Composition and distribution of organochlorine pesticide residues in surface sediments from the Wu-Shi River Estuary,Taiwan

The contamination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sediments from the Wu-Shi River estuary was investigated to evaluate the pollution potentials and distribution of OCPs in central Taiwan. A total of 19 sediment samples were collected at five sampling stations along the River estuary. The concentrations of OCPs were in the range of 0.99–14.5 ng/g-dry weight (dw) for ΣHCH (-, β-, γ-, δ-HCH), 0.46–13.4 ng/g-dw for Σcyclodiene and 0.53–11.4 ng/g-dw for ΣDDT (p,p^′-DDD, p,p^′-DDE, p,p^′-DDT). The mean concentrations of ΣHCH, Σcyclodiene and ΣDDT were 3.79, 4.87 and 2.51 ng/g-dw, respectively. The total concentrations of OCPs correspond to 1.73–71.9 μg/g-OC when normalized to TOC contents. Among the organochlorine pesticides, endosulfan sulfate, β-HCH, and p,p^′-DDD were the most dominant compounds in the sediments with the average concentrations of 1.97, 3.43 and 2.08 ng/g, respectively. Also, different contamination patterns among sampling seasons were observed. The measured concentrations of OCPs collected in spring were higher than those in autumn and winter. A linear relationship between sediment characteristics and OCP residues was also demonstrated. The results obtained in this study show that there still exist a variety of organochlorine pesticide residues in the sediments from the near shore of central Taiwan.     

Sweden

Four invertebrate and one fish species (Cerastoderma edule, Mya arenaria, Arenicola marina, Crangon crangon, Solea solea) from a single area of the German Wadden sea were investigated for concentrations of ten organochlorine pollutants in 1976. PCB concentrations (wet tissue basis) were predominating with 10–200 ng g^?1, while p,p′-DDD, dieldrin, α-HCH, γ-HCH and p,p′-DDE generally ranged between 1 and 10 ng g^?1. Values of α-endosulfan were even lower; p,p′-DDT, endrin and heptachlor epoxide could not be detected. Residue levels in shrimps were close to the lower range of values which have been found in this species from other areas of the North Sea since 1974. The patterns of residue concentrations in the five aquatic species were remarkably different indicating species- and compound-specific bioaccumulation. Trophic level and lipid content were shown to be responsible for PCB concentrations increasing from bivalves to fish.     

Characterization and composition of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in water and estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River,Taiwan

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations and possible sources of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water and estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River in order to evaluate the environmental quality of aquatic system in southern Taiwan. High concentrations of heavy metals including Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu and As, ranging from 10.7 to 180 mg/kg-dry weight (dw), were detected in sediments from Gao-ping River. When normalized to the principal component analysis (PCA), swinery and electroplating wastewaters were found to be the most important pollution sources for heavy metals. Of various organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues detected, aldrin and total-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were frequently found in sediments. The total concentrations of OCPs were in the range 0.47–47.4 ng/g-dw. Also, the total-HCH, total-cyclodiene, and total-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were in the range 0.37–36.3, 0.21–19.0, and 0.44–1.88 ng/g-dw, respectively. The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in sediments from Gao-ping River ranged between 0.37 and 5.89 ng/g-dw. The PCB concentrations are positively correlated to the organic contents of the sediment particles. α-HCH was found to be the dominant compound of HCH in the sediments, showing that long-range transport may be the possible source for the contamination of HCH in sediments from Gao-ping River. In summary, trace amounts of POPs in estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River were detected, showing that there still exist a wide variety of POP residues in the river sediments in Taiwan. These POP residues may be mainly from long-range transport and weathered agricultural soils, while heavy metal contamination is primarily from the swinery and industrial wastewaters.     

