Concentrations Of Organochlorine Insecticides Research Articles

Dissipation of organochlorine insecticide residues in the environment of Taiwan, 1973-1999

Organochlorine insecticides were used in Taiwan for agricultural and public health purposes mainly from 1950 to 1974. In this study, various survey and analysis studies on soil, water, sediment and animals from 1973 to 1999 were compared, temporal trends were analyzed, and the significance was discussed. In 1973, DDT, DDE, DDD, dieldrin, lindane and aldrin were the major organochlorine insecticides found at higher levels in rice paddy soil in Taiwan. In 1981, average total DDTs concentration of surface soil decreased to one-third of the 1973 level. Subsequently in 1994, total DDTs concentration in surface soil again decreased to one-third of the 1981 level. Dieldrin, lindane and aldrin concentrations decreased even faster and were much lower compared to DDT since 1981. Organochlorine insecticide mean concentrations in river water had reached ppt levels from 1973-1976, but were rarely detected in the 1990s. River sediment concentrations showed a rapid decrease from 1973 to 1976, but although there were variations among different rivers in Taiwan, sediment concentrations of lindane, DDT, DDE and aldrin reached a few ppb and were higher in 1981 compared to 1973-1976 on average. In recent years, total organochlorine insecticide concentration decreased to the ppb level, with most individual insecticide concentrations below 1 ppb. Shellfish organochlorine pesticide concentrations were slightly higher than sediment, and shellfish DDT, DDE, aldrin, dieldrin concentrations also showed an increase from 1973 to 1983 on average. The mean concentrations of DDT and aldrin were higher than 10 ppb in shellfish in 1983 and decreased to below the ppb level in the 1990s. Fish muscle contained ppb levels of organochlorine insecticides in 1973. In recent years, most of the organochlorine insecticide concentrations in shellfish and fish were less than 1 ppb except DDE. Duck eggs and human milk had been found to contain sub ppm levels of DDT and DDE in the 1970s and 1980s, but there was few recent data available. Although organochlorine insecticide levels in the environment of Taiwan have fallen fast over the last 26 years, DDTs and other organochlorine insecticide residue levels in higher animals should be determined for their bioaccumulation potential through the food chain.

Prediagnostic serum organochlorine insecticide concentrations and primary liver cancer: A case-control study nested within two prospective cohorts.

Although experimental evidence indicates that certain organochlorine insecticides are hepatocarcinogens, epidemiologic evidence for most of these chemicals is very limited. We estimated associations, using prospectively collected sera, between organochlorine insecticide concentrations and cancer registry-identified primary liver cancer in two cohorts, one from the United States and one from Norway. In nested case-control studies, we used sera collected in the 1960s-1980s from 136 cases and 408 matched controls from the Kaiser Permanente Northern California Multiphasic Health Checkup (MHC) cohort and 84 cases and 252 matched controls from the population-based Norwegian Janus cohort. We measured concentrations of nine organochlorine insecticides/metabolites and markers of hepatitis B and C in sera. Adjusted odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for tertiles of lipid-corrected organochlorines were calculated for each cohort using conditional logistic regression. Among MHC participants with sera from the 1960s, there was a suggestive exposure-response trend for trans-nonachlor (second and third tertile of analyte ORs = 1.63 and 1.95, respectively; p-trend = 0.08) and a nonsignificantly elevated risk for the highest tertile of oxychlordane (OR = 1.87). Among Janus participants with sera from the 1970s, we observed an apparent trend for p,p'-DDT (second and third tertile ORs = 1.70 and 2.14, respectively; p-trend = 0.15). We observed little consistency in patterns of association between the cohorts. We found limited evidence that exposure to p,p'-DDT and chlordane-related oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor may be associated with increased risk of primary liver cancer. However, the modest strength of these associations and their lack of concordance between cohorts necessitate caution in their interpretation.

