 5.0μl of TCmX (2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-m-xylene) as internal standard and redissolved to 1 ml with n-hexane [13]. Finally, the extracts were transferred into vials and kept sealed at −20°C until analysis.


### 2.3. Chemical Analysis

The OCPs residues were analyzed by using gas chromatograph (Agilent 7890B; 30 m × 0.25 mm i.d. ×0.25μm film thickness, HP-5 capillary column) equipped with a 63Ni-ECD detector. Samples (2 μl) were injected in the splitless injection mode with high purity nitrogen as both carrier gas (1 ml·min−1) and makeup gas (60 ml·min−1). The temperature of the column oven was first set at 100°C (with an equilibration time of 2 min), raised to 200°C (6°C·min−1), then to 230°C (1°C·min−1), and finally reached to 280°C (10°C·min−1) and retained for 10 min. The injection port and detector temperatures were kept at 280°C and 300°C, respectively. The target OCPs were identified by the retention times matched to each standard. The concentrations of OCPs were acquired using peak area based on a six-point standard curve. In this study, the OCPs analyzed were HCHs (including α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, and δ-HCH), DDTs (including p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT), aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin.


### 2.4. Quality Control

The analytical quality control scheme included procedural blanks, spiked recovery tests, duplicates, and comparison of standards [3, 6]. A procedural blank and a standard sample were carried out to check any cross-contamination and repeatability in every set of 9 samples. All blanks were below the limits of detection (LOD). The LOD were set to be triple the standard deviation of the blank. The LOD of target OCPs ranged from 0.04 to 0.3 ng·L−1. The mean recoveries for surrogates (TCmX) were 79.5 ± 12.2%. Spiked recovery tests of the OCPs using 20 ng of composite standards showed acceptable recoveries ranging from 72.4% to 105%, with the relative standard deviation less than ±14.1%. The calibration curves had acceptable degree of linearity (R2 > 0.997) for all the compounds.


## 2.1. Sampling

Nine sampling points (namely, S1 to S9) along the river were selected, as shown in Figure1. The collection of water samples at 0.15 m below the surface of water was carried out in autumn (October 8 to November 8, 2018) and spring (March 12 to April 12, 2019), and they were stored in precleaned 1 L brown glass bottles. The suspended matter and impurities in water samples were removed by using 0.45 μm fiber glass filters. The extraction was completed within 7 days, and the analysis was completed within 30 days.Figure 1
Sampling points of the Jiuxi Valley, Xiamen.


## 2.2. Extraction

The water samples were extracted by solid-phase extraction (SPE). In brief, the Florisil SPE cartridges (1000 mg/6 ml) were rinsed successively with 5 ml of ethyl acetate, 5 ml of methanol, and 10 ml of ultrapure water. Using vacuum pumping, water samples flowed via the SPE columns at a flow velocity of 10 ml/min. When the extraction was completed, the OCPs captured in SPE columns were eluted twice with 10 ml of ethyl acetate. Then, anhydrous sodium sulfate (roasted at 300°C) was used to dehydrate the extracts, and then the extracts were concentrated to roughly 0.5 ml with high purity nitrogen streaming. The extracts were spiked with 5.0μl of TCmX (2,4,5,6-tetrachloro-m-xylene) as internal standard and redissolved to 1 ml with n-hexane [13]. Finally, the extracts were transferred into vials and kept sealed at −20°C until analysis.


## 2.3. Chemical Analysis

The OCPs residues were analyzed by using gas chromatograph (Agilent 7890B; 30 m × 0.25 mm i.d. ×0.25μm film thickness, HP-5 capillary column) equipped with a 63Ni-ECD detector. Samples (2 μl) were injected in the splitless injection mode with high purity nitrogen as both carrier gas (1 ml·min−1) and makeup gas (60 ml·min−1). The temperature of the column oven was first set at 100°C (with an equilibration time of 2 min), raised to 200°C (6°C·min−1), then to 230°C (1°C·min−1), and finally reached to 280°C (10°C·min−1) and retained for 10 min. The injection port and detector temperatures were kept at 280°C and 300°C, respectively. The target OCPs were identified by the retention times matched to each standard. The concentrations of OCPs were acquired using peak area based on a six-point standard curve. In this study, the OCPs analyzed were HCHs (including α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, and δ-HCH), DDTs (including p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDT, and p,p′-DDT), aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin.


