Contamination of liquid milk and butter with pesticide residues in the Ludhiana district of Punjab state, India

Characterization of a novel beta-cypermethrin-degrading strain of Lactobacillus pentosus 3-27 and its effects on bioremediation and the bacterial community of contaminated alfalfa silage

In this study, a novel beta-cypermethrin (beta-cyp)-degrading strain Lactobacillus pentosus 3-27 (LP3-27) was screened from beta-cyp-contaminated silage. The strain could degrade 96% of beta-cyp (50 mg/L) in MSM medium after 4 d of culture, while the strain lost its degradation ability when the beta-cyp concentration reached 250 mg/L. The effects of LP 3-27 on fermentation, bacterial community, and bioremediation of contaminated alfalfa silage at two dry matter (DM) contents were studied. The results showed that inoculation with LP3-27 not only degraded beta-cyp, but also improved the fermentation quality of alfalfa silage after 60 d of ensiling. Meanwhile, L. pentosus dominated the bacterial community during ensiling in LP3-27 inoculated silages, whereas Pediococcus acidilactici was the dominant species in the control silage. LP3-27 inoculation also simplified the bacterial interaction networks of ensiled alfalfa. Beta-cyp degradation was positively correlated with L. pentosus in LP- inoculated silages, which confirmed the function of beta-cyp degradation by L. pentosus. In addition, higher beta-cyp degradation was observed in silage with 35% versus 43% DM. In summary, strain LP3-27 could be used as a candidate inoculum for bioremediation of beta-cyp-contaminated silage and to produce safe silage for animal production.

Climate Change and Livestock Production: A Literature Review

Globally, the climate is changing, and this has implications for livestock. Climate affects livestock growth rates, milk and egg production, reproductive performance, morbidity, and mortality, along with feed supply. Simultaneously, livestock is a climate change driver, generating 14.5% of total anthropogenic Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions. Herein, we review the literature addressing climate change and livestock, covering impacts, emissions, adaptation possibilities, and mitigation strategies. While the existing literature principally focuses on ruminants, we extended the scope to include non-ruminants. We found that livestock are affected by climate change and do enhance climate change through emissions but that there are adaptation and mitigation actions that can limit the effects of climate change. We also suggest some research directions and especially find the need for work in developing country settings. In the context of climate change, adaptation measures are pivotal to sustaining the growing demand for livestock products, but often their relevance depends on local conditions. Furthermore, mitigation is key to limiting the future extent of climate change and there are a number of possible strategies.

A mixed-methods study of pesticide exposures in Breastmilk and Community & Lactating Women's perspectives from Haryana, India

BACKGROUND

Population growth which has resulted in a need for increased crop yields to sustain food security, in addition to the effects of climate change, have led to the widespread use of chemical pesticides. The indiscriminate use of pesticides has in turn led to contamination of the environment, food commodities and bioaccumulation in human tissues, particularly in agrarian regions of India including the northern state of Haryana.

METHODS

We conducted a pilot screening study to investigate the presence of organochlorine, organophosphate, and pyrethroid pesticides in breastmilk samples (n = 75) from Haryana, India. Pesticide analyses were conducted using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for OC and OP pesticides and GC-electron capture detector for pyrethroids. The study was complemented by a qualitative evaluation of maternal and community perceptions, knowledge, attitudes and practices associated with pesticide use and risk of exposure (n = 30 in-depth interviews; n = 9 focus group discussions).

RESULTS

Analysis of breastmilk showed the presence of p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) in 4% (range:

CONCLUSIONS

In our small sample, breastmilk pesticide concentrations were low and did not pose a risk to infants. Based on the persistent nature of many organic pollutants and reported widespread use, we recommend more comprehensive and longitudinal investigation of upstream pesticide contamination in the food supply and exposures among mothers and children.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CTRI/2017/01/007636 , Date Registered: 06/01/2017. CTRI website: http://ctri.nic.in/Clinicaltrials/pdf_generate.php?trialid=17249&EncHid=&modid=&compid=%27,%2717249det%27.

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Key Words

• Focus groups
• In-depth interviews
• Organochlorines
• Organophosphates
• Pyrethroids, Pesticides, Breastmilk

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MESH Headings

• Child, Preschool
• Female
• Humans
• Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated/analysis
• India
• Infant
• Infant, Newborn
• Lactation
• Male
• Milk, Human/chemistry
• Pesticide Residues/analysis
• Pesticides/analysis
• Pregnancy

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Grants

• R21 HD080107 NICHD NIH HHS
• National Institutes of Health (US)
• International Society for Research in Human Milk and Lactation
• Emory Institute for Developing Nations
• Emory University Research Committee

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Affiliation(s)

Rukshan V. Mehta Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Claudia Nance Rollins Building, 5th Floor, 1518 Clifton Road, Atlanta, GA 30329 USA
M. A. Sreenivasa Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India
Mathen Mathew Council for Scientific and Industrial Research – Central Food Technological Research Institute, Mysuru, India
Amy Webb Girard Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA The Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
Sunita Taneja Society for Applied Studies, Centre for Health Research and Development, New Delhi, India
Samriddhi Ranjan Society for Applied Studies, Centre for Health Research and Development, New Delhi, India
Usha Ramakrishnan Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA The Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
Reynaldo Martorell Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA The Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
P. Barry Ryan Gangarosa Department of Environmental Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA
Melissa F. Young Doctoral Program in Nutrition and Health Sciences, Laney Graduate School, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA The Hubert Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA USA

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Organochlorine pesticide residues in raw milk samples collected from dairy farms and urban areas of Lahore district, Pakistan

The current study was employed to investigate the organochlorine pesticides (OCP) concentrations in milk, as the milk we consume, has residues of these notorious pesticides. The residual concentrations of OCP in milk have numerous harmful effects on health especially the children. Therefore, milk was analyzed using gas chromatography equipped with µECD for seven OCP residues, namely α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, Endosulfan-sulphate, DDE, γ-HCH, Dieldrin, and DDT. Three hundred and sixty raw milk samples were collected from urban areas (10 areas of Lahore N = 300) and Dairy Farms (10 farms in Lahore N = 60) from September 2012 to September 2013. Samples were collected after an interval of 2 months, for 12 months. Mean values of OCPs in milk samples from urban areas were reported as α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, Endosulfan-sulphate, DDE, γ-HCH, and Dieldrin with concentration of 17.44 ± 3.99, 35.74 ± 7.50, 20.28 ± 3.95, 2.51 ± 0.55, 0.93 ± 0.16 and 1.12 ± 0.18 µg kg^-1, respectively, while the milk samples from dairy farms with concentration of 26.94 ± 4.63, 59.88 ± 6.76, 32.07 ± 4.51, 4.64 ± 0.48, 1.20 ± 0.17 and 1.93 ± 0.18 µg kg^-1, respectively. None of the samples analyzed were found positive for the presence of DDT, just as none of the samples from area milk shops exceeded the Maximum Residual Limits (MRLs). γ-HCH and β-endosulfan were found higher in dairy farm milk samples than the MRLs. Conclusively, these pesticide residues are present in milk available in Lahore in enough quantity (some exceeding the MRLs) to threaten human health, particularly the infant and children.

