The article presents the results of a dynamic study (spring, summer, and fall) of the residues of certain xenobiotics such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), synthetic surfactants (SSs) in surface water, soil, sludge, snow and phytotoxic activity in Ararat and Lori marzes of Armenia (2016-2017). A comparative analysis of the environmental status showed that all pollutants studied such as γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (4,4'-DDT), and p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE) were identified in Ararat marz with the average concentrations and detection rates higher than in Lori marz. The prominent contaminant was γ-HCH. The findings indicated the concentrations of OCPs below of regulatory concern. In Ararat marz an increase in the number of sterile pollen grains of certain wild plants was revealed (14.8-26.0%), compared with Lori marz with the levels within the contingent standard of 5-11%. The phytotoxic activity of soil samples from the Ararat marz studied on Avena sativa seedlings was significantly higher in the summer-fall period. These data correlated with monitoring findings showed an increase in the levels of γ-HCH, 4,4'-DDT, SS in the soil and sludge sampled in summer-fall in Ararat marz. This difference in the environmental status can be considered as the result of active agriculture in Ararat marz, whose share of contribution to a relevant branch of the economy of Armenia is two times higher than in Lori marz, 15.4% and 7.9%, respectively. Mentioned rates of agricultural production may be one of the reasons for the environmental deterioration in Ararat marz. The detection of 4,4-DDT, γ-HCH residues testifies the circulation of these formulations in the environment indicating their use in recent past and confirming their persistence. Although since the 70s of the last century the application of OCPs in the Republic of Armenia has been prohibited. The current situation may be explained by low awareness of farmers on different issues related to the safe management of pesticides. To ensure safe working conditions and raise awareness among the farmers we have developed "Recommendations on Safety requirements when working with pesticides" that are approved by the State Service for Food Safety at the Ministry of Agriculture of RA and included in the reference booklets for farmers as guiding information. Our study shows the understanding of associations between the deterioration of the environmental status and share of agriculture contribution to the economy that provides the evidence for future research programs.
Keywords: Environment; awareness raising; organochlorine pesticides; phytotoxic activity; residue; synthetic surfactants; xenobiotics.