## 2.4. Quality Control

The analytical quality control scheme included procedural blanks, spiked recovery tests, duplicates, and comparison of standards [3, 6]. A procedural blank and a standard sample were carried out to check any cross-contamination and repeatability in every set of 9 samples. All blanks were below the limits of detection (LOD). The LOD were set to be triple the standard deviation of the blank. The LOD of target OCPs ranged from 0.04 to 0.3 ng·L−1. The mean recoveries for surrogates (TCmX) were 79.5 ± 12.2%. Spiked recovery tests of the OCPs using 20 ng of composite standards showed acceptable recoveries ranging from 72.4% to 105%, with the relative standard deviation less than ±14.1%. The calibration curves had acceptable degree of linearity (R2 > 0.997) for all the compounds.


## 3. Results and Discussion

### 3.1. Temporal Characteristics of OCPs

The seasonal concentrations of the target analytes in the surface water from Jiuxi Valley are presented in Table1. In the investigation, the total OCPs concentration in spring was different from that in autumn. During the wet season in spring, the total OCPs concentration varied from 4.07 to 13.5 ng·L−1 (mean: 7.15 ng·L−1). During the dry season in autumn, the total OCPs concentration varied from 12.5 to 30.1 ng·L−1(mean: 19.8 ng·L−1). The difference indicated that the total OCPs concentration in surface water of Jiuxi Valley had seasonal characteristics.Table 1
OCPs concentration in surface water from Jiuxi Valley (ng·L−1).
Compounds
Spring, 12.03.2019–12.04.2019 (n = 32)
Autumn, 08.10.2018–08.11.2018 (n = 32)
Mean
S. D.a
Range
Mean
S. D.
Range
α–HCH
1.45
1.63
0.120–5.24
7.17
3.05
4.31–13.0
β–HCH
0.968
0.798
0.509–2.98
3.84
2.95
2.25–11.5
γ–HCH
1.08
0.327
0.844–1.84
3.16
0.854
2.42–5.02
δ–HCH
0.198
0.0589
0.142–0.312
0.598
0.0939
0.485–0.756
ΣHCHs
3.69
2.10
1.71–8.12
14.8
4.99
9.94–23.5
p,p′–DDT
1.11
0.332
0.715–1.84
1.48
0.403
0.849–2.12
o,p′–DDT
0.904
0.421
0.247–1.86
1.45
0.120
0.708–4.13
p,p′–DDD
0.0612
0.0318
<0.04–0.128
0.120
0.109
<0.04–0.316
p,p′–DDE
0.161
0.0680
<0.05–0.246
0.283
0.165
0.0724–0.622
ΣDDTs
2.23
0.615
1.19–3.31
3.34
1.31
1.90–6.23
Aldrin
0.736
0.524
<0.05–1.62
1.28
1.63
0.213–2.45
Heptachlor
0.426
0.554
<0.04–1.75
0.316
0.371
0.0634–1.23
Endrin
0.063
0.0312
<0.04–0.110
0.126
0.0980
<0.04–0.196
ΣOCPs
7.15
3.08
4.07–13.5
19.8
6.65
12.5–30.1
Note. Levels below the LOD were assumed to be half the LOD during the data analysis. aS. D. means standard deviation.Generally, when the rainfall is relatively high, the land runoff of the farmland will increase the erosion by stream, and some OCPs can be released to water from the soil, resulting in an increase in OCPs [10]. Moreover, turbulence caused by rainfall drainage can also lead to the rerelease of OCPs in suspended sediments [11]. The higher level of OCPs found during autumn might be partially attributed to less water flowing. While in spring, the concentration of OCPs was diluted by the stream owing to rich rainfall, and the soil was not easily eroded because of the large vegetation coverage near the valley and the solidification of asphalt or concrete pavement, which resulted in the relatively lower level of OCPs.The highest concentrations of OCPs in samples were detected at S5 (30.1 ng·L−1 in autumn) and S6 (13.5 ng·L−1 in spring), and the lowest was at S9 (4.07 ng·L−1 in spring and 12.5 ng·L−1 in autumn). Sampling point S9 was connected with a wetland park. Meanwhile, the OCPs were diluted with large amounts of water flowed through S9. While the sampling points S5 and S6 were situated upstream, the vegetation coverage was relatively large, and the water environment was relatively stable. Therefore, the levels of OCPs in Jiuxi Valley were mainly affected by the convergence of stream current and the external environment.In the upper reaches of the river, the levels of OCPs at S1 and S2 were relatively low in spring and autumn compared to S3, S4, S5, and S6. S1 and S2 were situated in the neighborhoods, where the soil was rarely exposed and the use of OCPs was limited. S3, S4, S5, and S6 were situated in agricultural areas, and the OCPs were used in agriculture pest control for decades, resulting in high residual levels.In recent years, many OCPs contaminations in surface waters had been reported around the world (Table2). The investigation showed that Jiuxi Valley was slightly contaminated by OCPs. The concentrations of ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs in the river were at relatively low levels. It was difficult to assess large-scale temporal changes in water quality of Jiuxi Valley due to lack of previous studies.Table 2
Comparison of ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs in surface waters (ng·L−1).
Location
ΣHCHs
ΣDDTs
Reference
Yongding river
<0.08–13.87 (spring),
<0.12–194.34 (spring),
[10]
<0.08–19.53 (summer)
<0.12–88.68 (summer)
Honghu lake
0.95–7.04 (dry season),
0.06–0.49 (dry season),
[11]
0.79–4.00 (wet season)
0.15–0.82 (wet season)
River Ravi
2.15–12.73 (postmonsoon),
4.09–33.28 (postmonsoon),
[13]
2.53–6.90 (premonsoon)
3.36–93.15 (premonsoon)
Lake Small Baiyangdian
0.53–6.81
N.D.
[14]
Poyang Lake
4.38–59.65
2.31–33.4
[15]
River Hooghly
8–114
N.D.–26
[16]
River Chenab
3.6–200 (summer),
0.55–550 (summer),
[17]
<6.7–330 (winter)
0.63–580 (winter)
Jiuxi Valley
1.71–8.12 (spring),
1.19–3.31 (spring),
This study
9.94–23.5 (autumn)
1.90–6.23 (autumn)


