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Agriculture is critical to the Indian economy, while farming's contribution to overall gross domestic product (GDP) has decreased from over 30% in 1990-91 to less than 15% in 2011-12, a tendency that is expected in any economy's growth process, farming remains the cornerstone of progress. The ordinary Indian continues to pay about half of its total food costs. Avaried range of pesticides is necessary to control pests and vector-borne diseases on tropical agricultural plants. However, occasional use has had negative consequences for public health as well as food quality, which has an effect on the environment, and has resulted in the development of pest resistance. Indiscriminate use in the food chain has a detrimental effect on the entire ecosystem, polluting soil, soil and surface water and air. In this study, estimated few of the commonly used pesticide residues in water, rice, fruits and vegetablesconsumed by peoplein kasargod, Kerala. Nearly one in three goods tested carried pesticide residues below the MRL and remaining goodsare above the MRL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Conversion of agricultural fields into the industrial corridor under the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) necessitated the investigation of soil-borne organic contaminants. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from Mambakkam and Cheyyar SIPCOT belt, along the residential, industrial and agricultural transects. Concentrations of Σ28PCBs, Σ16PAHs and OCPs were in the range 0.3–9 ng/g, 33–2934 ng/g and nd–81.4 ng/g, respectively. Residential areas showed higher OCP concentrations than other site types, probably due to their frequent use in vector control programmes. DDT isomers and α-isomer of endosulfan showed low concentrations indicating past usage of these OCPs. Principal component analysis indicated that high-temperature combustion and industrial processes might be the major sources of high molecular weight PAHs, while low-temperature combustion processes might be responsible for low molecular weight PAHs. PCBs in soil were probably attributed to unaccounted combustion processes of e-waste in the region. Carcinogenic PAHs and Σ28PCBs were higher in the industrial sites. Mean Σ28PCBs at Mambakkam (4.8 ng/g) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that at the incipient industrial corridor Cheyyar (2.7 ng/g). Lower chlorinated PCBs (3-Cl and 4-Cl) amounted to more than half of Σ28PCBs in 75% of the sites. Total toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs (total BaPeq) were found to be maximum in industrial areas. Maximum contribution to TEQs due to dioxin-like-PCBs was from PCB-157, followed by PCB-189. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is an agrarian country with crops cultivated at a huge scale. Pesticides in recent times have caused serious health hazards in the population which are widely used by the farmers for the better yield of crops. Endosulfan is an organochlorine pe sticide, which is widely used by the farmers. But, in the present times, it has caused serious health hazards in the exposed pop ulation causing various diseases, including cancer. Hence, the present study on animal aims to observe the protective effect of Withania somnifera against endosulfan induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice. Endosulfan at the dose of 3mg/Kg body weight per day was administered orally to Swiss albino mice for 4 weeks. Then after, W. somnifera at the dose of 1000 mg/Kg b.w. was orally administered for 4 weeks. Mice were sacrificed after the completion of the entire treatment. After dissection, the blo od samples were collected for biochemical assay, especially for lipid profile analysis. The lipid profile study showed inclinati on in the Total cholesterol level (117±6.686 mg/dl), Cholesterol (LDL) (78.83±4.151mg/dl), level and Triglycerides level (60.83±2.613mg/dl), while declination in Cholesterol (HDL) (13.50±1.33mg/dl), level after Endosulfan exposure. But, upon W. somnifera treatment to the endosulfan treated group showed significant (p<0.001) normalisation in the lipid profile levels. Therefore, it was concluded that W. somnifera played a vital role to control the endosulfan induced toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Pesticide self-poisoning is a common means of suicide in India. Banning highly hazardous pesticides from agricultural use has been successful in reducing total suicide numbers in several South Asian countries without affecting agricultural output. Here, we describe national and state-level regulation of highly hazardous pesticides and explore how they might relate to suicide rates across India.Methods: Information on pesticide regulation was collated from agriculture departments of the central government and all 29 state governments (excluding union territories). National and state-level data on suicides from 1995 to 2015 were obtained from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB). We used joinpoint analysis and negative binomial regression to investigate the trends in suicide rates nationally and in Kerala, in view of the robust measures Kerala has taken to restrict a number of HHPs, to identify any effect on suicides.Results: As of October 2019, 318 pesticides were registered for use in India, of which 18 were extremely (Class Ia) or highly (Class Ib) hazardous according to World Health Organization toxicity criteria. Despite many highly hazardous pesticides still being available, several bans have been implemented during the period studied. In our quantitative analyses we focused on the permanent bans in Kerala in 2005 (of endosulfan) and 2011 (of 14 other pesticides); and nationally in 2011 (of endosulfan). NCRB data indicate that pesticides were used in 441,918 reported suicides in India from 1995 to 2015, 90.3% of which occurred in 11 of the 29 states. There was statistical evidence of lower than expected rates of pesticide suicides (rate ratio [RR] 0.52, 95% CI 0.49-0.54) and total suicides nationally by 2014 (0.90, 0.87-0.93) after the 2011 endosulfan ban. In Kerala, there was a lower than expected rate of pesticide suicides (0.45, 0.42-0.49), but no change to the already decreasing trend in total suicides (1.02, 1.00-1.05) after the 2011 ban of 14 pesticides. The 2005 ban on endosulfan showed a similar effect - lower than expected pesticide suicides (0.79, 0.64-0.99), but no change to the decreasing trend of total suicides (0.97, 0.93-1.02) in 2010. There was no evidence of a decline in agricultural outputs following the bans.Conclusion: Highly hazardous pesticides continue to be used in India and pesticide suicide remains a serious public health problem. However, some pesticide bans do appear to have impacted previous trends in the rates of both pesticide suicides and all suicides. Comprehensive national bans of highly hazardous pesticides could lead to a reduction in suicides across India, in addition to reduced occupational poisoning, with minimal effects on agricultural yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent organic pollutants that have accumulated in soils can be remobilised by volatilisation in response to chemical equilibrium with the atmosphere. Clean air masses from the Indian Ocean, advected with the onset of the summer monsoon, are found to reduce concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its derivatives, endosulfan and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in air at a mountain site (all in the range 5-20 pg m-3) by 77 %, 70 %, 82%and 45 %, respectively. The analysis of fugacities in soil and air suggest that the arrival of summer monsoon triggers net volatilisation or enhances ongoing revolatilisation of the now-banned chemicals HCH and PCBs from background soils in southern India. The response of the air--soil exchange was modelled using a regional air pollution model, WRF-Chem PAH/POP. The results suggest that the air is increasingly polluted during transport by the south-westerly monsoon winds across the subcontinent. Using a multidecadal multimedia mass balance model, it is found that air--surface exchange of HCH and DDT have declined since the ban of these substances from agriculture, but remobilisation of higher chlorinated PCBs may have reached a historical high, 40 years after peak emission. