Polychlorinated Naphthalenes Concentrations Research Articles

Screening of halogenated aromatic compounds in some raw material lots for an aluminium recycling plant

Four samples of scrap raw materials for an aluminium recycling plant were screened for the occurrence of persistent halogenated aromatic compounds. The samples contained waste from handling of electric and electronic plastics, filter dust from electronic crusher, cyclone dust from electronic crusher and light fluff from car shredder. In our screening analyses, brominated flame retardants were observed in all samples. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were identified in all samples in amounts of 245–67450 ng/g. The major PBDE congeners found were decabromo- and pentabromodiphenyl ethers. 1,1-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane, hexabromobenzene, ethyl-pentabromobenzene, tetrabromobisphenol-A, pentabromotoluene and dimethyl tetrabromobenzene were observed in all scrap samples. The concentrations of PCBs, PCNs (polychlorinated naphthalenes) and nona- to undecachlorinated terphenyls in some of these scrap samples were remarkably high.

Flux estimates and sedimentation of polychlorinated naphthalenes in the northern part of the baltic sea

The concentrations and fluxes of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were measured in surface sediments, and settling particulate matter collected in sediment traps, at two coastal and two offshore sampling stations in the Gulf of Bothnia, northern Baltic Sea, Sweden. The PCN concentrations (of tetra- to hepta-chloro congeners) in the surface sediments ranged from 0.27 to 2.8 ng/g dry weight and were of the same order of magnitude as background concentrations reported previously in Europe. The PCN fluxes in the southern basin (0.93 and 0.86 μg/m 2/year) of the Gulf of Bothnia were higher than those in the northern basin (0.58 and 0.49 μg/m 2/year); they were also higher near the coast than in the open sea. These PCN fluxes are similar to the pre-industrial levels determined from lake sediments in northwest England. The PCN homologue distribution changed from a relatively even distribution in samples collected near the coast, to TeCNs dominating in the samples from the open sea. This indicates that higher chlorinated PCNs are deposited and retained in sediments to a higher degree near the coast. The total annual deposition of PCNs in sediments in the Gulf of Bothnia was estimated to be 91 kg/year.

Polychlorinated naphthalene levels, distribution, and biomagnification in a benthic food chain in the Baltic Sea.

The scientific literature contains little information regarding bioaccumulation and biomagnification of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in food webs. Here we present new information on the food chain transfer of PCNs within a food chain in a subarctic environment PCNs (tetra- to hepta-chloro congeners) were measured in surface sediments and in a marine benthic food chain, comprising amphipods, isopods, and fourhorned sculpins. Samples were collected from five locations in the Gulf of Bothnia, northern Baltic Sea. PCN concentrations in the sediments were similar to background levels determined previously in sediments from the northern hemisphere. Measurement of the carbon content of the sediments allowed the calculation of biota to sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs). Tetra- and penta-CNs exhibited BSAF values greater than one, while BSAFs for the more chlorinated PCNs were less than one. This suggests more efficient assimilation, by amphipods, of the less chlorinated PCNs. A decrease in sigmaPCN concentrations from the lowest to the highest trophic level was demonstrated (amphipods: 10-69 ng/g lw, isopods: 3.9-16 ng/g lw; fourhorned sculpins: 0.54-1.5 ng/g lw). Biomagnification factors (BMFs) were calculated based on the concentrations of the congeners. These indicated that a few congeners biomagnified significantly: the highest BMFs (0.09-1.4) were found for 2,3,6,7-substituted congeners and those lacking adjacent hydrogen-substituted carbon atoms.

Polychloronaphthalenes and other dioxin-like compounds in Arctic and Antarctic marine food webs.