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fish Oil Supplements on the Canadian Market: Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Insecticides

Fish and seal oil dietary supplements, marketed to be rich in omega-3 fatty acids, are frequently consumed by Canadians. Samples of these supplements (n = 30) were collected in Vancouver, Canada, between 2005 and 2007. All oil supplements were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine insecticides (OCs) and each sample was found to contain detectable residues. The highest SigmaPCB and SigmaDDT (1,1,1-trichloro-di-(4-chlorophenyl)ethane) concentrations (10400 ng/g and 3310 ng/g, respectively) were found in a shark oil sample while lowest levels were found in supplements prepared using mixed fish oils (anchovy, mackerel, and sardine) (0.711 ng SigmaPCB/g and 0.189 ng SigmaDDT/g). Mean SigmaPCB concentrations in oil supplements were 34.5, 24.2, 25.1, 95.3, 12.0, 5260, 321, and 519 ng/g in unidentified fish, mixed fish containing no salmon, mixed fish with salmon, salmon, vegetable with mixed fish, shark, menhaden (n = 1), and seal (n = 1), respectively. Maximum concentrations of the other OCs were generally observed in the seal oil. The hexachlorinated PCB congeners were the dominant contributors to SigmaPCB levels, while SigmaDDT was the greatest contributor to organochlorine levels. Intake estimates were made using maximum dosages on manufacturers' labels and results varied widely due to the large difference in residue concentrations obtained. Average SigmaPCB and SigmaDDT intakes were calculated to be 736 +/- 2840 ng/d and 304 +/- 948 ng/d, respectively.

Organochlorine insecticides (DDT and heptachlor) in dry fish: traditional washing and cooking effect on dietary intake

The concentrations of organochlorine insecticides (DDT and heptachlor) were investigated to estimate the effect of various washing and boiling/cooking to elucidate the concentration level we intake actually. For this study five most popular dry fish samples namely bombay duck (loittya), ribbon fish (chhuri), shrimp (chingri), chinese pomfret (rupchanda) and Indian salmon (lakhua) were analyzed. The highest concentrations of DDT and heptachlor were found 737.238 ppb (Indian salmon, normal) and 44.806 ppb (shrimp, normal) respectively; after boiling treatment a big amount was washed out and remained only 135.516 ppb and 16.868 ppb respectively. Boiling treatment was found more effective than the others.

Concentrations of organochlorine insecticides in edible oils from different regions of india

In this study, organochlorine insecticides (OCPs), DDT metabolites and HCH isomers were quantified in mustard, groundnut and sunflower oils collected from different regions of India. The maximum level of 222.0 ng g(-1) and minimum level of 0.2 ng g(-1) of SigmaDDT were detected in mustard oil from Deoria and Varanasi while those of SigmaHCH i.e., 1500 ng g(-1) and 8.0 ng g(-1) in mustard oil from Deoria and Kanpur, respectively. However, the maximum total concentration of alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH was in mustard oil, whereas maximum delta-HCH was in groundnut oil. However, the maximum percentage of p,p'-DDT was in mustard oil while maximum p,p'-DDE was in groundnut oil. The study calls for periodical monitoring to ensure safe supply of edible oils to consumers.

Organochlorine Insecticides in Mudflats of Hong Kong, China

Organochlorine (OC) insecticides were measured in different environmental compartments (including seawater, sediment, and biota) at six sites within the Mai Po Marshes Nature Reserve (MPMNR) and at one site in A Chau (AC) in Hong Kong in June 2002 (wet season) and January 2003 (dry season). MPMNR is a Wetland of International Importance (Ramsar site) situated in the western part of Hong Kong, whereas AC is a relatively remote island in Starling Inlet on the eastern side of the New Territories of Hong Kong. Generally, concentrations of OC insecticides in water, sediment, and biota were greater at MPMNR than at AC. Hexachlorobenzene, dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane, and hexachlorocyclohexanes were detected in all samples collected from MPMNR. Preliminary risk assessments were performed by comparing the measured concentrations of OCs in different environmental compartments with the corresponding guidelines promulgated by various environmental protection authorities. Concentrations of some OCs in sediments from certain locations in MPMNR were consistently greater than their corresponding sediment guideline values. These results suggest that the sediment OC concentrations in the sediments of MPMNR might pose a risk to aquatic organisms. Despite this, concentrations of OCs in biota samples were much lower than the relevant guideline values promulgated by government agencies to protect the health of human consumers. It is postulated that the management practices adopted at MPMNR have been effective in limiting the bioaccumulation window (duration) for OCs. This situation may have been aided by a frequent exchange of water between the tidal shrimp ponds at MPMNR and the open sea, again attributable to management practices. The low-cost maintenance practices adopted at MPMNR may potentially be applicable to wetlands in other southeastern Asian countries, thus allowing sustainable fishery production and wildlife conservation.

