Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the Indus River catchment area, Pakistan: Status, soil–air exchange and black carbon mediated distribution

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were investigated in passive air and soil samples from the catchment area of the Indus River, Pakistan. ∑15OCPs ranged between 0.68 and 13.47 ng g−1 in soil and 375.1–1975 pg mˉ3 in air. HCHs and DDTs were more prevalent in soil and air compartments. Composition profile indicated that β-HCH and p,p'-DDE were the dominant of all metabolites among HCHs and DDTs respectively. Moreover, fBC and fTOC were assessed and evaluated their potential role in the distribution status of OCPs. The fTOC and fBC ranged between 0.77 and 2.43 and 0.04–0.30% respectively in soil. Regression analysis showed the strong influence of fBC than fTOC on the distribution of OCPs in the Indus River catchment area soil. Equilibrium status was observed for β-HCH, δ-HCH, p,p'-DDD, o,p'-DDT, TC, HCB and Heptachlor with ff ranged between 0.3 and 0.59 while assessing the soil–air exchange of OCPs. •Black carbon showed influential role in distribution status of organochlorine pesticides in the catchment area of the Indus River.•Fugacity fractions showed equilibrium status of OCPs in soil and air of the Indus River catchment area.•HCHs and DDTs were the prevalent organochlorine pesticides in soil and air of the Indus River catchment area.