Distribution of Organochlorine Pesticides and Heavy Metals in Lebanese Agricultural Soil: Case Study—Plain of Akkar

Soil contamination by heavy metals (HM) and persistent organic pollutant such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) is a worldwide global concern. These pollutants are introduced to the soil through human activities, including mining, smelting, industry, and agriculture. They alter soil properties and affect all living beings. The present work is focused on the contamination level of OCPs and HMs in soils, originated from six villages located in an agricultural area northern Lebanon-Akkar. Determination of OCPs was established by accelerated solvent extraction followed by GC–MS analysis, and investigation of heavy metals was performed by total extraction occupied with ICP-AES. OCPs were found at high levels. Concentrations of DDTs, HCHs and cyclodiene insecticides were as following 29.4, 10.1 and 37.3 ng/g. A high concentration of OCPs was found in the cultivated area and a huge difference was observed between the same region and tillage land. Furthermore, a variation of concentration was determined also among depth and soil category. The predominance of DDE has been presented and a historical application of dicofol has been identified by 2,4′DDT/4,4′DDT and DDE + DDD/DDTs values. An unbroken and recent use of HCHs, chlordane, and heptachlor has been manifested based on the values of α-HCH/γ-HCH, Cis/trans-chlordane and heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide ratios, respectively. Nickel was mostly metal-detected at all sites; and a moderate pollution by cd (Enrichment factor > 25) has been provided probably due to the use of pesticides comprising a certain trace of this metal during agricultural practices. As a conclusion, the soil of Akkar is not only contaminated by pesticides but also with heavy metals which necessitates an effort to protect people living around this region from their risk.