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article describes a Community-Based Participatory Approach (CBPA) for children with intellectual disability in Endosulfan affected areas of Kasaragod district in Kerala state of India. The CBPA strategy evolved from Community Based Rehabilitation (CBR) and was led by Local Self-Government (LSG) members. It involves a four-pronged approach encompassing family, community, service centres and LSG, with a focus on income generation activities and creation of employment opportunities. The CBPA model considers the cultural uniqueness and limited resources in areas where the unscientific and extensive use of pesticides has led to high prevalence of multiple deformities including intellectual disabilities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosulfan, as an organochlorine pesticide (OCPs), was widely used in agriculture. As the largest endosulfan user country in the world and adjacent to China, it is interesting to know to what extent the endosulfan usage of India could affect the environment in China. In this study, we established gridded endosulfan usage, atmospheric emission, and soil residue inventories in 2010 based on its application in different crops in China and India. We employed an atmospheric transport model CanMETOP to simulate atmospheric and soil concentrations, as well as dry and wet deposition flux of α- and β-endosulfan. Results were used to assess the signatures of Indian endosulfan usage in the China's environment. In 2010, endosulfan usage, atmospheric emissions, and highest soil residue in China were 3083.9, 1312.7, and 587.5 tonnes, and 3204.8, 1441.4, and 463.7 tonnes in India, respectively. The spatial distribution of modeled atmospheric and soil concentrations, and dry deposition fluxes of endosulfan were in line with its usage but wet deposition fluxes were mainly identified in Southern China and Sichuan basin with heavy rainfall, especially for α-endosulfan. Endosulfan tended to transport from India to Tibetan plateau, Yunnan-Kweichow Plateau, and some provinces in southern China under the Indian Summer Monsoon regime. Due to its stronger volatility, α-endosulfan posed a more significant impact on China's environment via the atmospheric transport from India compared to β-endosulfan. Although rainfall during Indian Summer Monsoon reduced endosulfan levels in the air during its journey from India to China, it was observed that Indian endosulfan usage in 2010 contributed more than 50% of atmospheric concentrations and 30% of soil concentrations of α-endosulfan in some regions in Tibetan plateau. [Display omitted] • Endosulfan usage, atmospheric emission, and soil residue inventories were developed. • Environmental fate of endosulfan across China and India was simulated. • Indian endosulfan usage has a great impact on southwest and south of China. • α-endosulfan exhibited more significant impact on China's environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India is an agricultural country and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) accounts for nearly three fourth of the annual pesticide consumption. Selected OCPs were therefore quantified in 81 soil samples along urban–suburban–rural transect from New Delhi and Agra in the north, Kolkata in the east, Mumbai and Goa in the west and Chennai and Bangalore in the southern part of India. ΣOCPs ranges from 2 to 410 ng/g dry weight (Mean, 35) with dominance of endosulfan sulfate in the rural sites. Urban centers and suburbs reflects OCP usage for vector control. Lower winter temperature in New Delhi favored site-specific deposition of most OCPs in soil. Volatilization of OCPs from soil occurred in the Indian cities having higher ambient temperature. Due to the compounded impact of past and ongoing usage of selected OCPs like DDT, a sporadic cycle of emission and re-emission from Indian soil is expected to continue for many more years to come. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosulphan residues were determined in milk samples collected from various locations of plains of Uttarakhand covering Tarai and Kumaon regions. Residues were extracted from milk by liquid-liquid partition followed by clean-up by alumina column chromatography. High-performance liquid chromatography ( HPLC) was used for the detection and quantification of residues. Of the total 170 milk samples collected from different species, 1.17% samples showed residues of endosulphan-alpha; 2.35% endosulphan β and 4.7% milk samples showed endosulphan-sulphate residues with mean residual concentrations of 0.244, 0.566 and 0.265 μg/mL, respectively. About 6.47% of milk samples showed endosulphan residues above the maximum residue limit ( MRL) of 0.1 mg/kg. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Pesticide industrial wastewater samples were taken from the Chinhat industrial area nearby Lucknow city, India. GC–MS analysis revealed the presence of pesticides lindane, α-endosulfan, β-endosulfan, chlorpyriphos, monocrotophos, dimethoate and malathion. A pesticide mixture and wastewater extracts were studied to determine the mutagenicity by Ames Salmonella test, survival of DNA repair defective E. coli K-12 mutants and bacteriophage λ systems. Wastewater samples were concentrated with XAD-resins as an adsorbent and liquid–liquid extraction procedure. The XAD concentrated sample exhibited maximum mutagenic activity in comparison to liquid–liquid extracted sample. TA98 strain was the most responsive strain for both test samples with (+S9) and without (−S9) metabolic activation, while other strains exhibited weak response. A significant decline of DNA repair defective E. coli K-12 mutants, bacteriophage λ was observed with test samples in the survival. The intracellular damage was highest when treated with XAD concentrated sample as compared to liquid–liquid extract after 6h treatment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In this article, the author discusses two studies related to the alleged health problems in Kasaragod district, Kerala, India due to the aerial application of endosulfan. It mentions that in the study of the Calicut Medical College, India a comparison of the health problems of 1000 families affected by pesticide application is made but the result of the study was misleading. It states that an epidemiological study was conducted which failed due to flawed methodology.

