Gas Chromatography-electron Capture Detection Research Articles

Hollow fiber liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction followed by solid-phase microextraction and in situ derivatization for the determination of chlorophenols by gas chromatography-electron capture detection

A method based on the combination of hollow fiber liquid–liquid–liquid microextraction and solid-phase microextraction (SPME) followed by gas chromatography-electron capture detection was developed for the determination of chlorophenols in water and wastewater samples. Silica microstructures fabricated on the surface of a stainless steel wire were coated by an organic solvent and used as a SPME fiber. The analytes were extracted through a hollow fiber membrane containing n-decane from sample solution to an alkaline aqueous acceptor phase. They were then extracted and in situ derivatized on the SPME fiber using acetic anhydride. Experimental parameters such as the type of extraction solvent, acceptor phase NaOH concentration, donor phase HCl concentration, the amount of derivatizing reagent, salt concentration, stirring rate and extraction time were investigated and optimized. The precision of the method for the analytes at 0.02–30μgL−1 concentration level ranged from 7.1 to 10.2% (as intra-day relative standard deviation) and 6.4 to 9.8% (as inter-day relative standard deviation). The linear dynamic ranges were in the interval of 5–500μgL−1, 0.05–5μgL−1, 0.02–1μgL−1 and 0.001–0.5μgL−1 for 2-chlorophenol, 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol and pentachlorophenol, respectively. The enrichment factors were between 432 and 785. The limits of detection were in the range of 0.0004–1.2μgL−1. Tap water, well water and wastewater samples were also analyzed to evaluate the method capability for real sample analysis.

Determination of Chlorophenols in Water Samples Using Solid-Phase Extraction Enrichment Procedure and Gas Chromatography Analysis.

Solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure followed by derivatization and gas chromatography electron capture detection was evaluated for the determination of trace amounts of chlorophenols (CPs) in waters samples. Different parameters affecting extraction efficiency such as, volume of elution solvent, volume and pH of water sample, quantity of sorbent phase were studied and optimized. SPE was carried out on polystyrene-divinylbenzene (Bond Elut ENV) and high recoveries were obtained using 1000 mg of this cartridge for the treatment of 500 mL of acidified water sample. The described method was then tested on spiked tap, mineral, ground and surface water samples. The overall procedure provided limits of detection lower than 20 ng L(-1), recoveries of 70%-106% and an enrichment factor of 500 for the examined CPs in 500 mL water samples. Among the studied compounds, pentachlorophenol was detected in tap water at a concentration level of 0.06 µg L(-1).

Case study of a non-destructive treatment method for the remediation of military structures containing polychlorinated biphenyl contaminated paint

Restricted by federal regulations and limited remediation options, buildings contaminated with paint laden with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have high costs associated with the disposal of hazardous materials. As opposed to current remediation methods which are often destructive and a risk to the surrounding environment, this study suggests a non-metal treatment system (NMTS) and a bimetallic treatment system (BTS) as versatile remediation options for painted industrial structures including concrete buildings, and metal machine parts. In this field study, four areas of a discontinued Department of Defense site were treated and monitored over 3 weeks. PCB levels in paint and treatment system samples were analyzed through gas chromatography/electron capture detection (GC-ECD). PCB concentrations were reduced by 95 percent on painted concrete and by 60–97 percent on painted metal with the majority of the PCB removal occurring within the first week of application. Post treatment laboratory studies including the utilization of an activated metal treatment system (AMTS) further degraded PCBs in BTS and NMTS by up to 82 percent and 99 percent, respectively, indicating that a two-step remediation option is viable. These findings demonstrate that the NMTS and BTS can be an effective, nondestructive, remediation process for large painted structures, allowing for the reuse or sale of remediated materials that otherwise may have been disposed.

