Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in upper reach of the Huaihe River, East China

Residues of HCHs and DDTs in surface water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) from upper reach of the Huaihe River, East China, were investigated. Levels of total HCHs (∑HCH) and total DDTs (∑DDT) in water detected by GC-ECD ranged from 0.85 to 12.77 ng L−1 and from 3.54 to 33.59 ng L−1, respectively. According to European and America water quality guidelines, HCHs were within safe levels while DDT would pose adverse biological effects. Distribution of OCPs in water indicated that input of tributaries was important factor for the Huaihe River. For OCPs in SPM, concentrations varied from 1.01 to 25.22 ng g−1 for ∑HCH and not detected to 4.74 ng g−1 for ∑DDT. Compared with sediment quality guidelines, HCHs and DDTs might have an ecological risk. The main reason for OCPs residues in the Huaihe River was usage of lindane and technical DDT. Furthermore, composition of DDTs reflected fresh inputs of dicofol mixture in some sites.

► Residues of HCHs in surface water from upper reach of the Huaihe River were within safe levels.
► Levels of DDT in water would pose adverse biological effects.
► Input of tributaries was an important factor for the Huaihe River.
► OCPs residues in SPM might have an ecological risk in this basin.
► Usage of lindane, technical DDT and dicofol mixture was the main reason for OCP residues in this area.