Journal of Natural Environment

Distribution, accumulation, and origin of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) the Karun and Arvand river in Khuzestan Province

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Marine Science and Oceanography, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology, Khorramshahr, Iran.

10.22059/jne.2025.397592.2816

Abstract

Monitoring and controlling organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) is of great importance due to their carcinogenic properties, delayed toxicity effects, and adverse impacts on the nervous systems of aquatic organisms. This study was conducted to investigate the accumulation levels and compare the concentrations of aldrin, heptachlor, dieldrin, lindane, and DDT in sediments of the Karun and Arvand (Shatt al-Arab) rivers. Nine sampling stations were selected along the rivers from the Karun River to the Persian Gulf. After sample collection, the sediments were extracted, purified, and concentrated, followed by analysis using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The results revealed significant differences in pesticide concentrations among the sampling stations. Stations Darkhovain and Hafar along the Karun River, and Nahrekhain and Minoo island along the Arvand River, exhibited higher concentrations of aldrin, heptachlor, dieldrin, and lindane, which can be attributed to intensive agricultural activities in these areas. The Arvand-Abadan station showed the highest DDT concentration, likely due to the presence of a historical pesticide manufacturing plant. Overall, heptachlor exhibited the highest concentration, while DDT showed the lowest among the analyzed pesticides. The general order of pesticide concentrations in the sediments was: heptachlor > lindane > aldrin > dieldrin > DDT. Seasonal comparisons indicated that pesticide levels were generally higher during the cold season across most stations, except at the estuarine sites (Arvand estuary and Persian Gulf). Furthermore, concentrations at Darkhovain, Minoo island, and Nahrekhain exceeded established environmental quality standards. The findings suggest that agriculture, industrial activities, urbanization, and legacy contamination are the primary sources of OCPs entering the riverine environment. Effective regulatory measures and continuous monitoring are therefore essential to mitigate the ecological and health risks associated with these persistent pollutants.

Keywords

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Journal of Natural Environment
Volume 78, Issue 1
June 2025
Pages 141-154