Investigation of pesticide residues in surface water in some areas of agricultural production at Ho Chi Minh city

Abstract

Residual levels of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in surface water in some agricultural areas at Ho Chi Minh City were investigated in 2012. Four organophosphorus pesticides including Malathion, Parathion, Ethion and Trithion and seven organochlorine pesticides including Alpha - HCH, beta-HCH, gammaHCH, aldrin, Heptachlor – epoxide, AlphaEndosulfan and Endosulfan-sulfate were determined in the surface water in four dicstricts : Binh Chanh, Hoc Mon, Cu Chi and Binh Tan using gas chromatographic method with electron capture detector (GCECD). The results showed that residues of pesticide were found with high concentrations in surface water in agricultural areas and pesticide residues changed depending on growth stages of crops. The concentration and distribution of pesticides were different in the water samples at different sites. Residues of pesticides such as Parathion, Ethion and Trithion were detected in surface water although these chemicals had been banned.