The Kasargod District is the northernmost district of Kerala State and is bound between the north latitudes 12°02′27″ and 12°47′35″ and east longitudes 74°51′54″ and 75°25′25″. The present study highlights the contamination levels of organochlorine pesticides in open wells of the Kasargod District from 2010 to 2011. Maximum contamination of organochlorine pesticides (OCP's) was observed for endosulfan followed by hexachlorobenzene (BHC). Contamination levels of α-endosulfan were higher at Panathur (58 µg L−1) and next to Periya (37 µg L−1) in the postmonsoon season of 2010. During premonsoon 2011, the residue levels of α-endosulfan were higher at Panathady (56 µg L−1) followed by Rajapuram (40 µg L−1). Contamination levels of the BHC isomers exhibit the order of γ-BHC > α-BHC > β‐BHC, showing that γ-BHC represents 62% of the total OCP residues in premonsoon 2010. Among the studied OCP's, concentration levels of DDT were below detection limit. Maximum concentrations of the sum of all OCP residues were observed at Mulleria and Cheemeni (premonsoon 2010), followed by Panathur and Periya (postmonsoon 2010), and lowest in Panathady and Rajapuram (premonsoon 2011). Residues of OCP's were lowest in Paettikundu and Cheravatur in all the three seasons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pesticide residue monitoring was taken up at Kothapally and Enkepally villages of Ranga Reddy district, Andhra Pradesh in food crops (rice, maize, pigeonpea), vegetables (tomato and brinjal), cotton besides soil and water during 2008-2009 seasons. Of the 80 food crop and cotton samples, only two rice grain samples (3 %) showed beta endosulfan residues and two (3 %) out of 80 soil samples of food crops and cotton showed alpha and beta endosulfan residues. Out of 75 tomato samples, 26 (35 %) were contaminated and 4 % had residues above maximum residue limit (MRLs). Out of the 50 soil samples from tomato fields, 13 (26 %) contained residues. Among the 80 brinjal samples, 46 (56 %) contained residues and 4 % of samples had residues above MRLs. Only 13 % of the soil samples from brinjal fields were contaminated. Water samples found free from residues. In general the incidence of residues was below MRL in food crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the pesticides evaluated against the jute pests under field conditions, endosulfan 35 EC at 350 g a.i./ha was found to be the most effective insecticide for controlling semilooper, Bihar hairy caterpillar and myllocerus weevil. Endosulfan and fenpropathrin provided good control of yellow mite as well. Even, endosulfan-treated plots gave maximum fibre and stick yield with greater benefit–cost ratio (BCR) over others. Next to endosulfan and chlorpyriphos, neemazal (azadirachtin 50,000 ppm) are useful and safer options against semilooper, Bihar having caterpillar, myllocerus and yellow mite. Methoxyfenocide 10 EC at 200g a.i./ha provided good control (70.60%) of S. obliqua even after 14 days of spraying, but it was not effective against other pests of jute. Further, almost similar efficacy of neemazal and chlorpyriphos was found against the pest complex of jute and based on BCR, neemazal could be an alternative choice over chlorpyriphos. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: (1) To confirm the presence of Pesticide (Endosulfan) residues in the bone marrow (BM) of children with acute hematological malignancies and compare them with controls. (2) To ascertain if children with Endosulfan in their marrow reside in areas sprayed with Endosulfan. Study design: Case control study Setting: Pediatric oncology unit of a medical college teaching hospital in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. Subjects: 26 patients with proven hematological malignancy and 26 age matched controls suffering from benign hematological disease. Methods: Endosulfan residues in the BM were estimated by gas chromatography -- mass spectrometry (Minimum detection limit 10ng/mL). The subject's geographical area of location (residence) was determined to see whether they belong to sprayed area or not. The Chi-square test was applied to see an association between exposure status and hematological malignancy. Results: A total of 52 children were enrolled of which 26 were study cases and 26 were controls. Of the study and control groups, 84.7% and 73.1%, respectively were from exposed areas. The major (88.4%) illness in the study group was ALL, while ITP (50%) occurred most frequently in the control group. Six out of 26 study cases tested positive for endosulfan in the BM, against 1 out of 26 controls (P = 0.042). The Odds ratio was 7.5. All children who had endosulfan in the bone marrow originated from areas, where endosulfan is still being used. Conclusions: Children with hematological malignancy had raised levels of endosulfan in the bone marrow compared to those without. All the children with raised bone marrow Endosulfan levels were found to be from areas exposed to the pesticide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nine different insecticidal treatments were tested against Athalia lugens proxima (Klug) on radish at college farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh during rabi, 2007-08. The result on the efficacy of different insecticidal treatments showed that the treatment with spinosad 0.007 per cent, thiodicarb 0.075 per cent, quinalphos 0.05 per cent and endosulfan 0.07 per cent were found highly effective for the control of this pest. The remaining treatments viz., cartap hydrochloride 0.05 per cent and profenphos 0.05 per cent were found less effective. Significantly the highest radish yield (216.39 q/ha) was recorded with spinosad 0.007 per cent. However, it was found statistically at par with thiodicarb 0.075 per cent (202.50 q/ha), quinalphos 0.05 per cent (194.25 q/ha) and endosulfan 0.07 per cent (190.00 q/ha). On the basis of cost benefit ratio (CBR), endosulfan 0.07 per cent registered the highest cost benefit ratio (1: 9.00) and thus, found to be the most economical insecticide against sawfly infesting radish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of Basmati rice grain, soil and water were collected, from IPM and non-IPM field trials conducted at four regions of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand in India, for pesticide residue analysis. Out of 45 soil samples collected, only four non-IPM samples indicated the presence of chlorpyrifos and endosulfan in the range of ND (<0.001) to 0.05 mg/kg. Carbendazim used at two locations of Dehradun and Kaithal was found below detectable limit (<0.05 mg/kg) in both IPM and non-IPM trials. Out of total 22 samples of water analyzed, chlorpyriphos was detected in samples from Kaithal and Pant Nagar in the range 0.003-0.006 μL/L, alpha -endosulfan isomer was detected in the range 0.005-0.03 μL/L and the beta-isomer in the range 0.005-0.02 μL/L in sample from Pant Nagar and Kaithal. The residues in all the grain sample of paddy were below detectable limit (<0.001-0.05 mg/kg). The insecticides applied in IPM as well as non-IPM trials were found to be below maximum residue level (MRL). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Green mussel ( Perna viridis) and water samples were collected from Ennore creek, Chennai by seasonal sampling and analyzed for organochlorine pesticide residues (OCPs) like dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and endosulfan. These residues were analyzed by using gas chromatograph (GC) with μECD. In the present study, mussel samples showed very low concentrations of OCPs in the statistical order of DDT (5.83 ng g − 1 wet tissue) > endosulfan (2.84 ng g − 1 wet tissue) > HCH (2.34 ng g − 1 wet tissue). Concentrations of OCPs in water samples were in the statistical order of endosulfan (29.21 ng L − 1) > HCH (17.14 ng L − 1) > DDT (14.63 ng L − 1). To our knowledge, this is the first report on the seasonal variation of OCPs and especially the quantification of endosulfan in Ennore Creek. The present study recommends that continuous monitoring in Ennore creek is necessary to assess possible impact on human health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was conducted from 2001 to 2005 for determining the residual concentration of five pesticides, viz., total-HCH, total-DDT, total-Endosulfan, Dimethoate and Malathion in fish samples collected from various points of the river Ganga. Fish samples were analyzed for pesticide residues using standard laboratory procedures by GC method. It was found that total-HCH concentration remains above the MRL values for maximum number of times in comparison to four other pesticides. The pesticide contamination to fish may be due to indiscriminate discharge of polluted and untreated sewage-sludge to the river. The pesticide contents in some places are alarming. Thus proper care, maintenance, treatment and disposal of sewage water and sludge are most vital and should be the prime thrust for the nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in 10 species of fishes caught at Cochin and Rameshwaram coast, and sold in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Species were selected on the basis of their regular availability throughout the year and commercial value. A total of 389 fishes were analyzed for organochlorine residues and their suitability for human consumption was evaluated. Results show varying levels of residues of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), DDT, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan and dieldrin. Among the 10 species, high concentration of pesticide residues were recorded in Sardinella longiceps, Carangoides malabaricus, Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Saurida tumbil and Rastrelliger kanagurta. The variation in total organochlorine residues among species and between places was not significant (P>0.05). Only five species of fishes showed monthly variation in residue levels and there was no significant correlation between the body size and residue levels in the tissue. About 22% of the fishes exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRL) of total HCH prescribed by FAO/WHO for fish products. The calculated dietary intake of total HCH through consumption of C. malabaricus, C. agassizi and S. longiceps exceeded the maximum acceptable dietary intake (ADI) limits prescribed for human consumption. The present study recommends continuous monitoring of environmental contaminants in marine fishes to assess the possible impact on human health. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

