Identification of active pesticide compounds used in two fishing areas in Burkina Faso

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are non-degradable pollutants that pose a growing threat to the sustainable management of natural resources, particularly aquatic resources. This study aims to support the better management of aquatic resources in Burkina Faso by identifying the pesticides used and assessing their potential to contaminate surrounding aquatic environments. A field survey was conducted by interviewing 20 pesticide sellers and 80 agricultural producers to identify the types of pesticides sold and used near rice-farming plains. The identified pesticides were then compared against the Sahelian Pesticides Committee and the Rotterdam Convention lists to determine their registration status, bans, and hazard classifications. The half-lives (DT50), organic carbon partition coefficients (Koc), and groundwater ubiquity scores of these pesticides were calculated. The survey revealed 52 commercial products from sellers (35 herbicides, 14 insecticides, 1 fungicide, and 1 acaricide) and 29 products used by farmers (17 herbicides, 10 insecticides, 1 fungicide, and 1 acaricide). These pesticides contain 30 active compounds, 11 of which were found to be persistent in the environment due to their high DT50. All the active compounds were approved by the Rotterdam Convention and classified by the World Health Organization as follows: 17 moderately dangerous (Class II), six slightly dangerous (Class III), two very dangerous (Class Ib), and one extremely dangerous. In addition, some compounds also showed high leaching potential, indicating a high risk of surface water contamination.