Analysis of Persistent Pesticide Residue in the Water Samples of Idukki District, the Indian Cardamom Hills

DOI : 10.17577/IJERTV3IS071343

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Analysis of Persistent Pesticide Residue in the Water Samples of Idukki District, the Indian Cardamom Hills

Susan Jacob1

Research Scholar, Karpagam University, Coimbatore. (Professor, MBC College of Engineering and Technology, Peermade, Idukki, India).

Dr. Resmi. G2

Associate Professor, NSS College of Engineering, Palakkad, India

Abstract–Pesticide residues are the deposits of pesticide active ingredient, its metabolites or breakdown products present in the environment after its application, spillage or dumping. Residue analysis provides a measure of the nature and level of any chemical contamination within the environment and its persistence. The aim of this study was to investigate the pollution status of drinking water sources in Idukki District of Kerala, the largest cardamom production center in India. This paper presents the results of pesticide residue analysis of water samples collected from the project area following purposive sampling technique. The study shows that the water sources are not contaminated with persistent pesticide residues of the toxic chemicals used in Cardamom or Tea Plantations. But the soil nature is highly sensitive to adsorption and hence there is a high risk of contamination of the sources. However, judicious use of pesticides and its stringent monitoring prevents farmers from using banned toxic pesticides and can protect the environment and the human creations a win- win condition.

Key Words- Below limit of quantification(BLQ), Cardamom plantation, Idukki District, Persistent Pesticide Residue, Water sample.

  1. INTRODUCTION

    Pesticides may reach the soil through direct application to the soil surface, incorporation in the top few inches of soil or through the unauthorized dumping of unwanted pesticide products. Pesticides can enter ground water resources and surface run-off during rainfall, thereby contributing to the risk of environmental contamination. All pesticides are subject to degradation or metabolism once released into the environment. The objectives of present study are,

    • Identify contaminated areas and/or sources of contamination

    • Study the drinking water quality

    • Investigate residual levels of pesticide in the environment, soil and water.

    The fate of pesticides in soil and water environments is influenced by the physio-chemical properties of the pesticide, the properties of the soil and water systems (presence of clay size particles, organic matter and pH), climate, biology, and other factors. The rates of degradation and dissipation vary greatly from pesticide to pesticide and

    situation to situation. The solubility of common pesticides in soil and water is very less and its half life period very short.

    Any delay in preserving the sample or extracting the pesticide residues means there is an increased risk of degradation of any residues present, with a corresponding increase in the uncertainty regarding the analytical results and their interpretations. To have a minimum risk and to avoid uncertainty in results, protocols in line with National and International guidelines are followed during the research. This paper presents the results and analysis of 100 water samples collected from Idukki District and the protocol framed for conducting the field study covering large hilly area where the environment is exposed to frequent application of toxic pesticides. The sampling protocols were developed to meet regulatory mandates of the Pesticide Contamination Prevention Act (PCPA) of 1986 and to provide further understanding of the agronomic, chemical, and geographic factors that contribute the movement of residues to soil and water [1].

  2. PROTOCOLS IN SELECTION OF SAMPLES

    Statistics shows that Kerala is the largest cardamom production center in India and the annual production status is 8545 tones out of the National average production of 15500 tones (Fig.1, Table1). In Idukki District, an area of 55174 Ha of land, around 28 % of the total cultivable land is covered by cardamom plantation (Courtesy- Website Government of Kerala ) which consumes the maximum toxic substances, an average of 27 kg per hectare per annum[2]. Considering the number of rounds of pesticide sprays and quantity of pesticides used in Indian Cardamom Hills (ICH) one can rate cardamom as the highest pesticide consuming rain fed crop in the world. Considering the toxicological parameters like per capita consumption, pesticide intensity and risk weighed active ingredients; the risk of contamination of water sources in Idukki District is likely from Cardamom plantations.

    Table 1. Cardamom Production Status (Courtesy- NABARD reports)

    State/Spice

    Area(Hec)

    Production (Tons)

    Karnataka Cardamom (small)

    26611

    1725

    Kerala Cardamom (small)

    41362

    8545

    Sikkim Cardamom (large)

    26734

    3833

    Tamil Nadu – Cardamom(small)

    5255

    965

    West Bengal Cardamom (large)

    3305

    470

    Fig. 1 Cardamom Production Centers

    The high risk of pesticide residue in the water and soil environment of ICH where majority of the rural population depends on the surface water sources for their domestic purposes warrants a detailed investigation. This study aims to investigate the intensity of pollution and residual levels of pesticide in the environment by conducting detailed analysis on water samples collected from the project area.