Levels and distribution of organochlorine pesticides and hexachlorobutadiene in soils and terrestrial organisms from a former pesticide-producing area in Southwest China

The contamination of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) in soils, plants, and terrestrial fauna from a former pesticide-producing area in Southwest China was investigated. High levels of OCP residues (ΣHCHs and ΣDDTs of 3.89–13,386 and 23.3–11,186 ng g^?1 dw, respectively) were found in the soils within the producing factory, indicating that the former pesticide factory brownfield site poses a high environment risk and that effective soil remediation is needed. The OCP concentrations in soils surrounding the pesticide factory were 1–2 orders of magnitude higher than in the other agricultural areas from China. Grass, vegetables, and tree leaves from the surrounding areas of the point source showed moderate OCP pollution, which was likely to be causing potential negative impacts on terrestrial ecosystem. OCP levels in terrestrial species from the studied area including insects, free-range chickens and birds were moderate, and were generally within accepted safe levels. β-HCH was the most prevalent isomer, implying that hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) residues were mainly derived from the degradation of technical HCH. The dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) profiles reflected obvious degradation of technical DDT. In the study area, the concentrations of HCBD were <0.02–5.59, 0.03–24.6 ng g^?1 dw and 1.65–3.80 ng g^?1 lw in soils, plants, and animals, respectively, which were relatively low and not sufficient to cause observable adverse biological effects.     

Biomonitoring of organochlorine compounds and trace metals along the Eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia) using Mytilus galloprovincialis

The paper presents the results of monitoring trace organic contaminants (17 PCBs and 7 OCPs) and 6 trace metals (Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Pb and Zn) in the coastal waters of the eastern Adriatic in 2006 using Mytilus galloprovincialis as indicator species. OCPs were found in all samples (0.07-14.3 ng g⁻¹ d.wt.), while in positive samples concentrations of PCBs ranged between 0.16 and 20.5 ng g⁻¹ d.wt. The α-HCH/γ-HCH and DDE/DDT ratios indicated recent input of γ-HCH and DDT. Spatial distributions of HCB, PCBs, DDTs and Hg were significantly correlated with population density. Although elevated concentrations of all trace metals and organic contaminants were recorded in the densely populated and industrialized areas, overall data point to relatively low level of contamination of the eastern Adriatic coast. Evaluation of the risks to human health associated with consumption of the mussels suggested that there is no health risk for moderate shellfish consumers.     

Characterization and composition of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants in water and estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River, Taiwan

The objective of this study was to determine the concentrations and possible sources of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water and estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River in order to evaluate the environmental quality of aquatic system in southern Taiwan. High concentrations of heavy metals including Cr, Zn, Ni, Cu and As, ranging from 10.7 to 180 mg/kg-dry weight (dw), were detected in sediments from Gao-ping River. When normalized to the principal component analysis (PCA), swinery and electroplating wastewaters were found to be the most important pollution sources for heavy metals. Of various organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues detected, aldrin and total-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were frequently found in sediments. The total concentrations of OCPs were in the range 0.47-47.4 ng/g-dw. Also, the total-HCH, total-cyclodiene, and total-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) were in the range 0.37-36.3, 0.21-19.0, and 0.44-1.88 ng/g-dw, respectively. The polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations in sediments from Gao-ping River ranged between 0.37 and 5.89 ng/g-dw. The PCB concentrations are positively correlated to the organic contents of the sediment particles. alpha-HCH was found to be the dominant compound of HCH in the sediments, showing that long-range transport may be the possible source for the contamination of HCH in sediments from Gao-ping River. In summary, trace amounts of POPs in estuarine sediments from Gao-ping River were detected, showing that there still exist a wide variety of POP residues in the river sediments in Taiwan. These POP residues may be mainly from long-range transport and weathered agricultural soils, while heavy metal contamination is primarily from the swinery and industrial wastewaters.     

Agrochemical and polychlorobyphenyl (PCB) residues in the Mekong River delta, Vietnam

