Environmental Security Assessment and Management of Obsolete Pesticides in Southeast Europe
Chapters (39)
Since Rachel Carson's passionate warning in the seminal 1962 book 'Silent Spring', which is now celebrating 50 years from its publication, concern on the steadily increasing accumulation in the environment of chemically robust, biologically persistent and possibly toxic organochlorine pesticides led to their substitution with less threatening products and finally to stop or limit their production and to severely restrict their use. In particular, the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPS) signed in 2001 banned or greatly restricted 12 chlorinated organic compounds or classes due to their toxicity and ability to accumulate in the environment and to magnify through the global trophic network. Among them are 11 pesticides namely aldrin, chlordane, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, hexachloro-benzene, kepone, lindane, mirex, toxaphene. These pesticides played a historical role in mitigating the health impact of parasite-borne human pathogens such as malaria parasites and in protecting food crops to allow better feeding of an increasingly raising population especially in sub-tropical and tropical areas. Concern for human and environmental health is mainly due to long-term effects of some substances, in particular through endocrine disruption, interference with reproduction, carcinogenicity, although the actual size of effects of real-life exposure is still an active and debated research topic. Risk assessment and risk-benefit analysis of some key pesticides such as DDT still need a thorough understanding of the toxicity mechanisms and of its relevance to humans in the different life-stages. As a consequence of the Stockholm ban, large stockpiles of unusable pesticides accumulate in some countries and thus present considerable threat to the environment and to human health, also due to unavoidable degradation of the active formulated substances into poorly tractable materials. To avoid environmental damage through contamination of water and agricultural land resources by leaching or improper disposal of repositories, inventories of existing stockpiles are needed to plan and carry adequately safe disposal interventions. Methods for disposal need to tackle the peculiar chemical characteristics of these highly chlorinated aliphatic and aromatic compounds, i.e., very low water solubility and an unusual stability towards acid, basic and oxidizing conditions. Research and technology development in this field is currently exploiting the most advanced 'green chemistry' approaches, aimed at an as complete mineralization of organo-chlorine substrates with as negligible production of toxic waste. We will draw a brief historical perspective of the genesis of this pivotal environmental problem, review the use of the 'dirty dozen' pesticides and their contribution to the Green Revolution improvement of agricultural food availability, the ecotoxicological and human health concern and the current efforts to front the problems raised by their use.
The first stage in addressing chemical pollution typically involves sampling and analysis to understand the nature of the pollution, its extent, and potential effects. A detailed sampling and analysis plan is a crucial component of this first stage; it not only ensures that data of appropriate quality will be obtained but also forces one to ask and address important questions about the range of potential data needs and the expected remedial objectives. The plan must specify the procedure(s) by which samples are collected, the sample locations, and the appropriate sample number. It must also describe how samples are to be handled, transported and analyzed. Proper consideration of these elements of the plan will yield data that provide a solid foundation on which to based all subsequent activities.
Residues of pesticides, especially organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediment and aquatic biota have been an environmental concern since the 1960s. Widely used in agriculture in the past, most of OCPs are resistant to photochemical, biological and chemical degradation for a long period of time. For their determination in different environmental media, sampling and sample preparation represents a time consuming stage, but a key factor in the entire pesticides trace analysis procedure. Scientific efforts directed towards the sample pretreatment issue are focused on developing methods for enriching and isolating components present in complex sample matrices. Due to the differences of pesticides properties (volatility, polarity), to the complexity of the sample matrix and to the required degree of preconcentration, there is no unique strategy for the sample preparation. This chapter presents different techniques available for samples preparation for pesticide analysis in environment, in food or in biological samples.
The purpose of this paper is twofold: firstly, to indicate how the environmental safety issues grow rapidly in the convergence with economic aspects in modern world, and, secondly, to present analyses of implementation of economic-mathematical methods for assessment analysis to OPs management issues. For management (destruction and recycling) of OPs a comprehensive approach is required that includes also modeling, safety assessment and identification of the pesticides, which further will be the determining factor when choosing a method of destruction for the particular region. We offer an economic-mathematical approach to use ecological-economic models, taking into account particularly the density and type of contamination of OPs in synergy with pure economic factors.
In a generic way, obsolete pesticides can be defined as those that can no longer be used for their intended purpose or any other purpose and thus need to be disposed. Almost every developing country and economy in transition has stocks of obsolete pesticides. Due to many factors, obsolete pesticides have been stored under conditions that do not meet safe and responsible requirements, posing a significant risk of leaking. The assessment of the storage and containment conditions for obsolete pesticides implies a site-by-site evaluation in order to detect these eventual leakages. Leaked pesticides will be dispersed in the environment by wind, evaporation, spillage into water, surface runoff or leaching through the soil. The exposure effects to humans and animals will be similar to non-obsolete pesticides, although the chemical composition is different from the original product. Strategies to reduce human and environmental exposure require more that an isolated exposure assessment and it is not possible to standardize “how to eliminate pesticides obsolete stockpiles”, as a site by site approach is needed. Regardless of the local legislation, environmental condition and diversity in the techniques that may be applicable for particular sites at different countries, there are four basic steps that should work as a start to the obsolete pesticides safe containment and removal process. An inventory is required as first, followed by a risk characterization, site stabilization and finally the disposal. This work will focus in particular on the methodology for the inventory and for the risk characterization such as the site stabilization and disposal steps for all obsolete pesticides stockpiles rely on these two key activities.
When evaluating perception of environmental risks some psychosocial and psychosomatic factors may be of fundamental importance. This is the case in particular where our knowledge of the true health consequences of exposure to given factor is incomplete or its action is within the range of values where we do not anticipate biological effect. This applies not only in the case of indoor environment related complains but as well e.g. to non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation and electro-ionic microclimate. A serious consequence of the syndrome of mass hysteria is the fact that due to differently motivated disinformation part of the population can really suffer from some psychosomatic symptoms. Those imply objective suffering and deterioration quality of life for those affected.
The study is aiming to present the fate of chiral pesticides, the different
behaviour of these optic active isomers in the environment and their ecotoxicological
effects, as well as separation techniques available for the chiral pesticides
studies. We conclude that there is a tremendous need to enlarge the studies related
to the enantioselective behaviour of chiral pesticides in different contaminated
environmental components, as well as their ecotoxicity to biota and humans.
All living organisms are dynamic systems, functioning as a result of interdependent (bio) chemical reactions that are permanently maintained in an equilibrium state. Human exposure over a period of time to a complex mixture of pollutants at low level and consumption of polluted water and/or foods, is likely to significantly contribute to the human health status. Considering the time of exposure to toxicants, we can distinguish two different types of toxicity: acute toxicity (observed soon after short-time exposure to the pollutant) and chronic toxicity (resulted after long-term and/or repeated periods of exposure to lower doses of the chemical). Most of the acute effects are temporary, but may also cause coma and/or death. The chronic health effects have a latency period, which corresponds to the period of time between the first exposure and the development of the disorder. Most of the time, pesticide use involves their deliberate release into the environment for repelling, attracting, preventing, or killing any pests (target organisms) and may affect other organisms from the environment because they have relatively limited selectivity. Living organisms as well as humans are concurrently exposed to pesticides via the environment, which induces combined toxicological effects. The degree of health hazard depends on the quantity of pesticide and on the length of exposure (the dose of the pollutant). In this paper are presented general aspects on toxicology and clinical toxicology in view of the relationship exposure to pesticides - effects on human health.
All living organisms are exposed to large amounts of xenobiotics, many of which may be toxics. The presence of xenobiotics in a living organism can unbalance the living body by inhibiting its growth or interfering with one or more components or chemical reaction on which it is dependent. The sum of the processes by which a xenobiotic (pesticide) is subject to chemical changes in living organisms is named biotransformation. Biotransformation reactions (phase I or phase II) are important in understanding the metabolism of endogenous molecules (endobiotics), or of the exogenous ones (xenobiotics) and their purpose is to increase the protective mechanisms developed in relation to cells or biological fluids. The equilibrium among the concentration of parent pesticides, biotransformation intermediates and conjugates, is responsible for the cellular, tissue or organism toxicity.
Agent Orange consist of 50% n-butyl esters of 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid and 50% 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid. These compounds are chemical plant growth regulators, which mimic the effect of plant hormones, provoking plants into frantic growth before they wither and die. The toxicity of Agent Orange is attributed to the contamination with dioxin, which was perhaps the most toxic molecule ever synthesized by man. Agent Orange's actual effect on human health remained controversial because even though dioxin at certain levels was clearly capable of causing serious diseases, those same diseases could also result from other causes. Dioxin is a persistent organic pollutant that will accumulate in animal fat and plant tissues and therefore can enter the food chain. The US National Toxicology Program has classified dioxin as "known to be a human carcinogen", causing namely, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, soft tissue sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin disease with sufficient evidence of an association. Severe acute intoxication of dioxin caused chloracne, porphyria, transient hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. Chronic persistence of dioxin in the human body may contribute to development of atherosclerosis, hypertension, diabetes, vascular changes, and neuropsychological impairment several decades after massive exposure. However, such chronic effects are nonspecific and multifactorial. This paper elaborates the aforementioned and other health effects of Agent Orange.
Arsenicals in agriculture: Beginning in the 1970s, the use of arsenic compounds, such as for wood preservatives, began to grow. By 1980, in the USA, 70 % of arsenic had been consumed for production of wood preservatives. This practice was later stopped, due to the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ban of the arsenic-and chromium-based wood preservative chromated copper arsenate. In the past, arsenical herbicides containing cacodylic acid as an active ingredient have been used extensively in the USA from golf courses to cotton fields, drying out the plants before harvesting. The original commercial form of Agent Blue was among ten toxic insecticides, fungicides and herbicides partially deregulated by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in February 2004, and specific limits on toxic residues in meat, milk, poultry, and eggs were removed. Today, however, they are not used as weed-killers anymore, with one exception of monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA), a broadleaf weed herbicide for use on cotton. Severe poisonings from cacodylic acid caused headache, dizziness, vomiting, profuse and watery diarrhea, followed by dehydration, gradual fall in blood pressure, stupor, convulsions, general paralysis and possible risk of death within 3-14 days. The relatively frequent use of arsenic and its compounds, in both industry and agriculture, points to a wide spectrum of opportunities for human exposure; this exposure can be via inhalation of airborne arsenic, contaminated drinking water, beverages, or from food and drugs. Today, acute organic arsenical poisonings are mostly accidental. Considerable concern has developed surrounding its delayed effects, for its genotoxic and carcinogenic potential, which has been demonstrated in epidemiological studies and subsequent animal experiments. The Conclusion is that there is substantial epidemiological evidence for an excessive risk, mostly for skin and lung cancer, among humans exposed to organic arsenicals in occupational and environmental settings. Furthermore, the genotoxic and carcinogenic effects have only been observed at relatively high exposure rates. Current epidemiological and experimental studies are trying to elucidate the mechanism of this action, pointing to the question of whether arsenic is actually the true genotoxic or rather an epigenetic carcinogen. Due to the complexity of its effects both options remain plausible. Its interactions with other toxic substances still represent another important field of interest.