    2.1 Protocol in Selection of Water sampling points

    In the agriculture industry, pesticides are one of the most common substances dealt with potential for adverse effects on human health. Health effects of pesticides depend upon their chemical characteristics. Common pesticides used in Cardamom plantations are organophosphorus and

    organochlorine compounds. Although some organophosphorus compounds are highly toxic to humans, they generally break down rapidly in the environment and rarely have been found in groundwater. Organochlorine compounds such as endosulfan, are more toxic and its half life varies from weeks to months depending upon the physical and chemical properties of water. Another group are carbamate pesticides including aldicarb, carbofuran, and oxamyl. These compounds tend to be soluble in water and weakly adsorbed to soil. Consequently, if not degraded in the upper soil layers, they have a tendency to migrate to groundwater. The most significant occurrences of groundwater well contamination have been with carbamate pesticides. Aldicarb – one of the most common carbamate pesticides has been detected in many wells near to its application. So, great care should be taken while selecting the points for sampling for pesticide analysis in water[3].

    Selection of sampling sites for the present study was done based on Purposive Sampling Technique [4,5]. The population studied included all the water sources in Idukki District but points with more chances of contamination through runoff and nearer to Cardamom Plantation were selected. To achieve the maximum probability that all water sources are considered for selection process, the steps followed in selection of the sample units are,

    Evaluated the present water supply position and assessed the expected consumers from each source.

    The data base of Cardamom Planters were collected from authorized offices.

    Anlyzed the threat of contamination of each sources Selected the points which have got the highest probability of contamination and affected consumers.

    Distributed the points geographically and Located the points with GIS Co-ordinates (Fig.2)[6].

      1. Protocol in Water Sampling and Storage

        The process of water collection requires thorough consideration keeping in mind the importance and intention of sampling. Factors such as depth of sampling point, temperature, water film formed on surface due to decaying vegetation, sediment load present at bottom etc. will influence the decision making. Volumes collected are commonly in the range of 0.52 litres. Containers used to carry/store water samples for residue analysis should be washed with clean water, followed by an acetone rinse and then allowed to dry before re-use.

        Each sample container should be clearly marked using permanent ink or laser-printed labels with the following information:

        • date and time of collection;

        • place of collection; and

        • sample type and identification

          Measure the pH of the water and if it is above 8, seal the container with Teflon to avoid chemical volatilization of Endosulfan isomers if present. Otherwise adjust the pH below 7 by addition of phosphate buffer (pH 6) or acetate buffer (pH 5.4) [7].

          The storage of samples is required when there is delay in shipping of the samples to the laboratory or the extraction of the sample is significantly delayed. In such conditions there are chances of degradation of the residue or absorption of the particles on to the walls of the sample container. Thus there is a need to keep the sample chilled and to transport it to the laboratory as soon as possible. Alternate methods are either the sample can be extracted in the field using solid phase extraction (SPE) technology or organic solvent (eg.dichromate) extraction shall be made within 48 hours.

          A chain of custody procedure would ensure the legitimacy of each sample. Logbooks and sample

          Fig. 2 Water sampling points – GIS images.

          collection forms should contain information such as:

        • site of sampling;

        • date and time sampled;

        • sample identification code;

        • sample matrix (soil, water, composite);

        • treatment such as preservation, if any;

        • identity of sampler;

        • method of transport;

        • destination;

        • specific analyses required (if applicable);

        • date and time of arrival in laboratory; and

        • Name and signature of person taking custody. Based on the field data, it is observed that around 75 % of the total rural population depends on open dug wells, ground water or surface sources and the threat of consumption of contaminated water is very large if pesticide residue is present in the water samples. For the present study, 100 sampling points (Fig.2) were selected across the project area near to Cardamom plantations having maximum density of consumers and within the plantations in the ratio 74:26 respectively. Following the above standards, water samples were collected in one liter clean plastic container after rinsing with the water to be collected from the sampling wells from surface levels after removing the floating matters if any. pH of water was taken at the point of collection and as it was less than 8, no preliminary treatment done before keeping the sample in air tight position in a cool temp till Transported to Laboratory for testing [8].

