Occurrence of organochlorine pesticides residue in Kuano river of eastern Uttar Pradesh.

Organochlorine pesticides residue (isomers of HCH alpha, beta, gamma and DDT) in Kuano river water at pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period were analyzed for the period June, 2004 to May, 2006 by TLC method. Results indicated that presence of isomers of HCH (alpha, beta, gamma) and DDT in both the study years even though the usage of both these pesticides is restricted. The higher concentration of pesticide was found in post monsoon. The total concentration of HCH ranges from 0.0002 to 0.020 microg l(-1) and 0.0002 to 0.009 microg l(-1) and total DDT concentration ranged from 0.0009 to 0.003 microg l(-1) and 0.00 to 0.0010 microg l(-1) during first and second year of study respectively. No temporal or spatial distribution pattern was found perhaps due to presence of multiple and aleatory sources. In most of the samples the pesticides residues detected were much higher than drinking water quality standards. It can be inferred that the environment maybe considerably degraded by these compounds, providing additional impact to the biota and bringing a potential risk to human health. More detailed Monitoring/studies have to be carried out on different months with a wider spectrum of pesticides to get a clear base line data for the entire location.