India is of prime interest due to the large past and ongoing use of pesticidal persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Rapid dissipation of POPs to the atmosphere in the tropical climate of India infers an atmospheric outflow of these chemicals. Yet data on POPs in the atmosphere of India are sparse. Passive air samplers consisting of polyurethane foam disks were therefore deployed concurrently at 18 locations and exposed for 6 weeks from July 30, 2006, to September 26, 2006, along the coastal length of India to screen for POPs in the atmosphere. The sampling sites were selected to form categories of urban, rural, and background (mangrove/wetlands) locations. Derived air concentrations (pg/m³) ranged as follows: the sum of 28 PCB congeners, 120-1080; DDTs, 16-2950; HCHs, 66-5400; chlordanes, 9-921; endosulfans, 0.45-1120; and the sum of 9 PBDE congeners, 1-181. The highest levels of all the detected POPs (except endosulfan) were observed at the urban sites, indicating the dominant areas of usage and emissions. An urban-rural composition fractionation of PCBs indicates their atmospheric movement The γ-HCH levels were more than double those of α-HCH, indicating the sporadic use of lindane. DDT concentrations were elevated, at levels comparable to China, but with much higher percentages of p,p'-DDE, reflecting a more `weathered' feature. Although no dicofol use was recorded in India, the o,p'-/p,p'-DDT ratios were observed to be even higher than in China. Chlordanes showed high trans-/cis-chlordane (TC/CC) ratios, indicative of the current use of technical chlordane and a contribution from heptachlor usage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humans are exposed to various environmental chemicals such as organochlorine pesticide residues, heavy metals, polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs) etc. There is paucity of data regarding the present blood levels of organochlorine residues in North Indian population with reference to reproductive health. The present study was designed to analyze the levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in maternal and cord blood samples of normal healthy women with full term pregnancy to gain insight into the current status of pesticide burden in newborns. Hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) contributed maximum towards the total organochlorine residues present in maternal and cord blood followed by endosulfan, pp′ DDE and pp′ DDT being the least. This is also the first report indicating endosulfan levels in this population. Our data indicates a transfer rate of 60–70% of these pesticides from mothers to newborns and this high rate of transfer of pesticides is of great concern as it may adversely affect the growth and development of newborn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies were conducted to analyze the residue of commonly used pesticides viz. methyl parathion, chloropyrifos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate, carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl in mango, Dashehari variety, integrated pest management (IPM) and non-IPM samples were collected from the IPM and non-IPM orchards, Lucknow, India. We also present a method for the simultaneous determination of these pesticides in mango samples. Residues of methyl parathion, chloropyriphos, endosulfan, cypermethrin, fenvalerate were extracted from the samples with acetone: cyclohexane: ethyl acetate in the ratio 2:1:1 followed by cleanup using neutral alumina. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) with a megabore column (OV-1). Residues of carbendazim, imidacloprid and carbaryl were extracted with acetone and after cleanup, analysis was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using photo diode array (PDA) detector. Recoveries of all the pesticides ranged between 72.7 - 110.6%, at 0.1 and 1.0 μg g- 1 level of fortification. The residues detected in non-IPM samples of mango were found to be below the prescribed limits of maximum residue limit (MRL) while IPM samples were free from pesticide residues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Monitoring of bovine milk of different places in Bundelkhand region of India was carried out to evaluate the status of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues. Out of a total of 325 samples 206 (63.38%) were contaminated with residues of different OCPs. The average concentration of total HCH was 0.162 mg/kg. Among the different HCH isomers the frequency of occurrence of α-isomer was maximum followed by δ-, γ- and β. Endosulfan (α, β, sulfate) was detected in 89 samples with mean concentration of 0.0492 mg/kg while total DDT comprising of DDT, DDE and DDD was present in 114 samples having mean concentration of 0.1724 mg/kg. Dicofol was positive in 17 samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rainwater samples collected from the Lucknow city (India) were analyzed for selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). HCH-isomers contributed most to the ΣOCPs with the highest levels of β-HCH isomer. The OCPs, which are currently banned in the country, were also observed. The residue levels of ΣOCPs in rainwater samples ranged between BDL and 447.17 ng L−1. Endrin, β-endosulfan, heptachlor epoxide B and methoxychlor could not be detected in any of the sample. The levels of ΣPAHs in rainwater samples ranged between 19.32 and 11,112.09 ng L−1 and the most abundant hydrocarbon was acenaphthylene. Further, the lower molecular weight PAHs dominated over the high molecular weight compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses the levels of heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides found in ginger used for herbal remedies in India. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) was collected from nine different ecological regions across India. Samples were analyzed by gas-liquid chromatography for non-volatile and volatile metals, isoforms of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), metabolites of DDT, and endosulphan. According to the authors, the results show that heavy metals and organochlorine pesticides are found at low levels in ginger. The southern region had the lowest levels and the central region had the highest levels of contamination.

