Synthetic surfactants in drinking and surface waters in Armenia and apparent non-association with some diseases.

The main goal of this study is to compare the concentrations of anionic synthetic surfactants (ASS) in drinking and surface waters in Armenia and to explore possible relationship with diseases of the skin and digestive system. Surfactants are widely employed in numerous field of the economy, are in contact with the entire population throughout life and can be harmful to human health.The samples of drinking and surface waters (n = 144) were collected in Kotayk province to analyze ASS concentrations, physicochemical parameters and phytotoxic activity. The prevalence of diseases was analyzed for different population groups. ASS concentrations in surface waters were significantly higher in summer compared to spring (p = 0.006). In drinking water, concentrations were also higher in summer, but not significantly. In surface waters, ASS levels were 2.4-3 times higher compared to drinking (p = 0.03) and exceeded the permissible limit by 1.4-2.9 times in summer and fall. No phytotoxic activity and differences in both classes of diseases and age groups were revealed. The determination of ASS in both surface and drinking waters with the same trend showed their interrelation to a certain extent. This study provides important information for future research and action which will contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

Relationship between Respiratory Morbidity and Environmental Exposure to Organochlorine Pesticides in Armenia.

BACKGROUND: Many studies have investigated the effects of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) on adverse health outcomes. However, studies addressing the link between respiratory health and OCPs are limited. Organochlorine pesticides are stable compounds and belong to the class of endocrine disrupting chemicals that represent a threat to global health. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to examine the association between respiratory morbidity and environmental exposure to OCPs in selected regions in Armenia. METHODS: The study was carried out in Lori and Gegharkunik provinces/marzes. The prevalence rate (per 100 000 population) and the average chronological indicators (ACh) for all respiratory diseases and asthma were calculated. Concentrations of OCPs (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane [DDT], dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethane (DDD)) were determined in soil and plant product samples and the average annual total concentration (AATC) of OCPs (γ-HCH + 4,4'-DDT + 4,4'-DDE+4,4'-DDD) was calculated. RESULTS: The ACI for all respiratory diseases showed a growth tendency in areas of Gegharkunik province ranging from 14.2 to 20.9% and an increase in asthma ranging from 9.4% to 174.6%. The highest levels of AATC of OCPs were found in soil sampled in Gegharkunik province: 9.48 ± 1.11 µg/kg and 8.10 ± 1.05 µg/kg and these levels differed significantly from those in Lori (p=0.01-0.0007). The AATC of OCPs in plant products from Gegharkunik was also statistically higher: 1.83±0.13 µg/kg, in comparison with that of Lori province 1.31±0.09 µg/kg (p = 0.001 - 0.0000). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the increased tendency of respiratory diseases and asthma could be related to OCP residues found in soil and plant products in Gegharkunik province. However, the role of OCPs should not be ignored. Further research is needed to study OCP contamination dynamics and clarify the role of OCPs in respiratory morbidity. COMPETING INTERESTS: The authors declare no competing financial interests.

Residues of xenobiotics in the environment and phytotoxic activity in Armenia.

The article presents the results of a dynamic study (spring, summer, and fall) of the residues of certain xenobiotics such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), synthetic surfactants (SSs) in surface water, soil, sludge, snow and phytotoxic activity in Ararat and Lori marzes of Armenia (2016-2017). A comparative analysis of the environmental status showed that all pollutants studied such as γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (4,4'-DDT), and p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE) were identified in Ararat marz with the average concentrations and detection rates higher than in Lori marz. The prominent contaminant was γ-HCH. The findings indicated the concentrations of OCPs below of regulatory concern. In Ararat marz an increase in the number of sterile pollen grains of certain wild plants was revealed (14.8-26.0%), compared with Lori marz with the levels within the contingent standard of 5-11%. The phytotoxic activity of soil samples from the Ararat marz studied on Avena sativa seedlings was significantly higher in the summer-fall period. These data correlated with monitoring findings showed an increase in the levels of γ-HCH, 4,4'-DDT, SS in the soil and sludge sampled in summer-fall in Ararat marz. This difference in the environmental status can be considered as the result of active agriculture in Ararat marz, whose share of contribution to a relevant branch of the economy of Armenia is two times higher than in Lori marz, 15.4% and 7.9%, respectively. Mentioned rates of agricultural production may be one of the reasons for the environmental deterioration in Ararat marz. The detection of 4,4-DDT, γ-HCH residues testifies the circulation of these formulations in the environment indicating their use in recent past and confirming their persistence. Although since the 70s of the last century the application of OCPs in the Republic of Armenia has been prohibited. The current situation may be explained by low awareness of farmers on different issues related to the safe management of pesticides. To ensure safe working conditions and raise awareness among the farmers we have developed "Recommendations on Safety requirements when working with pesticides" that are approved by the State Service for Food Safety at the Ministry of Agriculture of RA and included in the reference booklets for farmers as guiding information. Our study shows the understanding of associations between the deterioration of the environmental status and share of agriculture contribution to the economy that provides the evidence for future research programs.