Pesticide use is an integral part of our modern society, whether we consider the developed or the developing nations, and their impact on human health is an important research subject. We chose to focus on the organophosphate (OP) pesticides because of their continued use and also because they are potent toxicants and neurological disruptors. Children and the newborn are more susceptible to the toxic effects of pesticides than the adult population. This paper summarizes the findings about neurodevelopmental and neurobehavioral effects of OP pesticides exposure in children from birth up to 7 years old. The major problems identified in the literature as the result of long term or sustained pesticide exposure of children pre- and postnatally are the presence of abnormal reflexes in newborns, mental and developmental delays, as well as the impact on behavior, memory and intelligence quotient (IQ) in older children and suggest the existence of a dose dependent inverse correlation between these effects and OP pesticide toxicity. It is important to understand and consider the seriousness of the pesticide problem in our society in order to find ways to mitigate and combat it.
In the current context of economic development and population expansion the use of some form of pest control is essential for the maintenance of a high agricultural productivity, of a strict control over the potential vectors of disease and of efficient methods of intervention with least impact on the health of the humans and the environment. However, the current reality shows an alarming number of adverse events in connection with pesticide usage, some of them implicating humans, other affecting other living creatures and the ecosystem. Many of the adverse events are reported in rural situations and in developing countries, raising the question of information dissemination and education about the effects of pesticides on human health and also of the existence and implementation of safety methods and techniques. Also, at the local level, we can raise the issue of educating the public about the methods and behaviors that can reduce contact with environmental pollutants, promote health in the context of pesticide exposure and mitigate health effects of intoxication. The context of organophosphate pesticides use is a complex one, covering agricultural applications, pest management and medical uses, and the possibility of intervention in the direction of reduction and prevention of adverse health effects appears at every level of implementation and management of pesticide usage.
Extensive research has been conducted on the removal of organic pollutants in water using heterogeneous photocatalysis. This study reviews some of the recent reports on TiO2 photocatalysis applied for degradation of pesticides. The role of the operating parameters in the optimization of the process, the strategies used to develop visible active titania based photocatalysts and various ways to increase the cost-effectiveness of the photocatalytic processes are discussed. From the papers reviewed it can be concluded that under optimal conditions high efficiency in the photodegradation of pesticides can be reached.
Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Macedonia as a public health and scientific-research facility as a result of performing its work, produce certain amount of medical waste, as well hazardous chemical waste. In the Waste Management Law, Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No.68/04 and 107/07, in article 6 hazardous waste is defined as a waste that contain substances which have one or more hazardous properties, such as: explosively, reactivity (oxidants), flammable, irritation, toxicity, infectivity, carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, reproduction toxicity, eco-toxicity and properties of release poisonous gases under contact of water, air or acid, defined in accordance with this Law or other Regulative, and subsequently in the List of types of waste (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No.100/05) is noted and separately labelled as a hazardous waste, including each waste that is mixed with hazardous waste. Management with chemical waste, respectively collection, separation and its storage is properly solved in the frame of the Institute of Public Health of the Republic of Macedonia in context of the above mentioned Law. But, real problem is disposal of chemical waste produced in the laboratories of the Institute of Public Health. Related to the needs of solution of collection and transport of chemical waste produced in the former period, as well the possibility of eventual integral solution of the chemical waste problem, Institute of Public Health has conducted a situation analysis of quantities and content of hazardous chemical waste (as well DDT), which has remained in the chemical waste depots of the Institute of Public Health and at the regional Centers of Public Health. According to the Basel Convention that determines the rules and conditions for control of transboundary transport of hazardous waste and its storage, ratified by our side (Official Gazette No.49/97), there was a possibility for export of hazardous waste under conditions proscribed in the Convention and with an agreement with other side where exists conditions for treatment of it. The aim of the paper is to review challenges, experiences, and health-related risks linked to safe management and disposal of hazardous chemicals especially DDT stored in the Institute of Public Health and Centers of Public Health in the Republic of Macedonia. The final goal is to protect public health, especially Institute’s staff and people that could be exposed to hazardous chemicals.
Pollution is a phenomenon, which leads to ecological disequilibrium (alteration of biotic and abiotic) and may produce dangerous waste. Epidemiological studies, evaluate the relationship between the pollutants impacts over individual or collective risk and environmental factors. The rational use of pesticides in conjunction with other technologies may be justifiable in integrated pest management, the balance between benefits and effects being very complex. Pesticides are considered persistent pollutants, and may be classified according to chemical structure in the following main classes: organophosphates, carbamates, organochlorines, triazines, and pyrethroids. In this paper we present the mechanisms of action of the main pesticide classes in living organisms and especially in the human body. Organophosphate pesticides act on acetylcholinesterase, leading to development of cholinergic toxicity, because they decrease its enzymatic activity. The carbamate or phosphate pesticides inhibition of acetylcholinesterase, disrupts the equilibrium between acetylcholine synthesis and release on one hand and its hydrolysis on the other, and leads to its accumulation at synaptic level, with prolonged activation of cholinergic receptors. Organochlorine pesticides are highly lipophilic, and this property enhances their stability in living organisms and in the environment. They are largely stored in adipose tissue, a process called bioaccumulation, and this characteristic leads to the development of high toxicities in mammals. Triazines in high concentrations have been linked to increased cancer risk and incidence of birth defects. The pyrethroid insecticides acting on the sodium channels in the nerve membrane (neurotoxic), have high selectivity for insects, and do not have carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic effects. Living organisms and humans are concurrently exposed to pesticides from more than one source, via the environment and food, and these may have a combined (synergistic or antagonistic) action, which can cause higher or lower toxic effects, in comparison with the situation of a single pesticide.
Infants and young children constitute a particular population of concern in terms of exposure to pesticides (including obsolete pesticides). For various reasons (behavioral, anatomical and metabolic) children may have greater susceptibility to the adverse effects of pesticide exposure. This potential for increased susceptibility must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis however, because in some cases children (particularly older children) may have similar or even less susceptibility compared to adults. Research has also pointed out a number of toxicological modes of action that may be of particular relevance for children's health risks. These include effects on nervous system maturation, endocrine disruption and the influence of early life exposures on development of disease later in life. Although the importance of such modes of action is not yet fully understood, particularly at low levels of exposure, these are areas of expanding research and the data obtained are expected to be useful for improving health risk assessment in this population.
Chromatographic methods for chlorophenols (CPs) determination that can be applied to clinical (blood, urine) and breast milk samples are reviewed. Special emphasis is given to sample storage conditions and to the application of preconcentration techniques. Solid phase extraction, solid phase microextraction, stir-bar sorptive extraction, liquid phase microextraction and steam distillation methods are considered in view of the potential use of CPs as biomarkers of exposure to different pesticides.
Obsolete pesticides are pesticides that are unfit for further use or for re-conditioning as they have been de-registered locally or banned internationally. More commonly, however, a stock of pesticides becomes obsolete because of long-term storage during which the product and/or its packaging degrade. The total quantity of potentially obsolete pesticides held in developing countries and countries with economies in transition is thought to be huge, on the order of tens or hundreds of thousands of tons. The amount can only be estimated, however, because many stocks have not been inventoried or even located. The problem of obsolete pesticides is very serious and action is urgently needed to identify and secure or eliminate existing stocks and prevent new accumulations. Stocks of obsolete pesticide that stay unmanaged can pose a serious health hazard, especially to people living near these stocks. Comprehensive information about the impact on public health is scarce and there has been no attempt to systematically document health effects. Egypt shares most of the environmental problems of developing countries. One of the most important health and environmental problems is the obsolete pesticides and this paper will shed the light on the current status of obsolete pesticides in Egypt, environmental and health impacts and efforts conducted by the country to mitigate both short-term and long term impacts.
Chemical status of water bodies is determined through environmental quality standards, defined for priority pollutants (Directive 2008/105/EC, Off J Eur Commun, December 24, L 348/84, 2008), mostly represented by persistent organic compounds and pesticides. There is a need for precise and accurate analytical methods for reliable assessment of environmental status of surface and ground waters. The aim of this work was to develop an innovative multiresidue analytical method for simultaneous determination of some priority substances in surface and ground waters. Determined target compounds include the pesticides: Acetochlor, Alachlor, Chlorfenvinphos, Chlorpyrifos, Diuron, Isoproturon, Pendimethalin and Trifluralin. Analytical approach was based on a solid-phase extraction (SPE) as a sample pretreatment procedure and a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) as an instrumental method. Optimal chemical conditions for quantitative separation and preconcentration of the analytes in a single step extraction procedure are defined. LC-MS method performance is discussed in details. The achieved analytical recovery for all compounds was greater than 86 % and repeatability is up to 10 %. The established detection limits were ranged between 1 and 10 ng/L and the quantification limits were between 5 and 50 ng/L, respectively. The concentration levels of measured priority substances in main Bulgarian rivers were presented.
The main objective of this paper is to highlight the dynamics of biotic community in terms of spatial and temporal relationship. The biotic community dynamics in St. Gheorghe Branch were discussed based on existing data and the results of our own research during 2003–2009. Surface water and sediment samples have been collected monthly from two control sections, Murighiol and Uzlina. The analyzed parameters were according to the Norm concerning the reference objectives for the surface water quality classification (Romanian Order MEWM no. 161/2006) and also, to the EU Water Framework Directive 2000/60/EC which established a framework for community action in the field of water policy. The variation of parameters during the investigated period along St. Gheorghe Branch was strongly influenced by the climatic conditions (drought, flood). Further studies need to be carried out in this area in order to accomplish a sustainable management and to evaluate the occurrence of persistent organic pollutants and toxic metals in tissues, and to assess the risk of these contaminants on the ecosystem and human health.
Accidents involving fires occurring at facilities used for the storage of chemicals have determined the elaboration of specific legislation such as the SEVESO Directives. Pesticides represent major-threat chemical substances which, due to improper handling and storage, can induce fire and explosion risks, endangering the life and safety of population and causing major environmental pollution. The paper focuses mainly on these risks and their analysis methods, although health and environmental risks associated to the manufacturing, usage and transport of pesticides are of major concern, too. The procedure described in the paper uses a calculation method where the possibility to develop a fire is quantified using a set of fire scenarios, each with a certain occurrence probability, a certain fire surface and a certain time duration of the fire. © Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht 2013.