One hundred forty seven samples of bovine milk were collected from 14 districts of Haryana, India during December 1998–February 1999 and analysed for the presence of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues. ∑HCH, ∑DDT, ∑endosulfan and aldrin were detected in 100%, 97%, 43% and 12% samples and with mean values of 0.0292, 0.0367, 0.0022 and 0.0036 μg/ml, respectively. Eight percent samples exceeded the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 0.10 mg/kg as recommended by WHO for ∑HCH, 4% samples of 0.05 mg/kg for α-HCH, 5% samples of 0.01 mg/kg for γ-HCH, 26% samples of 0.02 mg/kg for β-HCH as recommended by PFAA and 24% samples of 0.05 mg/kg as recommended by FAO for ∑DDT. Concentrations of β-HCH and p,p′-DDE were more as compared to other isomers and metabolites of HCH and DDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article discusses analysis of pesticide residues on mango fruits in India. Five pesticides were measured including parathion methyl, endosulfan, chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and fenvalerate using gas-liquid chromatography extraction techniques. According to the authors, mangoes were sampled in the field and also grown under strict integrated pest management controls. The level of detection was determined for each pesticide as peak area five times that of background using the gas chromatograph. The solvent used was found to have a significant role in improving the percent recovery and a mixture of dichloromethane-acetone gave higher recoveries compared to ethyl acetate. Using this protocol only endosulfan was detected in the integrated pest management samples.

