ERA: Suitable Method for Estimation of Ecological Effects of Pesticide Contamination on Aquatic Species

An ecological risk assessment (ERA) was conducted for Shadegan Wetland in Iran. The objective of this study was to assess the risk to phytoplankton, zooplankton, invertebrate, insect larvae, and fish affected by pesticide in Shadegan Wetland. Five pesticides (DDT, Aldrine, Dieldrin, Ametryn and Lindane) were assessed to evaluate the impact to aquatic community in the Shadegan Wetland. The risk quotient (RQ) served as calculation in water concentration and toxicant reference values of five pesticides. The results of RQ method showed that RQs for shirbot or large scaled barb (Barbus grypus), benni (Barbus sharpeyi), golden barb (Barbus luteus) and insect larvae (Chironomus sp.) were high and the environment at risk of harmful pesticides .It is recommended that proper strategies should be implemented to reduce the risks.