Organochlorine insecticide usage in the sugar industry of the Herbert and Burdekin River regions: chemical, biological, and risk assessments

摘要: Despite widespread usage of organochlorine insecticides in the Queensland sugar industry from 1947 to 1987, there is remarkably little information on use and environmental consequences their usage. This thesis explores three aspects insecticide two significant sugarcane growing regions North Queensland, Herbert Burdekin River regions. The first distribution residues soils coastal riverine sediments both assess current provide historical inputs sediments. combined with regarding derive a mass balance for applied insecticides. second an enzyme assay (ethoxyresorufin 0-deethylase, EROD) exposure common tropical estuarine fish species, Acanthopagrus berda, range organic contaminants screening tool residues. third aspect examination factors influencing risks associated insect control industry, particular emphasis use. Easily detectable concentrations were found reflected known application histories. Mass estimates indicate that currently less than 0.01% 3,900 tonnes hexachlorocyclohexane, 40 aldrin, 46 heptachlor since estimated remain these Low variable farm drains creeks adjacent areas, suggesting some movement fields occurring. Fish collected draining land minimally disturbed by anthropogenic activity generally showed low level induction incidence detection tissue. An exception this was Cromarty Creek, which agricultural region. These comparable urban catchment. Although identity inducer unknown, town rubbish dump and/or recreational boating are suspected be sources. No either Together sediment transport processes, absence suggests no contamination Great Barrier Reef environment as result Regions occurring. Changes techniques have been influenced directly or indirectly research, changes farming practices government legislation, global concerns trade events. However, near future, likely largely driven regional issues related efficacy control.