Here we report accumulation patterns of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and pesticides (HCB, p,p'DDE) in polar organisms (polar bear from Alaskan Arctic and krill, sharp-spined notothen, crocodile icefish, Antarctic silverfish, Adélie penguin, South polar skua, and Weddell seal from the Ross Sea, Antarctica). PCNs, found in most of the samples, ranged from 1.5 pg/g in krill to 2550 pg/g in South polar skua on a wet weight basis. Lower chlorinated PCNs were the predominant congeners in organisms except skua and polar bear that showed similar PCN homologue patterns. PCDD/F concentrations were <90 pg/g wet wt in polar organisms; PCDD congeners showed peculiar accumulation patterns in different organisms. Correlation existed between PCN and PCB concentrations. PCB, HCF, and p,p'DDE levels were the highest in skua liver (11,150 ng/g wet wt, 345 ng/g wet wt, and 300 ng/g wet wt, respectively). Contribution of PCNs to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQ) was negligible (<0.1%) because of the lack of most toxic congeners. The highest TEQ was found in South polar skua liver (45 pg/g, wet weight). This is the first study to document the occurrence of PCNs in Antarctic organisms. High levels of dioxin-like chemicals in skua suggest the importance of intake via diet and migration habits, thus POP detection can be useful to trace migration behavior. Moreover, POP concentrations in penguin and skua eggs prove their transfer from the mother to eggs.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes, biphenyls, dibenzo‐p‐dioxins, and dibenzofurans as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylphenols in sediment from the Detroit and Rouge Rivers, Michigan, USA

Sediment from the upper Detroit and lower Rouge Rivers in southeastern Michigan, USA, were analyzed to examine the distribution of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylphenolic compounds such as butylphenol, octylphenol, and nonylphenol (NP). Sediments from a non-point source location in Lake Michigan were also analyzed for target compounds. Concentrations of target compounds in the upper Detroit and lower Rouge Rivers varied considerably among locations, and notable spatial variation existed. Concentrations of PCNs and PCDDs/PCDFs in sediments from the upper Detroit and lower Rouge Rivers ranged from 0.08 to 187 ng/g and 69 to 1420 pg/g dry weight, respectively. Total PCBs, PAHs, and NP concentrations ranged from 8 to 25,000, 17 to 44,000, and < 10 to 60,000 ng/g dry weight, respectively. Concentrations of all target compounds except PCNs were significantly correlated with total organic carbon content of sediments. Similarly, concentrations of PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs were significantly correlated with each other. The distribution of organic contaminants in the upper reaches of the Detroit River and lower Rouge River suggested the presence of localized, but multiple, sources of contamination for each compound class. Conners Creek combined sewer overflow has been identified as one of the potential sources for the upper Detroit River, where the highest concentrations PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs were found. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and NP concentrations were consistently high in sediment from the lower Rouge River. Analysis of data from selected locations suggested that PCNs contributed a greater proportion of the dioxin-like activity than PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs contributed.

Concentrations and Profiles of Polychlorinated Naphthalene Congeners in Eighteen Technical Polychlorinated Biphenyl Preparations

Concentrations and profiles of tri- through octa-chloro-substituted polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) congeners were determined in eighteen technical polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) mixtures including Aroclors, Kanechlors, Clophens, Phenoclors, Sovol, and Chlorofen. PCNs were found in all the PCB mixtures at concentrations ranging from 5.2 to 730 μg/g. Concentrations of PCNs in Aroclor and Kanechlor mixtures were greater than those of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) present as impurities in these technical PCB preparations. Composition of PCN homologues varied among PCB mixtures. In general, highly chlorinated PCB mixtures contained greater percentages of more-chlorinated naphthalene congeners. Concentrations of PCNs varied by 3-fold among three different lots of Aroclor 1254. On the basis of measured concentrations of PCNs in PCB mixtures and global production estimates of PCBs, PCNs emitted from the use of PCBs was estimated to be 169 tons, which is less than 1% of the production of technical PCN m...