Pesticide Residues in Peri-Urban Bovine Milk from India and Risk Assessment: A Multicenter Study

Pesticides residue poses serious concerns to human health. The present study was carried out to determine the pesticide residues of peri-urban bovine milk (n = 1183) from five different sites (Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Guwahati, Ludhiana and Udaipur) in India and dietary exposure risk assessment to adults and children. Pesticide residues were estimated using gas chromatography with flame thermionic and electron capture detectors followed by confirmation on gas chromatography-mass spectrometer. The results noticed the contamination of milk with hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichloro-diphenyl trichloroethane (DDT), endosulfan, cypermethrin, cyhalothrin, permethrin, chlorpyrifos, ethion and profenophos pesticides. The residue levels in some of the milk samples were observed to be higher than the respective maximum residue limits (MRLs) for pesticide. Milk samples contamination was found highest in Bhubaneswar (11.2%) followed by Bangalore (9.3%), Ludhiana (6.9%), Udaipur (6.4%) and Guwahati (6.3%). The dietary risk assessment of pesticides under two scenarios i.e. lower-bound scenario (LB) and upper-bound (UB) revealed that daily intake of pesticides was substantially below the prescribed acceptable daily intake except for fipronil in children at UB. The non-cancer risk by estimation of hazard index (HI) was found to be below the target value of one in adults at all five sites in India. However, for children at the UB level, the HI for lindane, DDT and ethion exceeded the value of one in Ludhiana and Udaipur. Cancer risk for adults was found to be in the recommended range of United States environment protection agency (USEPA), while it exceeded the USEPA values for children.

Plasma paraoxonase1 activity in rats treated with monocrotophos: a study of the effect of duration of exposure

We have earlier demonstrated the potential of monocrotophos (MCP), a highly toxic organophosphorus insecticide (OPI), to elicit insulin resistance in rats after chronic exposure. Given the understanding of role of paraoxonase1 (PON1) in OPI toxicity and diabetes pathology, this study was envisaged to understand the effect of duration of exposure to MCP on plasma PON1 activity in rats. Rats were administered MCP per os at 1/20 and 1/10^th LD₅₀ as daily doses for 180 days. Interim blood samples were collected at 15, 30, 45, 90 and 180 d for analysis of plasma parameters. Exposure to MCP for 45 resulted in persistent trend of hyperinsulinemia, while significant increase in fasting glucose levels was observed after 180 days. MCP caused suppression of plasma cholinesterase activity though the study period, albeit extent of inhibition was more severe during the early phase of the study. Exposure to MCP for 180 d resulted in hypertriglyceridemia and marginal decrease in HDL-C levels. MCP failed to modulate PON1 activity in plasma during the early phase of the study (up to 45 d). However, prolonged exposure resulted in significant increase in the plasma PON1 activity. This suggests that manifestation of insulin resistance in rats subjected to chronic exposure to MCP is associated with increase in PON1 activity. Our work provides rationale for studying whether the increase in PON1 activity observed in the present study serves to counter the deleterious effect of long term exposure to organophosphorus insecticides on metabolic homeostasis.

Organochlorine concentrations in aquatic organisms from different trophic levels of the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem and their implications for human consumption

The Sundarbans, a highly biodiverse tropical ecosystem stretching across India and Bangladesh, is also the largest mangrove forest in the world. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) have been extensively used for agriculture and sanitary purposes in the region. OCs can accumulate in biological tissues and biomagnify in organisms through food webs, for which reason they reach high concentrations in top predators. Because marine food webs are long and marine predators are extensively used in the region as human food, assessment of potential health-related risks caused by OC pollution is in order. This study is the first to determine the concentration of PCBs in fish and crustaceans from the Sundarbans mangroves, their accumulation trends through the food web, and the potential toxicological risk that their consumption poses to humans. DDT concentrations, which had already been assessed in the region, were also determined. The median concentrations ranged from below detection limits to 176.3 ng g^-1 lipid weight for tDDT and 275.9  ng g^-1 for PCBs. Overall, these concentrations were lower than those usually observed in other regions of the world, apparently as a result of the interplay of several factors: low environmental organochlorine inputs, the physical and climatic characteristics of an ecosystem dominated by high temperatures in a highly flushed ecosystem that dilutes and rapidly disperses pollutants, and the comparatively short food chain lengths that, similarly to other mangrove ecosystems, characterize the Sundarbans. Organochlorine concentrations were 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than commonly accepted tolerance levels, so their consumption do not pose a sensible risk to the population. However, concentrations of DDT in dry fish from retail markets were higher because this compound is used for pest control during fish processing. Potential risks involved in this practice likely outweigh potential benefits, so it is recommended that this compound is substituted by less hazardous alternatives.

Development, validation of QuEChERS-based method for simultaneous determination of multiclass pesticide residue in milk, and evaluation of the matrix effect

Extraction and quantification of pesticide residue from the milk matrix at or below the established maximum residue limit (MRL) is a challenging task for both analytical chemists and the regulatory institutions to take corrective actions for the human health and safety. The main aim of the study is to develop a simple rapid and less expensive QuEChERS extraction and cleanup method for simultaneous analysis of 41 multiclass pesticide residue in milk by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD), followed by confirmation of the residues with gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS). Effect of sorbent type, temperature, spiking concentration, matrix effect (ME), measurement uncertainty (MU), inter- and intra-assay repeatability, reproducibility of recovery, and trueness of the results were investigated to validate the effectiveness of the method. Limit of determination (LOD) and limit of quantitation (LOQ) for all the analytes ranged within 0.001-0.02 and 0.002-0.05 µg mL^-1, respectively. The % recovery of all the pesticides ranged between 91.38 and 117.56% with relative standard deviation (RSD) below 2.79%. The MU for all the analytes was ≤29% of respective LOQs, and except for few pesticides, the ME was largely negative. The method fulfilled all the SANTE guidelines and thus can be extended for routine analysis of multiclass pesticide residue in milk.

