Evaluation of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPS) and Their Health Risks in Ogegele River, Idah, Kogi State

Abstract

 Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are chemicals that are resistant to degradation in the environments and water bodies; they bioaccumlate and are toxic. In this study, in order to investigate the effect OCP pollution in River Ogegele, a seasonal assessment was conducted. Liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was employed using methylene chloride, followed by cleanup with silica gel and anhydrous sodium carbonate. The extract was analyzed using gas chromatography according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The results showed that the concentration of ∑OCPs in the water during wet season ranged from 0.13 to 0.26 ng L-1 while the concentration of ∑OCPs in the water during dry season ranged from 0.01 to 0.07. Most residual OCPs during the wet season were sufficient to pose carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks to humans, whereas levels during the dry season were lower. The results of this study can provide a reference for OCP prevention and control and watershed environmental management.