### 3.2. Seasonal Compositions of OCPs

Changes in the concentrations and compositions of isomers and derivatives of OCPs in the environment keep ongoing, which are connected with the physicochemical properties of the environmental medium and the duration of compounds’ exposure [18]. The concentration changes of HCHs and DDTs were studied to identify the seasonal pollution characteristics.For the individual compounds, four types of HCHs and aldrin were detected at different sampling sites. Four types of DDTs, heptachlor, and endrin were detected at multiple sampling sites.Figures2, 3(a), and 3(b) showed the seasonal compositions of OCPs. In the spring, HCHs were the dominant compounds, contributing 51.6% to the total OCPs, whereas DDTs contributed 31.2% to the total OCPs. Of all HCH isomers investigated, α-HCH was the dominant chemical with the highest level at S6 (5.24 ng·L−1). Among all DDT isomers surveyed, p,p′-DDT was detected with the highest level at S8 (1.84 ng·L−1). In the autumn, HCHs were also the main pollutant, contributing 72.7% to the total OCPs, whereas DDTs contributed 16.4% to the total OCPs. Also, α-HCH and p,p′-DDT were still in large quantities: α-HCH made up 48.6% of the total HCHs, and the maximum concentration was found at S5 (13.0 ng·L−1), whereas p,p′-DDT made up 44.4% of the total DDTs, and the maximum concentration was detected at S6 (2.12 ng·L−1). p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD were observed at relatively low levels in most locations.Figure 2
Concentrations and percentages of HCHs and DDTs in surface water from Jiuxi Valley.Figure 3
Seasonal compositions and of HCHs (a) and DDTs (b) of sampling points.
(a)
(b)At most sampling points in the Jiuxi Valley,α-HCH was the main component of the HCH isomers, which was mainly because of the composition of the technical-grade HCHs. Technical-grade HCH typical contained 55%–80% α-HCH [19–21], and technical-grade HCH and DDT were extensively used in the late 60s and 70s in China [11]. Compared to the other three HCH isomers, β-HCH was nonvolatile and more persistent [10]; therefore, it was more likely to accumulate in the environment and accounted for a relatively large proportion of HCHs in Jiuxi Valley. p,p′-DDT was the main pollutant of DDTs mainly because the technical-grade DDT contained approximately 75% p,p′-DDT [22–24]. In addition, o,p′-DDT also contributed a relatively large proportion of DDTs. Although DDTs were restricted in 1983, China was still producing DDTs due to the production of dicofol. o,p′-DDT and other DDTs remained in the dicofol product as impurities, and o,p′-DDT was the most abundant in these impurities [25]. Dicofol was one of the commonly used insecticides in agriculture, and the sale and use of dicofol in China were not completely banned until 2018.


