Accumulation and distribution of persistent organic pollutants in surface sediment of the estuarine region and correlation between genetic and environmental factors: A case study

Abstract

In this study, the accumulation and distribution of nine organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the An Hoa Estuary, Quang Nam Province, Central Vietnam, and the correlation between genetic and environmental factors have been analyzed and assessed. This study analyzed sediment samples from 15 positions in the An Hoa Estuary during the dry season. The OCP concentrations varied between ND (not detected) and 1.82 μ g/kg (S1), mainly consisting of DDE. The total concentration of PCBs ranged between 1.52–19.5 μ g/kg (highest at S13), with PCB-138 and PCB-153 as the congeners most frequently detected in the analyzed samples. The results show that the ecological risk of OCPs and PCBs in the An Hoa Estuary ranges from low to moderate levels. In order to clarify the significance of genetic factors that can be influenced and affected by environmental factors over a certain period, this study also determined the N-acetyltransferase (NAT) enzyme activity in the population residing in the An Hoa Estuary for a period of 30–50 years to show clearly the relationship between weak environmental and genetic factors in determining the risks for environmental health. Based on the results, out of a total of 72 volunteer participants, the phenotype of the N-acetyltransferase system was determined and divided into two groups: rapid (30.6%) and slow (69.4%). Among them, the slow acetylator phenotype is prevalent in two locations, S11 and S13, with 88% and 91.7% of volunteers, respectively. The rapid acetylator phenotype was detected in 17 of 23 participants at location S7, accounting for more than 77% of the total individuals with the rapid acetylator phenotype in this experiment. • The accumulation of nine OCPs and seven PCBs in sediment was determined and assessed. • The highest OCPs (1.82 μ g/kg) and PCBs (19.5 μ g/kg) were detected at sampling sites S1 and S13, respectively. • The activity of xenobiotics biotransformation enzymatic system N-acetyltransferase was determined. • The relationship between weak environmental factors and genetic factors was examined. • The N-acetyltransferase phenotype of citizens was divided into rapid (30.6%) and slow (69.4%).