Concentration, distribution, and human health risk assessment of endosulfan from a manufacturing facility in Huai'an, China

• The facility is a significant source of endosulfan contamination.
• The concentration in soil decreased by a factor of 10 within 45 km.
• Occupational and residential exposures may be safe at the facility site.

Endosulfan concentrations and its distribution in air, soil, sediment and foodstuffs in the area surrounding a production facility in Huai'an, China were investigated because of its threats to the environment and human health. Air concentrations for endosulfan Ι, endosulfan II and endosulfan sulfate measured in this study were several orders of magnitude higher than those reported previously for this region. Surface soil concentration ranges of endosulfan I, endosulfan II, and endosulfan sulfate were greater than in sediment. Endosulfan II was the greatest contributor to total endosulfan concentrations in both surface sediment and soil followed by endosulfan sulfate and endosulfan Ι. However, a different concentration profile was observed in fish and crop samples, with endosulfan sulfate having the highest concentration followed by endosulfan I and endosulfan II. The concentration of Σendosulfans (endosulfans Ι and II) in soil decreased rapidly with increasing distance from the plant by a factor of 10 within 45 km. Trace amounts of Σendosulfans were observed in deep soil layers which implied that these compounds are transported through the leaching of pore water in soil. This demonstrated that emissions from the manufacturing facility can lead to ground water contamination in the area near the plant. A screening level human health risk assessment of Σendosulfans based on the worst-case scenario was performed for people living in the vicinity of the manufacturing facility. The hazard indices were at least 2 orders of magnitude of < 1, indicating no adverse health effects are likely to occur at current exposure levels, and the risk to human health is generally acceptable.

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