### 3.3. Sources Identification of OCPs

OCPs participated in various physical and chemical processes after entering the environment. Sources of HCHs and DDTs in surface water might be identified by differences in composition between HCHs or DDTs.HCHs in the environment were mainly derived from historical pesticide residues. The main sources of HCHs included technical-grade HCH and lindane. Technical-grade HCH typically contained 10–15%γ-HCH, while lindane was mainly compounded of γ-HCH (>99%) [26]. The concentration ratio of α-HCH/γ-HCH was often applied to estimating the source of HCHs. In general, this ratio was in the range of 3–7 for technical-grade HCH. The ratios less than 3 indicated the use of lindane was the main source, and ratios above 7 suggested great distances migration or recirculation of technical-grade HCH in the environment [26, 27]. Furthermore, γ-HCH could be isomerized into α-HCH under ultraviolet radiation during long-distance migration, which might make the ratio exceed 7 [28, 29]. In this survey, the ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH in the surface water of Jiuxi Valley were less than 3, which revealed that the HCHs of Jiuxi Valley were primarily derived from local use of lindane or input of fresh γ-HCH. Actually, the production, use, import, and export of lindane were not banned until March, 2019 [30].p,p′-DDT can be degraded to p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD under aerobic conditions and anaerobic conditions, respectively [31, 32]. The concentration ratio of p,p′-(DDE + DDD)/DDT can be applied to estimating the source of DDTs [33, 34]. p,p′-(DDE + DDD)/DDT > 1 indicated that local DDT residues were the primary source, and less than 1 indicated a new DDT input source [35, 36]. In this survey, the ratio of p,p′-(DDE + DDD)/DDT in the surface water of Jiuxi Valley was less than 1 at all sampling points, which suggested that Jiuxi Valley has a new input source for DDT contamination.Other OCPs (including aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin) had been detected in most water samples of Jiuxi Valley, although they had never been used extensively in the region. These compounds might come from other regions and entered the Jiuxi Valley through atmosphere flow. Although many of these chemicals were forbidden in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere, they are still used in Southeast Asia [37, 38]. In addition, probably 45–80% of OCPs migrated to the rest of the earth [39, 40].