Persistent Organic Pollutants Residues in Human Breast Milk from Bathinda and Ludhiana Districts of Punjab, India

In the present study, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including six congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides, were estimated in human breast milk samples collected from two districts of Punjab (India). The mean concentrations of POP residues were recorded higher in Bathinda district (PCBs: 33.7; DDTs: 519.2; HCHs: 46.6 ng g^-1 lipid wt.) than Ludhiana (PCBs: 24.2; DDTs; 415.3; HCHs; 35.5 ng g^-1 lipid wt.). Levels of PCBs and DDTs were observed higher in primiparas, whereas HCHs residues were seen more in multiparas. Risk analysis to POPs exposure through breast milk reflected that the daily intake for some infants was close to or above the tolerable daily intake limit for detrimental effects, which may raise a health concern. Comparative evaluation of present data indicated that DDT and HCHs residue levels in human breast milk from Punjab, India were among the lowest values reported for developing countries. The first-order kinetic reaction at a steady-state condition used to estimate the half-life of DDT and HCH suggested that DDT levels have declined from 18,211 to 490 ng g^-1 lipid wt. with a half-life (Tdec_1/2) of 3.25 years over a span of 15 years. Similarly, HCH levels have decreased from 8609 to 46.6 ng g^-1 in this duration with Tdec_1/2 of 2.25 years. Because some infants are still at risk, continuous monitoring of POPs in human milk is needed for surveillance and interpretation of time trends and for linkage to strict enforcement of agricultural regulations.

Effect of food processing on degradation of hexachlorocyclohexane and its isomers in milk

AIM

To study the effect of different food processing techniques on the degradation of organochlorine compounds (α, β, ɣ and δ hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCH)) residues in both natural and fortified samples of milk.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Raw milk samples are collected from the local areas of Hyderabad, India. Naturally and fortified milk samples (HCH) were subjected to various food processing techniques, pasteurization (63ºC for ½ h), sterilization (121ºC for 15 min) and boiling for 5 min and analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector using quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe method for multiresidue analysis of pesticides in milk with slight modification.

RESULTS

The final mean residual concentration of pesticide in milk after heat processing and percentage of degradation were calculated with respective treatments.

CONCLUSION

Heat treatments are highly effective on reduction of mean residual concentration of HCH in milk. In which Sterilization and boiling proved to be more effective in degradation of HCH isomers.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and pesticides in milk powder

This Research Communication reports analysis of 37 compounds comprising polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine and organophosphate pesticides (OCPS and OPPS) in milk powder (one brand each of commercial infant formulae, follow-on formulae and baby formulae purchased from a local supermarket in Romania). The selected analytes were investigated using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD) and gas chromatography with thermionic sensitive detection (GC-TSD). The estimated limits of detection for most target analytes were in the μg/kg level (range 0·001-0·320 µg/kg). The purpose of the study was to determine the selected analytes, to assess the exposure of babies and infants and to produce data for comparison with tolerable limits according to the European Union Regulations. In most of the samples the organochlorine pesticides values were under the limit of detection. Exceptions were heptachlor epoxide and endosulfan sulphate, the last of which was found in all analysed samples at low concentrations. We also found detectable levels of ethoprophos, parathion-methyl, chlorpyrifos, prothiofos, guthion, disulfoton and fenchlorphos in most of the analysed samples. Benzo[a]pyrene, which is used as an indicator for the presence of PAHs, was not detected in selected samples. The low level of exposure to contaminants indicates that there are no health risks for the infants and babies that consume this brand of milk powder formulae.

Biodegradation of two organophosphorus pesticides in whole corn silage as affected by the cultured Lactobacillus plantarum

Biodegradation of the pesticides is considered as one of the safest and cheapest ways. The aim of the present study was to reveal if the inoculated Lactic acid bacteria widely used in silage could provide beneficial safety to guarantee dairy feedstuffs and fresh milk. Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) degradation in whole corn silage was investigated. Two OPPs, chlorpyrifos and phorate, were added to the whole corn, which was inoculated with L. plantarum 1.0315, L. plantarum 1.0624, L. plantarum 1.0622 and their combination at room temperature for 10 weeks. OPPs residues in the whole corn silage at different weeks were analyzed by gas chromatography after OPPs extraction and purification. The degradation rate constants were calculated according to the OPPs residues results at different fermentation stage. The data showed that the inoculated microorganisms and strain combination exhibited obvious acceleration on OPPs degradation as the wild microorganisms did, and resulted in decreased levels of OPPs from 24.9 to 33.4 %. Strains combination brought about greater OPPs degradation than single strain or the wild microorganisms. Compared to phorate, clorpyrifos had lower degradation rate constants (0.0274–0.0381 vs. 0.0295–0.0355 week⁻¹) and was more stable. The present result indicates safety benefit of lactic acid bacteria on corn silage besides lactic acid fermentation.

Occurrence and spatial distribution of pesticide residues in butter and ghee (clarified butter fat) in Punjab (India)

The present study was undertaken to monitor organochlorine, organophosphate, and synthetic pyrethroid pesticide residues in butter (n = 55) and ghee (n = 56) samples collected from three different regions of Punjab. The estimation of pesticide residues was done by multiple residue analytical technique using gas chromatography equipped with GC-ECD and GC-FTD. The confirmation of residues was done on gas chromatography mass spectrometry in both selective ion monitoring (SIM) and scan mode. Results indicated the presence of hexacholorocyclohexane (HCH) and p,p' DDE as predominant contaminant in both butter and ghee. Residues of HCH were detected in 25 and 23% samples of butter and ghee, respectively, while residues of p,p' DDE were recorded in 29 and 25% of butter and ghee samples, respectively. None of the butter and ghee sample violated the MRL values of 200 ng g(-1) for HCH and 1250 ng g(-1) for dichorodiphenyl tricholorethane (DDT). The presence of endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin, and chlorpyrifos were observed in a few butter and ghee samples at traces. The spatial variation for comparative occurrence of pesticide residues indicated higher levels in the south-western region of Punjab. Additionally, the temporal variation indicated the significant reduction of HCH and DDT levels in butter and ghee in Punjab.

