Analysis of chlorinated insecticide residues in human milk

Date

1-1976

Degree

Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Chemistry

College

College of Arts and Sciences (CAS)

Adviser/Committee Chair

Carlito R. Barril

Abstract

REYES, NIEVA A. University of the Philippines. November, 1975. Analysis of chlorinated insecticide residues in human milk.

Thesis adviser: Dr. Carlito R. Barril

Using the Gabled method of extraction and Florisil mini-column clean-up technique, 51 human milk samples were analyzed for chlorinated insecticide residues by ECD gas chromatography. The data indicate total organochlorine levels which vary widely from a low of 18 to a high of 263 ppb on whole milk basis and from 1.56 to 13.55 ppm on fat basis. Total DDT residue levels range from 17 to 258 ppb on whole milk basis with a mean value of 100 ppb and from 1.30 to 13.55 ppm on fat basis with a mean value of 4.03 ppm. all milk samplesanalyzed contained DDT and/or its metabolites, DDE and DDD, reflecting its long biolo-gical retention and persistence. Other insecticides found in the samples are lindane, heptachlor, aldrin and chlordane. The num-ber of residues in a sample ranges from "5 to 7. Ninety six per-cent of the samples exceeded the maximum concentration of total DDT recommended by the World Health Organization.

There is significant correlation between total DDT levels and baby's ago, number of children and percentage milk fat. Residue levels increased with percent milk fat but decreased with the baby's age and the number of children. There is no significant correlation between total DDT levels and the mother's age. Host mothers who had nursed 3 or more babies had concentrations of total DDT below the average. The 4 highest total DDT concentrations were in the milk of mothers nursing for the first time and whose babies were no older than 4 months.

The significance of the results, as well as the possible sources of contamination were discussed.

Language

English

Location

UPLB Main Library Special Collections Section (USCS)

Call Number

LG 993.5 1976 A13 R69

Document Type

Thesis

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