### 3.4. Potential Ecological Risk Evaluation

Water quality criteria are critical guidelines on ecological risk evaluation and water environment management. Some water quality standards and guidelines (as shown in Table3) were applied for the evaluation of OCPs contamination and potential risks of surface water from Jiuxi Valley.Table 3
Surface water OCPs concentration standards (μg·L−1).
Country/Organization
γ-HCH
DDTs
Heptachlor
Aldrin
Dieldrin
Endrin
Isodrin
China
2.0
1.0
–
–
–
–
–
United States
0.95
1.1
0.52
3.0
0.24
0.086
–
European union
–
0.025
–
0.01a
Canada
0.01
–
–
–
–
–
–
Note. “–” denotes “no data”; “a” means the sum of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and isodrin.Chinese standards of surface water (GB 3838–2002) specify the limits ofγ-HCH and DDT [41]. The results of this investigation indicated that the levels of OCPs in all tested samples were much lower than this standard.Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) regulations, the limits for the concentration of selected pollutantsγ-HCH, δ-HCH, p,p′-DDT, p, p′-DDE, heptachlor, and aldrin are 2, 2, 2, 2 0.03, 0.03 μg·L−1, respectively [42]. The OCPs levels of this investigation were also within the standard limits set by the WHO.The European Union Directive 2008/105/EC specifies the DDTs concentration limits and the total concentration limits for aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and isodrin [43]. The residual concentrations of DDTs in the spring and autumn of Jiuxi Valley surface water were below the standard limits. Due to the lack of concentrations of dieldrin and isodrin, it was difficult to ascertain whether the total concentration of the sum of aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, and isodrin exceeded the limits of the instruction.The Canadian CCME specifies theγ-HCH concentration limit [44]. The γ-HCH residual concentrations in the spring and autumn of Jiuxi Valley surface water were also below the standard limits.As shown in Table4, EPA developed OCPs criteria of ambient water quality for the environment and human health on the basis of toxicological information [45]. Human health ambient water quality standards represent specific concentration of particular chemicals in water that are not expected to adversely affect human health. Aquatic organism standards represent the highest concentration of particular contaminants in water that are not expected to cause major risks to most aquatic organisms. In this investigation, except for the p,p′-DDT concentration of individual sampling points, the levels of OCPs in Jiuxi Valley were lower than the standard values of chronic toxicity water quality of freshwater aquatic organisms. However, although the γ-HCH at all sampling sites, endrin concentrations at all sampling sites, and β-HCH concentrations at most sampling sites were below the human health water quality standard, and the levels of other tested OCPs (α-HCH, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, aldrin, and heptachlor) exceeded the value of EPA recommended water quality criteria for human health. In particular, the aldrin concentration in the autumn at sampling site S6 was 3,822 times the standard value. With these in mind, OCPs pollution might pose ecological risks to physical health in the district and have limited impact on freshwater aquatic organisms.Table 4
National recommended water quality standards for OCPs (μg·L−1).
OCPs
For human health
For aquatic organisms (freshwater)
Consumption water and organism
Consumption organism only
Publication year
Acute toxicity
Chronic toxicity
Publication year
α-HCH
0.00036
0.00039
2015
—
—
β-HCH
0.0080
0.014
2015
—
—
γ-HCH
4.2
4.4
2015
0.95
—
1995
p,p′-DDD
0.00012
0.00012
2015
—
—
p,p′-DDE
0.000018
0.000018
2015
—
—
p,p′-DDT
0.000030
0.000030
2015
1.1
0.001
1980
Aldrin
0.00000077
0.00000077
2015
3.0
—
1980
Heptachlor
0.0000059
0.0000059
2015
0.52
0.0038
1980
Endrin
0.03
0.03
2015
0.086
0.036
1995
Note. “—” denotes “no data.”


