Spatial distribution and partitioning of organophosphates pesticide in water and sediment from Sarno River and Estuary, Southern Italy

The organophosphates pesticide (OPP) pollution in the Sarno River and its environmental impact on the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) were estimated. Nine selected OPPs (diazinon, dimethoate, malathion, chlorpyrifos, dichlorvos, fenitrothion, methidathion, tolclofos-methyl, azinphos-methyl) were determined in the water dissolved phase (DP), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment samples. Total OPP concentrations ranged from 5.58 to 39.25 ng L−1 in water (as the sum of the DP and SPM) and from 0.19 to 3.98 ng g−1 in sediment samples. Contaminant discharges of OPPs into the sea were calculated in about 48,064.08 g year−1, showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of OPPs to the Tyrrhenian Sea.