Polychlorinated Naphthalenes and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Fishes from Michigan Waters Including the Great Lakes

Polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in whole body and fillet of fishes collected from Michigan waters, including the Great Lakes, during 1996−1997. PCNs were found in all the fishes analyzed including those from Siskiwit Lake, a remote lake located near the southern shoreline of Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior. Concentrations of total PCNs in fishes ranged from 19 to 31 400 pg/g, wet wt, and varied depending on sampling location and species. Fishes from the Detroit River contained the greatest concentrations of both PCNs and PCBs. Concentrations of total PCNs in fishes from Michigan waters were significantly correlated with the concentrations of PCBs. As with total PCN concentrations, the profiles of PCN isomer/congener distribution in fishes varied among sampling locations and species. Fishes from the Detroit River contained PCN profile similar to that of Halowax 1014, whereas those from Siskiwit Lake and Lake Superior contained greater ...

Short-Term Temperature-Dependent Air-Surface Exchange and Atmospheric Concentrations of Polychlorinated Naphthalenes and Organochlorine Pesticides

Atmospheric concentrations of five organochlorine (OC) pesticides, some of which have been banned for a number of years, and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were measured at a U.K. site over periods of 6 h for 7 days resulting in 28 samples. Mean concentrations of the pesticides were α-HCH 90 pg m-3, γ-HCH 500, p,p‘-DDE 8, dieldrin 63, endrin 22, and HCB 39. PCN mean homologue concentrations were 3CNs 67 pg m-3, 4CNs 78, 5CNs 5, 6CNs 0.6, 7CNs 0.6, and ∑PCNs 152. TEQ concentrations for those PCNs ascribed TEF values ranged between 0.36 and 3.6 fg m-3 which corresponds to ∼3.0−30% of the TEQ concentrations of PCDD/Fs at the same site. All the compounds measured, except HCB, exhibited a strong temperature-dependent diurnal cycling. Results from Clausius−Clapeyron plots show that pesticide concentrations were controlled by temperature-driven air-surface recycling throughout the first 5 days when stable atmospheric conditions were dominant, while during the last 2 days advection became more influential as more unstable and cooler weather started to influence the site. PCN concentrations were controlled primarily by a mixture of recycling and advection throughout the first 5 days and then by advection in the final 2 days, suggesting that there are ongoing emissions from diffuse point sources of PCNs into the U.K. atmosphere. This study provides further evidence of the rapid air-surface exchange of semivolatile organic compounds (SOCs) and shows how different factors alone or in combination can produce rapid changes in the atmospheric concentrations of past and present SOCs.

Polychlorinated Naphthalenes and Coplanar Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Arctic Air

Concentrations of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are reported for the first time in arctic air. The data represent combined air samples from the Barents Sea (n = 2), eastern Arctic Ocean (n = 10), Norwegian Sea (n = 2), and two land-based monitoring stations at Alert, Canada (n = 5), and Dunai Island in eastern Siberia, Russia (n = 3). Values for ∑PCN (pg m-3) were 6−49 for shipboard samples and 0.3−8 for land-based stations and were dominated by the 3-Cl and 4-Cl homologues, which accounted for 90−95% of the total mass. Average values for ∑PCB (pg m-3) for the shipboard samples were 126, 24, and 75 for the Barents Sea, eastern Arctic, and Norwegian Sea, respectively. Three-dimensional 5-day air parcel back-trajectories arriving at the ship at 850 and 925 hPa suggested that elevated PCB and PCN concentrations for shipboard samples originated in Europe. Concentrations (fg m-3) of coplanar PCBs in artic air were 3−40 (PCB 77) and 0.3−8 (PCB 126)about an order of magnitude lower than in urban air. Highe...