## 3.1. Temporal Characteristics of OCPs

The seasonal concentrations of the target analytes in the surface water from Jiuxi Valley are presented in Table1. In the investigation, the total OCPs concentration in spring was different from that in autumn. During the wet season in spring, the total OCPs concentration varied from 4.07 to 13.5 ng·L−1 (mean: 7.15 ng·L−1). During the dry season in autumn, the total OCPs concentration varied from 12.5 to 30.1 ng·L−1(mean: 19.8 ng·L−1). The difference indicated that the total OCPs concentration in surface water of Jiuxi Valley had seasonal characteristics.Table 1
OCPs concentration in surface water from Jiuxi Valley (ng·L−1).
Compounds
Spring, 12.03.2019–12.04.2019 (n = 32)
Autumn, 08.10.2018–08.11.2018 (n = 32)
Mean
S. D.a
Range
Mean
S. D.
Range
α–HCH
1.45
1.63
0.120–5.24
7.17
3.05
4.31–13.0
β–HCH
0.968
0.798
0.509–2.98
3.84
2.95
2.25–11.5
γ–HCH
1.08
0.327
0.844–1.84
3.16
0.854
2.42–5.02
δ–HCH
0.198
0.0589
0.142–0.312
0.598
0.0939
0.485–0.756
ΣHCHs
3.69
2.10
1.71–8.12
14.8
4.99
9.94–23.5
p,p′–DDT
1.11
0.332
0.715–1.84
1.48
0.403
0.849–2.12
o,p′–DDT
0.904
0.421
0.247–1.86
1.45
0.120
0.708–4.13
p,p′–DDD
0.0612
0.0318
<0.04–0.128
0.120
0.109
<0.04–0.316
p,p′–DDE
0.161
0.0680
<0.05–0.246
0.283
0.165
0.0724–0.622
ΣDDTs
2.23
0.615
1.19–3.31
3.34
1.31
1.90–6.23
Aldrin
0.736
0.524
<0.05–1.62
1.28
1.63
0.213–2.45
Heptachlor
0.426
0.554
<0.04–1.75
0.316
0.371
0.0634–1.23
Endrin
0.063
0.0312
<0.04–0.110
0.126
0.0980
<0.04–0.196
ΣOCPs
7.15
3.08
4.07–13.5
19.8
6.65
12.5–30.1
Note. Levels below the LOD were assumed to be half the LOD during the data analysis. aS. D. means standard deviation.Generally, when the rainfall is relatively high, the land runoff of the farmland will increase the erosion by stream, and some OCPs can be released to water from the soil, resulting in an increase in OCPs [10]. Moreover, turbulence caused by rainfall drainage can also lead to the rerelease of OCPs in suspended sediments [11]. The higher level of OCPs found during autumn might be partially attributed to less water flowing. While in spring, the concentration of OCPs was diluted by the stream owing to rich rainfall, and the soil was not easily eroded because of the large vegetation coverage near the valley and the solidification of asphalt or concrete pavement, which resulted in the relatively lower level of OCPs.The highest concentrations of OCPs in samples were detected at S5 (30.1 ng·L−1 in autumn) and S6 (13.5 ng·L−1 in spring), and the lowest was at S9 (4.07 ng·L−1 in spring and 12.5 ng·L−1 in autumn). Sampling point S9 was connected with a wetland park. Meanwhile, the OCPs were diluted with large amounts of water flowed through S9. While the sampling points S5 and S6 were situated upstream, the vegetation coverage was relatively large, and the water environment was relatively stable. Therefore, the levels of OCPs in Jiuxi Valley were mainly affected by the convergence of stream current and the external environment.In the upper reaches of the river, the levels of OCPs at S1 and S2 were relatively low in spring and autumn compared to S3, S4, S5, and S6. S1 and S2 were situated in the neighborhoods, where the soil was rarely exposed and the use of OCPs was limited. S3, S4, S5, and S6 were situated in agricultural areas, and the OCPs were used in agriculture pest control for decades, resulting in high residual levels.In recent years, many OCPs contaminations in surface waters had been reported around the world (Table2). The investigation showed that Jiuxi Valley was slightly contaminated by OCPs. The concentrations of ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs in the river were at relatively low levels. It was difficult to assess large-scale temporal changes in water quality of Jiuxi Valley due to lack of previous studies.Table 2
Comparison of ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs in surface waters (ng·L−1).
Location
ΣHCHs
ΣDDTs
Reference
Yongding river
<0.08–13.87 (spring),
<0.12–194.34 (spring),
[10]
<0.08–19.53 (summer)
<0.12–88.68 (summer)
Honghu lake
0.95–7.04 (dry season),
0.06–0.49 (dry season),
[11]
0.79–4.00 (wet season)
0.15–0.82 (wet season)
River Ravi
2.15–12.73 (postmonsoon),
4.09–33.28 (postmonsoon),
[13]
2.53–6.90 (premonsoon)
3.36–93.15 (premonsoon)
Lake Small Baiyangdian
0.53–6.81
N.D.
[14]
Poyang Lake
4.38–59.65
2.31–33.4
[15]
River Hooghly
8–114
N.D.–26
[16]
River Chenab
3.6–200 (summer),
0.55–550 (summer),
[17]
<6.7–330 (winter)
0.63–580 (winter)
Jiuxi Valley
1.71–8.12 (spring),
1.19–3.31 (spring),
This study
9.94–23.5 (autumn)
1.90–6.23 (autumn)