Food safety is an area of growing worldwide concern on account of its
direct bearing on human health. The presence of harmful pesticide residues in
cereals has caused a great concern among the consumers. For investigating the
carryover of pyretroids, organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in
the cereal food chain from grain to consumer, a study was set up on seven varieties
of Romanian wheat. Over each variety of grain it was added a mix of pesticides.
The residue levels of pesticides were determined in processed wheat grain
fractions: bran, semolina and flour. The goal was to assess the absorption quantity
of pesticide mixtures and their distribution in wheat fractions. The pesticides
concentrations were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) for wheat. The
highest amounts of pesticides were present in bran and the least in flour.
Recent information about the presence of pesticides in plants used for
cosmetic purposes has been reported in the media and on the internet. Pesticides are
toxic substances applied on plants that are going to be food or other products like
cosmetics. Therefore it is not difficult to understand why people are concerned about
these substances. Our goal was to determine the organochlorine and organophosphate
pesticides occurrence in five plant materials used in the composition of value-added
organic cosmetic products manufactured in Constanta county, Romania. The studied
plant materials were sea buckthorn fruits, snowdrops and violets flowers, poplar buds
and sea buckthorn male buds. The trace pesticides concentrations were determined
using gas chromatographic technique, after the extraction and cleanup steps. There
have been found 15 types of organochlorine pesticides and 8 types of organophosphate
pesticides. The total organochlorine pesticides concentrations varied between
0.0173 and 0.4604 mg/kg dry plant and the total organophosphate pesticides
concentrations between 0.0028 and 2.5900 mg/kg dry plant. All individual
concentrations of determined pesticides ranged below the limits established by EC
regulations for plants used as animal feed.
Low-temperature melting salts or ionic liquids (ILs) were determined to be useful as alternative solvents, catalytic media and simply catalysts in various processes of organic synthesis. In this paper reviewed the available literature and our own data on the synthesis, physical and chemical properties, and future uses of imidazolic ionic liquids in different kind of reactions. Ionic liquids form a two-phase system, which greatly facilitates the separation of products from the catalyst. In addition, they can be used repeatedly without any activity loss and without a need of regeneration. Another important advantage is represented by the strength (for some systems – superacidic) of metal-chlorinated ionic liquids, a property that allows for the transformation process to occur at low temperatures. These properties permit ionic liquids to be full participants in “alternative” chemical processes, even if we don’t take into account the productivity and selectivity gains presented in this review.
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are pollutants abundantly present in the environment. Before they were banned, commercial mixtures of PCBs had been produced in many countries and were used for a number of technical purposes. This is considered to be the main source of the current levels of PCBs found in the environment due to their lipophilic properties and high persistence. The aim of this study was to evaluate dose-response relationship for the effects of the commercial PCBs mixture on relative liver weight by Benchmark dose (BMD) approach, and to derive the BMD10 for the effect. In this study, commercial mixture of PCBs, Aroclor 1254 was used in a 28-day toxicity study in young adult Wistar rats. The rats were provided with food and water ad libitum and maintained in a controlled environment. Commercial mixture of PCBs dissolved in corn oil or corn oil (control) was administered by oral gavage at 1 μL/g. Rats were given doses of 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16 mg PCBs/kg b.w./day. After 28 days rats were sacrificed and their livers were weighted. Relative liver weight was calculated as ratio of liver weight and body weight. Using PROAST software a dose-response relationship has been confirmed for the influence of PCBs on relative liver weight and associated CED10 was 0.154 mg/kg bw/day, and its lower confidence limit (CEDL) was 0.1127 mg/kg bw/day proving CED10/CEDL ratio under 10. Our results showed that relatively low doses of PCBs may produce effect on liver weight causing liver hypertrophy in a dose response manner.
A study was conducted to investigate the pesticides residues in sediments collected from different Constanta harbour berths Black Sea water. Determination of these pollutants is carried out in order to evaluate the pollution potentials and hazard in Black Sea sediments. An Agilent gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-μECD) was used for organochlorine pesticides (OCP's) analysis from sediments samples, after extraction and clean-up step. The OCP's total concentration (sum of 11 compounds) is generally quite low (in order of μg/kg).
Agriculture practices using chemicals endanger soils and drinking water supplies worldwide. But, without chemicals, most agricultural systems cannot meet the requirements of our modern world. In soils, pesticide residues accumulate due to soil water retaining capacity. But after a time, pesticides eventually appear in surface waters and groundwater (Solymosi, Definition of concentration of pesticide agents with different SPE methods out of groundwater and surface water, PhD thesis, Veszprém, 2006). Regular water quality monitoring and the reduction of pesticide use are recommended in river catchment areas, and especially in the catchment of those surface and subsurface waters, which are used as source water for drinking water supplies. Low level contamination of drinking water sources may occur, especially in intensive agricultural areas, even though there is regular water quality monitoring, and occasionally it can contaminate the finished drinking water as well (Vágvölgyi, Introduction to HU-SRB calls and support system: an example of the BIOXEN project, Hungary – Serbia IPA Cross – border Co – operation programme: Bioxen, Development of xenobiotic – degrading bioaugmentation products, http:// www2. sci. u-szeged. hu/ microbiology/ BIOXEN/ indexhu. html, 2011). Our aim was to give a comprehensive picture on the average yearly occurrence of pesticides and pesticide degradation products in Hungarian drinking water supplies. Data of 3 years were analyzed, using the Hungarian Drinking Water Quality Database of National Institute of Environmental Health (NIEH). In 2008–2010, up to 2 % of all drinking water samples analyzed for pesticides per year were above the limit values. The main limitation of the monitoring and data interpretation is the low number of pesticides measurements, a large proportion (about 89 %) of the water supply zones were not analyzed for pesticides in this period.
Estimation of the possibility of use mineral raw materials for adsorption of some chlorinated pesticides (DDT and metabolites, HCH-isomers) from "spiked" water solutions was the aim of this study. Certain mineral raw materials, occurring at the area of Moldova (tripolites, bentonites, diatomites etc.), were used as accessible adsorbents during laboratory experiments. For that scope, the "spiked" water solution containing DDTs and HCHs were prepared. "Spiking" of water solution was fulfilled taking into account water solubility of the analytes of interest, their maximum allowed concentration in water, instrumental limit of detection and limit of quantification. During lab experiments the "spiked" solution has been mixed with the adsorbents. Then after separation the concentration of the analytes in adsorbents and water solution was analyzed. Sample preparation was carried out by means of liquid-liquid extraction, solid-phase extraction, microwave assisted extraction, while analytical determination - by gas chromatography with mass-detection. For determination of sorption parameters of mineral sorbents gas adsorption analyses has also been performed. As a result, the experimental data have been collected, proving that Moldavian mineral raw materials demonstrate adsorption efficiency regarding DDT and metabolites. Finally, tripolites showed the best adsorption efficiency amongst all studied mineral raw materials.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) which include some pesticides are very important environment polluters. Their harmful impact is mainly consisted of their air transmission, resistance to chemical-, photo- and bio-degradation and possibility of their accumulation in fat tissue of all living organisms. As they can be transported by air on long distances, they were found in samples on locations where they were not used. This group of pollutants includes pesticides (such as aldrin, chlordane, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor, lindane, alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane, beta-hexachlorocyclohexane, hexachlorobenzene, mirex, toxaphene, DDT), industrial chemicals (such as polychlorinated biphenyls, PCBs) and unintentional by-products of industrial processes (such as dioxins, furans etc.). Because of their high efficacy in agriculture through the middle of twentieth century their consumption was very high. In the meantime their negative impacts appeared and their harmfulness became well known threat to the environment and to human health all over the globe. In this work an overview of inventory and status of POPs in Croatia is given. The emphasis is given on POPs pesticides. In accord with global tendencies to reduce and eliminate production, use and releases of harmful substances a gradual prohibition of pesticides (aldrin, dieldrin, hexachlorocyclohexane, DDT) usage started in Croatia 1972 and ended in 2001 with proscription of lindane and dicofol usage. Up to date all of them are banned from production and application, and no stockpiles are detected. In the period of their common usage, production of POP’s pesticides in Croatia was mainly based as supplement to some fertilizers (aldrin). Today there is no need for their production, since all preparations based on POPs are now substituted with numerous toxicologically and environmentally friendlier active ingredients. Also there is no import and export of POPs through Croatian border, with exception for some institutions which have permission for import of small quantities used as laboratory standards for determination of residual POPs pesticides. Residues of POP’s pesticides are monitored now days only in water. There is still pronounced need for adequately equipped laboratories and trained stuff for their monitoring in vegetables, animals, water, soil and human biomaterial.
Impact on human health and environment of persistent organic pollutants (DDT, toxaphene, polychlorpinene, polychlorcaphene, polychlorinated biphenyls, hexachlorobenzene) is a serious problem requiring attention of International Community as nowadays the amount of the obsolete and prohibited pesticides in the Russian Federation exceeds 24,100 t. Also, there are some polluted by pesticides territories which require special technological approaches based on identification and definition of sequence of disinfection of the territories polluted with pesticides. For the practical solution of problem connected with withdrawal from use and liquidation of obsolete pesticides stocks as a part of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) it is necessary to develop institutional measures including economic, legal and administrative mechanisms as well as technologies allowing to choose the most safe and economically sound methods of their destruction/neutralization. The problem of destruction/neutralization of above mentioned pesticides in the Russian Federation has not been solved yet. So, it is necessary to select the best available technologies for destruction of these pesticides.
The accumulation in different environmental objects of many toxicants defines the real risks for biota and human health. An especially serious risk for all living organisms is presented by environmental mutagenes that can affect the hereditary apparatus of somatic and sex cells, resulting in cancer increases and other ecologically dependent pathologies. Therefore, an investigation of mutagenesis in cells at genetic level is very urgent and real. Biological monitoring, which includes genetic and cytogenetic monitoring, provides a useful tool for estimating the genetic risks deriving from integrated exposure to a complex mixture of chemical, physical and biological environmental agents. A positive association between occupational exposure to complex pesticide mixtures, and the presence of different cytogenetic pathologies including micronuclei (MN), has been detected in the majority of studies. The application of cytogenetic testing, using the micronucleus assay (MN-test) on exfoliated buccal cells of children, substantiates the estimation of total mutagenicity in the studied territory in which they live. A positive modifying cytogenetic influence of natural adaptogens was established.
Method validation for identification of some pesticides by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was subject of internal validation procedure. Method performance criteria were investigated on standard sample measurements: selectivity, linearity, precision, limit of detection, and robustness. The validated method will be further used to identify the pesticides of interest in forensic analysis.