      1. Protocol in testing of water samples

        Quantitative determination of insecticide residues by GCECD and GC-MS techniques are recommended for pesticide analysis [9]. Calibration standards, like internal standards, should be prepared from certified standard

        material and kept no longer than six months with new preparations being evaluated against the old standard. The samples were tested at two levels simultaneously. All the

        100 water samples were tested for physical, chemical (including heavy metals) characteristics and analyzed for common pesticide residues. 13 selected samples from the plantations were tested at Pesticide Residue Research and Analytical Laboratory, Vellayani, Kerala, the NABL Accredited Laboratory for analyzing the presence of any pesticide residue which is being commonly used for Cardamom and to confirm the results so as to avoid any manual errors. The water samples tested in the Pesticide Residue Research and Analytical Laboratory, Vellayani, Kerala follows the guidelines issued by : Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) 18th Edition 2007:

        991.07 and 990.06. The chemical characteristics of the water samples were tested in the approved Laboratory following standard methods of analysis.

      2. Protocol in fixing Detection level of Pesticide contamination.

    As per standards, drinking water should be free from all pesticide residues or it should not be contaminated by any foreign matter. For quantifying the contamination levels, WHO has given the details with respect to Endosulfan the highly toxic pesticide and explained that a health-based value of 20 g/litre can be calculated on the basis of the Acceptable Daily Intake (ADI) of 0.006 mg/kg of body weight, with an allocation of 10% of the ADI to drinking- water, and with the assumption that a 60-kg adult consumes 2 liters of drinking-water per day. However, Endosulfan usually occurs at concentrations in drinking-water well below those at which toxic effects can be expected to occur, and it is therefore not considered necessary to derive a guideline value for endosulfan in drinking-water [10]. As it is a matter of great concern, the detection level of pesticide contamination is taken as 0.1 µgL-1 for this particular study.

  3. RESULTS AND ANALYSIS

    The water samples were tested for chemical characteristics, presence of heavy metals, toxic substances and persistent pesticide residue that may present in the water samples based on the nature of common pesticides, fungicides and herbicides widely used in cardamom and tea plantations. The observations are presented in Tables 2 and 3 below.

    Based on the findings it is proved that pesticide residue is not present in the water samples above the Limit of Quantification – 0.1 µgL-1. Or to say that the water sources of Idukki district is presently not polluted from pesticide residues. The reasons may be due to

    1. Impact of banning of highly poisoned pesticides and strict monitoring from government agencies.

    2. Awareness among the planters and quality control in plantations.

    3. Favorable climatic conditions.

    4. Biodegradation and chemical degradation of pesticides.

      Following the recent spurt in concerns over heavy use of pesticides, ICRI has created awareness among farmers on

      judicious use of pesticides. It holds mobile spice clinics, visits plantations and holds seminars with workers. More over pesticides are degraded by chemical and microbiological processes. Chemical degradation occurs through reactions such as photolysis, hydrolysis, oxidation and reduction. Biological degradation takes place when soil microorganisms consume or break down pesticides[11,12].

      During the field study it is observed that the commonly used pesticides in Idukki district are Organophosphates, Carbamates and Herbicides having half life for few days only. The soil bacteria may degrade the residue and convert it into less toxic substances and hence not creating an alarming situation at present. Hence, the water can be used for drinking purpose and other domestic purposes after disinfection. However, the continued application of pesticides may change the soil texture and risk of contamination of water sources are prevailing in Idukki, the Indian Cardamom Hills and more stringent quality control and monitoring can protect the water sources against pollution from highly toxic persistent pesticide resdues.

  4. LIMITATIONS IN THE STUDY

    Several studies were conducted to detect Environmental Pollution and Impact on Pesticide Residue all over the world. Specific studies on field level covering a large area of agricultural land which contributes the major mass of pollutants are not exhibited or not available for references. The practical difficulties in collection of water and soil samples covering large hectares of hilly terrain makes it costly and cumbersome for a researcher to do the research project. Only limited literature is available for getting guidance to conduct the study [13,14,15,16,17,18]. Cardamom plantations are mostly at hill tops and transportation was very difficult and possible only through special purpose vehicles. Moreover, the preservation and shipment of samples in large numbers immediately on collection from the hill stations to the nearest laboratory was not possible. In the present study the water samples could be tested within two days expecting limited error in the results.