## 3.2. Seasonal Compositions of OCPs

Changes in the concentrations and compositions of isomers and derivatives of OCPs in the environment keep ongoing, which are connected with the physicochemical properties of the environmental medium and the duration of compounds’ exposure [18]. The concentration changes of HCHs and DDTs were studied to identify the seasonal pollution characteristics.For the individual compounds, four types of HCHs and aldrin were detected at different sampling sites. Four types of DDTs, heptachlor, and endrin were detected at multiple sampling sites.Figures2, 3(a), and 3(b) showed the seasonal compositions of OCPs. In the spring, HCHs were the dominant compounds, contributing 51.6% to the total OCPs, whereas DDTs contributed 31.2% to the total OCPs. Of all HCH isomers investigated, α-HCH was the dominant chemical with the highest level at S6 (5.24 ng·L−1). Among all DDT isomers surveyed, p,p′-DDT was detected with the highest level at S8 (1.84 ng·L−1). In the autumn, HCHs were also the main pollutant, contributing 72.7% to the total OCPs, whereas DDTs contributed 16.4% to the total OCPs. Also, α-HCH and p,p′-DDT were still in large quantities: α-HCH made up 48.6% of the total HCHs, and the maximum concentration was found at S5 (13.0 ng·L−1), whereas p,p′-DDT made up 44.4% of the total DDTs, and the maximum concentration was detected at S6 (2.12 ng·L−1). p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD were observed at relatively low levels in most locations.Figure 2
Concentrations and percentages of HCHs and DDTs in surface water from Jiuxi Valley.Figure 3
Seasonal compositions and of HCHs (a) and DDTs (b) of sampling points.
(a)
(b)At most sampling points in the Jiuxi Valley,α-HCH was the main component of the HCH isomers, which was mainly because of the composition of the technical-grade HCHs. Technical-grade HCH typical contained 55%–80% α-HCH [19–21], and technical-grade HCH and DDT were extensively used in the late 60s and 70s in China [11]. Compared to the other three HCH isomers, β-HCH was nonvolatile and more persistent [10]; therefore, it was more likely to accumulate in the environment and accounted for a relatively large proportion of HCHs in Jiuxi Valley. p,p′-DDT was the main pollutant of DDTs mainly because the technical-grade DDT contained approximately 75% p,p′-DDT [22–24]. In addition, o,p′-DDT also contributed a relatively large proportion of DDTs. Although DDTs were restricted in 1983, China was still producing DDTs due to the production of dicofol. o,p′-DDT and other DDTs remained in the dicofol product as impurities, and o,p′-DDT was the most abundant in these impurities [25]. Dicofol was one of the commonly used insecticides in agriculture, and the sale and use of dicofol in China were not completely banned until 2018.


## 3.3. Sources Identification of OCPs

OCPs participated in various physical and chemical processes after entering the environment. Sources of HCHs and DDTs in surface water might be identified by differences in composition between HCHs or DDTs.HCHs in the environment were mainly derived from historical pesticide residues. The main sources of HCHs included technical-grade HCH and lindane. Technical-grade HCH typically contained 10–15%γ-HCH, while lindane was mainly compounded of γ-HCH (>99%) [26]. The concentration ratio of α-HCH/γ-HCH was often applied to estimating the source of HCHs. In general, this ratio was in the range of 3–7 for technical-grade HCH. The ratios less than 3 indicated the use of lindane was the main source, and ratios above 7 suggested great distances migration or recirculation of technical-grade HCH in the environment [26, 27]. Furthermore, γ-HCH could be isomerized into α-HCH under ultraviolet radiation during long-distance migration, which might make the ratio exceed 7 [28, 29]. In this survey, the ratios of α-HCH/γ-HCH in the surface water of Jiuxi Valley were less than 3, which revealed that the HCHs of Jiuxi Valley were primarily derived from local use of lindane or input of fresh γ-HCH. Actually, the production, use, import, and export of lindane were not banned until March, 2019 [30].p,p′-DDT can be degraded to p,p′-DDE and p,p′-DDD under aerobic conditions and anaerobic conditions, respectively [31, 32]. The concentration ratio of p,p′-(DDE + DDD)/DDT can be applied to estimating the source of DDTs [33, 34]. p,p′-(DDE + DDD)/DDT > 1 indicated that local DDT residues were the primary source, and less than 1 indicated a new DDT input source [35, 36]. In this survey, the ratio of p,p′-(DDE + DDD)/DDT in the surface water of Jiuxi Valley was less than 1 at all sampling points, which suggested that Jiuxi Valley has a new input source for DDT contamination.Other OCPs (including aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin) had been detected in most water samples of Jiuxi Valley, although they had never been used extensively in the region. These compounds might come from other regions and entered the Jiuxi Valley through atmosphere flow. Although many of these chemicals were forbidden in most areas of the Northern Hemisphere, they are still used in Southeast Asia [37, 38]. In addition, probably 45–80% of OCPs migrated to the rest of the earth [39, 40].


