Monitoring of organochlorine pesticide residues in pikeperch, Stizostedion lucioperca L. in Beysehir Lake (Central Anatolia).

Fishes in Beysehir Lake were analysed to determine organochlorine pesticide residues. The more frequently detected compounds are DDT complex (DDT, DDD, DDE and isomers), total HCH complex (alpha-HCH, beta-HCH and gamma-HCH or lindane), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and heptachlorine. Eighty five percent of the fish samples were found to be contaminated. While 75% of the total samples were contaminated by one or more HCH isomers, 63% of the organochlorinated pesticide is DDT and its metabolites. Aldrin, dieldrin and endrin are minor pesticides in samples. Heptachlorine was found in only one sample. Despite their presence high concentrations are sporadic, the mean values being less than FAO/WHO maximum recommended limits.