ADDIS ABABA SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY UNIVERSITY

COLLEGE OF BIOLOGICAL AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

DEPARMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

INTERNSHIP RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Determination of Organochlorine pesticide in a

Farmland and ambient air around Lake Zeway

Student Name: Id No:

Mesele Kebede ...................................................ETS 0807/10

Submitted to: Mr. Abera Kinfu

Submission date: August 23, 2021

Contents
List of Figures ............................................................................................................................................... iii
List of tables................................................................................................................................................. iii
Abbreviations .............................................................................................................................................. iii
Executive summery ...................................................................................................................................... iv
INTRODIUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 1
1.1 Background ....................................................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Statement of the problem ................................................................................................................. 1
1.3 Objective of the Study ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.1 General Objective ...................................................................................................................... 2
1.3.2 Specific Objectives ..................................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Scope of the Study ............................................................................................................................. 2
1.5 Significance of the Study .................................................................................................................. 2
2. Literature Review ..................................................................................................................................... 3
2.1 Introduction ....................................................................................................................................... 3
3 Materials and Methodology ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.1 Location of study area ...................................................................................................................... 5
3.2 Sample Collection, Preparation and Extraction ............................................................................ 6
3.2.1 soil sample collection .................................................................................................................. 6
3.2 2 Ambient air sample collection ................................................................................................... 6
Budget breakdown ....................................................................................................................................... 7
Work plan ..................................................................................................................................................... 8
References .................................................................................................................................................... 9

ii | P a g e
List of Figures
Figure 1. Catchment area of Lake Zeway

List of tables
Table 1. Fees for project personnel

Table 2. Data collection

Table 3. Travel expenses for project team

Table 4. total budget

Abbreviations
DDT: DichloroDiphenyl Trichloroethane
EPA: Environmental Protection Agency

iii | P a g e
Executive summery
Organochlorine pesticides may still be in use in Ethiopia region for agricultural purposes and for the
control of mosquitos. Intensive use of Organochlorine pesticides in natural environments have become a
major threat for public health and many organisms. Pesticides enter the environment via various
mechanisms and disrupt the normal function of organisms in water, air and soil. Pesticides enter air and
soil through spray drift, fallout and irrigation water contaminated with pesticides. Pesticides present in
soil affect microbial population and their proper function in the soil environment. Microorganisms in soil
are essential for maintenance of soil structure, organic matter mineralization, making nutrients available
for plants and to metabolize and degrade a lot of pollutants and pesticides in the soil. However, long-term
application of pesticides causes irreversible changes in their population which in turn brings about
decline in soil fertility and crop productivity. The presence of pesticide residues in the air also enter soil
and water by means of precipitation and eventually end up in human and animal bodies through the food,
water and air they use. Thus water, soil and air pollution by pesticides result in a fatal health effect in
humans, animals and many other organisms. In this study the concentration of Organochlorine
pesticide in farmland soil and in ambient air around Lake Zeway will be determined. the methodology
employed will be site selection, sample collection and preparation and transport of the samples for
laboratory analysis.

Keywords: Organochlorine pesticide, ambient air, soil, lake Zeway

iv | P a g e
INTRODIUCTION
1.1 Background
Agriculture is readily associated with the use of different chemical inputs. Different classes of
pesticides are used in managing different groups of pests to maximize crop production and meet
the demands for higher supplies of food for human population. Among the Organochlorine
pesticides, DichloroDiphenyl Trichloroethane (DDT), has been the most widely used one in
agriculture and health sectors for several decades and it is considered as a priority pesticide. It is
one of the most controversial pesticides of all the time and among the 12 persistent organic
pollutants that are restricted and targeted for ultimate elimination under the international treaty
on POPs (Selamawit, 2010).

pesticide contamination has become a matter of environmental concern because of the adverse
effects on soil microorganisms, which in turn affects soil quality. The continuous use of
pesticides in agriculture, flowers, forests and their breakdown products accumulate in soil
environment causing a potential risk on environment and non-target organisms including man.
Pesticides enter the soil during spray on food crops, vegetables and flower treatment and
precipitation from the air contaminated with pesticides. Organochlorine pesticides which are
water insoluble have high half-life in soil and their persistent or breakdown in soil depend on the
chemical and biological properties of the soil. Organochlorine pesticides strongly stick-on
organic matter and clay particles making them less mobile, bioavailable and less accessible to
microbial degradation and thus are more persistent in the soil environment. Soils include millions
of microorganisms that play a key role in helping plants utilize soil nutrients needed to grow and
flourish (Kinfe, 2019).

1.2 Statement of the problem

The toxic property of organochlorine pesticides results in adverse effect on the immune and
respiratory systems and critical organs, hormones systems disfunction, damage of the
reproductory system, sex linked disorders, developmental disorders, carcinogenic effects and
shortened lactation periods in nursing mammals. Chronic exposure to these chemicals can also
result in death in organisms. Consequently, exposure to large quantities can have adverse effect
on the entire population.

