What is it about?
Sediment samples collected from Brisbane River were analysed for organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs). The factors influencing OCPs distribution in the sediment were investigated using multivariate analytical tools. Thirteen OCPs were detected in the sediment with concentrations.
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Why is it important?
The large scale use of chemicals in agriculture, manufacturing and homes has led to the widespread distribution of contaminants in the environment. These contaminants pose ecological and public health threats because they are toxic to many species. Typical examples are organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). OCPs are a group of synthetic chlorinated hydrocarbon pesticides, which break down slowly in the environment and usually accumulate in the fatty tissues of animals. They are inherently toxic and often associated with adverse health effects in non-target organisms.
Perspectives
Multi-criteria ranking of the factors influencing the OCPs (except dieldrin) distribution in the sediment revealed that TOC > silt > intensive urban land use > population > seasons. Dieldrin distribution is significantly influenced by season > TOC > silt > intensive urban land use > population. The study helps to prioritise factors required for managing OCPs contamination in sediments and identification of appropriate mitigation measures.
Professor Ashantha Goonetilleke
Queensland University of Technology
Read the Original
This page is a summary of: Factors influencing organochlorine pesticides distribution in the Brisbane River Estuarine sediment, Australia, Marine Pollution Bulletin, October 2017, Elsevier,
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.09.022.
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