EC Pharmacology And Toxicology

Several states in Sudan suffer from lack of water, especially during November to June (dry-season). Therefore, some states, including Gedarif, resort to water-harvesting in pond (haffirs), which are used for drinking, agriculture and other domestic needs and activities. The current paper is one of a series of studies, 3 of them already published covered heavy metals contamination of the soil, water and the sensitivities of the ICP-OES vs. atomic absorption methods on determining their concentrations. The current paper covers the presence and levels of pesticides and hydrocarbons as pollutants in the 3 studied haffirs. Soil samples were taken from the surface of the haffirs, 30 cm and 60 cm depth, in addition to water samples every 2 wk. Samples were prepared as required, extracted, cleaned, concentrated and the concentrations of pesticides and hydrocarbons (HCs) were determined by GC-MS. The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and the insecticides carbaryl, lindane, in addition to oils and fuel were detected at different levels. The study recommended that haffirs site selection, design, facilities, logistics and protection must be given the required attention by the health authorities, water corporations, the states and the municipalities. Further studies should be carried out to study the other pollutants, e.g. microorganisms.

 Keywords: Water-Harvesting Ponds; Haffirs; Water; Soil; Contamination; Pesticides; Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Gedarif; Sudan

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