In order to assist in the environmental risk assessment, ultimate obsolete pesticides disposal, and eventual restoration of the dump sites into ongoing projects in the Republic of Moldova, NATO awarded a Science for Peace and Security Project (Top-Down EAP SfPS 981186 “Clean-up chemicals – Moldova”) with basic aims focused on the establishment of a laboratory infrastructure with sophisticated equipment for analysis and characterization of obsolete pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the various waste dumps, training of personnel for the characterization, and elaboration of a comprehensive database of the composition of the waste dumps and their toxicological evaluation. The results showed that from more than 70 types of detected pesticides, 49 of them have been prohibited or restricted for use in agriculture, in Moldova since 1970, while the use of 24 substances was prohibited in the European Union countries. In all sampling sites were detected DDT and its isomers/metabolites (DDE and DDD), alpha-, beta-, gamma-HCH, which are defined as POPs in the Stockholm Convention due their persistence and accumulation in the fatty tissues of most living organisms. They are also prone to long rang trans-boundary transport and are likely to cause significant adverse human health or environmental effects.
The present chapter provides a description of the objectives of the Danube Regional Pesticide Study Project, initiated during 1995-1997 under the frame of the Danube Applied Research Programme, which is managed by the Danube Programme Coordination Unit in Vienna. The ultimate goal of the project was to achieve an agreement between the Danube countries on the list of pesticides that are allowed, conditions under which pesticides may be applied especially related to protection of ground and surface water, criteria for allowance of pesticide use with regard to ecotoxicological aspects. The tasks of the project were defined to cover: inventory of pesticide application, production, formulation and distribution, and emission sources; real and estimated concentrations in Danube river water; identification of the authorities responsible for pesticide regulation and criteria used; ecotoxicological and toxicological risk assessment of the identified agents; action plan to ensure the protection of the key functions of surface water in the Danube basin and proposal of documents for harmonization of the policy. This chapter is made with educational purposes to generally assist young scientific researchers, who intend to formulate future project applications in the field of environmental sciences.
The chapter is a continuation of the previous chapter in this book and provides a description of the objectives in respect to the synthesis of the results of the Danube Regional Pesticide Study Project, initiated during 1995-1997 under the frame of the Danube Applied Research Programme, which is managed by the Danube Programme Coordination Unit in Vienna. The ultimate goal of the project was to achieve an agreement between the Danube countries on the list of pesticides that are allowed, conditions under which pesticides may be applied especially related to protection of ground and surface water, criteria for allowance of pesticide use with regard to ecotoxicological aspects. The main issues under discussion include: Qualitative and quantitative inventory of pesticide application, transport, and storage; Inventory of pesticide production, formulation, import, export, and supply; Responsible authorities for pesticide regulation and laws; Economic parameters underlying the use of pesticides; Current legislative procedures and criteria related to pesticide registration; Overview of the most significant emission routes; Soil resources in the Danube river catchment area and problems of pesticide pollution; Inventory of existing laboratory data for pesticide concentrations in Danube and tributaries; Overview of existing and proposed international water quality standards for pesticides; National water quality standards of pesticides in Danube river countries; Estimating environmental concentrations of pesticides, using exposure models. This chapter is made with educational purposes to generally assist young scientific researchers, who intend to formulate future project applications in the field of environmental sciences.
Protection of crops from pests and from ravenous animals was long accomplished with the use of 'natural' means, before the introduction of 'modern' synthetic chemicals as pesticides in the twentieth century. The widespread use of synthetic organic chemicals as pesticides in the last several decades has contributed to the 'background' contamination of all environmental and biological compartments with trace amounts of small organic compounds, the combined effect of which on the health of humans and on the general well-being of complex ecological systems is far from being understood. In particular, it is claimed that the presence of trace amounts of such compounds in human food may contribute to impair the health of sensitive individuals, especially in the developmental and early-age stages of life, although there is not a clear-cut consensus on this problem. The request from consumers, mainly in developed Western countries, of food produced under perceived healthier conditions than those of mass-production, has prompted a backslash of interest in traditional, lower-yield techniques such as 'organic farming' and thus the necessity to protect consumers from unsubstantiated claims of food quality through the issuing of voluntary codes by producers and of guidelines such as Codex Alimentarius at the level of international Organizations. Another driving force into a renaissance of 'traditional' farming techniques is understanding that they can be successfully merged to 'modern' ones to achieve better productions with lower environmental impact, lower consumption of selective but expensive Plant Protection Products, lower contamination of food with residues. Another trigger to seek alternatives to the conventional means of pest fighting is acknowledgement that later generations may develop resistance to current pesticides in a continuous 'chemical war' between human scientific intellect and natural evolution of organisms. Traditional agricultural wisdom long recognized the power of coenobioses and used co-cultivation of different crops as a means to deter parasites by exploiting the natural emission of insect repellents and mutual fight between natural hosts of crops and invading organisms. Of course, since even 'natural' substances long employed to fight parasites of plants and food are intrinsically toxic not only to target species but also to several others, including the human, risk assessment of their use is mandatory to fully benefit of their strength without unnecessary risk for producers, consumers and the global environment. The recent exploitation of natural as well as of engineered organisms and of their toxic products as pesticides is another means the reach and limitations of which need to be fully understood. Examples of how these seemingly conflicting requirements have been or can be harmonized will be presented and discussed.
In spite of the fact that Moldova has never produced pesticides, including persistent organic pollutants (POPs), over 50 years of overuse of pesticides left a damaging legacy. At present, the Republic of Moldova has an estimated 7,245 ton of obsolete pesticides and dangerous chemicals, which remain scattered in 22 central warehouses and 4,000 ton that are buried in the dump pesticides site in the southern part of the country. Among the pesticides that have been used in Moldova in the past are organo-chlorinated pesticides listed in the Persistent Organic Pollutants Convention of Stockholm; these are thought to pose the highest health and environmental risks due to their toxicity, persistence and bioaccumulation potential. The Government of the Republic of Moldova acknowledged that elimination of obsolete pesticides (included POPs) would serve the long-term interests of public health, environment, and economic development of the country. Since 2001, after signing the Stockholm Convention, it was defined as a separate field of actions, which became a priority one among the main environmental issues of the country. In dealing with POPs, the country followed a process that includes developing a clear understanding of the situation, setting priorities and establishing realistic objectives for actions. Preparation of the Moldova National Implementation Plan for the Stockholm Convention followed such a process utilizing a participatory approach whereby all interested partners in society (national and local government, economy, science, energy, agriculture, education, NGOs) had an active role in the decision-making and assumed their full share of responsibility for the National Implementing Plan.
The use of synthetic chemicals such as plant protection products (PPPs or 'pesticides'), especially in the last 60-70 years, greatly contributed to an impressive progress in the availability of food to an increasingly numerous mankind. However, the long-term consequences of the deliberate and unavoidable dispersion of these chemicals into the environment were long overlooked and generated health consequences to professional applicators, to bystander general population and to food consumers. An increased awareness of the potential threats of uncontrolled use of substances of poorly known toxicity led to a substantial change in the approach, gradually resulting into an improved legislation in Western Europe and in other developed countries, to the point that today licensed PPPs are among the substances of which the chemical and toxicological properties are best known, much before their introduction into the market and even better than requested for human pharmaceutical drugs. We will trace the pathway which leads to the birth of new PPPs and to their authorization according to the legislation of the European Union. In particular, while active substances are licensed for use in a 'positive list' at EU level, the different formulations suitable for use on different cultivations are authorized for the different geographical areas of EU with a 'mutual recognition' procedure between member States. Protection of agricultural workers, of consumers, of the environment are embedded into the authorization procedure by requesting that targeted studies run under normalized conditions are conducted prior to marketing. Several chemical and toxicological parameters which are pivotal to risk assessments towards humans, non-target plants and animals are measured and health-based safety levels are established for agricultural workers, for bystanders, for the general population, for the residual presence of the active substance and of its decomposition products in food and in natural drinkable water. For enhanced safety, authorization is released in 10-year periods, in order that unexpected harmful consequences for man and environment can be timely examined and, in case, tackled. The financial cost of this procedure is, of course, not without consequences. Since authorizations are issued in 10-year periods and are subject to voluntary rejuvenation by the licensees, there is a pressure to invest in newer, more profitable active substances rather than to keep into market older ones, which may be as efficient and cheaper, but for which the faintest evidence of health or environmental hazard may prematurely terminate corporate interest. The genesis of EU legislation will be discussed and examples will be brought to highlight key issues.
... In order to deal with the effects of globalization, urbanization, mechanization, overpopulation, global warming, and climate change, it is of grave importance to improve the sustainability of agriculture and the food producing systems so that they can be profitable while at the However, besides their benefits, several negative impacts of their use have been recorded, such as their undesirable adverse effects on non-target organisms and human health as well as negative environmental effects (Simeonov et al., 2014). ...
... Consequently, humans are exposed to diverse mixtures that amplify the effects, especially, for the vulnerable population such as infants and young children under 3 years of age. This specific age group is more sensitive to several pesticides due to their high intake of milk and dairy products in relation to their body weight and to the immaturity of their defence systems against chemical stressors (Nougadère et al., 2020;Simeonov et al., 2014). ...
Milk is a widely consumed food rich in macro- and micronutrients that play an important role in health preservation. While it affects positively human nutrient and energy uptake, the presence of pesticide residues could, however, counterbalance these benefits and negatively affect human health. This systematic review provides an overview of studies on pesticide residues during the last decade and the related human health risk assessment. Thirty-five original articles published since 2010 reporting the levels of pesticide residues in raw cow's milk in 69 regions from 15 countries were reviewed. Data showed that pesticide residue levels were ranked as, DDTs> permethrin> bifenthrin> Drins> endrin> endosulfan> HCHs> cyhalothrin> cypermethrin> heptachlor> ethion> coumaphos> deltamethrin> dimethoate, chlorpyriphos> profenofos> malathion> dichlorvos> parathion methyl> carbaryl> aldicarb> carbofuran> methamidophos. High geographic variation was observed, and many regions appear as contaminated zones with high risks such as Punjab in Pakistan (× 3080 > MRL and × 113 > MRL for Cypermethrin and Drins, respectively), Sand Pedro in Columbia (× 1090 > MRL and × 200 > MRL for endrin and Drins, respectively), and Gezira State in Sudan (× 109 > MRL DDTs). The risk assessment for humans indicated that HQ Drins values were > 1 in Columbia (Sucre, Casa Azul, San Pedro, Costanera, Sabanas, Sinú Medio, and San Jorge regions), and in Pakistan (Punjab region). Moreover, the HQ values for endrin were > 1 in Sinú Medio (Colombia) and for heptachlor in Costanera region, Sinú Medio, and Sabanas (Colombia). Furthermore, HI values were > 1 in seven regions in Colombia, 1 region in Pakistan, 1 region in Egypt and 1 region in Turkey, suggesting a serious health risk. In conclusion, to avoid cow's milk contamination by pesticides, it is necessary to develop eco-friendly alternatives to chemical pesticides and promote integrated pest management (IPM) strategies.
