Detection of organochlorine pesticides in estuarine sediments of protected wetlands in Taiwan using high‐resolution gas chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry and gas chromatography‐electron capture detector

Abstract Trace residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in estuarine surface sediments were investigated at three protected wetlands southern Taiwan using high‐resolution gas chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS) and chromatography‐electron capture detector (GC‐ECD). This study facilitates the development new strategies for investigating OCPs, particularly background levels. Linear relationships obtained between total OCP concentrations (∑OCP), as analyzed by HRGC/HRMS, sediment's organic carbon (TOC) water content. It contrasted with results acquired GC‐ECD, where no significant relationship was found. GC‐ECD is a rugged option daily routine practice, cases patterns yielded clear; HRGC/HRMS method provides more reliable qualitative quantitative capabilities highly recommended studying fate OCPs carrying out risk assessments. The average ∑OCP these found range 0.214 to 1.049 ng/g dry weight. highest level might be attributed associated irrigation systems receiving massive discharges domestic sewage from an urban area upstream wetland. ratio dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) its metabolites indicated that DDT residue areas aged input. According sediment quality guidelines, adverse ecotoxicological effects upon not expected wetlands.