Analysis of Some Chlorinated Pesticides in Adriatic Sea: Case Study: Porto-Romano, Durres, Albania

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine organochlorine pesticides levels in water samples from Porto-Romano, one of the main “Hot Spot” in the Albanian coast of Adriatic Sea. Porto Romano is situated only 7 km far from Durres city, and is characterized by a strong pesticide contamination of soil, water and air, due to ex-Chemical Enterprise that produced pesticides for agriculture and other chemicals for leather treatment during communist regime up to 90’s in Albania. Water samples were taken in six stations in the Porto-Romano area, in May 2016. Organochlorinated compounds were measured by gas chromatography electron capture detection. These compounds were extracted using liquid-liquid technique using n-hexane as extracting solvent. After extraction the  organic  phase was dried with 5 g Na₂SO₄ anhidrous,  to remove water. A Florisil column was used for the sample clean-up. After the concentration to 1 ml, the samples were injected in GC/ECD HP 6890 Series II. Results showed that even if organochlorine pesticide production stopped by the 90’s in Albania, data shows persistent levels of organochlorinated pesticides were still found in all water samples.These data highlight the importance of a continuous environmental monitoring of polluted area subjected to protect human’s and wildlife’s health.

Keywords

• Porto Romano
• organochlorinated pesticides
• water samples
• gaschromatography

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