Distribution and risk assessment of suspected endocrine-disrupting pesticides in creek water of Mumbai, India

The present study deals with the investigation of existing pollution levels and potential ecological risk assessment of endocrine-disrupting organochlorine and organophosphorous pesticide residues in the Vasai Creek water near Mumbai. The average concentration of α- and β-endosulfan (137.75 ng·L(-1)) exceeds the chronic criteria level of α- and β-endosulfan (6.5 ng·L(-1)) set by US EPA for freshwater aquatic organisms. The concentration levels of aldrin (75.31 ng·L(-1)), dieldrin (71.19 ng·L(-1)) and endrin (76.60 ng·L(-1)) was found to exceed the respective criteria levels of <0.13, 65.1, and 61 ng·L(-1) as set by US EPA for protection of freshwater aquatic organisms. In addition, the level of chlorpyrifos (208.77 ng·L(-1)) exceeds the recommended concentration value of <35 ng·L(-1) set by Ministry of Environment of British Colombia. The results of our study give an indication of probable ecotoxicological risk to the marine breeding organisms of creek.

Persistent organic pesticide residues in sediments of Vasai Creek near Mumbai: Assessment of sources and potential ecological risk

Thirteen persistent organic pesticides were investigated in the sediments of Vasai Creek near Mumbai to evaluate their pollution levels and potential risks. It was observed that ΣOCPs level was in the range of 597-1538ng/g dw, with an average value of 1115.25ng/g dw. The level of ΣOPPs was in the range of 492-1034ng/g dw, with an average value of 798.15ng/g dw. The values o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT ratio gives an indication of use of technical DDT as the prime source of DDT, while the α/γ-BHC ratio indicate that BHCs in study area might have been received from fresh lindane. The results of an ecological risk assessment showed that sediment bound organic pesticides are of more ecotoxicological concern as they might create adverse ecological risk to the marine breeding habitats. These pesticides residues may get remobilize and released to overlying waters creating adverse effects on terrestrial and aquatic organisms.

Pesticide Residues in Bovine Milk in Punjab, India: Spatial Variation and Risk Assessment to Human Health

In the present study, gas chromatographic analysis of pesticide residues in bovine milk (n = 312) from Punjab, India, showed chlorpyrifos, DDT, and γ-HCH as the predominant contaminants. In addition, the presence of β-endosulfan, endosulfan suphate, cypermethrin, cyhalothrin, fenvalerate, deltamethrin, malathion, profenofos, and ethion was reported in milk samples. In this study, it was observed that 12 milk samples exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for γ-HCH (lindane), 18 for DDT and chlorpyrifos, and 1 sample each for endosulfan, cypermethrin, and profenophos. In India, DDT is still permitted for a malaria control program, which may be the plausible reason for its occurrence in milk samples. The spatial variation for presence of pesticide residues in milk indicated greater levels in cotton-growing areas of Punjab. At current levels of pesticide residues in bovine milk, the human health risk assessment in terms of noncancer and cancer hazard was calculated based on both lower-bound [LB (mean residue levels)] and upper-bound [UP (95th percentile level)] limits. It was noticed that cancer and noncancer risk were within United States Environmental Protection Agency prescribed limits for both adults and children at the LB, but children were being exposed to greater risk for DDT and HCH at the 95th-percentile UB level.

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in raw buffalo milk from agroindustrial areas in Assiut, Egypt

Raw buffalo milk samples from the agroindustrial zone in upper Egypt were analyzed for the presence of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy. Five organochlorine pesticides namely, alachlor, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, lindane and methoxychlor and three organophosphorus pesticides chlorpyrifos, malathion, and parathion-methyl were detected in the milk samples. In 44% of the samples, the concentrations of lindane and malathion residues exceeded tolerance levels set by the European Commission (EC) in 2008. In addition, the concentrations of chlorpyrifos, methoxychlor, and hexachlorobenzene residues exceeded the 2008 EC maximum residual limits (MRLs) by 33, 66, and 88% of the examined samples, respectively. However, the levels of alachlor, dieldrin, and parathion-methyl residues were below EC MRLs. The results of this study confirm the risks of pesticide residues exposure that threaten consumer health in Egypt. Thus, we recommend that pesticide residue monitoring programs be instituted in all the developing countries.

Susceptibility of nine organophosphorus pesticides in skimmed milk towards inoculated lactic acid bacteria and yogurt starters

BACKGROUND

Previous research has shown that fresh milk might be polluted by some organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs). In this study the dissipation of nine OPPs, namely chlorpyrifos, chlorpyrifos-methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos, fenthion, malathion, phorate, pirimiphos-methyl and trichlorphon, in skimmed milk was investigated to clarify their susceptibility towards lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and yogurt starters.

RESULTS

Skimmed milk was spiked with nine OPPs, inoculated with five strains of LAB and two commercial yogurt starters at 42 °C for 24 and 5 h respectively and subjected to quantitative OPP analysis by gas chromatography. Degradation kinetic constants of these OPPs were calculated based on a first-order reaction model. OPP dissipation in the milk was enhanced by the inoculated strains and starters, resulting in OPP concentrations decreasing by 7.0-64.6 and 7.4-19.2% respectively. Totally, the nine OPPs were more susceptible to Lactobacillus bulgaricus, as it enhanced their degradation rate constants by 18.3-133.3%. Higher phosphatase production of the assayed stains was observed to bring about greater OPP degradation in the milk.

CONCLUSION

Both LAB and yogurt starters could enhance OPP dissipation in skimmed milk, with the nine OPPs studied having different susceptibilities towards them. Phosphatase was a key factor governing OPP dissipation. The LAB of higher phosphatase production have more potential to decrease OPPs in fermented foods.

Monitoring of pesticide residues in human breast milk from Punjab, India and its correlation with health associated parameters

This study was undertaken to determine the present status of pesticide residues in breast milk from Punjab. A total of 127 breast milk samples were analyzed and pesticide residues were detected in 25 % of the milk samples. Residues of cyfluthrin, fenvalerate, cypermethrin, profenophos, γ-HCH, β-HCH, chlorpyriphos, monocrotophos, p,p' DDE and phosalone were detected with mean levels of 63.04, 11.69, 3.63, 2.66, 2.64, 2.29, 1.91, 1.63, 0.56 and 0.29 ng g(-1), respectively. Cyfluthrin was leading pesticide detected in breast milk contributing 31.28 % to the total residue load. It was observed that the residue levels were decreasing with increase in parity and age of mother and cyfluthrin had highest mean concentration of 90.63 ng g(-1) in the first parity and 21.11 ng g(-1) in youngest age group. Residue levels were higher in urban population than the rural population although, statistically non-significant difference was found between the two (p > 0.05).

