Organochlorine insecticide residues in water from five lakes of Nainital (UP), India

Abstract

Nainital District is situated at an altitude of 1934 m (MSL) at southern extremity of lesser Himalyan zone in Kumaun region of U.P state, India. It is located at 29.23 north latitude and 79.3 east longitude having an area of 6794 km. The terrain is heterogenous consisting of 18% hilly forest, 47% forest, 4% bhabar and 29% terai area with a net work of lakes, rivers, rivulets and canals. The average rainfall ranged from 1275 mm to 3050 mm depending on the terrain. Five lakes namely Bhimtal, Sattal, Khurpatal, Naukuchiatal and Nainital are situated in the hilly area of Nainital region. It may be noted that no insecticide was used in the vicinity of lakes for vector control programme while DDT and HCH were extensively used in Terai and Bhabar area for malaria control. Water from these lakes was the only source for drinking and domestic use for people residing in these areas. Lakes water was supplied to the community through water pipe after some treatment. Therefore the present study was conducted to monitor the levels of HCH and DDT in the water from these five lakes of Nainital.