Representative commodity for five brassica vegetables based on the determination and dissipation of six pesticide residues

A Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged and Safe method for determination of thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim, metalaxyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin in five brassica vegetables by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-electron capture detector has been developed. The average recoveries of six pesticides in five brassica vegetables were in the range of 77.4%–117.4% with relative standard deviation of 3.7–10.8%. Residues of thiophanate-methyl, carbendazim, metalaxyl, fluazifop-P-butyl, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin in five brassica vegetables were studied with the developed method for the classification of crop group and selection of representative commodity of five brassica vegetables. Totally 48 open field trials on five brassica vegetables were conducted at two locations in two different seasons. The residue dynamics and final residues of the six pesticides at three preharvest intervals in different vegetables were compared. All six pesticides had the longest half-lives in cabbage (2.1–3.5 days). Residues of carbendazim (sum of thiophanate-methyl and carbendazim), metalaxyl, chlorpyrifos and lambda-cyhalothrin had similar trend in different brassica vegetables. The maximal concentrations of these pesticide residues were found in kale (0.28–10.9 mg kg−1). Fluazifop-P-butyl residues were at low levels in all five brassica vegetables (<0.01–0.03 mg kg−1). Cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts and kohlrabi had no significant difference in all six pesticide residues and could be classified in a subgroup of Head Brassicas. Cabbage should be selected as the representative commodity. Considering the highest residues in kale and its different morphology, kale should not be classified into the subgroup of Head Brassicas.

Determination of epichlorohydrin in workplace air by gas chromatograph-electron capture detector

To develop a method for determining epichlorohydrin in the workplace air by gas chromatograph-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Epichlorohydrin in the workplace air was collected by activated charcoal tubes, desorbed using acetone, and analyzed by GC-ECD. A good linearity was obtained in the range of 1.0-50 µg/mL (r=0.999 7). The detection limit was 0.012 µg/ml, while the recovery rate was 88.1% and relative standard deviation ranged from 1.11% to 3.57%. The samples could be stored for seven days at room temperature. This method effectively eliminates the interferences of alkanes on determination of epichlorohydrin and improves the sensitivity by 1 to 2 orders of magnitude, which can solve the problem of detection limit above standard in GBZ/T 160.58-2004.

The effects of heat treatment on the degradation of the organophosphate pesticide chlorpyrifos-ethyl in tomato homogenate

Tomato is often thermally processed. Chlorpyrifos-ethyl, a broad-spectrum organophosphate pesticide, is widely used on the tomato plants. Therefore, understanding of the fate of the residues during the tomato thermal processing is important for the calculation of dietary exposure. The effects of thermal processing on the reduction of the chlorpyrifos-ethyl residues in tomato homogenates were investigated. Tomato homogenates spiked with chlorpyrifos-ethyl were subjected to thermal processing at the commonly used temperature values (60–90 °C) at various time intervals (10–60 min) in the production of tomato products. A QuEChERS technique for sample preparation and a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector for analysing chlorpyrifos-ethyl residues in tomato homogenate were used. The results were further confirmed by using a gas chromatography-mass spectrometry system. Reduction rate of the chlorpyrifos-ethyl residues was as high as 55.8% at 90 °C for 60 min. Degradation rates could be considered as first...

Spatial distributions and seasonal variations of organochlorine pesticides in water and soil samples in Bolu, Turkey.

In this study, a total of 75 water samples (38 groundwater and 37 surface water samples) and 54 surface soil samples were collected from the five districts of Bolu, which is located in the Western Black Sea Region of Turkey in the summer season of 2009. In the autumn season, 17 water samples (surface water and groundwater samples) and 17 soil samples were collected within the city center to observe the seasonal changes of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Groundwater and surface water samples were extracted using solid phase extraction. Soil samples were extracted ultrasonically. Sixteen OCP compounds in the standard solution were detected by a gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Therefore, the method validation was performed for those 16 OCP compounds. However, 13 OCP compounds could be observed in the samples. The concentrations of most OCPs were higher in samples collected in the summer than those in the autumn. The most frequently observed pesticides were endosulfan sulfate and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) in groundwater samples, α-HCH in surface water samples, and endosulfan sulfate in soil samples. The average concentration of endosulfan sulfate was the highest in water and soil samples. Compared to the literature values, the average concentrations in this study were lower values. Spatial distribution of OCPs was evaluated with the aid of contour maps for the five districts of Bolu. Generally, agricultural processes affected the water and soil quality in the region. However, non-agricultural areas were also affected by pesticides. The concentrations of pesticides were below the legal limits of European directives for each pesticide.