1|Page
1.3 Objective of the Study
1.3.1 General Objective
The general objective of this study is to determine Organochlorine pesticide in a farmland soil
and ambient air around Lake Zeway.

1.3.2 Specific Objectives

➢ To assess the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in the farmland soil near lake
Zeway.
➢ To assess the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in the ambient air near lake
Zeway.
➢ To identify the source of organochlorine pesticides in the study area.

1.4 Scope of the Study

This research will focus on determining the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in the
farmland soil and ambient air near lake Zeway. the representative composite samples on some
selected locations both in farmland soil and ambient air will be collected by appropriate sampling
method and the sample will be transported to laboratory. The laboratory analysis will be caried
out by the laboratory technicians. After the laboratory analysis the appropriate conclusion will be
made and then eventually suggest possible remedial measures for the case.

1.5 Significance of the Study

The purpose of determining the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in the farmland soil
and ambient air near lake Zeway is as follows.

➢ suggest to take the appropriate treatment measure.

➢ To find out the mechanisms for improving the farmland soil and air quality in the study
area.
➢ To examine the concentration of organochlorine pesticides in the study area.
➢ To minimize the source of pollutants to the lake Zeway.

2|Page
2. Literature Review
2.1 Introduction
In this chapter, the previous researches related to this topic are reviewed.

In Ethiopia, pesticides are mainly imported for agricultural purposes, and lesser amounts of
pesticides are imported for health care (vector control) and industrial purposes. Chemical
pesticide use in Ethiopia has been historically low, but due to recent developments in
intensification and expansion of modern agricultural activities including commercial
horticultural farms such as small-scale irrigated farms, large-scale open farms and cut-flower
greenhouses, there has been almost a threefold increase within a decade (Beyene, Sisay, &
Yalemtshay, 2021).

Organochlorine pesticides have long residual action and persist in the environment for long
periods without losing their toxicity. Many organochlorine pesticides and their metabolites are
highly toxic and have been implicated in a wide range of adverse health effects such as cancer,
neurological damage, reproductive system deformities, birth defect, and damage to the immune
system. Their environmental concern is further heightened by the fact that they are not easily
broken down in the environment, as they resist degradation by chemical, physical,
microbiological, and biological means (Benedicta, Elvis, Godfred, & Christopher, 2016)

DDT and its metabolic form (pp’DDT and pp’-DDE) are present in sediment, succulent grasses
and fish muscle tissue collected from Lakes Zeway. This condition is mainly due to the
persistency of these group of compounds, even though their usage is discontinued. Among the
analyzed Organochlorine Pesticides only DDT and its metabolite were detected in the three
samples (Fish, Sediment and grass). Analysis of variance showed non-significant difference
among the three matrices in terms of total DDT contents (wodajo, 2020).

One of the common uses of pesticides is for protection of agricultural yields before and after
harvests, in gardening, household purposes and soil treatments. The pesticides most frequently
used for these purposes fall into three major classes: insecticides, fungicides and herbicides (or
weed killers) with other classes used in smaller quantities including rodenticides, nematicides,
molluscicides, and acaricides. These compounds generally show a wide spectrum of beneficiary

3|Page
effects; improving plant health, maintaining agro-ecosystems, food supply, etc. On the other
hand, their intensive use on large areas of agricultural farmland soils is reported to cause
undesirable and deleterious effects to various environmental compartments. Trace level pesticide
residues and their degradation products from contaminated soils can also be transported to the
natural water resources and cause risks to human health, aquatic lives, inhabitants of the
ecosystems, etc to various degrees. Their occurrences, in several matrices, at very low
concentrations could significantly affect reliability of the scientific results obtained from their
determinations unless standard and sensitive analytical methods are used or new ones are
developed (Bezuayehu, Endale, Abera, & Negussie, 2016).

4|Page
3 Materials and Methodology
3.1 Location of study area
The study is conducted at a farmland near Lake Zeway, the fourth largest Lake of Ethiopia. It is
located 160 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, bordered by Oromia and the Southern Nations,
Nationalities and Peoples regional states. The lake is the only single source of water supply for
small- and large-scale irrigation farms enabling area community to produce different food crops
and vegetables. Vegetables produced by this irrigation water is distributed to many market
centers in the country and the life of many people directly or indirectly depend on selling
vegetables besides to crop production. Local communities solely depend on the lake water for
drinking water supply and their exposure to pesticide impacts from the contaminated soil may be
high and threatening (Kinfe, 2019).