No abstract available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Adsorption and desorption characteristics of endosulfan in four Indian soils were studied extensively. The soils used were clayey soil (CL—lean clay with sand), red soil (GM—silty gravel with sand), sandy soil (SM—silty sand with gravel) and composted soil (PT—peat) as per ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) standards. Adsorption and desorption rates were calculated from kinetic studies. These values varied for alpha and beta endosulfan depending on the soil type. Maximum specific adsorption capacities (q max) for different soils were calculated by Langmuir model. The values varied from 0.1 to 0.45mgg−1 for alpha endosulfan and 0.0942–0.2722mgg−1 for beta endosulfan. Maximum adsorption took place in clay soil followed by composted soil and red soil. Adsorptions of alpha and beta endosulfan were negligible in sand. The binding characteristics of various functional groups were calculated using Scatchard plot. Effect of functional groups was more predominant in clayey soil. Organic matter also played a significant role in adsorption and desorption of endosulfan. Endosulfan adsorption decreased drastically in clay soil when the pH was reduced. Desorption was higher at both acidic and alkaline pH ranges compared to neutral pH. Results indicated that alpha endosulfan is more mobile compared to beta endosulfan and mobility of endosulfan is maximum in sandy soil followed by red soil. It can be inferred that crystal lattice of the clay soil plays a significant role in endosulfan adsorption and desorption. Immobilization of endosulfan is more advisable in clay soil whereas biological and or chemical process can be applied effectively for the remediation of other soil types. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This article discusses a study which measured the side effects of pesticides application on microbial population under different cropping systems. The experimental plots were located in North Bihar, India. Cypermethrin, chloropyriphos and endosulfan were the insecticides applied. The effects of insecticides on soil microorganisms and its residue were also examined. The following microorganisms were studied: bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, cyanobacteria, rhizobium, azotobacter and azospirillum.

