Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Coastal Marine Environments: Levels, Fate, Behavior, and Effects on Biota

Abstract

Pesticides have been extensibility used in the control of agricultural and sanitary pests. From World War II onward, more efficient and cheaper synthetic pesticides, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including DDT, lindane, or endosulfan, replaced the relatively environmentally friendly pesticides. OCPs were widely used worldwide; however, in the 1970s these compounds were began banned due to their harmful effects on both, biota and humans. Nevertheless, half a century later, due to their high persistence and the existence of some active sources, OCPs remain a problem for the health of marine ecosystems. Once in the environment, their distribution depends on the interaction of several factors -explained in detail in this chapter- such as the physical-chemical properties of each compound; interactions with the matrix; characteristics of the environment; and intensity, distance, and seasonality of the source, between others. This chapter reviews current levels, environmental behavior and fate, and effects on biota of organochlorine pesticides in global marine coastal environments, noting that these compounds are still detectable and could be harmful to marine biota.