A Survey of Pesticide Toxicant Utilization from Caspian Sea Banks, Mazandaran Province, Northern Iran

Ground waters are a source of drinking water in Mazandaran province. High rainfall, the existence of many rivers draining into the Caspian Sea, and uncontrolled utilization of pesticide toxicants, are of major concern regarding the water resources of this province. This research was designed to provide an estimation of quantity and quality of toxicant utilization in this area. In addition, the study was designed to help the authorities of the province to control the hazardous and toxic materials contained in the water. Data collection was performed using a questionnaire and by direct observation, with reference to centers with valid documentation and archived records of distributors, and included interviews with authorities and the completion of checklists for water resources and risk potential. Twelve cities in the province were selected for data collection. The completed questionnaires were based on multistage sampling, clustered and randomized samples were obtained from districts, rural areas, and farming families in each city. The results indicate that the maximum toxicant utilization (25.5%) occurred in Amol city. Ramsar city had the least toxicant utilization (1.3%). Machete, Saturn, and Ronstar (used as herbicides), Hinosan (used as a fungicide), and Sevin and Diazinon (used as insecticides) are traditional toxicants in the province. Machete and Sevin had the maximum and minimum utilization, respectively. Average utilization per capita reached 490.5 ml for Machete and 89.1 ml for Sevin (based on total province population). A low drinking water table (8-16m), lack of sanitation, drainage of agricultural effluents, and a lack of basic barriers between the contaminants and drinking water sources were the main risk factors for utilization of pesticide toxicants in Mazandaran province.