Objective: Warangal district in Andhra Pradesh, southern India, records >1000 pesticide poisoning cases each year and hundreds of deaths. We aimed to describe their frequency and distribution, and to assess quality of management and subsequent outcomes from pesticide poisoning in one large hospital in the district.Methods: We reviewed data on all patients admitted with pesticide poisoning to a district government hospital for the years 1997 to 2002. For 2002, details of the particular pesticide ingested and management were abstracted from the medical files.Findings: During these 6 years, 8040 patients were admitted to the hospital with pesticide poisoning. The overall case fatality ratio was 22.6%. More detailed data from 2002 revealed that two-thirds of the patients were <30 years old, 57% were male and 96% had intentionally poisoned themselves. Two compounds, monocrotophos and endosulfan, accounted for the majority of deaths with known pesticides in 2002. Low fixed-dose regimens were used in the majority of cases for the most commonly used antidotes (atropine and pralidoxime). Inappropriate antidotes were also used in some patients.Conclusions: It is likely that these findings reflect the situation in many rural hospitals of the Asia Pacific region. Even without an increase in resources, there appear to be significant opportunities for reducing mortality by better medical management and further restrictions on the most toxic pesticides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on a study related to monitoring of market fish samples for organochlorine compounds, endosulfan and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) residues in and around Calcutta, India. Fish samples belonging to the species Labeo rohita and Catla catla were collected in two different groups of size from different markets of Calcutta and suburbs. The residues of endosulfan and HCH in the cleaned up extracts were estimated by gas chromatography coupled with an integrator using electron capture detector. The results show that the percent contamination by HCH residues was much higher than that observed by endosulfan residues.

