Residues levels of organochlorine pesticide in cow's milk from industrial farms in Hidalgo, Mexico

A survey was carried out from 2008 to 2010 to determine the concentrations of 16 organochlorine pesticide residues (OPRs) from Tizayuca, Hidalgo, Mexico. Organochlorine residue determinations were made from milk fat, using chromatographic cleanup and analysis by gas chromatography with an electron capture detector. The OPR concentrations found were from below the detection limit (DL) to 0.91ng g(-1) in 2008, DL to 0.38ng g(-1) in 2009 and DL to 0.59ng g(-1) in 2010. In general concentrations of organochlorine pesticides were higher in the wet season (3.37ng g(-1) and 4.79ng g(-1)) than the dry season (1.92ng g(-1) and 2.71ng g(-1)) for 2009 and 2010, due to control of pests in the pasture and sheds. According to Codex Alimentarius regulations, individual pesticides did not exceed the permissible limits, which for example were 10g kg(-)1 for alpha hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and endosulfan I, 20g kg(-1) for p,p'-DDT, and 6g kg(-1) for dieldrin, endrin and heptachlor. A reduction of organochlorine pesticide concentrations in cow's milk was noted, indicating that the Mexican government has achieved reduction or elimination of some organochlorine pesticides in response to global agreements on persistent organic pollutants.