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Research Journal of Environmental Sciences

Year: 2012 | Volume: 6 | Issue: 5 | Page No.: 169-185
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Authors

Siti Humaira Haron

B.S. Ismail

Mohd Talib Latif

Keywords

Research Article

Composition of Insecticidal Residues in Total Suspended Particulate and Rain Water at an Agricultural Area in Kedah, Malaysia

Siti Humaira Haron, B.S. Ismail and Mohd Talib Latif
A study was conducted to determine the most common insecticides found in the total suspended particulate and rainwater, in an agricultural area in Kedah, Malaysia where insecticides such as endosulfan, chlorpyrifos and cypermethrin were commonly used. The samples of total suspended particulate and rain water were collected using a High Volume Sampler (HVS) equipped with fiber glass filter and glass bottles respectively, for a specific period (September 2010-March 2011) at four different sampling sites within the agricultural area in Kedah. The composition of the insecticides (cypermethrin, endosulfan and chlorpyrifos) in both suspended particulate and rain water samples were determined by a Gas Chromatograph (GC) equipped with a micro electron capture detector (μ-ECD) after extraction with acetone and toluene (9:1). Results showed that chlorpyrifos was recorded as having the highest concentration in the suspended particulate matter (543.6 pg m-3) and cypermethrin, the highest concentration in rain water. The concentrations of the insecticides showed seasonal dependence based on the application periods. This study also indicated that basic training on precautionary measures and correct usage and handing of insecticides should be undertaken by the Muda Agricultural Development Authority to ensure that the level of insecticidal residues in the air and rain water of the agricultural area remained safe.
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