... Despre amploarea ei ne putem da seama indirect din datele redate schematic în tabelul de mai jos. (23,24,25) În cadrul URSS, tot în Moldova au fost cercetate și primele probe de lapte matern la conținutul de DDT, iar în 1970 rezultatele analizelor au fost evaluate în teza de doctor în științe medicale a Liliei Suvac-Groza. Pe parcurs cercetări științifice multianuale asupra contaminării organismului uman cu poluanți organici persistenți (POP's) au fost realizate de mai mulți oameni de știință din Moldova. ...
... 560 mii tone de pesticide, inclusiv organoclorurate, care se păstrau cu încălcarea regulamentelor sanitare şi nerespectarea strictă a regulilor de securitate. (17,24) După proclamarea independenţei Republicii Moldova, graţie implicării şi suportului organismelor internaționale și eforturilor conjugate ale autorităților naţionale şi locale de diferit nivel, inclusiv a SSES, pesticidele inutilizabile, stocate în depozitele vechi ale fostei RSSM în cantităţi enorme -de mii de tone, au fost ambalate și transportate în locuri specializate pentru neutralizare şi lichidare. (17) Datele denotă că numai către finele anului 2008 au fost colectate din localitățile republicii 3245 tone de pesticide şi amplasate în 37 depozite, localizate în 2 municipii și 32 raioane, inclusiv UTA Găgăuzia, iar o parte din cantitatea rămasă de 1280 tone, stocate în 15 depozite, se preconiza a fi neutralizată în anii 2015-2016. ...
În monografie a fost elucidată informația privind originea și dezvoltarea domeniului Siguranța chimică și Toxicologie. Analiza retrospectivă a documentelor a demonstrat că în anul 1965 a fost organizată în premieră Secția toxicologie în cadrul Stației Sanitaro-Epidemiologice Republicane (șef secţie desemnată Nelly Zimniţa). Anul 1965 a devenit crucial în istoria dezvoltării toxicologiei şi igienei aplicării pesticidelor. În această perioadă în cadrul instituţiilor sanitaro-epidemiologice teritoriale au fost formate grupuri de laborator (câte 3 unităţi-funcţii fiecare: chimist cu studii superioare, laborant cu studii medii şi asistent), fiind concomitent organizate investigaţii pentru determinarea reziduurilor de pesticide. La finele anului 1965 s-a raportat despre înfiinţarea şi funcţionarea subdivi- ziunilor respective la 10 staţii sanitaro-epidemiologice.
Au fost alocate mijloace financiare pentru construcţia sediilor a 14 laboratoare în cadrul staţiilor sanitaro-epidemiologice (SSE) teritoriale, fiind asigurate cu necesarul de reactive şi veselă de laborator. S-au organi- zat cicluri de pregătire a specialiştilor din SSE şi din instituţiile medicale în problemele toxicologiei, clinicii, tratamentului şi prevenirii intoxicaţi- ilor cu pesticide, controlului folosirii substanţelor chimice în agricultură etc.
În anii 1965-1990, specialiştii din cadrul SSSSP au efectuat multiple şi diverse cercetări științifice şi ştiinţifico-practice în domeniul siguranței chimice și în problemele toxicologiei experimentale, fiind susţinute peste 20 de teze de doctor şi doctor habilitat în ştiinţe medicale, propuse şi implementate măsuri igienice pe diferite domenii, inclusiv în aplicarea inofensivă a diferitor substanţe chimice şi a pesticidelor.
Reorganizarea SSES prin transformare în Serviciul de Supraveghe- re de Stat a Sănătăţii Publice (2009), a impus întreprinderea măsurilor radicale, orientate spre dezvoltarea şi fortificarea segmentului siguranța chimică și toxicologie cu dotarea laboratoarelor CNSP și CSP cu utilaj performant, necesar pentru organizarea şi efectuarea cercetărilor şi inves- tigaţiilor de laborator la cel mai înalt nivel.
Activitățile în perspectivă vor avea ca scop aprecierea rolului siguranţei chimice şi toxicologiei în comunicarea eficientă și schimbul de experiență între instituţii, autorităţi şi specialiști din diferite domenii ştiinţifico-practice, conexe siguranţei chimice şi toxicologiei, având în vedere circuitul dinamic în care se află actualmente. Totodată, fortificarea capacităților instituționale de prevenire și răspuns la accidente de sănătate publică asociate cu substanțe chimice, este o prioritate majoră în dome- niul Siguranța chimică și Toxicologie.
Монография является одной из первых отечественных работ, содержащих ретроспективный обзор документов, отражающих зарождение и становление токсикологии и химической безопасности в системе санитарно-эпидемиологической службы Молдовы.
Согласно архивным документам, в 1965 году была создана первая токсикологическая лаборатория в составе республиканской санитарно-эпидемиологической станции, положившая начало созданию аналогичных лабораторий во всех регионах страны. В своей деятельности они сочетали выполнение надзорных функций за объектами химизации сельского хозяйства с решением научных задач в аспекте химической безопасности.
Среди сформированных в те годы направлений токсикологических исследований можно выделить следующие: исследования влияния веществ на организм в зависимости от области обращения токсического вещества (токсикология пестицидов, включая стойкие органические соединения (СОЗ); исследования, связанные с изучением влияния химических веществ на функциональные системы (токсикология печени и др.); исследования отдельных групп веществ, таких как тяжелые металлы, полихлорированные бифенилы, полиароматические углеводороды и др.; исследования по оценке риска воздействия химических веществ на здоровье; исследования биомаркеров, определяемых в биосредах организма.
Следует отметить работы, выполненные еще в 70-е годы прошлого столетия, по изучению содержания в грудном молоке и сыворотке крови стойких хлорорганических пестицидов, что не потеряло актуальности и в настоящее время. Республика Молдова принимает участие в периодических исследованиях, организуемых ВОЗ, по отбору проб грудного молока для определения содержания СОЗ в динамике. Также следует отметить внедрение в практику токсикологических исследований ускоренных методов анализа, с использованием клеточных культур, а также альтернативных моделей.
Прослеживаются этапы усиления работы по гармонизации отечественных норм и правил с нормативами, принятыми в ЕС, проведения подготовительной работы по внедрению и соблюдению принципов надлежащей лабораторной практики (GLP), применяемых для всех испытаний, проводимых в целях регистрации пестицидов, косметической продукции, химических веществ.
Особое внимание уделено проблемам острых непрофессиональ- ных отравлений химической этиологии, охране здоровья работаю- щих на объектах химизации сельского хозяйства и т.д.
В монографии обобщены литературные данные, а также многолетние исследования отечественных авторов в обсуждаемой области, освещен их вклад в становление и развитие токсикологии и химической безопасности в системе Национальной Службы Общественного Здоровья Республики Молдова.
... Illegal dumping of industrial waste and wastewater is a vexing environmental problem globally affecting envi-35 ronmental and public health (Massari and Monzini, 2004;Haylamicheal and Dalvie, 2009;Ichinose and Yamamoto, 2011;Triassi et al., 2015;Phenrat et al., 2017). Similarly, illegal disposal of obsolete and out-ofspec pesticides causes serious public health and environ-40 mental concern to nearby communities because such toxic wastes are typically stored improperly in leaky or corroded containers in a surface impoundment without appropriate liners to contain hazardous waste materials (Haylamicheal and Dalvie, 2009;Simeonov et al., 2013;45 Haj- Younes et al., 2015). The leakage of such toxic substances at large quantities can pose acute health effects, while their gradual release can also pose chronic effects (Elfvendahl et al., 2004;Buczy nska and Szadkowska-Sta nczyk, 2005;Blankespoor et al., 2009;Alamdar et al., 50 2014; Syed et al., 2014). ...
... The leakage of such toxic substances at large quantities can pose acute health effects, while their gradual release can also pose chronic effects (Elfvendahl et al., 2004;Buczy nska and Szadkowska-Sta nczyk, 2005;Blankespoor et al., 2009;Alamdar et al., 50 2014; Syed et al., 2014). Appropriate cleanup and treatment of illegally disposed obsolete and out-of-spec pesticides is imperative to ensure the restoration of environmental and public health for surrounding communities (FAO, 2001;Karstensen et al., 2006;Simeonov In Vietnam, Nicotex's case is perhaps one of the most recent infamous illegal disposals of toxic pesticides near residential areas, as its news was reported nationally and internationally over the last couple years (Thanh Nien News, 60 2013a;Viet Nam News, 2013). Nicotex Thanh Thai (Nicotex) was a pesticide manufacturer that operated in Cam Van commune, Cam Thuy district, Thanh Hoa province in the North of Central Vietnam (Figure 1) for over 14 years. ...
In Vietnam, Nicotex's site is perhaps the most infamous case of illegal disposal of toxic pesticides near residential areas. In 2013, affected villagers discovered illegal burials of around 1,000 tons of expired pesticides in the Nicotex factory. Organic pesticides were detected in illegal burial areas (IBAs) around 60 times greater than acceptable levels, but no attention was paid to contamination of metals, metalloids, and other classes of organic contaminants, which could be co-contaminants 15 in pesticide formulation. This study assessed the contaminants remaining in the IBAs and surrounding residential areas two years after the source removal conducted in 2014. Additionally, a preliminary health risk assessment from residual contaminants was performed. Nine classes of chemicals including parental pesticides, inorganic and organic degradation byproducts, and metals and metalloids, comprising 123 chemicals were quantified in soil, sediment, and water samples 20 from Nicotex and surrounding residential areas. Although concentrations of organic pesticides were below acceptable levels, arsenic contamination in the soil in a Nicotex IBA named NCT5 and Nap village (NV) exceeded the acceptable level. The enrichment factor and log-probability plot indicate that arsenic enrichment at NV is not from natural sources but is associated with arsenic contamination in NCT5. Arsenic may be a co-contaminant in pesticide manufacturing or an 25 arsenical pesticide, such as monosodium methanearsonate. Arsenic found in NV was toxic arsenate for which the preliminary risk assessment yielded an unacceptable excess carcinogenic risk (1 £ 10 ¡4). While all attention was paid to investigate and treat contamination of organic pesticides, it turns out that arsenic is the major existing threat which poses an unacceptable cancer risk in good agreement with the high cancer rate claimed by villagers near Nicotex. This justifies the need 30 for further investigation of the extent of the arsenic contamination and restoration of the contaminated land.
... In general, Pesticides, meant to target specific pests, often impact many living and non-living elements in the environment. About 95% of the pesticides used affect non-targeted wildlife because they spread widely and stay in the environment for a long time (Simeonov, Macaev, & Simeonova, 2013). Additionally, the extensive use of these chemicals leaves residues in almost all environmental components, prompting the exploration of various physical and chemical methods for pesticide residue treatment in water sources (Dehghani et al., 2021). ...