Serum polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine insecticide concentrations in a Faroese birth cohort

A prospective birth cohort of 1022 participants was established in the Faroe Islands over a 21-month period during 1986–1987. We collected questionnaire data on potential persistent organic pollutant (POP) concentration predictors, such as duration of breastfeeding and blubber consumption. To assess the participants’ exposure from in utero to 14 years of age to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and the insecticide p, p′-DDT and its primary degradate p, p′-DDE, we measured 37 PCB congeners and pesticides in 316 umbilical cord samples taken from participants at birth, in 124 serum samples collected from participants at approximately 7 years of age, and in 795 serum samples collected from participants at 14 years of age. Measurements of higher chlorination PCB congeners made on individuals’ serum samples collected at 7 years and 14 years were highly correlated (typically r > 0.5, p > 0.01), although their concentrations at 7 years were generally two to three times higher than at 14 years. Similarly, umbilical cord PCB concentrations were correlated with PCB concentrations in both 7- and 14-year serum samples. Sex-specific differences in higher chlorination PCB and p, p′-DDE concentrations were found at 14 years but not at 7 years, although a sex interaction with blubber consumption and nursing duration was observed at both ages. Both duration of breastfeeding and consumption of blubber were significant predictors of serum ∑ PCB concentrations at 7 and 14 years. Multivariate analyses showed that breastfeeding duration was the primary contributor to serum ∑ PCB concentrations at 7 years, and blubber consumption was the primary contributor at 14 years. These data suggest that infant exposures from breastfeeding were sufficiently large so that continued exposures to PCBs, p, p′-DDT, and p, p′-DDE through the diet have not fully diluted their contribution to the ∑ PCB and p, p′-DDE body burden of the children.

Organochlorine micropollutants in the Jiulong River Estuary and Western Xiamen Sea, China

Organochlorine contaminants including 12 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 18 insecticides were determined in water, pore water and sediments of the Jiulong River Estuary and Western Xiamen Sea, China. The results showed that the levels of the total PCBs ranged from non-detectable to 1500 ng l −1 in water, from 209 to 3870 ng l −1 in pore water, and from 2.78 to 14.8 ng g −1 dry weight in sediments. Total organochlorine insecticide concentrations were from below the limit of detection to 2480 ng l −1 in water, from 267 to 33400 ng l −1 in pore water, and from 4.22 to 46.3 ng g −1 dry weight in sediments. Concentrations of PCBs and insecticides in pore water were significantly higher than those in surface water, due to the high affinity of these hydrophobic compounds for sediment phase. The PCB congeners with the highest concentrations were CB153, CB180 and CB194, which together accounted for 68–87% of total PCBs in water, pore water and sediment. Among the hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) compounds, beta-HCH was found to be a major isomer. Analysis of 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis-chlorophenyl-ethane (DDT) and its metabolites showed that 1,1-dichloro-2[ o-chlorophenyl]-2[ p-chlorophenyl]-ethylene (DDE) was dominant in the group. In comparison to a 1998 study in the Western Xiamen Sea, levels of organochlorines were enhanced due probably to recent inputs and changes in sediments.

Organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, and metals in water, sediment, and green frogs from southwestern Michigan

In an attempt to explain the etiology of frog deformities and population declines, many possible causative factors have been examined, including the input of synthetic chemicals into aquatic systems, where frogs spend much of their lives, including their entire developmental stages. Deformities in populations of green frogs in wetlands of southwestern Michigan that are influenced by agricultural, urban, or industrial inputs were assessed in this study. Of the 1445 green frogs ( Rana clamitans) examined, only four (0.3%) exhibited morphological deformities. This deformity rate is less than the recognized background level of deformities for this species, which is approximately 1%. Concentrations of organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and metals were determined in water, sediment, frog eggs, tadpoles, and adult green frog tissues. Concentrations of all individual organochlorine insecticides in tissue were less than 6 ng/g, wet wt. Concentrations of ∑PCBs in tissue did not exceed 100 ng/g, wet wt. Concentrations of toxic metals were less than the limits of detection. Because no significant numbers of green frog deformities were observed in this region, it can be assumed that at these low concentrations, physical malformations in green frogs should not be observed. Significance of study. This study provides information on the incidence of deformities in green frog populations in southwestern Michigan and offers background data on chemical residues in green frogs and their environment.