The article presents a study which examines the effect of endosulfan on methane production from three tropical soils incubated under flooded condition in India. Researchers confirmed that intensive rice growing necessitates use of pesticides to protect the crop from pests and thereby achieve higher yields. It has also found out that methane production in flooded laterite and acid sulfate soils was not considerable as compared to that of alluvial soil during 40 d incubation under flooded conditions.

The article discusses a study on the residue behavior of active hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomer lindane and organochlorine insecticide endosulfan on cowpea crop in India. It revealed that the recovery of lindane and total endosulfan from cowpea pods ranged from 88 to 91%. The cumulative residues of lindane dissipated from the crop faster at 98% than endosulfan at 76% on day 16. There is no interconversion of lindane to other HCH isomers like alpha, beta and delta. The dissipation pattern of alpha and beta stereoisomers of endosulfan appears on day 0 with alpha isomer dissipating to 72% and beta isomer to 81% by day 16. The alpha isomer degrades faster at 57%, while beta degrades slowly at 32% and tends to accumulate due to interconversion of alpha isomer to beta isomer.

The article discusses the study regarding biodegradation of endosulfan by a bacterial coculture, in India. According to sources, endosulfan, is a chlorinated pesticide of the cyclodiene group, used extensively for the protection of cotton, tea and sugarcane crops. However, it is considered extremely toxic to fish and aquatic invertebrates, despite being a priority pollutant for international environmental agencies. Thus, an observation was made for 15 days on the microbial degradation of endosulfan, and it was found that substantial degradation of both the constituents occurred in seven days. It was also observed that almost all of the pesticide was degraded on the fifteenth day, with a simultaneous increase in bacterial mass.

The article presents a study which refers to a monitoring program for screening the organochlorine and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in the Ganges River sediments. The use of organochlorine insecticides which are banned or restricted in most developed countries are still being used in this country. The study is the first which is carried out to monitor these organic contaminants in the region. Low concentrations of endosulfan and hexachlorobenzene were detected. It has been reported that one of the most important factors affecting the adsorption of organochlorines and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by sediments is the organic matter content.

The article presents a study on the effect of thermal prehistory on the susceptibility of freshwater crab, Oziotelphusa senex senex, to pesticide endosulfan. The study gathered O. senex senex from irrigation canals and paddy fields in Tirupati, India and were sprayed with endosulfan, and their respiration rates were measured at various temperatures. Results showed that endosulfan susceptibility of O. senex senex increases as temperature increases.

The article presents a research study which examines the fate of endosulfan I, II and sulfate on gram crop, under sub-tropical field conditions in Ludhiana, India. It mentions that endosulfan residues obtained from representative samples of gram crop leaves were extracted twice with certain portions acetonitrile. Results indicate that endosulfan I or II applied to gram crop grown under the said conditions were transformed into endosulfan sulfates.

The article presents a study which aims to determine the effect of the organochlorine insecticide, endosulfan, on adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activity in the kidney, liver, and muscles of the freshwater fish, Channa gachua. The study involved 60 healthy Channa gachua collected from the Yamuna river in New Delhi, India in March 1987 and aliquots of endosulfan stock solution were added to the aquarium water. Results show that maximum ATPase inhibition occurred in the liver.

Investigations were carried out to evaluate the yield losses caused by pod borer complex on greengram during kharif, 2008 at College Farm, Junagadh Agricultural University, Junagadh. The results revealed that lower larval population of pod borers was observed in protected plots than unprotected plots. Significantly minimum pod damage (12.94%) and grain damage (9.47%) were recorded from protected plots. By providing protection with the endosulfan 0.07 % and monocrotophos 0.04 % alternatively at weekly intervals starting from flowering stage to the pod maturity stage of the crop, 513.67 kg/ha grain yield and 36.41 % avoidable yield loss can be saved. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endosulfan is one of the most prevalent organochlorine pesticides used in the agricultural sector in the developing countries including India. It affects the physiological functioning of different organ systems including nervous, immune, hepatic, and reproductive system. Realizing the safety and health concern, restrictions have been imposed at various levels, but the usage has still continued in the plantation crops. Owing to pesticide beneficiary of north India, the cotton belt commonly called the Malwa region of Punjab was evaluated for identifying the levels of Endosulfan in the blood samples of women working in agricultural fields. Gas chromatograph with electron capture detector was used for detecting the levels of endosulfan metabolites among twenty active female workers. The mean level of endosulfan recorded in the tested population was observed to be 2.22 ppb. It is difficult to draw a certain conclusion based on these findings because the subjects were less in number. However, detection of even very low concentrations of endosulfan residues signifies its continued accessibility to the women population. Encouragement of more such population-based research needs to be adopted to determine the body burden of such pesticides in humans. The effective implementation of the ban on Endosulfan could be checked by a combined retrospective and prospective study to infer a justifiable impact., Competing Interests: None

The author comments on an article published in this issue of the journal which examined the presence of endosulfan in the bone marrow of children with hematological malignancy in South India. According to the author, an association between endosulfan exposure and cancer does not necessarily indicate that such exposure can lead to cancer. Other important considerations are consistency of an association, sample size and genetic susceptibility, the author says.

The efficacy of common insecticides viz., neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), Helicoverpa armigera Hubner Nuclear poly hedrosis virus (HaNPV), Endosulfan were tested alone and in combination against gram pod borer on chickpea. It was observed that larval reduction was highest with NSKE 1.66% + HaNPV 250LE/ha + Endosulfan 0.023% followed by NSKE 1.66% + Endosulfan 0.023%, NSKE 2.5% + HaNPV 250LE sprayed twice at 15 days interval. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides information on the use of organochlorine insecticides, endosulphan in India. It is stated that the endosulphan are used on food crops and cash crops in wide range. It is also stated that endosulphan adheres to soil particles and takes longer time to degrade in shade while in sunlight it degrades completely. It is also added that the endosulfan has several adverse effects including headache, poisoning and even death depending on the dosage used.