Determination Of Selected Organochlorine Pesticides In Farmers' Biological Samples Using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry And Their Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Towards Pesticides Use
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Date
2011-03
Authors
Mohd Noor, Juliana
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
This study was conducted in agricultural areas in Pinang Tunggal, Kepala Batas,
Penang. The main objective of the study was to determine the level of selected
organochlorine pesticides in farmers' biological samples particularly in hair and urine
samples by using Gas Chromatography- Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). Concomitantly,
it was also carried out to assess the farmers' knowledge, attitude and practice towards
pesticide use. Organochlorine pesticides selected in this study were HCHs (a-, p-, y- and
o-hch), DDTs (p,p'-ddt, p,p'-ddd and p,p'-dde), aldrin, dieldrin, endosulfan sulfate,
heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide and methoxychlor. Hair sample was chosen as it is
known to be a good long term indicator for chemical exposure while urine is normally
used to determine short term exposure. Method development and validation using GCMS
were established and several parameters were analyzed. Parameters observed were
speed and time for agitation, speed and time for centrifugation, temperature for hair
digestion and type of solvent for extraction. R2 was in accepted range, coefficients of
variation were less than 20% and recoveries were in the range of 70% to 120%. A total
33 % of the hair ·samples (n=60) and 21% of the urine samples (n=60) from the
respondents were detected to contain certain concentrations of the pesticides. P-HCH
was the most organochlorine pesticide detected in hair, while Dieldrin was mostly found
in urine. On weigh to weigh basis, higher concentration of organochlorine pesticides
(OCPs) were detected in hair as compared to those found in urine. Others pesticides
under study were not detected at all. They were 122 respondents participated in a selfadministered
survey on their knowledge, attitude and practice towards pesticides use.
Based on the finding, most of the farmers seemed to have high knowledge towards
pesticides use. High percentage (67 - 91 %) of farmers appeared to possess reasonably
good attitude in pesticide use based on their answers on the questions related to
individual hygiene, how pesticides should be kept, whether pesticides containers can be
re-used or not, and disposal of pesticides containers. More than 80% of respondents
practiced the appropriate and safe way in handling and spraying pesticides. High level of
knowledge towards pesticide use was noted. Very few claims of chronic effects on
health were made. This study has successfully developed an assay for simultaneous
quantification of selected organochlorine pesticides. This method is simple, cost
effective and non-laborious. Some educational programs and safety precautions carried
out by the authority seemed to give good impacts towards farmers.
Description
Keywords
Organochlorine pesticides in farmers , using Gas Chromatography.