Dissolved carbon dioxide flotation: An effective way for phase separation in emulsification microextraction method

Dissolved carbon dioxide flotation after emulsification microextraction (DCF-EME) technique coupled with gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD) was introduced for preconcentration and determination of six organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in seawater samples. DCF-EME method is based on the rapid and simple phase separation of low density organic solvent from the aqueous phase via introducing of a saturated NaHCO3 solution (9.6% w/v) into the acidified sample solution (0.1M of HCl) containing analytes. Thanks to the in situ generation of carbon dioxide (CO2) bobbles intensified by ultrasound radiation, the dispersed extraction solvent was collected to the surface of the aqueous sample and then was narrowed to the capillary part of a special home-made extraction cell for facile retrieving. Under the optimal conditions, the limits of detection were at the range of 2.6–9.2ngL−1 and preconcentration factors were varied between 271 and 307 for different OCPs. The applicability of the developed method was evaluated by the extraction and determination of the target analytes from Caspian seawater samples.

Determination of eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers in marine sediments by ultrasonically assisted alkaline degradation extraction and gas chromatography-electron capture detection

For determination of the eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in marine sediments based on gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD), a rapid and effective method for simultaneous sample extraction and purification was developed, in which ultrasonically assisted alkaline hydrolysis was combined with solvent extraction. The sediment sample was processed in an ultrasonic bath in 2. 00 mol/L NaOH-methanol solution for 30 min, and subsequently extracted by n-hexane. The organic phase was then separated and purified by silica column and concentrated to 100 µL for GC-ECD analysis. Under the optimized conditions, the recoveries and relative standard deviations (RSDs) for eight PBDE congeners ranged from 63.6% to 110.3% and from 1.7% to 10.5% (n = 5), respectively. The limits of detection (LODs, S/N = 3) ranged from 0.002 to 0.011 ng/g except for deca-brominated diphenyl ether (BDE-209), which was 0.097 ng/g. With high accuracy, good stability and adequate recovery, the established method was successfully applied to the analysis of PBDEs in the surface sediments from Bohai Sea. The concentrations of ∑8PBDEs (sum of 2,4,4'-tribromodiphenyl ether (BDE-28), 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2, 2', 4, 4', 5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99), 2, 2', 4, 4', 6-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE100), 2, 2', 4, 4', 5, 5'- 1.566 to 6.760 ng/g and from 1.461 to 6.438 ng/g, respectively. A decreasing gradient of concentration was basically observed with increasing distance off the shore, indicating that anthropogenic activities, surface runoff and river inputs may be the sources of PBDEs in the sediments from Bohai Sea.

Assessment of Lindane and Atrazine Residues in Maize Produced in Ghana Using Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Maize is consumed by over 95% of the Ghanaian populace and the practice of using Atrazine and Lindane (an Organochlorine) pesticides in its production has raised concerns about potential adverse effects on human health and the environment. A field survey was conducted in this study to assess farmers’ knowledge of safe handling and use of these chemicals as well as toxicity awareness and symptoms among farmers and traders. Residues of these pesticides in maize samples as well as the potential health risk associated with exposure to them were also evaluated. Composite maize samples were collected for nine of ten regions in Ghana and analyzed. Data obtained from the field survey indicate that a large proportion of farmers are at risk of pesticide poisoning through occupational exposure. Over 80% of applicators do not apply safety precautions during pesticide mixing and application; resulting in considerable prevalence of pesticide related illnesses in the study area. Residues of Lindane and atrazine were below detection limits of 0.005 mg/kg and 0.010 mg/kg respectively; except in the Ashanti region where atrazine was 0.05 mg/kg which was within the EU-MRL of 0.1 mg/kg. However, minute concentrations of other Organochlorines (endrin—0.007 mg/kg; heptachlor—0.023 mg/kg; alpha-endosulfan—0.013 mg/kg) were found in maize samples from Brong Ahafo, eastern, central and upper west regions. Though endrin and alpha-endosulfan were below the EU-MRL of 0.01 mg/kg and 0.10 mg/kg respectively, heptachlor was slightly above the EU-MRL of 0.01 mg/kg. The estimated dose for all these pesticides however does not pose direct hazard to human health although present in the maize samples since the values were lower than toxic thresholds and reference doses. However, due to the unsafe application practices by applicators, there exists a potential risk for systemic and carcinogenic health effects by these chemicals in the study area.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls Water Pollution along the River Nile, Egypt.