The plant protection measure is one of the significant farm practices in the field of agriculture in terms of preventing crops from pest infestations and enhancing the crop produce while ensuring better quality yield as well as quantity. With the huge demand for crop production to meet global food security, farmers are applying excessive amounts of pesticides to keep the crop free from pest invasions. Generally, pesticides are specifically noxious to targeted pests, but the danger created when intensive applications of pesticides also affect other nontargeted species of the environment including humans, animals, soil microenvironment, and other living beings. However, the unintentional movement of pesticidal drift has a detrimental impact on humans and the environment remains a major concern in recent days. Therefore, we need to focus on pesticide application methods, routes of human exposure, and imposing threats to non-targeted species due to the pesticide application. The purpose of this article is to discuss the negative impact of pesticidal drift on non-targeted environmental components especially on human health.
... The use of pesticides eliminates pests and harmful organisms from the fields and significantly boosts the production and supply of food . Nearly all pesticides used were deemed to have the potential to harm nontarget species in the region and eventually accumulate in the ecosystem (Simeonov et al., 2014). Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT),hexachlorobenzene,dieldrin,aldrin,heptachlor,etc., are some examples of pesticides that contain persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that can withstand microbial biodegradation and persist in the environment for a longer period (Yadav et al., 2015). ...
Pesticides (PS) are a significant tool for controlling plant pathogens, pests, and weeds, which is important for crop economic yield. Pesticides are divided into two types: natural compounds and synthetic compounds. In addition, to use in agriculture, pesticides are used in a variety of fields, including industry and medicine. In agriculture, pesticides are used through harvest and post-harvest in grains, vegetables, and fruits. Fruits are an important crop for human consumption. Pesticides and chemicals used in food preservatives are formed from one or a group of chemicals. Nearly all chemicals used as PS or food preservatives have toxic effects, but this depends on the type of chemical and its concentration, including organic acid, chelating agents, antioxidants and antimicrobial agents. The increase and continued use of pesticides and food preservative shave led to concerns about food safety and crop productivity. One particular cause for concern about these two materials is that residues of synthetic chemicals that may be particularly toxic to humans have been detected in food. The toxic effects of synthetic chemical preservatives on human health include allergies, heart palpitations, headaches, and cancer. It may be possible to use natural compounds infoodandfruit, safer preservation and not pose risks to human or environmental health. Natural compounds can be derived from plants or useful microorganisms. Therefore, natural compounds are considered preferable to synthetic compounds for fruit preservation.
... Frequent application of pesticides can have a devastating impact on biodiversity, while selecting for resistance among pests (Damalas and Eleftherohorinos, 2011). It was recorded that more than 95 % of pesticides used become broadly distributed in the habitats, broadly impacting non-target organisms (Simeonov et al., 2014). ...
Aquatic environment could be termed as the intercommunicating arrangement of water, sediment and biota that provide food for humanity. Aquatic environments have deteriorated substantially due to the accumulation of toxic inorganic and organic pollutants that cause potentially adverse, widespread and detrimental effects on human health. Among the toxic pollutants, pesticides are among the most concerning compounds. Pesticides are applied broadly to restrict insect infestation in agricultural crops as well as to eradicate a variety of pests and disease bearing organisms such as mice, rats, ticks and mosquitoes from human habitats and environments. Among the top ten pesticide-using countries of the world, more than 30% are in South-Asia. Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), aldrin, dieldrin and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are among the most environmentally detrimental pesticides. OCPs can persist for more than 40 years among components of the environment such as soil, water, fish tissues, and other aquatic biotas. Environmental integrity and human health are threatened by over 500,000 tons of OCPs in numerous countries. About 1-5 million cases of intense pesticide toxicity happen annually worldwide, causing approximately 200,000 deaths annually, in part because of bio-accumulation and bio-magnification of persistent pesticides. In aquatic environments, pesticide toxicity causes mortality, reproductive failure, egg shell thinning, suppression of the immune system, and other fish health complications such as excessive slime on fish scales and gills, cancers, tumors and lesions. In humans, pesticide toxicity causes short-term diseases such as skin and eye irritation, nausea, dizziness, headaches, and also chronic impacts such as diabetes, asthma and cancer. This review provides the historical overview with regard to the levels and distribution of organic pesticides in a range of environmental compartments of the Asian region as well as a worldwide perspective. It also presents a comprehensive consideration of chronic effects of pesticides on human health.
... There are various factors which effect the persistence of these pesticides which include photo-degradation, microbial degradation and chemical degradation. The degree of degradation of these pesticides in the environment also depends on chemistry of compounds, environmental conditions and circulation pattern (Simeonov et al., 2013). Kerle et al. (2007) also reported that mobility of pesticides in the environment is exaggerated by the sorption, solubility, vapor pressure, environmental conditions including weather, canopy, topography, ground cover and texture, organic matter, structure of soil. ...
... Zooplankton, along with phytoplankton, representing the most abundant form of life in terms of biomass and biodiversity in neritic ecosystems, is comprised of heterotrophic microscopic, unicellular or multicellular organisms with size classes ranging from a few microns (picozooplankton) to a millimeter or more (mesozooplankton), such as the gelatinous zooplankton [2]. The marine zooplankton can be divided into two ecological categories: holoplankton, spending their entire lifecycle in the water column (e.g., crustaceans such as were focused on Ligurian Sea [30][31][32], even though its pollution causes serious concern, due to intense anthropic activities (e.g., ports, industries, tourism, etc.) [32]. ...
The Mediterranean Sea is subjected to a high anthropic pressure, which determines direct or indirect discharges of persistent organic pollutants deriving from intensive industrial activities. These compounds could easily enter and contaminate the whole marine compartment, with possible transfers (and contamination) among water, sediment and biota. Based on the above-mentioned assumptions, in this work we studied the presence of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 14 dioxin and non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the neritic protected marine area of the Southern Ligurian Sea, affected by the impact of human activities. The study was focused on the possible partition of micropollutants within seawater, sediment and zooplankton. Results showed that both seasonal and anthropic causes strongly affect contaminant transfer behaviors, with summertime periods more impacted by PAH and PCB contamination. Regarding the PAH contamination, low molecular weight congeners were mainly detected in the target matrices, revealing concentrations up to 1 µg/L in seawater (anthracene), 250 µg/Kg in sediments (benzo[b]fluoranthene) and 2.3 mg/Kg in carnivorous copepods. Concerning PCBs, only few congeners were detected in the matrices studied. To better understand the occurrence of preferential bioaccumulation pathways in zooplankton, partition studies were also performed in several taxa (hyperbenthic Isopoda, holoplanktonic crustacean copepods and ichthyoplankton) through the calculation of BAF values, observing that both living and feeding habits could influence the bioaccumulation process.
... High-temperature incineration is still the preferred technique as a permanent solution to dispose of toxic chemical wastes. The very problem of incineration is the release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and carbon soot, chlorinated dibenzo-dioxins and -furans, which are of a major concern for human health (Simeonov et al., 2014). However, there is no simple method of pesticides disposal that is safe, inexpensive and generally applies under prevailing conditions in developing countries (Mansour, 2009). ...
Objectives: This study aimed to recycle some expired insecticides and evaluate their effectiveness against the cotton leaf worm, Spodoptera littoralis (Boisd.) as a tactic to dispose of these obsolete insecticides.
Methods: The physical and chemical characteristics of chlorpyrifos (Chlorzane 48% EC), malathion (Nasrlathion 57% EC) and cyhalothrin (Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC) insecticides were determined. The active
ingredients of the tested compounds were estimated by gas–liquid chromatography (GLC) equipped with a flame photometric detector GC/FPD and the insecticidal efficacy against the 4th instar larvae of the cotton leafworm, S. littoralis (Boisd.) was evaluated by the leaf dipping technique.
Results: The physical and chemical characteristics of the tested insecticides clarified that chlorpyrifos (Chlorzane 48% EC) succeeded in the stability of emulsion, while cyhalothrin (Lambda-cyhalothrin 5%
EC) and malathion (Nasr-lathion 57% EC) failed the test, whether unexpired or expired. The emulsifiers, Tween 80 or Triton X-100 at a concentration of 20%, managed to improve the characterizations of the expired insecticides, cyhalothrin and malathion. Moreover, these emulsifiers investigated a promising increase in the efficiency of expired cyhalothrin against S. littoralis.
Conclusions: The emulsifiers, Tween 80 or Triton X-100 could be used to increase the efficiency of expired insecticides, especially cyhalothrin 5% EC, thus managing to apply and dispose of that outdated insecticide.
... Thus, the stable agrochemicals accumulate and bio-magnifies, leading to bioconcentration of several tens of thousands-fold relative to initial concentration (Hernández et al. 2013). Apart from being a threat to humans, these chemicals have the potential to affect some other beneficial organisms and destabilize the ecosystem pertaining to its high stability in water (Simeonov et al. 2013). It is sufficed to say modern agriculture needs good water management for increasing the sustainability of food security. ...
Water is a fundamental necessity for people’s well-being and the ecosystem’s sustainability; however, its toxicity due to agrochemicals usage for food production leads to the deterioration of water quality. The poor water quality diminishes its reusability, thus limiting efficient water usage. Organic farming is one of the best ways that does not only reduce the deterioration of water quality but also decrease food toxicity. In organic farming, the crop is grown with no/less chemical usage. Besides, organic farming maintains biodiversity and reduces the anthropogenic footprint on soil, air, water, wildlife, and especially on the farming communities. Fields that are organically managed continuously for years have fewer pest populations and were attributed to increased biodiversity and abundance of multi-trophic interactions as well as to changes in plant metabolites. Fewer insect pests (pathogen vectors), in turn, would result in fewer crop diseases and increase crop production. This review highlights that organic farming may play a critical role in the reduction of pests and pathogens, which eventually would reduce the need for chemical reagents to protect crops, improving yield quality and water reusability.
... The results obtained are consistent with the previous studies. Simeonov L.I. et al. [47] also used the calculation method (but without mathematical models) and obtained the concentrations of 123 herbicides in surface water. The authors found that for herbicides in 80% of cases, more than half of their concentration of the recommended application rate may be in surface water bodies. ...
