AN OVERVIEW OF ORGANOCHLORINATED POLLUTANTS IN AGRICULTURAL SOIL SAMPLES FROM ALBANIA
BLEDAR MURTAJ, AUREL NURO*, ELDA MARKU
University of Tirana, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Department of Chemistry
*Corresponding author: aurel.nuro@fshn.edu.al
Keywords: Organochlorined pesticides; PCBs; soil samples; GC/ECD
Abstract: In this paper concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in soil samples of Fushe-Kruja, Mamurras, Laci and Miloti areas are presented. These areas are located in central Albania and they are known for intensive agricultural activity. Twelve soil samples were selected in agricultural areas that are in use from local farmers. Sampling was realized in December 2017. Organochlorine pollutants have high stability, high bioaccumulation capacity and the ability to spread out of the application site. Generally, these compounds are difficult to degrade. In the soil or sediment, the speed of degradation is much lower. Although pesticides have been banned many years ago, they are reported frequently in different studies. Sample treatment procedure includes ultrasonic extraction with organic solvents followed by sulfuric acid hydrolysis and a Florisil column. GC-electron capture detection using a capillary column was implemented for isolation and determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in soil samples. The highest levels of chlorinated pollutants in study areas were found for organochlorine pesticides because of their previous uses for agricultural purposes. Volatile PCBs were found in higher concentrations because of their atmospheric origin. Found levels were comparable with reported studies for other agricultural areas in Albania.