    TABLE 2. CHEMICAL ANALYSIS & PESTICIDE RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF DRINKING WATER SOURCES & PLANTATION SOURCES

    Sl. No

    Sample Identification

    Month of collection

    Location

    EC

    pH

    Turbidity

    TDS

    Acidity

    Alkalinity

    Cl

    TH

    Ca

    Mg

    NO3

    Fe

    F

    SO4

    Alpha BHC,Beta BHC, Gamma BHC, Delta BHC, Alpha Endosulphan, Beta Endosulphan, Endosulphan Sulphate, Aldrin, Endrin, Heptachlor, Methoxychlor

    , 4,4' DDD,

    4,4'DDT, Cu,

    Ph, Ni, Zn, Cd,Cr.

    1

    S 19

    2013

    Feb

    Elappara

    41.3

    7.3

    1.5

    28.91

    5

    26

    26

    28

    6.4

    2.9

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    2

    S 23

    2013

    Feb

    Kumali

    68.1

    7.3

    1.7

    47.67

    5

    32

    20

    52

    11

    5.8

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    3

    S 9

    2013

    Feb

    Anakkara

    69

    7.4

    1.1

    48.3

    4

    30

    24

    50

    13

    4.4

    BDL

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    4

    S 31

    2013

    Feb

    Chakkupallam

    83.4

    7.4

    2.3

    58.38

    5

    44

    26

    64

    13

    7.8

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    5

    S 26

    2013

    Feb

    Pampadumpara

    39.1

    7.3

    1.8

    27.37

    5

    30

    20

    22

    4

    2.9

    BDL

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    6

    S 25

    2013

    Feb

    Nedumkandam

    57.9

    7.3

    1.4

    40.53

    5

    30

    28

    40

    9.6

    3.9

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    7

    S 14

    2013

    Feb

    Poopara

    34.4

    7.3

    2.2

    24.08

    4

    28

    26

    18

    4

    1.9

    BDL

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    8

    S 35

    2013

    Feb

    Udimbinchola

    33.2

    7.3

    1.6

    23.24

    3

    26

    20

    20

    4

    2.4

    BDL

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    9

    S 68

    2013

    Mar

    Peerumade

    50.00

    7.2

    6.5

    32.5

    5

    28

    22

    26

    12

    6.5

    5

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    10

    S 69

    2013

    Mar

    Kumily

    70.23

    6.9

    2.1

    45.65

    5

    32

    26

    30

    8.5

    4.3

    6

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    11

    S 70

    2013

    Mar

    Chakkupallam

    43.31

    7.1

    5.1

    28.15

    4

    26

    30

    30

    17

    8.6

    1

    0.3

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    12

    S 71

    2013

    Mar

    Ayyappancoil

    40.28

    7

    3.6

    26.18

    5

    32

    29

    43

    13

    7.5

    BDL

    0.25

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    13

    S 72

    2013

    Mar

    Nedumkandam

    51.08

    7

    0.6

    33.2

    5

    30

    30

    40

    9.6

    4.9

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    14

    S 73

    2013

    Mar

    Udumbanchola

    62.35

    7.1

    0.7

    40.53

    5

    44

    30

    35

    6.9

    3.9

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    15

    S 74

    2013

    May

    Munnar

    44.77

    6.8

    1.9

    29.1

    4

    30

    18

    34

    9.4

    4.8

    6

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    16

    S 75

    2013

    May

    Marayoor

    33.20

    6.6

    0.1

    23.24

    3

    30

    28

    42

    9.4

    4.8

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    17

    S 76

    2013

    May

    Adimali

    67.14

    6.6

    0.7

    47

    3

    28

    22

    35

    12

    6.1

    6

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    18

    S 77

    2013

    May

    Devikulam

    72.99

    6.3

    0.2

    51.09

    4

    26

    20

    45

    9.6

    4.9

    6

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    19

    SO 420

    2013

    May

    Purapuzha

    60.26

    7.4

    12.6

    42.18

    7

    26

    22

    33

    11

    5.5

    4

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    20

    SO402

    2013

    May

    Munnar

    55.81

    7.3

    0.7

    39.07

    6

    32

    26

    43

    6.4

    3.1

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    21

    SO402 6

    2013

    May

    Vathikudy

    38.21

    7.2

    5.2

    26.75

    3

    30

    30

    30

    7.5

    4

    2

    0.3

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    22

    SO403

    2013

    May

    Vellathuval

    51.69

    7.4

    0.3

    36.18

    4

    44

    24

    42

    8

    4.5

    2

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    23

    SO404

    2013

    May

    Kudayathoor

    37.14

    7.3

    1.7

    26.00

    6

    28

    22

    32

    9.4

    5.3

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    24

    SO405

    2013

    May

    Kudayathur

    40.00

    7.2

    1