Assessment of health risk from organochlorine pesticides residues in high-fat spreadable foods produced in Poland

Currently, butter and margarine are food products attracting wide customer interest. Every day, consumers around the world buy these products for human consumption. Butter is obtained from milk fat, while margarine is derived from vegetable oils. The content of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues was examined in both types of these high fatty products. A gas chromatograph with MSD (HP 5973) detector was used for the determination of pesticides such as α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, DDT, DDD, DDE, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide. The examined products had diverse concentrations of the analyzed compounds. Visible was the division based on the origin of the product, which might be composed of animal or vegetable fats. The research has revealed the presence of OCP residues in all examined spreads. Quantities of organochlorine compounds did not pose an immediate danger to the consumers' health. Human and environmental health risk assessment was carried out by the estimation of lifetime average daily dose (LADD) and non-carcinogenic health hazard quotient (HQ). Total estimated LADD ranged between 1.3 × 10(-5) and 3.1 × 10(-5) mg kg(-1) d(-1) for butter, and 1.9 × 10(-6) and 4.6 × 10(-6) mg kg(-1) d(-1) for margarine and mix spread. The HQ ranged between 1.1 × 10(-4) and 3.7 × 10(-4) for butter, and 1.4 × 10(-5) and 9.0 × 10(-6) for margarine and mix spread for adults. These estimated HQs were within the safe acceptable limits, indicating a negligible risk to the residents of the study area.

Pesticide residues in human breast milk: risk assessment for infants from Punjab, India

Punjab state in India is an agrarian society, where agriculture is the lifeline of farming community. To keep pace with increasing demands of food for growing population the indiscriminate use of pesticides has led to the contamination of environment and food commodities in this region. Analysis of human breast milk samples (n=53) for pesticide residues revealed the presence of β-, γ-HCH, p,p' DDD, p,p' DDE, p,p' DDT and endrin with mean concentration of 97.9, 101.7, 239.8, 1574.1, 100.3 and 90.7 ng g(-1) lipid wt., respectively. In addition, occurrence of β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulphate, cypermethrin and chlorpyrifos in this study have also been reported for the first time in human breast milk in Punjab, India. With increase in parity, HCH and DDT residue burden in donor's milk decreased. Although levels of HCH and DDT residues in breast milk samples have decreased significantly, yet estimated daily intake values for DDT are higher than the FAO/WHO permissible tolerable daily intake values for few infants.

Monitoring of pesticide residue in bovine milk from Nadia district, West Bengal

Monitoring of 210 bovine milk samples collected from local markets in the Nadia district of West Bengal during 2011 was performed. Samples were collected in summer and winter seasons. Analysis of pesticides was performed by using a multiresidue method validated in the laboratory. The quantification was performed using GC-ECD. Analysis revealed the presence of lindane in less than 1 % of milk samples. Endosulfan I and II were also detected and were found to exceed MRL recommended by Codex. Overall 1.90 % of the analyzed samples showed trace to measurable amount of pesticide residues. The monitored area provided pesticide residues data of milk, assisting in future scientific assessment on pesticide usage.

Spatial gradients of OCPs in European butter--integrating environmental and exposure information

The Stockholm Convention and the Global Monitoring Plan encourage the production of monitoring data to effectively evaluate the presence of the persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in all regions, in order to identify changes in levels over time, as well as to provide information on their regional and global environmental transport. Here, we report the first step of two to investigate whether butter is a feasible matrix to screen with the purpose to reflect regional ambient atmospheric air levels of POPs. The first step described here is to generate monitoring data; the second is to investigate the relationship between the two matrixes, i.e., POP concentrations in air and butter, which will be reported in another article published in this journal. Here, the 27 organochlorine pesticides listed under the Stockholm Convention have been analyzed in 75 butter samples from Europe. The general conclusions were as follows: Total organochlorine pesticide concentration is lower in butter from northern and central Europe. The spatial gradient of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-di(4-chlorophenyl)ethane and hexachlorocyclohexane is increasing in the eastern region of Europe (Romania, Bulgaria, and Ukraine), dieldrin towards France, and endosulfan levels were elevated on the Azores Island in the Atlantic Ocean. One butter sample from Romania exceeded the European Maximum Residue Limit value for lindane, but the other butter pesticide levels were all below the limit values. The dataset reported here can be used for the calibration of the air-grass-dairy products model, which would support the feasibility to use butter as biomonitor for measuring POP levels in ambient air.

Residues levels of organochlorine pesticide in cow's milk from industrial farms in Hidalgo, Mexico

A survey was carried out from 2008 to 2010 to determine the concentrations of 16 organochlorine pesticide residues (OPRs) from Tizayuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. Organochlorine residue determinations were made from milk fat, using chromatographic cleanup and analysis by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The OPR concentrations found were from below the detection limit (DL) to 0.91 ng g(-1) in 2008, DL to 0.38 ng g(-1) in 2009 and DL to 0.59 ng g(-1) in 2010. In general concentrations of organochlorine pesticides were higher in the wet season (3.37 ng g(-1) and 4.79 ng g(-1)) than the dry season (1.92 ng g(-1) and 2.71 ng g(-1)) for 2009 and 2010, due to control of pests in the pasture and sheds. According to Codex Alimentarius regulations, individual pesticides did not exceed the permissible limits, which for example were 10 μg kg(-)1 for alpha hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and endosulfan I, 20 μg kg(-1) for p,p'-DDT, and 6 μg kg(-1) for dieldrin, endrin and heptachlor. A reduction of organochlorine pesticide concentrations in cow's milk was noted, indicating that the Mexican government has achieved reduction or elimination of some organochlorine pesticides in response to global agreements on persistent organic pollutants.