An environmental survey on pesticide residues and polychlorobyphenyl compounds (PCBs), encompassing more than 70 polar and non-polar compounds quantifiable by the techniques used, was performed in the Mekong River delta based on analyses of water, sediment and bivalve mollusc samples. Few polar compounds, such as diazinon and fenotrothion, were detected in water but a high number of non-polar chlorinated compounds, such as DDT, HCH, endosulfan and PCBs, were detected in sediments and biota. The highest concentrations measured were of DDT with an average 6.3 ng g(-1) dry weight (range 0.32-67 ng g(-1)) in sediments and 38.6 ng g(-1) (range 5.5-123 ng g(-1)) in molluscs' soft tissues. Amongst chlorinated compounds, DDT concentrations were followed in decreasing order by those of PCB, endosulfan, hexachlorocyclohexane and chlordane. Residues of organochlorine compounds originate from local usage of agrochemicals although with a likely contribution also of atmospheric deposition of residues (not measured) originated elsewhere. Concentrations of PCB and pesticide residues in the aquatic environment of the Mekong River delta are lower than values reported for other regions of Vietnam and Asia. Nevertheless, current concerns about the effects of chlorinated compounds on public health advise improved control of chemical residue discharges in order to abate environmental contamination.     

Distribution and sources of organochlorine pesticides in sediments of the coastal East China Sea

Forty-two surface sediment samples collected from the southern coastal East China Sea (ECS) were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The results showed high concentrations of DDTs and parent DDT fractions in the nearshore area, suggesting that there is still a fresh input of these species from non-point sources, probably due to the recent usage of relevant products. However, for HCHs, the high concentrations with elevated β-HCH fraction were focused at the local major river estuaries, indicating that soils-released HCH input was mainly from the major river runoffs. The distribution and composition of OCPs in the coastal ECS could be more prominently controlled by the direct regional inputs rather than the general natural sorption process on particulate organic carbon. DDTs and chlordane are more important for their potential ecotoxicological risk on neighboring benthic community in the nearshore region and the local major river estuaries.     

Chlorohydrocarbon pesticides in the Australian marine environment after banning in the period from the 1970s to 1980s

The chlorohydrocarbon pesticides (CHPs) (principally DDT, dieldrin, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) including lindane, chlordane, heptachlor and heptachlorepoxide, aldrin and hexachlorobenzene (HCB)) were used extensively in Australia during the 1960s and 1970s. These were progressively banned from the 1970s with DDT being totally banned in 1987. The levels in marine waters are believed to have progressively declined as indicated by water in the Brisbane River, which consistently fell from maximum concentrations of about 1.7 μg/l in 1972–1973 to not detectable in 1986–1987. In some urban areas sediment concentrations, up to 1700 μg/kg dry weight, were recorded in the early 1990s which may reflect the reworking and exposure of older more contaminated material. Fish exhibited consistent occurrence of DDT, HCH, dieldrin and HCB through the 1970s to the 1990s. Maximum concentrations of DDT and dieldrin occurred generally in the 1970s at 40.3 and 8.8 μg/g wet weight, and minimums in the 1990s at 2.4 and 0.041 μg/g wet weight respectively. Inputs of dialdrin from sewage and DDT from the broad environment, reflected by the calculated daily human uptake in the diet, were shown to decline with half-lives of 1.1–1.5 and about 3 years respectively. This evidence suggests that banning of the CHPs has greatly reduced the inputs into the marine environment with consequent reductions in concentrations in biota but there is the occasional occurrence of relatively high concentrations.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticides in sediments of the baltic and coastal waters of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern

Summary The distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) and organochlorine pesticides, e.g. the isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p’-dichiorodiphenyitrichloroethane (DDT) and its primary metabolites DDE and DDD was investigated in surface sediments (0–2 cm) and sediment cores (0–45 cm) from the western Baltic Sea and the coastal waters of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Sediment sampling was carried out in the Belt Sea, the Arkona Basin, the Pomeranian Bight and in almost all Bodden and Haff areas of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in autumn 1993 and 1994. The highest concentrations of PCB and DDT compounds, measured in the innercoastal waters, reached 214 ng g^-1 dry weight (d. w.). The values of HCH isomers ranged between 0.01 and 2.9 ng g^-1 d.w., the highest levels being those of Β-HCH. Levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons, which varied depending on the sediment properties, indicated increased riverine inputs (Oder, Peene, and Uecker). Elevated levels in the Oderhaff and Peenestrom characterize that area as a sink and, due to remobilization of the upper sediment layer (fluffy layer) into the pelagic, also as a source of organic contaminants. Input from agriculture and industrial point sources (shipyards, shipbuilding) was observed in the coastal waters. The homogeneous PCB and DDT distribution (TOC standardization) observed in the surface sediments of some areas in the western Baltic indicates high sediment dynamics. This is supported by the results of sediment core analyses which showed a constant PCB and DDT distribution down to a depth of 15 to 20 cm.