Isomer-Specific Analysis and Toxic Evaluation of Polychlorinated Naphthalenes in Soil, Sediment, and Biota Collected near the Site of a Former Chlor-Alkali Plant

Concentrations and composition of polychlorinated naphthalene (PCN) congeners were determined in soil, sediments, blue crab, striped mullet, and boat-tailed grackle collected near a chlor-alkali plant to determine their congener profile, bioaccumulation properties, and toxic potential. Concentrations of total PCNs as high as 23 μg/g, dry wt, were found in sediments collected at the marsh contaminated by disposal of wastes from the chlor-alkali process. The spatial distribution of sediment−PCN concentrations was not related with those observed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The PCN congener profile did not resemble those of any technical mixtures. Hepta- and octa-chloronaphthalenes were the most abundant congeners accounting for greater than 50% of the total PCN concentrations in soil and sediments. A characteristic profile of PCNs in samples collected at the chlor-alkali site suggests the formation of chloronaphthalene congeners during chlor-alkali process, as has been suggested for polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Concentrations of total PCNs in biota were 3−5 orders of magnitude less than in sediments. The profile of PCN congeners in biota was predominated by tetra- or penta-chloronaphthalenes, while hepta- and octa-chloronaphthalenes were not detected. Affinity of more chlorinated naphthalene congeners to sediment organic carbon and steric factors that affect membrane permeability have contributed to less bioavailability. The 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents (TEQs) estimated for PCNs in sediments and biota were greater than those reported for PCBs, PCDDs, or PCDFs. Our results suggest that the chlor-alkali process has been an important source of PCNs due to their formation in the process. The contribution of PCNs to dioxin-like toxicity in environmental media near the chlor-alkali process may overwhelm those due to PCBs, PCDDs, or PCDFs.

Polychlorinated naphthalenes in groundwater samples from the Llobregat aquifer (Spain)

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) have characteristics fairly similar to those of polychlorinated biphenyls and terphenyls (PCBs and PCTs) and although they have been used in numerous applications, very few reports on the occurrence of PCNs in water have been published. Both automated solid-phase extraction (SPE) and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) procedures were evaluated to concentrate PCNs. High-resolution gas chromatography with electron-capture detection (HRGC-ECD) and mass spectrometric detection in the selected ion monitoring mode (SIM) were used to analyze PCNs in groundwater samples from the aquifer of the Llobregat river near Barcelona (NE Spain). The homologue distribution profiles of PCNs found in groundwater samples and the standard mixtures of Halowax (1099, 1013 and 1014) were compared. Quantification was achieved by HRGC-ECD. Total PCN concentrations expressed as Halowax 1099 equivalents ranged from <0.5 ng/l to 79.1 μg/l in the water samples, with tetrachloronaphthalenes (TetraPCN) as the major group of congeners.

Effects of exposure to food contaminated with PBDE, PCN or PCB on reproduction, liver morphology and cytochrome P450 activity in the three-spined stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus

Female three-spined sticklebacks were fed with freeze-dried chironomids contaminated with low or high doses of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (Bromkal 70-5DE), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) (Halowax 1014) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (Clophen A50). After 3.5 months of exposure, reproduction studies were started. No significant difference in number of eggs laid was found between the control and exposed groups. Spawning success (considered successful if it occurred within 24 h) in the control group was 80%, whereas it was 20% and 25% in the groups that received high doses of Bromkal 70-5DE or Clophen A50, respectively. After spawning, the fish were dissected for chemical, biochemical and morphological analyses. Levels of PBDE in the low- and high-dose Bromkal 70-5DE groups were 861 ± 271 and 1630 ± 275 mg/kg fat, respectively, whereas the corresponding concentrations of PCN in the Halowax 1014 groups were 845 ± 43 and 1929 ± 72 mg/kg fat, respectively. Concentrations of PCB in fish from the Clophen A50 groups were 1972 ± 158 and 3594 ± 521 mg/kg fat, respectively. Uptake efficiency was approx. 40% for PCB and 20% for PBDE and PCN. Hepatic cytochrome P450-dependent ethoxyresorufin- O-deethylase (EROD) activity was induced by Clophen A50 and Halowax 1014, whereas Bromkal 70-5DE did not significantly induce the enzyme system. EROD activity was 0.8 pmol/mg prot./min in the control group, whereas it was between 2.7 and 16.3 pmol/mg prot./min in the exposed groups. Furthermore, the morphological examination of the liver disclosed pronounced lipid accumulation in all exposed groups.