Figure 1. Catchment area of Lake Zeway

The lake is 25 km long and 20 km wide, with a surface area of 434 km2. It has a
maximum depth of 4 m and an elevation of 1,846 m. The lake has five islands and fed primarily
by two rivers, Meki and Katar, but does not always have an outflow, although in some years it

5|Page
drains into Lake Abijatta. Lake Zeway is known for its population of birds and hippopotamus. In
addition, it supports a fishing industry mainly Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), which
represents 90 % of the landings in the Lake as in many other Ethiopian lakes. Based on an
average area of 434 km2, Lake Zeway could produce 2250 tons of fish on annual basis
(Selamawit, 2010).

3.2 Sample Collection, Preparation and Extraction

3.2.1 soil sample collection
Three soil samples will be collected from three farm land sites near the lake. The sample
collected from each site will be composite to represent the farm condition. One soil sample will
also be collected from virgin land as control. The samples will be air dried, grinded and passed
through 2mm mesh being ready for subsequent analysis.

Organochlorine pesticide residues in soil samples will be extracted using Soxhlet Extraction
(EPA METHOD 3540 0C). The exposed PUF Filters will be cut into pieces and extracted in
Soxhlet extractor for the soil sample.

3.2 2 Ambient air sample collection

Three air samples will be collected with a TE-PUF Poly-Urethane Foam High Volume Air
Sampler using the US EPA Method T04. The sampler will be set up on the three different
locations of the lake Zeway. Approximately 250 m3 of air will be drawn for each sample
periodically through the sampling unit over a 24 hours cycle. Minimum and maximum
temperature, and wind direction will be recorded during sampling. Then the sample will be sent
to the laboratory for analysis.

6|Page
 Budget breakdown
Table 1. Fees for project personnel

Role Number of days Daily rate (Birr) Total cost (Birr) Justification
Principal and Researcher 5 1000 5000 To investigate new thoughts from the research
co-
Laboratory technician 2 700 1400 To analyse the laboratory analysis
Investigators
Justification
Role Number of days Daily rate (Birr) Total cost (Birr)

Research Assistant 5 700 3500 to perform data analysis and produce

Other project staff
data reports
Project Manager 5 700 3500 To manage the overall research

Car driver 5 700 3500 To drive a car throughout the research

Subtotal 16900Birr

Table 2. Data collection

Justification
Description of item Quantity Rate (Birr) Total cost (Birr)

Field/survey staff salaries 3 surveyors at 5 days each 3 1000 3000 To collect soil samples and shipping to
transport
2 surveyors at 5 days each 2 1000 2000 To collect air samples and shipping to
transport
4 100 400
Soil sample containers To contain soil samples
Materials Air sample container 3 150 450 To contain air samples
Other sampling materials 6 100 600 To prepare and extract samples
Subtotal 6450Birr
Table 3. Travel expenses for project team
Description of item
country travel Quantity Cost per Unit Total cost (Birr) Justification
(Birr)
fuel for car for 5 days 50 litters 25 1250 to conduct field visits
Description of item Justification
Subsistence Number of Daily rate (Birr) Total cost (Birr)
days
subsistence for 1 Research 5 700 3500 trip to meet with field staff
Assistant
Subtotal 4750Birr
Table 4. total budget
Fees 16900Birr
Travel expenses 4750Birr
Data collection 6450Birr
Total budget 28100Birr

7|Page
Work plan

September 03,2021
2026 Designing the Research.

September 07,2021
2026 Research Planning.

September 13,2021
2026 Collecting Data From The study area by taking
samples and send the samples to the laboratory

September 18,2021
2026 Analyse Data Received & Gathered
From The laboratory.

Sebtember 22, 2021

Write Up Of The Research Findings &
Results.

8|Page
References
Benedicta, Y. F.-M., Elvis, D. O., Godfred, D., & Christopher, G. (2016). Assessment of organochlorine
pesticide residues in soils and drinking water sources from cocoa farms in Ghana.
doi:10.1186/s40064-016-2352-9

Beyene, N., Sisay, D., & Yalemtshay, M. (2021, June). Environmental and Health Risks of Pesticide Use
in Ethiopia. Journal of Health & Pollution, 11(30).

Bezuayehu, T., Endale, T., Abera, G., & Negussie, M. (2016). Modified QuEChERS Method for the
Determination of S-Triazine Herbicide Residues in Soil Samples by High Performance Liquid
Chromatography-Diode Array Detector. 12(1).

Kinfe, M. (2019). Analysis of Organochlorine Residues in a Farmland Soil near Lake Zeway, Ethiopia.
Environmental science & Natural Resources, 18(5). doi:10.19080/IJESNR.2019.18.555999

Selamawit, G. (2010). Determination of Bioaccumulation and Food Chain Contamination of Heavy

Metals and Organochlorine Pesticides in Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and Abyssinian
Ground Hornbill (Bucorvus abyssinicus), Lake Ziway.

wodajo, H. (2020). Detection of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Lake Ziway and Health Risk
Assessment. Advances in Environmental Studies, 4(2), 345-349. doi:10.36959/742/230

9|Page