There are many approaches of pesticide risk assessment. Despite their variation in difficulty and information complexity, all of them are intended to predict the actual pesticide risk as accurately as possible, i.e., to predict the behavior and hazard of a pesticide in the environment with high precision. The aim of this study was to develop a risk indicator of pesticide’s negative impact on soil and aquatic organisms. The developed pesticide risk indicator constitutes the sum of points of acute toxicity exposure ratio, long-term toxicity exposure ratio, and the bioconcentration factor. To develop the indicator, mathematical models were used; the input data included the soil and climate conditions of a specific region. Combining the data of pesticide toxicity in the environment allowed for a more accurate risk assessment in terms of using plant protection products. The toxicity and behavior in soil and water of 200 widespread pesticides were studied. It could be concluded that a mathematical model, PEARL 4.4.4, calibrated for region-specific soil-climate conditions, provides a relevant description of the natural translocation and decomposition of pesticides in soils. In addition, the output data of this model can be applied to calculate the risk indicators. The combination of these parameters with pesticide toxicity for non-target groups of organisms allows the risk indicator to be a universal tool for predicting the negative impact of pesticides on the environment at the regional level.
... However, N95% of pesticides may exert adverse effects on non-target organisms during application (Simeonov et al., 2013). Britain Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food stated that most pesticides are harmful to animals: 88% are harmful to fish; 46% are harmful to bees; and 43% are harmful to livestock; 42% are harmful to wild animals (Hough, 1998). ...
This review aims to provide an overview of studies on pesticide residues in breast milk in China and the related health risk to mother and infants. Results showed that the investigations of breast milk covered 22 provincial administrative regions of China. Beijing and some densely populated and economically developed areas have most publications. The study frequency was followed the order of DDTs>HCHs>HCB > ∑Drins,∑Chlordane. While the residue levels were ranked as DDTs, HCHs > ∑Drins>HCB > ∑Chlordane. The highest residue levels of DDTs and HCHs in breast milk were found in 1980s (~10,000 ng/g lipid), then experienced a sharp decrease in 1990s (~1000–2000 ng/g lipid). In 2000s and 2010s, DDTs, and HCHs residue still showed a decreasing trend. Spatially, people located in urban area, coastal areas and southern China tend to have higher pesticide residues as compared to rural area, inland area and northern China, respectively. Other factors such as dietary habit, living environment, the maternal age, the parity, body mass index, lactation period, menstruation characteristics as well as hormonal drug intake and infertility treatment will also affect the pesticide residues in breast milk of Chinese people. According to the estimated daily ingestion (EDI) of breast milk, the average health risk for infants were generally exceeded the acceptable level before 2006, while after that, most EDI values were within the standard. Body burden of pesticides in mother can also be evaluated by using the residue data in breast milk, but no relevant guidelines were available. Other knowledge gap included 1) for some provinces with large consumption of pesticides or located in remote and plateau areas, there are few/no studies available; 2) current study on pesticide residues in breast milk in China were only focused on organochlorine pesticides, research on current used pesticides (such as pyrethroids, organophosphorus, carbamate) were necessary in the future.
... Repeated application of pesticides leads to the loss of biodiversity and increased resistance of pests, and its effect on other species contributes to the resurgence of pests (Damalas and Eleftherohorinos, 2011). It is estimated that ˃ 95% application of pesticides may affect non-target organisms and become widely dispersed in the environment (Simeonov et al. 2013) like soil (Kumar et al., 2014), air (Devi et al., 2011), water (Lari et al., 2014) and food (Yu et al., 2012). Similar to other chronic organic contaminants like polychlorinated biphenyls, and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDDs/Fs) when these chlorinated compounds are introduced in the environment they are distributed very slowly and gradually and become the part of the air, soil, water and persist in living organisms. ...
Pesticides are widely used in agriculture mainly to increase crop yields cater to huge supply of food products for increasing world population as well as to protect crops from pests and control insect-borne diseases. Increased use of pesticides (especially organochlorine pesticides) results in contamination of the environment and the excess accumulation of pesticide residues in food products and severe health impact, which has always been a matter of serious concern. Pesticide residues in food and crops are directly related to the irrational application of pesticides to the growing crops. Accumulated organochlorine pesticide residues in food products have been associated with a broad variety of human health hazards, ranging from short-term effects to long-term toxic effects. The preventive measures for pesticide residues in the developing countries are limited due to a shortage of funds and lack of defined government regulations. The impact of pesticide residues can be minimized by taking certain measures such as the rational use of pesticides, promoting organic farming, exploit natural and bio pesticides, and proper implementation and amendment of pesticide-related laws. The present article has been planned to review various aspects of organochlorine pesticide residues including their accumulation in air, soil, water and food products, impact on human health, and the preventive measures to counter their toxic effects.
... The use of pesticides repeatedly also leads to pest resurgence in addition to increased pest resistance and biodiversity loss (Damalas and Eleftherohorinos, 2011). It is estimated that about 95% of the pesticides applied impact nontarget organisms and has the potential to get dispersed in the environment (Simeonov et al., 2014). Similarly, there is no end to the utility of polymers in the modern day world. ...
Xenobiotics are chemicals that are highly persistent in the environment, bio accumulate through the food web, and stance a risk of causing adverse effects not only to human health but also to the environment. These compounds are both organic and inorganic and are noted for their high persistence and bio accumulative characteristics. These compounds are characterized by their low and high water solubility thus having the property to accumulate in animal and plant tissues causing malformations in teratogenic, immunogenic and other abnormalities. Various biological and physico-chemical methods have been deployed in the removal or treatment of xenobiotics. Chemical treatment of xenobiotics is often costly resulting in the production of toxic undesirable compounds which cannot be degraded easily making environment worse. To overcome these issues, microbial population constitutes major component of phyllosphere forming mutualistic association showing their involvement in the biodegradation of xenobiotics. The microbial diversity is not only able to degrade xenobiotics but also their metabolites into less toxic compounds by the presence of specific genes. Here in this chapter, endophyte remediated strategies are introduced in detail and covers all the biological processes involving degradation of xenobiotics via endophytic bacterial population
... Repeated application of pesticides leads to loss of biodiversity and increased pest resistance, while its effects on other species facilitate pest resurgence (Damalas and Eleftherohorinos, 2011). It was estimated that N 95% of applied pesticides had the potential to impact non-target organisms and to become widely dispersed in the environment (Simeonov et al., 2013). ...
Pesticides are used widely to control weeds and insect infestation in agricultural fields and various pests and disease carriers (e.g., mosquitoes, ticks, rats, and mice) in houses, offices, malls, and streets. As the modes of action for pesticides are not species-specific, concerns have been raised about environmental risks associated with their exposure through various routes (e.g., residues in food and drinking water). Although such hazards range from short-term (e.g., skin and eye irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea) to chronic impacts (e.g., cancer, asthma, and diabetes), their risks are difficult to elucidate due to the involvement of various factors (e.g., period and level of exposure, type of pesticide (regarding toxicity and persistence), and the environmental characteristics of the affected areas). There are no groups in the human population that are completely unexposed to pesticides while most diseases are multi-causal to add considerable complexity to public health assessments. Hence, development of eco-friendly pesticide alternatives (e.g., EcoSMART) and Integrated Pest Management (IPM) techniques is desirable to reduce the impacts of pesticides. This paper was hence organized to present a comprehensive review on pesticides with respect to their types, environmental distribution, routes of exposure, and health impacts.
... Global impacts of pesticide use such as their putative roles in cancer epidemics 37 or alleged role in reducing global biodiversity [38][39][40] will not be weighed here against the benefits they may have provided in feeding mankind. 41 Instead, for the remainder of the introduction we will mechanistically depict how human health and environmental protection are defined in toxicity assessments. ...
Introduction: Worldwide pesticide consumption is increasing, and the greatest share of the market is held by herbicides. The US is the world’s largest consumer of pesticides and Glyphosate (GLY) surpassed Atrazine’s (ATZ) leadership in American sales in 2001. In Europe, GLY is among the most popular plant protection products, but ATZ is not registered since 2003. Goal: The current review aims at introducing the reader to human environmental toxicity assessment of pesticides in North America and Europe, visiting key and hot topics, before expanding on current controversies over ATZ and GLY. Topics covered: The US Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act (FIFRA) and the EU Plant Protection Products Regulation (2009/1107/EC) are the main statutes regulating pesticides Active Ingredients (AI) and formulation registration. International harmonization efforts are made for testing guidelines (OECD) and human and environmental toxicity classifications and tolerances settings (WHO/UNEP/FAO). Human toxicity testing is similar in the US and EU, with more extensive testing of AI compared to formulations. Ecosystemic impacts of pesticides are characterized through environmental fate and behavior studies, as well as ecotoxicity testing on animals. Key aspects of (eco)toxicity testing reviewed include toxicity end-points, dose-response relationships, number of test animals, controls and statistics. Hot topics in pesticides (eco)toxicity testing and risk assessments, at the root of current pesticide (eco)toxicity controversies, are reviewed. They include good laboratory practices vs peer-review, conflicts of interest and discounting, subtle effects, animal welfare and ethics, active vs inert ingredients, mixtures and safety. ATZ controversies reviewed include court litigation, industrial influence on registration authorities, carcinogenesis, reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption as well as toxicity of widespread environmental mixtures. GLY’s low toxicity is challenged with alleged reproductive toxicity and teratogenicity and its rapid degradation and low leaching potential are confronted with persistence, widespread contamination and potential crop hazards. Conclusion: Scientists disagreeing with dominant (eco)toxicity assessment of pesticides may not necessarily wish to engage in polemics, but rebuttle by industrials and government authorities over so-called contrarian science may spark controversy. Historically, whistle-blowers that report risk have been assailed by scientists in a position of conflict of interest, and regulation authorities have been pointed for dismissing possible risk, and scientific extremists have tried to instill public fear. Transparency is essential for the credibility and confidence in pesticide (eco)toxicity risk assessments and regulation, and this is more important than ever with the upcoming registration reviews of GLY and ATZ.
Pesticides assume a central role within the realms of agriculture, serving as agents for pest eradication and crop protection. However, their utilization introduces a dual spectrum of outcomes, both advantageous and disadvantages. This research explores the intricate ecological aftermath stemming from the application of inorganic pesticides, with a specific focus on the geographical expanse of the Larkana district in Pakistan. Employing a qualitative anthropological approach that encompasses interviews and participant observational methodologies, the study delves into the repercussions of pesticides on diverse dimensions: animal life, soil quality, water reservoirs, and the realm of beneficial insects. Forty farmers, doctors, and pesticides sellers were selected as sample. The findings lay bare compelling evidence of substantial contamination in both surface and ground water sources, concurrent with the degradation of soil integrity. Moreover, the study highlights the adverse ramifications endured by livestock and eco-friendly insects due to pesticide exposure. The findings brought to light through this inquiry undeniably emphasize the pressing need for increased awareness and precise pesticide application, serving as the foundation for a shared commitment to alleviate environmental risks.
