A research of organochlorine pesticide occurrence in sediments was conducted in Argentina. Although these pesticides are forbidden, they are present in different environments due to the persistence and volatility.  One hundred sediment samples were collected from urban, agricultural and natural areas throughout Argentina aquatic ecosystems, including lagoons, rivers, lakes, creeks, and sea coast. The aim of this work was to assess different pesticide sources in order to obtain a fingerprint of organochlorine pesticides in Argentina aquatic environments. Pesticides were quantified by GC-ECD. A clear pattern showing a prevalence of extensive agricultural in the central area of Argentina denotes the high levels of Endosulfan found. However, in Patagonia region, the south area of the country, agricultural and fruit production are the main activities developed. The historical use of more persistent organochlorine, such as DDTs, justifies the high levels of DDE, a metabolite of DDT, found in the sediments. Along the sea coast of the country, the distribution pattern of organochlorine pesticides, indicates a possible atmospheric transport instead of punctual activities developed in those areas.

Fingerprint of organochlorine pesticides in sediments of aquatic environments from Argentina

248th National Meeting (2014)

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