    28.00

    7

    38

    28

    45

    6.7

    3.9

    2

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    25

    SO406

    2013

    May

    Kudayathur

    40.00

    7.2

    5.2

    28.00

    4

    30

    25

    46

    8

    4.9

    2

    0.3

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    26

    SO407

    2013

    May

    Idukki

    62.86

    7.1

    0.6

    44.00

    5

    44

    23

    65

    9.2

    5.3

    4

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    27

    SO408

    2013

    May

    Poopara

    74.29

    6.8

    0.7

    52.00

    5

    30

    22

    35

    6.5

    3.3

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    28

    SO409

    2013

    May

    Kanthalloor

    65.71

    6.9

    1.4

    46.00

    7

    30

    26

    45

    7.2

    3.8

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    29

    SO410

    2013

    May

    Udumbanchola

    40.00

    7

    1.1

    28.00

    5

    28

    30

    28

    6.3

    4.1

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    30

    SO411

    2013

    May

    Ayyappancoil

    36.76

    7

    17.5

    25.73

    4

    26

    24

    28

    8.9

    4.7

    8

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    31

    SO412

    2013

    May

    Kalkoonthal

    52.00

    7.2

    0.6

    36.40

    5

    26

    26

    52

    5.5

    4.5

    2

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    32

    SO413

    2013

    May

    Elappara

    58.57

    7.1

    1.9

    41.00

    6

    32

    24

    50

    9.8

    3.5

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    33

    SO415

    2013

    May

    Udumbannoor

    38.67

    7.3

    1.2

    29.00

    4

    30

    20

    64

    6.4

    4.1

    0.5

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    34

    SO416

    2013

    May

    Munnar

    37.33

    7.3

    1

    28.00

    5

    44

    28

    22

    6.4

    2.9

    2

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    35

    SO417

    2013

    May

    Kumily

    39.00

    7.4

    3.6

    29.25

    5

    30

    20

    40

    11

    5.8

    1

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    36

    SO418

    2013

    May

    Chakkupallam

    50.67

    7.4

    2.2

    38.00

    6

    22

    20

    18

    13

    4.4

    26.6

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    37

    SO419

    2013

    May

    Kudayathoor

    38.55

    7

    1.7

    28.91

    7

    23

    22

    20

    13

    7.8

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    38

    SO421

    2013

    May

    Kumaramangal am

    63.56

    6.9

    4.3

    47.67

    6

    24

    22

    32

    4

    2.9

    8.86

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    39

    SO422

    2013

    May

    Vannapuram

    64.40

    6.7

    2.2

    48.3

    4

    22

    24

    24

    9.6

    3.9

    2.2

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    40

    SO423

    2013

    May

    Velliyamattom

    35.67

    6.8

    1.6

    26.75

    5

    30

    29

    32

    4

    1.9

    8.86

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    41

    SO424

    2013

    Sept

    Adimali

    47.53

    7.4

    3.5

    35.65

    4

    35

    26

    38

    4

    2.4

    8.86

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    42

    SO425

    2013

    Sept

    Rajakkad

    30.67

    7.5

    1.7

    23.00

    6

    24

    20

    22

    4.3

    2.4

    11.1

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    43

    SO427

    2013

    Sept

    Upputhara

    36.00

    7.2

    2.0

    27.00

    5

    30

    24

    29

    3.4

    2.1

    8.86

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    44

    SO428

    2013

    Sept

    Peerumade

    60.00

    7.3

    2.3

    45.00

    6

    24

    26

    38

    6.4

    3.1

    7.15

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    45

    IDKB- 031

    2013

    Sept

    Kattappana

    65.33

    7.2

    1.8

    49.00

    5

    36

    20

    25

    7.5

    4

    5

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    46

    IDKB- 051

    2013

    Sept

    Peermedu

    50.37

    7.5

    1.4

    37.78

    6

    45

    28

    38

    8

    4.5

    4

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    47

    IDKO- 011

    2013

    Sept

    Karimkunnam

    60.00

    7.2

    2.2

    45.00

    6

    29

    26

    29

    9.4

    5.3

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    48

    IDKO- 032

    2013

    Sept

    Karimannur

    55.04

    6.9

    6.7

    41.28

    5

    38

    20

    34

    6.7

    3.9

    5

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    49

    IDKO- 052

    2013

    Sept

    Devikulam

    69.33

    6.6

    1.5

    52.00

    5

    25

    22

    30

    8

    4.9

    8.86

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    50

    IDKO- 08