## 3.4. Potential Ecological Risk Evaluation

Water quality criteria are critical guidelines on ecological risk evaluation and water environment management. Some water quality standards and guidelines (as shown in Table3) were applied for the evaluation of OCPs contamination and potential risks of surface water from Jiuxi Valley.Table 3
Surface water OCPs concentration standards (μg·L−1).
Country/Organization
γ-HCH
DDTs
Heptachlor
Aldrin
Dieldrin
Endrin
Isodrin
China
2.0
1.0
–
–
–
–
–
United States
0.95
1.1
0.52
3.0
0.24
0.086
–
European union
–
0.025
–
0.01a
Canada
0.01
–
–
–
–
–
–
Note. “–” denotes “no data”; “a” means the sum of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and isodrin.Chinese standards of surface water (GB 3838–2002) specify the limits ofγ-HCH and DDT [41]. The results of this investigation indicated that the levels of OCPs in all tested samples were much lower than this standard.Based on the World Health Organization (WHO) regulations, the limits for the concentration of selected pollutantsγ-HCH, δ-HCH, p,p′-DDT, p, p′-DDE, heptachlor, and aldrin are 2, 2, 2, 2 0.03, 0.03 μg·L−1, respectively [42]. The OCPs levels of this investigation were also within the standard limits set by the WHO.The European Union Directive 2008/105/EC specifies the DDTs concentration limits and the total concentration limits for aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and isodrin [43]. The residual concentrations of DDTs in the spring and autumn of Jiuxi Valley surface water were below the standard limits. Due to the lack of concentrations of dieldrin and isodrin, it was difficult to ascertain whether the total concentration of the sum of aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, and isodrin exceeded the limits of the instruction.The Canadian CCME specifies theγ-HCH concentration limit [44]. The γ-HCH residual concentrations in the spring and autumn of Jiuxi Valley surface water were also below the standard limits.As shown in Table4, EPA developed OCPs criteria of ambient water quality for the environment and human health on the basis of toxicological information [45]. Human health ambient water quality standards represent specific concentration of particular chemicals in water that are not expected to adversely affect human health. Aquatic organism standards represent the highest concentration of particular contaminants in water that are not expected to cause major risks to most aquatic organisms. In this investigation, except for the p,p′-DDT concentration of individual sampling points, the levels of OCPs in Jiuxi Valley were lower than the standard values of chronic toxicity water quality of freshwater aquatic organisms. However, although the γ-HCH at all sampling sites, endrin concentrations at all sampling sites, and β-HCH concentrations at most sampling sites were below the human health water quality standard, and the levels of other tested OCPs (α-HCH, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, aldrin, and heptachlor) exceeded the value of EPA recommended water quality criteria for human health. In particular, the aldrin concentration in the autumn at sampling site S6 was 3,822 times the standard value. With these in mind, OCPs pollution might pose ecological risks to physical health in the district and have limited impact on freshwater aquatic organisms.Table 4
National recommended water quality standards for OCPs (μg·L−1).
OCPs
For human health
For aquatic organisms (freshwater)
Consumption water and organism
Consumption organism only
Publication year
Acute toxicity
Chronic toxicity
Publication year
α-HCH
0.00036
0.00039
2015
—
—
β-HCH
0.0080
0.014
2015
—
—
γ-HCH
4.2
4.4
2015
0.95
—
1995
p,p′-DDD
0.00012
0.00012
2015
—
—
p,p′-DDE
0.000018
0.000018
2015
—
—
p,p′-DDT
0.000030
0.000030
2015
1.1
0.001
1980
Aldrin
0.00000077
0.00000077
2015
3.0
—
1980
Heptachlor
0.0000059
0.0000059
2015
0.52
0.0038
1980
Endrin
0.03
0.03
2015
0.086
0.036
1995
Note. “—” denotes “no data.”


## 4. Conclusions

In present work, the contamination profiles of 11 OCPs in surface water of Jiuxi Valley were determined. The results showed Jiuxi Valley was slightly contaminated by OCPs, and the level of total OCPs in autumn was higher than that in spring. HCHs were the main pollutant in spring, also in autumn, andα-HCH was the main component of the HCH isomers at most sampling points. The HCHs of Jiuxi Valley were mainly derived from the local use of lindane or input of fresh γ-HCH. New inputs were the major sources of DDTs, aldrin, heptachlor, and endrin. The OCP levels of this investigation were within the standard limits set by most of the water quality standards and guidelines. However, although the γ-HCH concentrations at all sampling sites, endrin concentrations at all sampling sites, and β-HCH concentrations at most sampling sites were below the human health water quality standard, the levels of other tested OCPs (α-HCH, p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDT, aldrin, and heptachlor) exceeded the value of EPA-recommended water quality criteria for human health, indicating potential risks to human health in the region. In future work, more effort should be directed towards OCPs in sediments to explore migration and transformation of OCPs between water and the sediment.



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*Source: 5101936-2020-02-27.xml*