# Pollution Characteristics, Sources, and Health Risks of Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Oviductus Ranae from Northern China

## TL;DR

This study examines pesticide and PCB pollution in a medicinal frog species in northern China, highlighting health risks and sources of contamination.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific sources and transformation patterns of POPs in a medicinal species, emphasizing health risks and environmental influences.

## Key findings

- OCPs and PCBs were detected in all samples with OCPs ranging from 11.7 to 67.9 ng/g and PCBs from 4.43 to 8.06 ng/g.
- Endosulfans dominated OCPs, indicating recent agricultural input, while DDTs showed signs of historical residue degradation.
- PCBs were dominated by lower-chlorinated congeners, suggesting atmospheric transport or microbial dechlorination.

## Abstract

This study systematically analyzed the pollution levels, distribution characteristics, and associated health risks of 17 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and 9 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Oviductus Ranae (Rana dybowskii) from major production areas in Heilongjiang Province, China. OCPs and PCBs were detected in all samples. The total concentration of OCPs ranged from 11.7 to 67.9 ng/g (dry weight), while that of total PCBs ranged from 4.43 to 8.06 ng/g. Endosulfans constituted the predominant OCP group, accounting for 54.5% of ∑OCPs, with an α/β-endosulfan ratio (~2:1) indicative of recent agricultural input. Among DDTs, the dominance of p,p′-DDE and the absence of parent DDT suggested aerobic degradation of historical residues. For HCHs, the isomer profile (β-HCH predominance, α/γ-HCH = 0.27) pointed to weathered lindane sources. The PCB profile was uniquely dominated by lower-chlorinated congeners (PCB1 and PCB29), implying influences from atmospheric transport and/or in situ microbial dechlorination of legacy PCBs. The persistent organic pollutants (POPs) contamination profile in Oviductus Ranae reflects a combined influence of recent pesticide application, weathered historical residues, and long-range transport. Although the concentrations are below current regulatory limits, the cumulative and persistent nature of these POPs, coupled with the product’s medicinal use, justifies a precautionary stance regarding long-term consumption. The distinct congener patterns underscore the necessity for future research to prioritize the environmental behavior and toxicology of dominant transformation products within such specific agro-ecosystems.