Ten polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were determined in water samples collected along the River Nile using gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). PCB concentrations ranged from 14 to 20 μg/L, which were higher than those reported in previous studies, indicating serious PCB pollution in the River Nile. PCB congener profiles varied depending on the sampling sties. PCB-138 was the predominant congener accounting for more than 18% of total PCBs. The composition of PCB congeners in the water revealed that highly chlorinated PCB technical mixtures such as Aroclor 1254 was the main PCB production historically used in Egypt. An increasing trend in PCB levels from the upper stream to the Nile estuaries was observed. The calculated flux of PCBs indicated that 6.8 tons of PCBs is dumped into the Mediterranean Sea each year from the River Nile. The hazard quotients and carcinogenic risk caused by PCB pollution in the River Nile were above the acceptable level indicating that PCBs in the River Nile water pose adverse health effects for all age groups. Our findings revealed that PCBs possess a serious risk to the Egyptian population that depends mainly on the River Nile as a source of water. Thus, stricter legislation and regulatory controls should be applied to reduce the risk of PCBs in Egypt.

Risk Mitigation Methods for Removal of Pesticide Residues in Brinjal for Food Safety

The commercial production of highly cultivated and consumed brinjal is highly dependent on regular usage of insecticides to protect the crop from insect pests. The increased consumer awareness and legal issues on food safety, with special reference to insecticide residues in foods, led us to attempt for cheap and effective methods for removal of pesticide residues to address the issues of consumer and food safety, as the farmers are not following the Good Agricultural Practices i.e pre-harvest intervals. The most commonly used pesticides such as profenophos, chlorpyriphos, dimethoate, malathion, phosalone, quinalphos, triazophos and -cyhalothrin were sprayed at recommended doses at brinjal formation stage, samples were collected at 2 hours after treatment to quantify the deposits. The samples were subjected to various household treatments (tap water wash, lemon water wash, dipping in 2% salt water for 15 min, dipping in 2% tamarind water for 10 min, washing with 0.1% sodium bicarbonate solution, washing with 4% acetic acid solution, biowash, cooking), each in three replications, and analysed for residues using validated quick,easy cheap rugged and simple method (Quechers method and GC-ECD, (GAS Chromatography Electron capture detector) FPD(Flame photometric detector) and GC-MS(Gas Chromatography Mass spectrometry) so as to estimate the % removal and their effectiveness. Out of all treatments, dipping in 2% salt solution for 10 minutes is very effective in removing 45%, 43%, 52%, 50%, 54%, 48% and 76% of dimethoate, chlorpyriphos, quinalphos, profenophos, phosalone, -cyhalothrin and malathion, respectively, and cooking removed insecticides in the range 55-80%. Dipping fruits and vegetables in 2% salt solution for 15 minutes is the best household method for removal of pesticide residues, and also the method is effective in reducing the residues below MRL (Maximum Residue Limits).

Use of green coating (cork) in solid-phase microextraction for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in water by gas chromatography-electron capture detection

A novel method for the determination of organochlorine pesticides in water samples with extraction using cork fiber and analysis by gas chromatography with electron capture detector was developed. Also, the procedure to extract these pesticides with DVB/Car/PDMS fiber was optimized. The optimization of the variables involved in the extraction of organochlorine pesticides using the aforementioned fibers was carried out by multivariate design. The optimum extraction conditions were sample temperature 75°C, extraction time 60min and sodium chloride concentration 10% for the cork fiber and sample temperature 50°C and extraction time 60min (without salt) for the DVB/Car/PDMS fiber. The quantification limits for the two fibers varied between 1.0 and 10.0ngL−1. The linear correlation coefficients were >0.98 for both fibers. The method applied with the use of the cork fiber provided recovery values between 60.3 and 112.7 and RSD≤25.5 (n=3). The extraction efficiency values for the cork and DVB/Car/PDMS fibers were similar. The results show that cork is a promising alternative as a coating for SPME.

Determination of Organochlorine Pesticides in Soil Using PHWE-SPE-SPME/GC-ECD Method

A method based on pressurized hot water extraction (PHWE), followed by solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with solid phase microextraction (SPME) and determination by gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD) was developed for determination of 19 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (I±-, I²-, I³-, I´, Iµ-isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane, 4,4′-DDE, 2,4′-DDE, 4,4′-TDE, 2,4′-TDE, 2,4′-DDT and 4,4′-DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide isomer A, heptachlor epoxide isomer B, I±-endosulfan, I²-endosulfan and hexachlorobenzene) in soil. The limits of detection were between 1.69 ng/kg for hexachlorobenzene and 50.4 ng/kg for 4,4'-DDT. The analytical method was applied for determination of OCPs in soil samples, collected in Cluj-Napoca area, Romania. Levels of OCPs were determined in five soil samples collected in rural area near Cluj-Napoca, Romania using the PHWE-SPE-SPME/GC-ECD method. OCPs were detected in all of the samples, with a total concentration ranging from 1.99 to 7.85 µg/kg. The most predominant compounds were HCH and DDT isomers.