Determination of polychlorinated naphthalenes in polychlorinated biphenyl products via capillary gas chromatography—mass spectrometry after separation by gel permeation chromatography

A gel permeation chromatographic method was developed for the isolation and determination of small amounts of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) present in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) products. The method was applied to nine commercial PCB products: Aroclor 1016, 1232, 1242, 1248, 1254 and 1260 and Clophen A30, A40 and A50. All products were found to contain total PCN concentrations between 1.8 and 870 μg/g. High concentrations of PCNs were detected in Clophen A30 and A40 whereas a low concentration was found in Clophen A50. The PCN congeners were dominated by compounds substituted with two to six chlorine atoms.

Organic Contaminants in Sediments from the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River, Michigan

Anthropogenic organic contaminants in sediments from the Trenton Channel of the Detroit River, a highly industrialized waterway connecting Lake St. Clair with Lake Erie, were identified and quantified. The four major classes of organic contaminants identified were polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCN), and polychlorinated terphenyls (PCT). Distributions of total PAH, the homologues of PCB and PCN, and total PCT were measured in 33 sediment samples. Concentration range maps revealed one region of relatively low contaminant concentration (southwest shore of Grosse Ile) and one area of high contaminant concentration in the vicinity of Monguagon Creek, located on the northwestern side of the Trenton Channel. Closer examination of total compound class and homologue concentration distributions suggests a hierarchical ordering of contaminant distribution similarity. Total PCT and PCN concentration distributions are most similar to one another, suggesting a common source in the vicinity of the Monguagon Creek mouth. PAH and PCB distributions are less similar to each other and to total PCT and PCN distributions, suggesting different sources of these compound classes.

Sampling and Analysis for Polychlorinated Naphthalenes in the Environment

Abstract Soil, sediment, biota, 24-hr integrated water, and 2 consecutive 24-hr integrated air samples were collected at several geographic sites, extracted, cleaned up, and analyzed for polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). Analysis by quadrupole gas-liquid chromatography /mass spectrometry / computer (GLC / MS / COMP), using multiple ion detection (MID), provided a sensitivity of &amp;lt;50 pg or about 0.5 μg/kg for soil, 0.2 μg/L for water, and 0.3 ng/cu. m for air. Individual PCN isomers were accurately and positively determined in the presence of other compounds (e.g., polychlorinated biphenyls). Polychlorinated naphthalene levels in soil near a PCN manufacturing site averaged 940 μg/kg (range 130—2300 μg/kg). Air samples contained from 25 to 450 ng/cu. m (average 150 ng/cu. m) on the first day and 120—2900 ng/cu. m (average 1400 ng/cu. m) the second day. A small dead fish contained 39 μg/kg, and locally obtained apples contained 90 μg/kg. Only trace amounts of PCNs were found in the water samples. Analysis of samples collected on consecutive days near a capacitor manufacturer showed an average of 3.1 ng/cu. m (range undetectable to 7.3 ng/cu. m) and 1.2 ng/cu. m (range undetectable to 3.9 ng/cu. m) in air, 2.0 μg/ kg (range undetectable to 7.3 μg/kg) in soil. No PCNs were detected in integrated water samples. Crab water samples contained 0.6 and 5.5 μg/L. Samples collected on consecutive days near a second capacitor manufacturer contained an average of 19 ng/cu. m (range 9.8— 31 ng/cu. m) and 17 ng/cu. m (range 9.8—33 ng/cu. m), respectively, in air, 240 μg/kg (range undetectable to 470 μg/kg) in soil, and 0.6 μg/L in water downstream of the plant (undetectable in upstream sample). An amber resinous solid collected near the plant contained 920 μg PCNs/kg, mostly as the di-, tri-, and tetrachloronaphthalenes. The results of this study demonstrate a wide range of PCN concentrations in the environment near manufacturing and use sites.