    2013

    Sept

    Marayoor

    74.67

    7.1

    1.7

    56.00

    5

    23

    26

    38

    7.4

    5.3

    17.7

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    51

    IDKO- 09

    2013

    Sept

    Vannappuram

    39.00

    7.1

    4.7

    29.25

    5

    34

    30

    43

    6.5

    3.3

    4.48

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    52

    IDKO- 13

    2013

    Sept

    Rajakumari

    95.33

    6.9

    2.3

    71.50

    6

    30

    29

    35

    7.2

    3.8

    17.7

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    53

    IDKO- 14

    2013

    Sept

    Santhanpara

    86.67

    7.4

    1.8

    65.00

    3

    25

    30

    39

    6.3

    4.1

    17.7

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    54

    IDKO- 16

    2013

    Octo

    Nedumkandom

    65.73

    7.3

    1.4

    49.30

    4

    23

    30

    43

    7.4

    4

    2

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    55

    IDKO- 18

    2013

    Octo

    Vathikudy

    36.25

    6.8

    2.2

    29.00

    5

    25

    18

    23

    5.5

    4.5

    1

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    56

    IDKO- 20

    2013

    Octo

    Peruvanthanam

    80.00

    7.1

    1.6

    64.00

    3

    25

    28

    35

    9.8

    3.5

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    57

    IDKO- 22

    2013

    Octo

    Vandipperiyar

    0.00

    7.2

    1.5

    3

    26

    22

    26

    6.4

    4.1

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    58

    IDKO- 24

    2013

    Octo

    Vandanmedu

    73.75

    7

    1.7

    59.00

    4

    32

    20

    28

    7.3

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    59

    IDKO- 25

    2013

    Octo

    Upputhara

    82.10

    6.9

    2.8

    65.68

    4

    30

    22

    32

    8.1

    3.6

    BDL

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    60

    IDKO- 28

    2013

    Octo

    Arakulam

    36.94

    6.8

    2.3

    29.55

    5

    44

    26

    35

    8.6

    3.4

    BDL

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    61

    IDKO- 30

    2013

    Octo

    Thodupuzha Municipality

    46.85

    6.9

    1.8

    37.48

    6

    30

    30

    36

    9

    3.2

    4.43

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    62

    IDKO- 39

    2013

    Octo

    Adimali

    36.25

    6.9

    5.0

    29.00

    7

    30

    24

    31

    7.4

    3.9

    17.7

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    63

    IDKO- 40

    2013

    Octo

    Munnar

    70.00

    6.7

    2.2

    56.00

    5

    28

    22

    34

    9.5

    3

    4.43

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    64

    IDKO- 43

    2013

    Octo

    Vazhathoppu

    50.66

    7.1

    1.6

    40.53

    4

    26

    28

    45

    9.9

    2.8

    44.3

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    65

    IDK01 2

    2013

    Octo

    Thodupuzha

    46.20

    7.2

    1.6

    36.96

    5

    28

    25

    25

    10

    2.6

    35.4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    66

    IDK03

    2013

    Octo

    Muttom

    37.98

    7

    1.5

    30.38

    4

    32

    23

    23

    7.4

    3.7

    8.86

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    67

    IDK04

    2013

    Octo

    Arakkulam

    90.31

    7.7

    2.8

    72.25

    4

    28

    26

    38

    7.2

    3.6

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    68

    IDK05

    2013

    Octo

    Vannapuram

    57.50

    7.1

    1.1

    46.00

    5

    30

    20

    30

    8.1

    3.6

    BDL

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    69

    IDK06

    2013

    Octo

    Karimannoor

    46.25

    7

    2.3

    37.00

    4

    26

    24

    30

    8.6

    3.4

    4

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    70

    IDK07

    2013

    Octo

    Vazhathope

    56.25

    7

    1.8

    45.00

    5

    32

    26

    24

    9

    3.2

    2

    0.05

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    71

    IDK08

    2013

    Octo

    Kattappana

    86.46

    7.2

    6.5

    69.17

    6

    30

    20

    43

    7.6

    3.7

    4

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    72

    IDK09

    2013

    Octo

    Elappara

    82.88

    6.4

    2.2

    66.30

    6

    44

    28

    55

    9.5

    3

    8

    BDL

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    73

    IDK10

    2013

    Octo

    Peruvanthanam

    46.25

    6.2

    1.6

    37.00

    5

    30

    26

    45

    9.9

    2.8

    2

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    74

    IDKO2

    2013

    Octo

    Karimkunnam

    87.71

    7.2

    1.5

    70.17

    6

    30

    20

    43

    10

    2.6

    2

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    75

    101031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    Elappara

    66.50