Oxidative stress and cholinesterase inhibition in plasma, erythrocyte and brain of rats' pups following lactational exposure to malathion

The organophosphorus (OP) pesticide malathion is a highly neurotoxic compound. Some studies have reported neurotoxicity signs after in utero exposure to OP pesticides. However there is no evidence of the exclusive contribution of the lactational exposure to malathion as a possible cause of neurotoxicity in rats' pups. In this respect, we investigated the exclusive contribution of malathion (200 mg/kg, b.w.) exposure through maternal milk in rat pups during lactation. We evaluated the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), as well as on biochemical parameters related to the oxidative stress such lipoperoxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in the brain, plasma and erythrocytes of rats' pups at 21st postnatal day (Pnd). These parameters were also evaluated in the same tissues but at 51 Pnd. Our results showed that the malathion exposure during lactation induced a high inhibitory effect of the brain, plasma and erythrocyte AChE and BChE activities in rat pups. Many changes were observed in the biochemical parameters related to the oxidative stress for pups brain, plasma and erythrocyte. The present study shows, for the first time, that the exposure of postnatal pups to malathion via lactation inhibits the activity of brain, plasma and erythrocytes cholinesterase in the pups. These findings suggest that malathion exposure during lactation induced a cerebral alterations and oxidative stress in rat pups.

Contamination levels and spatial distribution of organochlorine pesticides in soils from India

Organochlorine pesticides, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), are potential chemical pollutants extensively used for agriculture and vector control purposes due to low cost and high effectiveness. Concentrations of HCH and DDT were determined in 175 surface soil samples from different agricultural fields, fallow and urban lands of districts Nagaon and Dibrugarh, Assam, India. The mean concentrations of total HCH and total DDT were 825 ng/g (range: 98-1945 ng/g) and 903 ng/g (range: 166-2288 ng/g) in district Nagaon while 705 ng/g (range: 178-1701 ng/g) and 757 ng/g (range: 75-2296 ng/g) in district Dibrugarh, respectively. The soils from paddy fields contained highest amounts of HCH and DDT residues. Total organic carbon was found to be positively associated with soil HCH and DDT residues. Ratios of DDT/(DDD+DDE) were 1.25 and 1.82 while of α/γ HCH were 2.78 and 2.51 for districts Dibrugarh and Nagaon, respectively. Source identification revealed that soil residue levels have originated from long past and recent mixed source of technical HCH and Lindane for HCHs and mainly technical DDT for DDTs. Spatial distribution was also investigated to identify the areas with higher pesticide loadings in soil.

Assessment of organochlorine pesticides in human milk and risk exposure to infants from North-East India

Despite the worldwide ban on use of persistent organochlorine pesticides, their usage continued until recently in India, for vector-borne disease eradication programs and agricultural purposes. The concentrations of organochlorine contaminants, DDT and HCH, have been determined in human breast milk from Dibrugarh and Nagaon districts of Assam state, North-East India. The results demonstrated that the mean levels of total DDT were 3210 ng/g lipid wt. and 2870 ng/g lipid wt. and total HCH were 2720 ng/g lipid wt. and 2330 ng/g lipid wt. in Nagaon and Dibrugarh respectively. There was no significant difference in the levels of investigated pollutants between the two districts. Significant differences in ADI (Average daily intake) for total DDT were found between the two districts. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between OCP levels in breast milk and age of mothers. Based on OCP levels in human breast milk, the ADI by the infants has been estimated. It has been found that high daily intake of DDTs and HCHs by the infants exceeded the TDI (Tolerable daily intake) which implied that infants of the region are potentially at high risk by these contaminants.

Organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in cow's, buffalo's, and sheep's milk from Afyonkarahisar region, Turkey

In this study, it was aimed to determine organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in three types of milk (cow's, buffalo's, and sheep's milk) produced in Afyonkarahisar province of Turkey. The results indicated that these milk specimens were found to be contaminated by 21 different pesticides. Sixteen OCP residues were detected in sheep's milk and it was followed with 14 pesticides in buffalo's milk and 11 pesticides in cow's milk. Dominant pesticides in all samples examined were beta-HCH in buffalo's, cow's, and sheep's milk in the concentrations of 63.36, 91.32, and 122.98 ng/ml, respectively. Total OCP levels were found to be 243.81 ng/ml in sheep's milk, 151.02 ng/ml in cow's milk, and 133.38 ng/ml in buffalo's milk. Some of the pesticides detected were found to be in the excess amount of the acceptable level regarding the EU regulations.

Organochlorine pesticide in fresh and pasteurized cow's milk from Kampala markets

Fresh and pasteurized milk samples from Kampala markets were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. Five organochlorine pesticides, namely; aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, lindane, DDT and its metabolites were detected in the milk samples and confirmed with a gas chromatograph equipped with a mass spectrometer [GC-MS]. The mean values are expressed in mgkg(-1) milk fat (mf) basis. The mean concentration in the fresh milk (n=54) were: 0.026 ± 0.003 mg kg(-1) mf; 0.002 ± 0.0003 mg kg(-1), below the detection limit; 0.007 ± 0.003 mg kg(-1), 0.009 ± 0.002 mg kg(-1) milk fat for lindane, endosulfan dieldrin and aldrin, respectively. The mean concentrations of p,p'-DDE; p,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDT were 0.009 ± 0.002 mg kg(-1); 0.033 ± 0.007 mg kg(-1) and 0.008 ± 0.001 mg kg(-1) mf, respectively in the fresh milk samples. In the pasteurized milk samples (n=47), the mean concentrations recorded were: 0.008 ± 0.003 mg kg(-1), 0.025 ± 0.004 mg kg(-1), and 0.007 ± 0.001 mg kg(-1), respectively for p,p'-DDE; p,p'-DDT and o,p'-DDT. Alpha and beta-endosulfan recorded the concentration below the detection limit and the mean of 0.022 ± 0.001 mg kg(-1) mf, 0.005 ± 0.002 mg kg(-1) mf, and 0.006 ± 0.0002 mg kg(-1) mf, respectively for lindane, dieldrin and aldrin. Although, most of the residues detected were above the residue limits set by the FAO/WHO (2008), bioaccumulation of these residues is likely to pose health risks to the consumers of milk in Uganda.