Air concentrations of organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls over Green Bay, WI, and the four lower Great Lakes

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls were determined in high volume air samples collected in Green Bay from the University of Wisconsin (1989), and from shipboard over the four lower Great Lakes (1990). Average concentrations of Σchlordane, DDT, DDE, toxaphene and ΣPCBs in Green Bay were 35, 8.7, 15, 59 and 330 pg m −3, respectively. Air concentrations of the pesticides were positively correlated to each other ( R 2=0.896–0.997), and analysis of back trajectory data from Green Bay showed that higher atmospheric concentrations of organochlorine insecticides were associated with air masses originating in southern USA. Average concentrations from the Great Lakes were: Σchlordane, 187 pg m −3; DDT, 38 pg m −3; pg m −3; DDE, 59 pg m −3; toxaphene, 33 pg m −3; and ΣPCBs, 385 pg m −3. Higher air concentrations of PCBs were found in areas of industrial and urban development. There was no strong positive correlation of concentration values between any pesticides, with the exception of the chlordane isomers, or between any pesticide and ΣPCB from the Great Lakes cruise. Results from 5-day air mass back trajectory data suggest that, at the time of the cruise, atmospheric sources of organochlorines were not long-range transport from southern USA, but local or regional volatilization.

Contaminants in fishes from Great Lakes-influenced sections and above dams of three Michigan rivers. II: Implications for health of mink.

Populations of mink (Mustela vison) have declined in many areas of the world. Such declines have been linked to exposures to synthetic, halogenated hydrocarbons. In the Great Lakes region, mink are fewer in areas along the shore of the Great Lakes and their tributaries where mink have access to fish from the Great Lakes. Recently, there has been discussion of the relative merits of passage of fishes around hydroelectric dams on rivers in Michigan. A hazard assessment was conducted to determine the potential for adverse effects on mink, which could consume such fishes from above or below dams on the rivers. Concentrations of organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQ), and total mercury were measured in composite samples of fishes from above or below hydroelectric dams on the Manistee and Muskegon Rivers, which flow into Lake Michigan, and the Au Sable River, which flows into Lake Huron. Concentrations of organochlorine insecticides, PCBs, and TCDD-EQ were all greater in fishes from below the dams than those from above. Concentrations of neither organochlorine insecticides nor mercury in fishes are currently a risk to mink above or below the dams. All of the species of fishes collected from downstream of the dams contained concentrations of PCBs and TCDD-EQ, which represent a hazard to mink. The hazard index for PCBs was less than one for the average of all species from the upstream reaches of the Manistee and Au Sable Rivers, but not the Muskegon. The hazard index (concentration in fish/NOAEC) was greater than 1 for all of the species collected from below the dams, in all three rivers. The greatest hazard index was observed for carp (Cyprinus carpio) downstream on the Muskegon River. Because the concentrations of PCBs used in the hazard assessment were corrected for relative toxic potencies, the hazard ratios based on PCBs should be similar to those based on TCDD-EQ. This was found to be true. Thus, either total PCBs or TCDD-EQ could be used as the critical toxicant in the hazard assessment. However, if uncorrected concentrations of PCBs, expressed as Aroclors, were used in the hazard assessment, the toxicity of the weathered mixture would have been underestimated by approximately five-fold, and, in that instance, TCDD-EQ would be the critical contaminant for the hazard assessment.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Contaminants in fishes from Great Lakes-influenced sections and above dams of three Michigan rivers. I: Concentrations of organo chlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxin equivalents, and mercury.

