Publication: Assessment of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) contamination in relation to physico-chemical parameters in the Upper River Kuja Catchment, Kenya (East Africa)
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2018-12
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International Journal of Fisheries and Aquatic Studies
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Abstract
Concentrations of 17 organochlorine pesticides residues (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH, gamma-HCH, deltaHCH, Heptachlor, Aldrin, Endrin, Endosulfan I, Dieldrin, p,p’-DDT, Endosulfan II, p,p’-DDD, Endrin
aldehyde, p,p’-DDE, Endosulfan sulfate, Heptachlor epoxide and Methoxychlor) were analysed in water
and sediment from Upper River Kuja catchment, Kenya, between January-October 2015, using GasChromatography (GC) with (GC-ECD) equipment. Nutrient levels and water quality parameters: pH
(7.57±0.354), secchi disk (0.05±0.019), dissolved oxygen (DO) (6.96±0.897), temperature
(25.39±2.201), conductivity (62.03±23.123) and hardness (26.39±6.063) contributed to significant
variations in organochlorine pesticide residue levels observed. Statistical significance differences
(p<0.05) between water quality parameters in the sampling stations occurred. Pesticide concentrations
ranged within BDL – 0.263µgl-1
, for Heptachlor, BDL – 0.506 µgl-1 Heptachlor epoxide, BDL – 0.506
Aldrin, BDL – 0.014 Dieldrin, p,p’-DDT, BDL – 0.644 p,p’-DDE, BDL – 0.176 p,p’-DDD, and BDL –
2.220 methoxychlor. Sediment pesticide residues were higher during rainy period. Results indicate
persistent organic pollutants (POPs) exist in our environment, and recent use in sampled area. Increased
aquatic monitoring is recommended to detect persistency and changes in target environment.
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Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research
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