Degradation kinetics of seven organophosphorus pesticides in milk during yoghurt processing

Bovine milk spiked with seven organophosphorus pesticides, i.e., dimethoate, fenthion, malathion, methyl parathion, monocrotophos, phorate and trichlorphon, was fermented at 42?C with commercial directed vat set (DVS) starters to investigate the degradation kinetics of the pesticides during yoghurt processing. The spiked pesticides were extracted from the prepared samples with an organic solvent and analyzed by gas chromatography after purification. Based on published results that the degradation kinetics of pesticides is first order, the rate constant of degradation and the half live period of the pesticides were calculated. The results indicated that degradation of the pesticides in milk during yoghurt processing were enhanced by one or both starters, except for malathion, and the two commercial DVS starters had different influences on the degradation kinetics of the pesticides.

Passive air sampling of organochlorine pesticides in a northeastern state of India, Manipur

Thirty-six polyurethane foam disk passive air samplers (PUF-PAS) were deployed over a year during January to December, 2009 at three locations, i.e., Imphal (urban site), Thoubal (rural site) and Waithou (alpine site) of Manipur, to assess the seasonal local atmospheric emission of selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The average concentration of HCHs monitored at mountain site during hot season (Mar, Apr, and May) and rainy seasons (Jun, Jul, Aug, and Sep) were 403 and 349 pg/m3, respectively. DDTs had a high concentration with 384 pg/m3 at rural site and 379 pg/m3 at urban site during hot seasons. Endosulfans and chlordane were found high in concentration during hot seasons (260 pg/m3) and low during retreating monsoon seasons (44 pg/m3) at rural site. Most of the OCPs concentrations were high during cultivation period. The OCP concentrations of rainy season were highly correlated (p < 0.01) with OCPs of hot seasons. Further, positive correlation (p < 0.05) was also obtained between cold seasons and retreating monsoon. Principal component analysis showed a significant correlation among the four seasons and distribution pattern of OCPs in air. Back trajectory analysis by using HYPSLIT model showed a long range air transport of OCPs to the present study area. Present OCP levels at Manipur is an outcome of both local emission and also movement of air mass by long range atmospheric transport.

Adverse effects of lactational exposure to chlorpyrifos in suckling rats

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the oxidative damage, biochemical and histopathological alterations in sucking rats whose mothers were exposed to the insecticide chlorpyrifos (CPF). Dams were administered CPF, via oral route. Doses equalled 0.01 mg kg(-1) body weight (b.wt.; acceptable daily intake, ADI), 1.00 mg kg(-1) b.wt. (no observed adverse effects level, NOAEL) and 1.35 mg kg(-1) b.wt. (1/100 lethal dose [LD(50)]) from postnatal day 1 until day 20 after delivery. At two high doses of CPF, the body weight gain and relative liver and kidney weight of suckling pups were significantly decreased. Exposure of the mothers to CPF caused increase in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) in lactating pups. CPF altered the level of the marker parameters related to the liver and kidneys. Consistent histological changes were found in the liver and kidneys of the subjected pups, especially at the higher doses. The results suggested that the transfer of CPF intoxication through the mother's milk has resulted in oxidative stress and biochemical and histopathological alterations in the suckling pups. The data of this study may be considered as a contribution to the problem of lactational transfer of the relatively less persistent OP pesticides, such as CPF.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in dairy products in Jordan

The use of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has been banned in Jordan officially in 1981, and of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in 1995. However, residues of such compounds can still be found in the environment and in foodstuffs. Dairy products are an important exposure route for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) to humans. For this reason, the presence of OCP residues in 233 dairy product samples; comprising milk, butter, cheese, labaneh and yoghurt collected from Jordan was determined. All samples were analyzed for their residual contents of aldrin, DDT and metabolites (DDTs), dieldrin, endosulfan isomers, endrin, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), heptachlor and HCB. Levels of these compounds were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results indicated that 9% (21/233), 8.5% (20/233), 6% (14/233) and 2.1% (5/233) of the examined samples were contaminated with beta-HCH, pp'-DDE, alpha-HCH and gamma-HCH, respectively. Heptachlor and alpha-endosulfan were only present in less than 2% of the analyzed samples. None of the samples revealed the presence of aldrin, op'-DDD, pp'-DDD, op'-DDE, op'-DDT, pp'-DDT, dieldrin, beta-endosulfan, endrin and HCB at their detection limits. The order for the contamination in the analyzed dairy products was labaneh>cheese>yoghurt>butter>milk. This study has provided the preliminary information on the concentration of OCPs in dairy products for the first time in Jordan. The results will help in a scientific assessment of the implications of pesticide residues with regards to human risks in Jordan.

Epidemiological study of high cancer among rural agricultural community of Punjab in Northern India

Based on a citizen’s report, a house-to-house survey was conducted in Talwandi Sabo and Chamkaur Sahib Community Development Blocks in Bathinda and Roop Nagar District respectively in Punjab state located in a northern part of India to identify the number of existing cancer cases, and the number of cancer deaths that occurred in the last 10 years. Age adjusted prevalence of confirmed cancer cases per 100,000 population was 125 (107/85315) in Talwandi Sabo and 72 (71/97928) in Chamkaur Sahib. Cancer of female reproductive system, i.e., breast, uterus/cervix and ovary were more common in Talwandi sabo whereas cancer of blood and lymphatic system, esophagus, and bones were more common in Chamkaur Sahib. Cancer deaths per 100,000 populations per year were 52 in Talwandi Sabo compared to 30 at Chamkaur Sahib. A comparison of the characteristics of randomly selected individuals, from the villages where a cancer case existed or death due to cancer had occurred in last 2 years, revealed that involvement in cultivation, pesticide use, alcohol consumption and smoking were more common in Talwandi Sabo as compared to Chamkaur Sahib. Limited studies show that in drinking water the levels of heavy metals such as As, Cd, Cr, Se, Hg were generally higher, and pesticides such as heptachlor, ethion, and chloropyrifos were also higher in samples of drinking water, vegetables, and blood in Talwandi Sabo as compared to Chamkaur Sahib. As multiple factors were responsible for significantly higher prevalence of cancer cases in Talwandi Sabo, therefore, a multi-pronged strategy to discourage the indiscriminate use of pesticides, tobacco and alcohol needs to be adopted for cancer prevention, and a cancer registry should be set up for elucidation of the role of pesticides and heavy metals in the etiology of cancer in this area.

