Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils of the coastal areas along Sanduao Bay and Xinghua Bay, southeast China

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been measured in 21 surface soil samples (0–20 cm) collected along Sanduao Bay and Xinghua Bay, southeast China. The total concentrations of OCPs in soil samples of Sanduao Bay and Xinghua Bay range from 1.85 to 54.73 ng/g (dry weight) and 4.66–38.07 ng/g (dry weight), respectively. The mean concentrations of soil samples two bays were in following order: DDTs > HCHs > endosulfans > chlordanes. HCHs in the study areas may have received fresh lindane input. DDTs in 85.7% soil along Sanduao Bay and Xinghua Bay indicating a use of technical DDT in these areas for a long time. But, DDTs in some soil samples along Xinghua Bay were likely due to the historical application of technical DDT. There were weak correlations between TOC contents and residues of HCHs, DDTs, chlordane and endosulfan, indicating that TOC of soil is not the only factor enhance adsorption of these compounds.

► Soil plays an important role in global distribution and fate of POPs.
► OCPs in soils were determined to evaluate contamination status, spatial distribution.
► OCPs in soils were determined to assess the risk of contamination.
► Comparison of OCPs in between Sanduao Bay and Xinghua Bay.