Author(s)

Sobia Khwaja, Rubina Mushtaq, Rehana Mushtaq, Masarrat Yousuf, Muhammad Attaullah, Fozia Tabbassum, Rabiya Faiz

Department of Zoology, Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan;.
Department of Zoology, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan.

The present study was designed to analyze organochlorine pesticide residues in the blood samples of the residents of Karachi. Biochemical and hematological parameters were tested thoroughly for changes as a result of organochlorine residues. In the blood samples which were drawn from both genders, organochlorine compounds like α-endosulfan (1.565 mg/kg) and β-endosulfan (1.233 mg/kg) were found in higher quantities and were the most frequently detected compounds. Average concentrations of the detected compounds (mg/kg) were: HCH (0.819); Cyclodienes (2.839); Diphenylaliphatics (0.240). An evident finding was the alteration in enzyme activity in higher residue samples. Levels of GPT, GOT, ALP, Choline-esterase and γ-GT were tested in all samples and observed major shifts in the upper and lower limits in high residue samples as compared with the normal values. Analysis of the blood parameters were carried out thoroughly and checked the levels of TLC, RBC, Hb, Hct, MCV, MCH, MCHC, Platelets and differential leucocytes (Neutrophils, Lymphocytes, Eosinophils and Monocytes) but found no distinct changes and hence no convincing relation was observed. Results of the present investigation of OCs in different blood sera indicated that bioconcentration and biomagnification of these chemicals were common phenomena in the population of Karachi city and this may be accountable for a variety of diseases and health hazards.

Organochlorine; Enzymes; Blood Parameters

Khwaja, S. , Mushtaq, R. , Mushtaq, R. , Yousuf, M. , Attaullah, M. , Tabbassum, F. and Faiz, R. (2013) Monitoring of biochemical effects of organochlorine pesticides on human health. Health, 5, 1342-1350. doi: 10.4236/health.2013.58182.