Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole in cork bark

Organochlorine pesticides are persistent lipophilic organic pollutants and tend to accumulate in growing plants. During growth, cork is in contact with the open air for long periods (9-12 years). Owing to the previous widespread use of organochlorine pesticides and their high persistence in the environment, there is a risk that residues of such pesticides may be present in cork.In this study, the concentrations of 14 organochlorine pesticides-all of which are indicators of environmental pollution-were analyzed in cork bark samples from three regions in Spain and one in Portugal. In addition, the concentrations of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (TCP) and 2,4,6-trichloroanisole (TCA) were also analyzed.Our results show only very low concentrations of lindane, γ-HCH (<2.6 ng g−1) and its byproducts α-HCH (<3.5 ng g−1) and β-HCH (<0.6 ng g−1).Among the DDT and its metabolites, only two were found: p,p′-DDT was found in a cork sample from Extremadura (0.1 ng g−1) and p,p′-DDE was present at a maximum concentration of 2.9 ng g−1 in a cork sample from Castile-La Mancha. However, all concentrations were well below the legal limit established by Regulation (EC) No. 396/2005 (10 ng g−1 in foodstuffs). We can conclude, therefore, that the cork samples we studied complied with food safety standards.

► Fifteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed in cork barks from Spain and Portugal. ► The most productive areas of cork stopper were selected. ► 2,4,6-Trichloroanisole, compound responsible for cork taint, was also analyzed. ► Low concentrations of OCPs were found in the samples (<3.5 ng g−1).