    6.3

    1.7

    46.55

    3

    28

    22

    46

    8.1

    3.7

    4

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    76

    201031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    do

    56.14

    6.8

    6.0

    39.30

    4

    26

    26

    54

    11

    2.4

    8

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    77

    301031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    do

    37.14

    6.9

    8.0

    26.00

    7

    26

    30

    39

    11

    2.2

    BDL

    0.03

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    78

    401031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    do

    64.29

    7.1

    11

    45.00

    5

    32

    29

    47

    12

    2

    1

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    79

    501031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    do

    55.71

    7.1

    1.4

    39.00

    6

    30

    30

    48

    8.5

    3.4

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    80

    601031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    Chenkara

    92.86

    7.1

    0.2

    65.00

    5

    44

    30

    59

    8.5

    3.4

    1

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    81

    701031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    Anavilasam

    45.97

    6.9

    1.6

    32.18

    4

    36

    18

    43

    9.5

    3

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    82

    802031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    Chakkupallam

    60.23

    7

    0.8

    42.16

    5

    34

    28

    43

    9.9

    2.8

    4

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    83

    902031

    3

    2013

    Mar

    Nedumkandam

    41.43

    6.9

    1.5

    29.00

    3

    32

    22

    35

    10

    2.6

    BDL

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    84

    100203

    13

    2013

    Mar

    do

    83.14

    7

    1.7

    58.2

    4

    30

    20

    34

    8.9

    3.3

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    85

    110203

    13

    2013

    Mar

    do

    39.10

    6.7

    1.1

    27.37

    5

    30

    22

    47

    11

    2.4

    1

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    86

    120303

    13

    2013

    Mar

    poopara

    57.90

    6.7

    2.3

    40.53

    3

    28

    26

    39

    11

    2.2

    1

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    87

    130303

    13

    2013

    Mar

    Moolathara, Poopara

    34.40

    6.6

    1.7

    24.08

    5

    26

    30

    36

    9.2

    3.1

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    88

    140303

    13

    2013

    Mar

    Thalakkulam, Poopara

    33.20

    7.2

    1.4

    23.24

    3

    36

    24

    36

    8.1

    3.6

    6

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    89

    150303

    13

    2013

    Mar

    Pampadumpara

    46.43

    7.2

    0.8

    32.5

    5

    26

    22

    25

    8.6

    3.4

    1

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    90

    160303

    13

    2013

    Mar

    do

    65.21

    7.2

    1.6

    45.65

    4

    32

    28

    31

    9

    3.2

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    91

    170305

    13

    2013

    May

    Kailasanad, Udumbumchola

    40.21

    7.2

    1.5

    28.15

    5

    30

    25

    35

    9.3

    3.1

    3

    0.25

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    92

    180305

    13

    2013

    May

    Kallupalam, do

    37.40

    7.1

    1.5

    26.18

    3

    44

    23

    49

    9.5

    3

    2

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    93

    190305

    13

    2013

    May

    Namari, do

    47.43

    7.1

    3.5

    33.2

    7

    30

    26

    55

    9.9

    2.8

    8

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    94

    200305

    13

    2013

    May

    Thalakkulam

    57.90

    6.7

    2.3

    40.53

    4

    30

    20

    43

    10

    2.6

    4

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    95

    210405

    13

    2013

    May

    Kattappana

    41.57

    7

    1.8

    29.1

    6

    28

    24

    48

    9.3

    3

    4

    0.2

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    96

    220405

    13

    2013

    May

    Vallakkadav, Kattappana

    33.20

    6.7

    1.4

    23.24

    4

    26

    26

    49

    11

    2.4

    3

    0.15

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    97

    230405

    13

    2013

    May

    Moonnilavu, Thodupuzha

    67.14

    6.8

    2.2

    47.00

    5

    26

    20

    26

    11

    2.2

    3

    0.15

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    98

    240605

    13

    2013

    May

    Adimali, Munnar

    72.99

    6.8

    1.6

    51.09

    3

    32

    28

    35

    12

    2

    2

    0.1

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    99

    250605

