Aurel Nuro
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Tirana University, Tirana, Albania
In this paper were presented concentration and distribution of organochlorine pesticides, their residues and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in soil samples from Myzeqeja area. This area is located in South-West central Albania. Myzeqeja field is the main agricultural area in Albania. It is known for elevated agricultural activity after Second War until now. In the past the main parts of Myzeqeja field have been a wetland. Firstly, DDT and other organochlorine pesticides were used in this area against malaria vector and after that for agricultural purposes. In this area use of organochlorine pesticides continued until 90’. PCBs weren’t in use in Albania but they were reported in many ecosystems because of atmospheric depositions. Organochlorine pollutants have high stability, high bioaccumulation capacity and the ability to spread out of the application site. Generally these compounds are difficult to degrade. In the soil or sediment the speed of their degradation is lower.
Fourteen soil samples were selected in agricultural areas that are in use from local farmers. Sampling was realized in March 2018. In the analytical method were combined ultrasonic bath extractions, acid hydrolyze and a Florisil column for samples clean-up. The analysis of the organochlorine pesticides and PCB in soil samples was performed by gas chromatography technique using electron capture detector (GC/ECD). Rtx-5 (30m x 0.33mm x 0.25μm) capillary column was used for simultaneous determination of organochlorine pesticides and PCB. The highest levels of chlorinated pollutants in study areas were found for organochlorine pesticides because of their previous uses for agricultural purposes. Methoxychlor, Endrin Keton and Mirex were the most frequently detected pesticides for all samples. Volatile PCBs were found in higher concentrations because of their atmospheric origin. Found levels were higher / comparable with reported studies for other agricultural areas in Albania.
Key words
Myzeqeja, Organoclorined pesticides, PCBs, soil samples, GC/ECD
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