Organochlorine Pesticides

Abstract

Indiscriminate use of different pesticides in agriculture has increased over the years, especially in the developing countries. This influences the aquatic environment to a great extent. This also poses a great danger to freshwater organisms, including fish, which constitute a major share in the aquatic environment and contribute to the economy of the nation. Water pollution is posing intricate problems that need immediate redress. Organo-chlorine pesticides (OCPs) are a major contributor to aquatic pollution and are amongst the most serious global contaminants. In addition, organochlorine pesticides have a tendency to accumulate in aquatic biota; they also undergo food chain amplification. Lipophilic pollutants are chemically very stable and resistant to microbial, photochemical, chemical, and thermal degradation. The chemical stability of these compounds, their high lipid solubility, and their toxicity to human beings and animals has led government and researchers to feel concerned about their presence in the environment.