Fishes of the Great Lakes contain hazardous chemicals such as synthetic halogenated hydrocarbons and metals. These fish can move from the lakes into the Great Lakes tributaries of Michigan. In doing so, they transport concentrations of contaminants which may represent a risk to wildlife. Concentrations of mercury (Hg), total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQ), total DDT complex, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, hexachlorobenzene, cis-chlordane, oxychlordane, endosulfan-I, methoxychlor, trans-chlordane, and trans-nonachlor were determined in composite samples of fishes from above and below Michigan hydroelectric dams, which separate the fishes which have access to the Great Lakes from fishes that do not. Mean concentrations of total PCBs, TCDD-EQ, DDT, and most of the other pesticides were greater in composite samples of six species of fishes from below than above the dams on the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon Rivers. Concentrations of mercury, were the same or greater above the dams than below. However, this difference was statistically significant only on the Au Sable. Mercury concentrations ranged from less than 0.05 mg/kg to 0.73 mg Hg/kg, ww. Total concentrations of PCBs ranged from 0.02 to 1.7 mg/kg, ww. Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlordibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents varied among fishes and locations. The concentrations of TCDD-EQ ranged from 2.4 to 71 micrograms/kg, ww, with concentrations in carp being the greatest. Concentrations of TCDD-EQ were greater than the concentrations which would be expected to occur, due solely to the presence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDF), and technical mixtures of PCBs.

Contaminants of fishes from Great Lakes-influenced sections and above dams of three Michigan rivers: III. Implications for health of bald eagles.

Recently, there have been discussions of the relative merits of passage of fishes around hydroelectric dams on three rivers (Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon) in Michigan. A hazard assessment was conducted to determine the potential for adverse effects on bald eagles that could consume such fishes from above and below dams on the three primary rivers. The hazard assessments were verified by comparing the reproductive productivities of eagles nesting in areas where they ate primarily fish from either above or below dams on the three primary rivers, as well as on two additional rivers in Michigan, the Menominee and Thunder Bay. Concentrations of organochlorine insecticides (OCI), polychlorinated biphenyls (total PCBs), 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TCDD-EQ), and total mercury (Hg) were measured in composite samples of fishes from above and below hydroelectric dams on the Manistee and Muskegon Rivers, which flow into Lake Michigan, and the Au Sable River, which flows into Lake Huron. Mean concentrations of OCI, total PCBs, and TCDD-EQ were all greater in fishes from below the dams than in those from above. The hazard assessment indicated that current concentrations of Hg and OCI other than DDT (DDT+DDE+DDD) in fish from neither above nor below dams would present a significant hazard to bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus). Both total PCBs and TCDD-EQ in fishes from below the dams currently present a significant hazard to bald eagles, since their mean hazard quotients (HQ) were all greater than one.

Polychlorinated biphenyl and organochlorine insecticide concentrations in forty sewage sludges in England

Samples of sewage sludge collected from forty sewage treatment works in the UK have been analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls and the organochlorine insecticides Lindane (γ-HCH), DDE and Dieldrin. Concentrations of these micropollutants were found to be in the low μg g −1 range or less. In the absence of any UK guidelines for concentrations of organic micropollutants in sewage sludges for disposal, comparisons are made with the results of other UK studies. The possible sources of these micropollutants in sewage and sewage sludges are discussed.

Residues of dieldrin (HEOD) in complete prepared meals in Great Britain during 1967.

THE concentrations of organochlorine insecticides in various foodstuffs1–3 and in whole prepared meals4,5 have been closely studied in Great Britain; similar surveys are also in hand in the United States6,7. A survey during the period March 1965 to March 1966 of food, representative of the average intake of the various dietary items, prepared and cooked, from an industrial canteen in south-eastern England, indicated that the average daily intake of HEOD (1,2,3,4,10,10-hexachloro-6,7-epoxy-1,4,4a,5,6,7,8,8a-octahydro - exo-1,4-endo-5,8-dimethano-naphthalene; dieldrin contains not less than 85 per cent HEOD), consequent on ingestion of residues in that food, was about 20 µg/day (ref. 5). A similar survey was made of samples collected in 1967, and the amounts of HEOD found in this second survey are presented here.