    13

    2013

    May

    Kallar, Munnar

    60.26

    7.1

    3.5

    42.18

    4

    30

    26

    37

    9.7

    2.9

    4.43

    0.13

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    100

    260605

    13

    2013

    May

    Vallathooval, Anachal

    55.81

    7.1

    4.8

    39.07

    5

    44

    20

    49

    9.8

    2.9

    13.3

    0.18

    BDL

    BDL

    ND

    TABLE 3. PESTICIDE RESIDUE ANALYSIS OF WATER SAMPLES FROM CARDAMOM PLANTATIONS -CONFIRMATION TESTS

    Period of testing

    Sl.No

    1

    2

    3

    4

    5

    6

    7

    8

    9

    10

    11

    12

    13

    Sample Identification Code

    1010313

    2010313

    3010313

    6010313

    7010313

    8020313

    9020313

    10020313

    11020313

    12030313

    13030313

    21040513

    26060513

    Pestiicde tests Conducted

    Results ( LOQ -0.1(gL )*

    Before and During Rainy Season

    AlphaHCH

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Beta HCH

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    GammaHCH/Lindane

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Delta HCH

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Endosulfan-I

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Endosulfan-II

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Endosulfan sulphate

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    P,P' – DDE

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    P,P' – DDD

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    P,P' – DDT

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Chlorpyriphos

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Malathion

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Parathion-methyl

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Quinalphos

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Profenophos

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Ethion

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Fenvalerate

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    -Cyhalothrin

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Cypermethrin

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    -Cyfluthrin

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    Fenpropathrin

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    BLQ

    LOQ – Limit of Quantification 0.1 µgL-1. BLQ- BLQ – Below Limit of Quantification

  5. CONCLUSIONS

The study conducted in Idukki District of Kerala where the pesticide application is the highest shows that the water sources are protected from toxic contaminants but the risk of contamination through soil is very high.

It needs continuous monitoring and needs very stringent control measures in the pesticide application in cardamom and tea plantations.

The planters should follow a standard protocol in the use of pesticides, their quality, quantity and period of application which gives the optimum yield and least harm to the environment.

In the present study protocols were framed for investigating the presence of pesticide residue in water samples from very large hilly area to meet regulatory mandates of the Pesticide Contamination Prevention Act (PCPA) of 1986.

The study results enable the researchers for further understanding of the agronomic, chemical, and geographic factors that contribute the movement of residues in water.

REFERENCES

    1. Troiano J, Weaver D, Marade J, Spurlock F, Pepple M, Nordmark C, Bartkowiak D . Summary of ell water sampling in California to detect pesticide residues resulting from nonpoint-source applications.,J.of Environmental Quality. 2001 Mar-Apr; 30(2):448- 59

    2. Muthusamy Murugan, Paddu Krishnappa Shetty Raju Ravi, Alappan Subbiah, Murigendra B. Hiremath, Environmental Impacts of Intensive Cardamom(Small) Cultivation in Indian Cardamom Hills: The need for Sustainable and Efficient Practices Recent Research in Science and Technology 2011, 3(2): 09-15

    3. Jim Bauder, MSU, Jennifer Wintersteen, EPA and Krista Pearson, MSU. Health Effects of Pesticides in Your Drinking Water.

      Montana State University, 2010

    4. Tongco, Maria Dolores C.2007. Purposive Sampling as a Tool for Informant Selection. Ethnobotany Research & Applications 5: 147-158.

    5. Adebowale Oluseyi, Adebowale Oluwawemimo Oluseun, Oyesola Olutokunbo Birdie, Perceived Effect of Industrial Water Pollution on the Livelihood of Rural Dwellers in Yewa Area, Ogun State,Nigeria. European Journal of Social Sciences Volume 22, Number 1 (2011).

    6. Manuel Arias-Este´vez,, Eugenio Lo´pez-Periagoa,, Elena Mart´nez-Carballob, Jesu´s Simal-Ga´ndara, Juan-Carlos Mejuto, Luis Garc´a-R´o. The mobility and degradation of pesticides in soils and the pollution of groundwater resources ScienceDirct, Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment xxx (2007) xxxxxx.

    7. John R. Cox, Sampling for Pesticide Residue Analysis, Chapter 6 125-147

    8. Adriana Mariana Bor, Irina Meghea and Alin Gabriel Bor,New Trends in Pesticide Residues Control and Their Impact on Soil Quality and Food Safety2012.

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