Concentrations, distribution, and risk assessment of endosulfan residues in the cotton fields of northern Xinjiang, China

In the current study, surface soil samples were collected from cotton fields in Shawan and Shihezi areas in northern Xinjiang and tested for endosulfan residues using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results showed endosulfan sulfate was the predominant compound in the surface soil studied, followed by beta-endosulfan and alpha-endosulfan with detection rates of 86.9%, 55.7%, and 49.2%, respectively, for the 61 soil samples collected. The average concentrations of endosulfan sulfate, alpha-endosulfan, and beta-endosulfan were 0.743, 0.166, and 0.073 mu g/kg, respectively. The ratios of alpha-/beta-endosulfan were below 2.33 in all samples tested, suggesting no new endosulfan was added to the soil and the presence of endosulfan residues in this region was due to historical application in the past. According to the health risk assessment model recommended by the USA Environmental Protection Agency, the health risk of endosulfan residues in the studied area was low, and the maximum values of noncarcinogenic risks for children and adults were 2.30 x 10(-5) and 2.70 x 10(-6), respectively. Folsomia candida was the most sensitive organism to total endosulfan residues, with 38% of the total sampling sites classified as high risk. For earthworms, the proportion of high risk site was 13%. Lactuca sativa was the most tolerant organism to n-ary sumation ESs, with all sampling sites identified as negligible risk. This study provided current status of endosulfan residues and related risk in cotton fields, which could be used to support decision makers to prepare relevant regulations.