Abstract
M.Sc.
The organochlorine insecticides were amongst the first pollutants shown to cause adverse population effects. The potential adverse effects of these pollutants on wildlife are a cause for great concern. Severities of their effects were sometimes surprising given the low levels of the compounds in environmental compartments such as surface waters and soils. High lipophilicity combined with chemical stability and very slow biodegradation are characteristic features of these toxic Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Regional declines in fish, bird as well as invertebrate populations resulting from long term exposure to POPs such as 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl) -2,2,2-trichloroethane (DDT) and its stable metabolite 1,1-bis (4-chlorophenyl) -2,2-dichloroethene (DDE), could be related to some biochemical, endocrine and physiological effects in individuals. Some POPs have been suggested to have negative effects disrupting physiological processes and resulting in alterations of homeostasis, reproduction, development and behavior. Such adverse effects upon populations may be avoided if the potential of chemicals to cause them is recognized before problems arise. The aim of this study was to determine whether or not the ongoing spraying of DDT in the Limpopo Province is negatively affecting the health of aquatic species found in surface water of the area. Extensive research has shown that biomarkers have been very effective in the trace determination of a number of adverse effects caused by metals, and thus, are also being used for POPs. A battery of biomarkers (EROD, CAT and CEA) were used, both in the field and in a controlled laboratory environment, in order to try and determine the long term effects of exposure to low environmentally relevant levels of DDE in the selected area. DDT levels in the biota, water and sediment samples were also measured to determine the possible levels of exposure. Dose-response relationships were most successfully determined by the EROD and the CEA biomarkers in this study. In a controlled laboratory study, a definite effect was noted on the Mozambique Tilapia with increasing concentrations of DDE. In the natural environment, dose-response relationships to DDE exposure were more difficult to quantify as additional chemicals and natural environmental stressors also affect the results.