Detection of Endosulfan Residues in the Soil of Western Jordan Valley

Soil samples were collected from ten different locations of the Western Jordan Valley (W. J. V.) extending from Pardala (north) to Jericho city (south). The residues of Endosulfan which is the most widely used insecticides in the W. J. V. were detected using Gas Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry (GC/ MS). The soil samples were collected from two depth levels namely 0-30 and 30-60 cm. The correlation between the quantity of the pesticide residues and the soil depth were determined. Results show that the mean values of Endosulfan residues in the southern part of W. J. V. were significantly higher than those of the northern part. Moreover, for the same location, the mean values of the residues in the samples taken from the soil depth of 0-30 cm were significantly higher than those at 30-60 cm. Comparison of the total mean values of Endosulfan residues obtained from the soils of W. J. V. with those obtained by other investigators from other countries show that the Western Jordan Valley has higher levels, so that it is recommended to reduce the concentration and frequency of Endosulfan applications.