Occurrence of Pesticides in Selected Water Sources in Israel

Abstract

The concentrations of 12 organic pesticides were determined in selected water samples in Israel during 1972–73. Where pesticides were identified, their concentrations were much lower than the permitted levels; in the great majority of the water samples studied, the pesticidal concentrations were in the order of a few nanograms per liter. The only samples that did not contain pesticides were from Dan River and drainage water from agricultural fields. The most widespread compounds in the water samples under study were γ-BHC and α-BHC. The great concentrations of γ-BHC in municipal sewage indicate that this is an important source of BHC in the water bodies under study. The relative low and constant pesticide levels in Lake Kinneret and the other water reservoirs probably result from the buffering action of the bottom sediment. © 1974, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.