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Polychlorierte Biphenyle (PCB) und Organochlorpestizide im Sediment der Ostsee und der Küsten-gew?sser Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns

Zusammenfassung Die Verteilungen von polychlorierten Biphenylen (PCB) und Organochlorpestiziden (DDT, HCH und HCB) wurden in Oberfl?chensedimenten (0–2 cm) und in Sedimentkernen (0–45 cm) der westlichen Ostsee und der Küstengew?sser Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns untersucht. Die Sedimentprobenahme erfolgte in der Beltsee, der Arkonasee, der Pommerschen Bucht und in nahezu allen Bodden-und Haffgew?ssern Mecklenburg-Vorpommerns im Herbst 1994 und 1995. Die h?chsten Konzentrationen wurden für die PCB-und DDT-Verbindungen bis 214 ng g^-1 Trockenmasse (TM) in den Küstengew?ssern gemessen. Für die HCH-Isomeren lagen die Werte zwischen 0,01 und 2,9 ng g^-1 TM, mit h?chsten Konzentrationen für das Β-HCH. Die Werte der chlorierten Kohlenwasserstoffe (CKW) variieren nach der Sedimentbeschaffenheit und weisen auf erh?hte Eintr?ge über die Flu\systeme (Oder und Peene) hin. Die h?heren Konzentrationen in den Bodden-und Haffgew?ssern charakterisieren diese Gebiete als Senke und durch erneute Mobilisierung der oberen Sedimentschicht in das Pelagial auch als Quelle für die organischen Schadstoffe. Insbesondere konnten die Eintr?ge aus der Landwirtschaft und aus industriellen Punktquellen (Werftstandorte, Schiffbau) in den Küstengew?ssern festgestellt werden. Die nahezu homogene PCB-und DDT-Verteilung im Oberfl?chensediment der westlichen Ostsee ist ein Hinweis auf die hohe Sedimentdynamik in diesem Gebiet. Dieses wird durch die Ergebnisse der Untersuchungen an Sedimentkernen unterstützt, die eine konstante PCB-und DDT-Verteilung bis zu einer Tiefe von 15 bis 20 cm zeigten.

     

Distribution of persistent organic pollutants in bivalves from the northeast coast of China

To assess the levels of organochlorine compounds (OCs) in the Chinese coastal environment, monitoring study using bivalves was conducted in 2005. A total of 21 bivalve samples covering the northeastern coast of China were collected and analyzed. Organochlorine compounds were widely distributed in the Chinese coastal environment, with dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) contamination being particularly prevalent. The overall concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, HCHs, chlordane compounds (CHLs), dieldrin, and endosulfans in bivalves were in the ranges of 3.27–25.4, 54.8–2680, 1.42–25.5, n.d. (not detected)–2.28, n.d.–4.02, and n.d.–9.55 ng g⁻¹ on a dry weight basis, respectively. The concentrations of DDT and HCH compounds are relatively higher than those from the coastal areas of other Asian countries. DDT metabolites were predominant, suggesting that the degradation of DDT is in progress in the Chinese coastal environment. Still, however, DDTs of high concentration exceeding 1000 ng g⁻¹ were observed at 19% of the stations surveyed. Among HCH compounds, β-HCH, which is an isomer with strong persistency, was observed predominantly. Compositions of DDT and HCH compounds imply that fresh input of the two compounds into the Chinese coasts is possibly low.     