Dans le but de proposer une démarche pour la gestion des risques liés aux pesticides à usage agricole, une enquête a été réalisée auprès de 40 agriculteurs sélectionnés de manière aléatoire à travers les différentes communes de la wilaya de Boumerdès. Des risques sur la santé humaine et sur l’environnement ont été évalués. Face à cette situation, une démarche de gestion des risques liés à l’utilisation des pesticides a été proposée. Également, cette enquête a fait ressortir un certain nombre de recommandation afin de réduire les risques les plus inquiétants sur la santé humaine et les risques qui peuvent conduire à la pollution de l’environnement.
Paulownia tomentosa (Thunb.) Steud is a drought-resistant, low-maintenance and fast-growing energy crop that can withstand a wide range of climatic conditions, provides a high biomass yield (approximately 50 t DM ha-1 yr-1), and develops successfully in contaminated sites. In Kazakhstan, there are many historically contaminated sites polluted by a mixture of xenobiotics of organic and inorganic origin that need to be revitalised. Pilot-scale research evaluated the potential of P. tomentosa for the phytoremediation of soils historically contaminated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and toxic trace elements (TTEs) to minimise their impact on the environment. Targeted soils from the obsolete pesticide stockpiles located in three villages of Talgar district, Almaty region, Kazakhstan, i.e., Amangeldy (soil A), Beskainar (soil B), and Kyzylkairat (soil K), were subjected to research. Twenty OCPs and eight TTEs (As, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were detected in the soils. The phytoremediation potential of P. tomentosa was investigated for OCPs whose concentrations in the soils were significantly different (aldrin, endosulfans, endrin aldehyde, HCB, heptachlor, hexabromobenzene, keltan, methoxychlor, and γ-HCH) and for TTEs (Cu, Zn, and Cd) whose concentrations exceeded maximum permissible concentrations. Bioconcentration (BCF) and translocation (TLF) factors were used as indicators of the phytoremediation process. It was ensured that the uptake and translocation of contaminants by P. tomentosa was highly variable and depended on their properties and concentrations in soil. Besides the ability to bioconcentrate Cr, Ni, and Cu, P. tomentosa demonstrated very encouraging results in the accumulation of endosulfans, keltan, and methoxychlor and the phytoextraction of γ-HCH (TLFs of 1.9-9.9) and HCB (BCFs of 197-571). The results of the pilot trials support the need to further investigate the potential of P. tomentosa for phytoremediation on a field scale.
Background:
Pesticides manage pests and diseases in agriculture, but they harm the health of agricultural workers. Concentrations of thirteen pesticides were determined in personal air and blood serum of 85 paddy farmers and 85 non-farmers, thereafter associated with health symptoms.
Method:
Samples were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS).
Results:
The median concentration of pesticides in personal air samples ranged from 10.69 to 188.49 ng/m3 for farmers and from 5.79 to 73.66 ng/m3 for non-farmers. The median concentration of pesticides in blood serum was from 58.27 to 210.12 ng/mL for farmers and 47.83 to 62.74 ng/mL for non-farmers. Concentration of eleven pesticides in personal air and twelve pesticides in blood serum were significantly higher in farmers than non-farmers (p < 0.05). All pesticides detected in personal air correlated significantly with concentration in the blood serum of farmers (p < 0.05). Health symptoms reported by farmers were dizziness (49.4%), nausea (47.1%), cough (35.3%), chest pain (30.6%), breathing difficulty (23.5%), sore throat (22.4%), vomiting (18.8%), phlegm (16.5%), and wheezing (15.3%). Concentration of pesticides in personal air, blood serum, and health symptoms were not significantly associated.
Conclusion:
Occupational exposure to pesticides significantly contaminates blood serum of farmers compared to non-farmers.
Chiral pesticides with S atoms as asymmetric centers are gaining great importance in the search for new pesticides with new modes of action. As for the rest of the chiral pesticides, the determination of the stereoisomers separately has become crucial in the environmental risks assessment of these pesticides. Therefore, the development of suitable extraction and clean-up methods as well as efficient stereoselective analytical techniques for stereoisomers determination in environmental samples is essential. Currently, liquid/solid phase extraction, microextraction, and QuEChERS-based methods are most commonly used to obtain chiral pesticides from environmental samples. Gas, liquid, and supercritical fluid chromatography together with capillary electrophoresis techniques are the most important for the determination of the stereoisomers of chiral pesticides containing S atoms in its structure. In this study, all these techniques are briefly reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of each are discussed
Photodegradation (photolysis) causes the breakdown of organic pesticides molecules by direct or indirect solar radiation energy. Flucetosulfuron herbicide often encounters water bodies. For this reason, it is important to know the behavior of the compound under these stressed conditions. In this context, photodegradation of flucetosulfuron, a sulfonylurea-based herbicide, has been assessed in aqueous media in the presence of photocatalyst TiO 2 and photosensitizers (i.e., H 2 O 2, humic acid, and KNO 3) under the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation. The influence of different water systems was also assessed during the photodegradation study. The photodegradation followed the first-order reaction kinetics in each case. The metabolites after photolysis were isolated in pure form by column chromatographic method and characterized using the different spectral data (i.e., XRD, IR, NMR, UV-VIS, and mass spectrometry). The structures of these metabolites were identified based on the spectral data and the plausible photodegradation pathways of flucetosulfuron were suggested. Based on the findings, photocatalyst TiO 2 with the presence of ultraviolet irradiation was found effective for the photodegradation of toxic flucetosulfuron residues under aqueous conditions.
Pestisitlerin tarımda zararlılara karşı geliştirilen kimyasal ilaçlar olduğu ve tarımsal ürünlerde aşırı kullanımının insan sağlığını olumsuz etkilediği bilinmektedir. Bu nedenle pestisitlerin özellikle tarımsal ürünlerde kullanımına dikkat edilmesi, çevreye ve insan sağlığına vereceği zararların önlenmesi açısından son derece önemlidir. Son yıllarda pestisitlerin gıdalarda saptanması yanısıra çeşitli su kaynaklarına, su ürünlerine ve çevreye bulaştığına yönelik yapılan çalışmalarda ortaya konulan bulgular konunun önemini açıkça ortaya koymaktadır. Tarımsal ürünlerin yetiştirirciliğinde kullanılan pestisitlerin sulama ve yağmur suları aracılığı ile çeşitli su kaynaklarının yanısıra avlanan ve yetiştiriciliği yapılan su ürünleri türlerine de bulaştığı görülmektedir. Bu durum su ürünlerinin kalitesini olumsuz etkilemekte dolayısıyla da pestisit içeren su ürünlerinin insanlar tarafından tüketimi sonucunda insan sağlığı açısından da büyük risk oluşturmaktadır. Sonuç olarak; tarımsal ürünlerde pestisit kullanımının sınırlandırılmasının, pestisit kullanımı ile ilgili gereken kontrollerin yapılmasının, kimyasal pestisit kullanımı yerine insan sağlığına zarar vermeyen doğal ürünlerin kullanılmasının sağlanmasının, su ve su canlılarına pestisit bulaşmalarının önlenmesi amacıyla gereken tedbirlerin alınmasının gerekli olduğu düşünülmektedir. Ayrıca sulara ve su ürünlerine pestisit bulaşmasını engelleyici yeni metotlar geliştirilmesinin yanı sıra pestisit kirliliğine karşı sularda ve su ürünlerinin kalitesi açısından etlerinde varlığının saptanmasına yönelik incelemelerde sürekliliğin sağlanmasının da insan sağlığı açısından elzem olduğu düşünülmektedir.
Management and destruction of obsolete pesticides and the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil are significant global issues with importance in agriculture, environmental health and quality of life. Pesticide use and management have a history of problems because of insufficient knowledge of proper planning, storage, and use. This manuscript reviews recent literature with an emphasis on the management of obsolete pesticides and remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil. The rhizosphere of plants is a zone of active remediation. Plants also take up contaminated water and remove pesticides from soil. The beneficial effects of growing plants in pesticide-contaminated soil include pesticide transformation by both plant and microbial enzymes. This review addresses recent advances in the remediation of pesticide-contaminated soil with an emphasis on processes that are simple and can be applied widely in any country.
Pesticides are substances that are meant to control pests or weeds. The production and use of synthetic pesticides have been increasingly growing in recent years worldwide. Pesticides are designed to be toxic to specific groups of organisms, which bring benefits to humans. However, they have considerable adverse effects on other living creatures as well as environmental media including air, water, and soil. Pesticides can enter the human body via the skin, the mouth, and the lungs, thereby leading to diverse toxicity actions on humans. This chapter provides a brief overview of classification, toxicity, health effects, and environmental exposure of pesticides, as well as toxicity and mechanism of three major pesticides (organophosphorus, pyrethroid, and carbamate pesticides).
The “patch” approach for skin exposure assessment can easily be combined with biological monitoring in real-life pesticide studies. Nevertheless, this approach is sensitive to outliers, with values markedly deviating from other members of the sample, which can result in a gross overestimation of exposure. This study aimed at developing methods for outlier identification and validating them while using biological monitoring. Twenty-seven workers applying mancozeb in Italian vineyards participated in this study. Their skin exposure was estimated while using the patch methodology, while ethylene-thiourea (ETU) was measured in the 24-h post-exposure urine as a biomarker of exposure. The outliers were detected using methods that were based on the multiplication of the median, the median absolute deviation, and boxplots. The detection rate varied between 2.3% and 17.3%. The estimated median skin exposure of 3.2 μg was reduced to 1.2 μg when the modified Z score was used. The highest reduction in the skin exposure was above 54 μg. The use of the modified Z score for outlier detection resulted in an increase in the correlation coefficient between the skin exposure and the urine ETU levels from 0.46 to 0.71, which suggested the validity of the approach. Future studies should standardize and improve the methods for pesticide exposure and risk assessment.
The presence of heavy metals in water resources directly affects consumer health. The quality of surface water resources in Central America is usually low due to the presence of metals and other pollutants. The lack of analytical instrumentation to perform routine monitoring of water has encouraged the development of easy tools to facilitate the determination of heavy metals in waters in remote sites. In this study, we evaluated the use of different sorbents, such as Adsorbsia As600 (titanium dioxide), Iontosorb Oxin, 8-hydroxyquinoline bearing functional groups, and Duolite GT-73, with thiol functionality, for Cd, Ni, Cu, Zn, and Al extraction. It was found that both Adsorbsia As600 and Iontosorb Oxin allowed the adsorption of all metals, and the recovery was achieved using either HCl or ethylenediaminetetraacetic sodium salt (EDTA) solutions. Hence, Adsorbsia As600 was employed for in situ sampling in the metal contamination evaluation of water samples (from 15 wells and nine storage tanks) from the municipality of Torola, Mozarán, El Salvador. The developed procedure allowed all the metals in the samples to be detected, and Ni and Al were found to be above Salvadoran guidelines for drinking water quality.
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