Porto Romano, a coastal area near Durrës, Albania, has a long industrial history associated with the production of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), including DDT, lindane, and endrin, particularly after 1945. Due to their high chemical stability, persistence, and bioaccumulation potential, these compounds represent a serious environmental and public health concern even decades after their use has been discontinued. This study aims to assess the presence, distribution, and persistence of OCP residues in soils surrounding the former pesticide factory in Porto Romano.
Soil samples were collected from seven locations at varying distances from the former factory site and from two depth intervals (0–30 cm and 30–60 cm) to evaluate both horizontal and vertical mobility of contaminants. The samples were analyzed using the miniaturized solid–liquid extraction (MISOLEX) method followed by HS-SPME-GC–MS analysis for the detection of OCPs, including DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, and trifluralin. In addition, soil texture analyses were performed to investigate the influence of soil properties on pesticide retention.
The results indicate the persistence of organochlorine pesticide residues in the study area, highlighting the long-term environmental legacy of historical pesticide production. The findings underline the importance of continuous monitoring and remediation efforts, particularly in areas currently inhabited and used for agricultural purposes, in order to reduce environmental contamination and potential risks to human health.