Residues of selected pesticides in the Kucuk Menderes river in Turkey

The residue of selected pesticides was analysed in 2000/2001 in surface water along the Kucuk Menderes river in Turkey. 13 different pesticides or their metabolites were detected in surface water 3 of them were herbicides. The analysis showed average BHC (Benzene Hexachloride) concentration of 551 ng/L in 2000 and 3427.3 ng/L in 2001, which were the highest concentration of all pesticides detected. Average total concentration of endosulfan was observed to be of medium concentration in surface water, whereas endosulfan 11 was not detectable in the samples. The average Sigma DDT was found higher than Sigma Endosulfan. Sigma DDT (sum of 4,4 DDD, 4,4 DDE, 4,4 DDT) was found to be greater in 2000 than in 2001, respectively. The herbicide 2,4 D was detected in nearly all surface water samples taken from Kucuk Menderes river but the concentration was very low. Trifluralin showed a higher concentration than 2,4 D in surface water. Pendimethalin was not detectable in surface water samples.