Assessment of persistent organochlorine pollutants in sediments from Lake Manzala, Egypt

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in surface and core sediment samples collected from Manzala Lake, the largest of the Egyptian coastal lakes. Total concentrations of OCPs and ∑7 PCBs (ICES) in sediments ranged from 0.63 to 31.31 ng/g and 0.26 to 31.27 ng/g, respectively. Geographical distribution indicates that levels of contaminants were significantly higher in areas which are mainly influenced by municipal discharge, indicating significant sources of these compounds in urbanised areas. The composition of DDT and its metabolites suggest old input of DDT. The levels of contaminants in Manzala Lake were similar or lower than those observed in comparable areas worldwide. The profiles of ∑OCPs and ∑PCBs in a core from a site heavily impacted by sewage discharge have highest concentrations in the surface core section indicating recent inputs. Assessment of ecotoxicological risk indicated that sediments in two sites were likely to pose potential biological adverse impact.     

Occurrence and distribution of organochlorine residues in surface sediments of the Candarli Gulf (Eastern Aegean)

The residual levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in surface sediments collected from Candarli Gulf. Total concentrations of OCPs and PCBs in sediments ranged from 10.2 to 57.3 and 2.8 to 205 ng g⁻¹ dwt, respectively. DDTs in sediments were derived from the aged and weathered agricultural soils in 61% of the sampling stations while 39% of the sites originated from the recent DDT inputs. Their concentrations appeared to be relatively low by global standards and only sediments receiving the impact from the Bakircay River and petrochemical industry approached the sediment quality guidelines for PCBs and DDTs. Based on ERL/ERM guidelines, DDT and PCBs posed ecological risk to the bottom-dwelling consumers.     

POPs and their ecological risk in sewage sludge of waste water treatment plants in Beijing, China

The concentrations of three classes of persistent organic compounds (POPs) in the sewage sludge from 12 Beijing wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) were investigated and their ecological risks were assessed. The concentrations of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 27 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCBs) and 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in sewage sludge were measured using gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS) technique. Total PAHs concentrations ranged from 445.1 to 3,586.4 ng g^?1 dry weight (dw), and the sum of the phenanthrene (Phe), anthracene (Ant), naphthalene (Nap), fluoranthene and chrysene accounted for 69.3–97.0 % of the total PAHs. The most abundant compounds present were 2-ring and 3-ring Ant, Phe and Nap, indicating a possible petrogenic source. Total PCBs concentrations were ranged between 3.2 and 21.8 ng g^?1 dw. Total OCPs concentrations ranged from 38.0 to 143.3 ng g^?1 dw, and the sum of total DDT, HCB and HCHs accounted for 69.6–97.7 % of the total OCPs. The levels of PAHs, PCBs and OCPs in this study were comparable to or lower than those reported in relatively WWTPs from other regions. In addition, they were also shown to have various distribution patterns, possibly due to their different wastewater sources. The 12 WWTPs may be classified into 4 groups because of their different sources of waste water based on cluster analysis. The ecological risk assessment shows that the concentrations of Ant or Fla at two sites, p,p′-DDE and ∑DDT at 83 % of the 12 sites may cause adverse ecological effects.     

Pesticide and Trace Metal Concentrations in Queensland Estuarine Crabs

Trace metals, metalloids and pesticide content were quantified in intertidal burrowing crabs Australoplax tridentata and a portunid Scylla serrata sampled from estuaries on the east coast of Australia between Cairns and Brisbane. Residues of dieldrin occurred at all locations, heptachlor epoxide and DDT (principally metabolites DDD and DDE) at most, reflecting historical use. Chlordane, chlorpyrifos and endosulfan were only detected in crabs in the urban Brisbane area, and neither hexachlorobenzene (HCB) or polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were quantifiable. Calculations of ambient exposures to organochlorines based on residues in crab tissues indicated that dieldrin exceeded national water quality guidelines for protection of aquatic ecosystems at all sampling locations, but exposure to DDT and its metabolites was below the threshold of concern. Concentrations of trace metals and metalloids generally reflected sediment data and likely sources.     

