Organophosphorous pesticide distribution in seawater from Asan Bay, Korea in 2008

Abstract

Distribution of organophosphorous pesticides (OPs) was studied from February to September 2008 in the seawater of Asan Bay, Korea. Among the 29 types of OPs detected during the study period, IBP(S-benzyl O,O-diisopropyl phosphorothioate), ranging from <1 ng/l to 377 ng/l, was the most abundant. Other commonly observed OPs concentrations in the study area included diazinon (Diethyl 2-isopropyl-4-methyl-6-pyrimidinyl phosphorothionate; <1~307 ng/l), azinphos ethyl (3,4-Dihydro-4-oxo-3-benzotriazinyl-methyl O,O-diethyl phosphorodithioate; <1~1997 ng/l), malathion (1,2-Di(ethoxycarbonyl)ethyl O,O-dimethyl phosphordithioates; <1~3013 ng/l), demeton-O (Diethyl 2-(ethylthio)ethyl phosphorothionate; <1~2403 ng/l), and DDVP (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate; <1~283 ng/l). Seasonal distribution of OPs in seawater is dependent on the OP application period. In August, OPs concentrations were generally decreased with the increased salinity of seawater, implying progressive dilution of pesticides in the estuarine system. OPs were deposited into Asan Bay from Asan and Sabkyo Lakes as well as surrounding tributaries. Ten OPs, including diazinon, were detected in the suspended particles of Asan Bay.