Modulation of tricarboxylic acid cycle dehydrogenases during hepatocarcinogenesis induced by hexachlorocyclohexane in mice

The sequential distribution of key tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzymes have been investigated during hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in Swiss mice. Animals were continuously exposed to HCH (500ppm) for 2, 4, and 6 months until liver tumor developed. The activity of TCA cycle enzymes such as isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH), succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), and malate dehydrogenase (MDH) have been studied. The activity of all the enzymes declined after 2 months of exposure of HCH in the liver. The neoplastic nodules and tumors developed after an exposure of HCH for 4 and 6 months, respectively. Neoplastic nodule and tumor showed wide variations in the activity and distribution of TCA cycle enzymes. The decreasing pattern in the activity of enzymes persisted in the non-neoplastic and non-tumor regions of the liver except SDH. However, the cells in nodular area and tumor showed intense enzymatic activities at cellular level. In the nodular region SDH activity declined prominently, whereas the non-nodular area showed positive reaction. Conspicuously, the tumor showed islands of positive and negative zones for TCA cycle dehydrogenases. The significance and relevance of such a distribution pattern still remains a mystery. The results are discussed in the light of HCH-induced toxicity on energy metabolism in exposed animals and possible role of such enzymes in the tumor formation.

Risk assessment of the organophosphate pesticides isazofos and pyraclofos using a 21-day dietary toxicity study in Japanese quail

Six-week-old male and female Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica) received two organophosphate pesticides, isazofos and pyraclofos, for a 21-day dietary toxicity test, based on the OECD workshop report. During the treatment period, body weight and food consumption of the quail decreased with exposure to either isazofos or pyraclofos. Using the up-and-down procedure to determine the 50% mortality value, we found that the 21-day LC(50) of isazofos and pyraclofos were 40 and 87 mg/kg body weight, respectively. Ataxia, salivation, diarrhea, ruffled feathers, and convulsions at a dead point were observed with both pesticides. The tips of the villi were necrotic in the high dosage groups of isazofos- and pyraclofos-treated quail. Based on these results, body weight, food consumption, clinical signs, and histopathological findings may be useful parameters for detecting the dietary toxicity associated with isazofos and pyraclofos exposure. In addition, Japanese quail could be an excellent bird model for monitoring the toxicological risks of pesticides in Korea.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in bovine milk

Monitoring of bovine milk of different places in Bundelkhand region of India was carried out to evaluate the status of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues. Out of a total of 325 samples 206 (63.38%) were contaminated with residues of different OCPs. The average concentration of total HCH was 0.162 mg/kg. Among the different HCH isomers the frequency of occurrence of alpha-isomer was maximum followed by delta-, gamma- and beta. Endosulfan (alpha, beta, sulfate) was detected in 89 samples with mean concentration of 0.0492 mg/kg while total DDT comprising of DDT, DDE and DDD was present in 114 samples having mean concentration of 0.1724 mg/kg. Dicofol was positive in 17 samples.

High levels of organochlorines in mothers' milk from Chennai (Madras) city, India

Mothers' milk from Chennai (formerly Madras), India and three other places Perungudi, the municipal dumping site of south Chennai area (situated at the suburb of Chennai), Chidambaram, a predominantly agricultural town situated 250 km south of Chennai and Parangipettai, a fishing village 15 km north of Chidambaram, all situated at or near the southeastern Bay of Bengal coast of India were found to contain measurable concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, PCBs, CHLs and HCB. A notable finding in this study is that Chennai mothers have higher levels of HCHs in their milk and hence may transfer considerably higher amounts of the chemical than the mothers from all the other three places of the present study indicating a higher health risk to Chennai's children. It was also found that the levels of the two organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) increased in Chennai mothers' milk in the last decade. Food items collected from Chennai markets did not show any remarkably higher levels of any of the chemicals measured in this study. Levels of the two classical organochlorines (DDTs and HCHs) have declined in many of the food items when compared with our data collected two decades before in the same locations, showing the effectiveness of the recent ban on both these chemicals in the country. The sources, possible health risks and the ways to curtail the effects of HCHs, especially at Chennai, should be investigated further.

Lactational exposure to malathion inhibits brain acetylcholinesterase in mice

The organophosphorus (OP) pesticide malathion is a highly neurotoxic compound. Although some studies have reported neurotoxicity signs after the in utero exposure to OP pesticides, there is no evidence of the exclusive contribution of the lactational exposure to malathion as a possible cause of neurotoxicity in the offspring. In this study, we investigated the exclusive contribution of malathion exposure through maternal milk on the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as on biochemical parameters related to the oxidative stress (glutathione levels, lipid peroxidation and glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase activities) in the brain of suckling mice. The same parameters were also evaluated in the brains of the respective mothers, which where directly exposed to malathion during the lactational period (daily s.c. injections; doses of 20, 60 and 200mg/kg of body weight). Our results showed that the lactational exposure to malathion caused a high inhibitory effect of the brain AChE activity in the offspring, even when dams were exposed to the lowest malathion dose (20mg/kg). Brain AChE activity was also inhibited in mothers; however, only at the highest malathion dose (200mg/kg). No changes were observed in the biochemical parameters related to the oxidative stress for both dams and pups brains. The present study shows, for the first time, that the exposure of neonatal mice to malathion via lactation inhibits the activity of brain AChE in the offspring. These data, summed to the fact that OP pesticides are excreted in human milk, makes relevant the lactational exposure to these xenobiotics in terms of human health concerns.

Nationwide monitoring of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in sediments from coastal environment of Korea

To assess the organochlorine contamination in the Korean marine environment, a nationwide monitoring study was conducted. A total of 138 surface sediments, covering the whole Korean coast, were collected and analyzed. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) were widely distributed in the Korean coastal environment, with PCB and DDT contamination being particularly prevalent. The overall concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB in surface sediments were in the range of 0.088-199ngg(-1) (median value: 1.56ngg(-1)), 0.006-135ngg(-1) (0.68ngg(-1)), not detected (ND)-5.46ngg(-1) (0.32ngg(-1)), ND-3.26ngg(-1) (0.14ngg(-1)), and ND-2.59ngg(-1) (0.05ngg(-1)), respectively. The southeastern coast was found to be highly contaminated. Overall contamination status of Korean coastal sediments with regard to OCs is lower than that of USA. With the exception of highly industrialized sites, Korean coastal areas in general showed similar OC concentrations to those of other Asian countries. There was a significant correlation between distributions of most organochlorine contaminants with each other. OC contamination is closely related to shipping and industrial activities. Of the 7 sites categorized as highly polluted, 4 are in a harbor zone. Adverse effects to benthic communities are expected at the levels of OC contamination observed from harbor and industrial areas.