R. JAYASHREE AND R. RIZAM
Abstract
The presence of Monocrotophos in water and soil creates serious threats to humansââ¬â¢ health due to major environmental concerns in terms of surface water, ground water and soil contamination. The study was undertaken in the Ottanchathiram in Dindigul district in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Ottanchathiram is a region in the Southwest of Tamil Nadu. Five intensive vegetable growing villages namely Thasaraipatti, Veeralapatti, Ambilikai, Arasappapillaipatti and Vadakadu, were selected for Monocrotophos residue analysis. Samples of Brinjal, Bhendi, Cauliflower and Chilli cultivated soil and water was collected periodically at 0, 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 105 and 120 days and analysed for monochrotophos residues in both water and soil samples using GC-MS. The results revealed that average monochrotophos residues in the samples were in the range of 0.8 and 1.5 mg/kg in soil and 0.01-0.09 üg/l in water. Highest concentration was found in Arasappapillaipatti field, ranging from 1.5 mg/kg in Brinjal cultivated soil and in water the highest range was 0.09üg/l. No residues were detected in samples that are not treated with pesticides. The study reveals reduction in concentration of monochrotophos residues in Ottanchathiram area.