Organochlorine Pesticides Residue Level in Surface Water of Cameron Highlands, Malaysia

The occurrence of organochlorine pesticide (OCPs) residues in surface water of Bertam and Terla River, Cameron Highlands was investigated. Monitoring work was carried out starting from August to December 2014 consisted of six stations. Nine of organochlorine residues were detected throughout that period of study, namely aldrin, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulfate, methoxychlor, endrin ketone, 4,4'-DDE, beta and gamma HCH. The level concentration of pollutant were found to be in the order endrin ketone (mean 0.317 μgL-1)> beta HCH (0.153 μgL-1)> endosulfan sulfate (0.112 μgL-1)> endosulfan II (0.072 μgL-1)> aldrin (0.071 μgL-1)> methoxychlor (0.06 μgL-1)> heptachlor epoxide (0.023 μgL-1)> 4,4'-DDE (0.011 μgL-1)> gamma HCH (<0.002 μgL-1). The highest total organochlorine residue is detected at 0.955 μgL-1. The highest concentrations for compounds namely methoxychlor (0.06 μgL-1), endrin ketone (0.63 μgL-1) and 4,4'-DDE (0.018 μgL-1) were found at station S2 (Kuala Terla). An analysis in tap water (station S5; Brinchang town) also found some compounds namely aldrin, endosulfan II, endrin ketone and 4,4'-DDE to be within the range of 0.008 to 0.18 μgL-1. To mitigate this present status from continuing to become worse, improving water quality for water supply or reuse for agriculture purpose in Cameron Highlands must be put in high priority among all stakeholders.