Work

Ecological risk assessment of chlorpyrifos and TCP in a tropical mountain reservoir: Insights from passive sampling and sediment analysis

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: ABSTRACT Pesticide contamination in freshwater ecosystems represents a growing concern in tropical regions, where environmental conditions can influence degradation dynamics and increase ecological vulnerability. This study evaluates the ecological risks associated with chlorpyrifos, a widely used organophosphate insecticide, and its persistent metabolite 3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCP), in a tropical mountain reservoir in Colombia. We employed a novel integrative approach, combining passive sampling, using Semipermeable Membrane Devices and Polar Organic Chemical Integrative Samplers, with sediment analysis to quantify both compounds across multiple sites and seasons. Ecological risk was assessed using Toxic Units for acute exposure and Risk Quotients for chronic toxicity. Our findings reveal that, while TCP posed minimal acute risks, it represents a significant chronic hazard due to its persistence and sediment accumulation. In contrast, Chlorpyrifos, exhibited both acute and chronic risks even at low concentrations. These results highlight the need for tropical-specific monitoring strategies and reinforce the ecological benefits of Colombia’s 2022 chlorpyrifos ban. This study provides critical evidence to support regulatory frameworks and improving water quality management in tropical freshwater systems.

Source: Journal of Hazardous Materials Advances

DOI: 10.1016/j.hazadv.2025.100785

Authors: Mayra Alejandra Gómez-Arguello, Francisco José Molina Perez

Institution: Universidad de Antioquia

Language: English

Topic: Pesticide and Herbicide Environmental Studies

Subfield: Pollution

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Clean water and sanitation, Life on land, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,400