广东新丰江水库XFJ-1孔DDTs和HCHs的沉积记录

以~(210)Pb对广东新丰江水库XFJ-1孔进行了定年,以GC-ECD测定新丰江水库沉积钻孔中DDTs和HCHs的含量,通过对比其剖面变化特征与该类农药在我国的生产、使用历史,探讨了水库中DDT、HCH的历史输入途径.过去30年来,XFJ-1孔平均沉积速率为1.42cm/a,沉积物中HCHs和DDTs的含量分别为1.26-3.90ng/g和1.00-3.96ng/g.DDTs、HCHs含量从20世纪80年代初逐渐下降,总体上与我国1983年开始禁止DDT、HCH的大规模生产和使用这一历史事件相符.DDTs、HCHs及其化合物比值的剖面变化特征均表明:流域内后期土壤侵蚀、搬运的再循环污染物质(即二次污染源)对水库DDT和HCH的贡献不明显;相反,农药历史使用(即一次污染源)是其主要来源,大气沉降是其主要输入途径.此外,γ-HCH、o,p′-DDT和p,p′-DDT含量的垂直变化表明,大规模禁用以后这些化合物仍有少量新的输入,需引起重视.     

Organochlorine pesticides in sediments of Laizhou Bay and its adjacent rivers, North China

Organochlorine pesticides (HCHs, DDTs and HCB) have been investigated in sediments of Laizhou Bay and its adjacent rivers. The average concentrations of HCHs, DDTs and HCBs are 0.09 ng/g dw, 0.59 and 0.05 for marine sediments and 0.55, 8.6 and 1.1 for riverine sediments, respectively. Laizhou Bay is less contaminated by HCHs and DDTs in comparison with other coastal regions around the world, including the other two biggest bays in Bohai Sea. Fresh input of lindane and dicofol-type DDT were found in several riverine sites. Relatively strong TOC-dependence of HCB distribution in the entire studied area suggested no point source existed and/or water-sediment equilibrium achieved. No significant difference of α/γ-HCH ratios have been observed between marine and riverine sediments. However, o,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDT ratios varied largely between the two regions.     

Phthalate ester plasticizers,DDT, DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls in biota from the Gulf of Mexico

The levels of phthalate ester plasticizers, DDT, DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in the tissues of 18 species of marine organisms from the northwestern Gulf of Mexico. Low levels of the most widely used phthalate, di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, were found in the majority of the samples; no other phthalates were detected. DDT, DDE and PCBs were found in all samples, but at somewhat lower levels than those found in our 1971 survey. A decrease in p,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDE ratios relative to 1971 was also noted.     

Studies on the Toxicity of Some Insecticides to a Freshwater Teleost Lebistes reticulatus (PETERS)

In batch tests with daily exchange of the medium the toxicity of endosulfan, lindane, aldrin, chlordane, rogor and novocron is investigated during times of exposure of 12… 96 h. The mean survival periods and the LC₅₀ are determined. Toxicity increases in the following sequence (LC_50,96h) (in mg/1): novocron (22.65), rogor (18.97), chlordane (0.341), aldrin (0.017), lindane (0.0160), endosulfan (0.0027). The following safe concentrations in mg/1 are recommended: 0.0006 endosulfan, 0.0041 lindane, 0.0010 aldrin, 0.1436 chlordane, 5.4086 rogor and 7.2309 novocron.     

Presence of Semi‐Volatile Organic Contaminants in Shallow Groundwater of Selected Regions in China

A pioneering investigation of semi‐volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) in shallow groundwater in China was hereby reported. Representative groundwater samples were collected from three selected regions: Eastern Hai River Plain, Yangtze River Delta, and Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau, and analyzed for 103 SVOCs linked to agricultural and industrial practices. Analytical results showed that 70 of the 103 SVOCs were present in the groundwater samples, a detection frequency of approximately 86%. Compounds detected most frequently included P,P′‐DDT (53.49%, MDL 0.0007 µg/L), 2,4‐dinitrotoluene (51.16%, MDL 0.02 µg/L), and phenol (51.16%, MDL 0.02 µg/L). Fifteen SVOCs, such as P,P′‐DDT, 2,4‐dinitrotoluene, heptachlor, and aldrin, were detected at concentrations exceeding the USA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria‐2009 (USNRWQC‐2009). Most of these 15 SVOCs belong to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides. The detection of SVOCs in the Yunnan‐Guizhou Plateau warrants special concern, since this region has limited human activities and been assumed as an environmentally pristine area. The data from this work are expected to contribute to the database of contemporary groundwater quality in China.