Determination and distribution of endosulfan and malathion in an Indian estuary

A field survey was conducted to determine the spatial and seasonal distribu tion of two very common pesticides, Endosulfan and Malathion, in Cochin est uary, India. Six sampling stations along the estuary were identified and an alyses were carried out during premonsoon, monsoon and postmonsoon seasons. Pesticide levels were higher during the premonsoon period than during the postmonsoon season. Throughout the monsoon season, the estuary remained lar gely free of the pesticides except at the mid-estuarine region which was ch aracterized by prominent agricultural runoff. One of the sampling sites loc ated in the riverine area was designated as "pesticide-loading site" in vie w of its proximity to the pesticide-manufacturing unit. (C) 1998 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.