Highly permselective membrane surface modification by cold plasma-induced grafting polymerization of molecularly imprinted polymer for recognition of pyrethroid insecticides in fish.

Specific molecularly imprinted membranes (MIMs) for pyrethroid insecticides were developed and characterized for the first time in this study by cold plasma-induced grafting polymerization using methacrylic acid as a functional monomer and cypermethrin (CYP) as a template. The nonimprinted membranes (NIMs) were also synthesized using the same procedure without the template. Meanwhile, AFM, XPS, ATR-FTIR, contact angle, and permselectivity experiments were conducted to elucidate the imprinting and recognition properties of MIMs. Results demonstrated that MIMs exhibited excellent imprinting effect and high permselectivity. A molecularly imprinted-membrane-assisted solvent extraction (MI-MASE) method based on the MIMs was established. The operating conditions were optimized for group-selective extraction of the five pyrethroid insecticides. Compared with NIMs, higher extraction recoveries (83.8% to 100.6%) of the five pyrethroid insecticides by gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD) were obtained using MIMs at three spiked levels in fish samples; the RSD values were lower than 8.3%. The limits of detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) defined as the concentrations at which the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio is 3:1 and 10:1, respectively, were in the range of 0.26 to 0.42 μg/kg and 0.77 to 1.27 μg/kg, respectively. No matrix effect of the developed MI-MASE was observed by gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS/MS). These results demonstrated a highly selective, efficient, and environment-friendly MI-MASE technique for preconcentration and purification of pyrethroid insecticides from seafood, followed by GC-ECD and GC/MS/MS. The excellent applicability and potential of MI-MASE for routine monitoring of pyrethroid pesticides in food samples has also been confirmed.

Effects of washing, peeling, storage, and fermentation on residue contents of carbaryl and mancozeb in cucumbers grown in greenhouses.

Cucumbers grown in two different greenhouses were exposed to mancozeb and carbaryl at different times. The effects of 10-day preharvest period, water and detergent washing, peeling, predetermined storage period at 4°C (refrigeration), and fermentation on the reduction of residue levels in the plant tissues were investigated. Mancozeb and carbaryl residues in cucumbers were determined by gas chromatography-electron capture detection. Results showed that residue levels in samples, which were collected after 10 days following the pesticide application, were significantly lower than the samples collected after 2 h subsequent to the pesticide application. The culinary applications were effective in reducing the residue levels of the pesticides in cucumbers. As a result, non-fermentative pickling in sodium chloride and acetic acid was the most effective way to reduce the mancozeb and carbaryl residues of the cucumbers.

Simultaneous analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in seawater samples by membrane-assisted solvent extraction combined with gas chromatography-electron capture detector and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.

A highly efficient and environment-friendly membrane-assisted solvent extraction system combined with gas chromatography-electron capture detector was applied in the simultaneous determination of 17 polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in seawater samples. Variables affecting extraction efficiency, including extraction solvent used, stirring rate, extraction time, and temperature, were optimized extensively. Under optimal extraction conditions, recoveries between 76.9% and 104.6% in seawater samples were achieved, and relative standard deviation values below 10% were obtained. The limit of detection (signal-to-noise ratio=3) and limit of quantification (signal-to-noise ratio=10) of 17 polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in seawater ranged from 0.14ngL(-1) to 0.36ngL(-1) and 0.46ngL(-1) to 1.19ngL(-1), respectively. Matrix effects on extraction efficiency were evaluated by comparing with the results obtained using tap water. The extraction effect of developed membrane-assisted solvent extraction method was further demonstrated by gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry which can provide structural information of the analytes for more accurate identification, and results identical to those produced by gas chromatography-electron capture detector were obtained. These findings demonstrate the applicability of the developed membrane-assisted solvent extraction determination method for coupling to gas chromatography-electron capture detector or tandem mass spectrometry for determining polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in seawater samples.

A method for routine analysis of urinary 4,4'-methylenebis (2-chloroaniline) by gas chromatography-electron capture detection.

The purpose of this study was to develop a simple and cost-effective method for the determination of urinary 4,4'-methylenebis (2-chloroaniline) (MBOCA) by gas chromatography-electron capture detection (GC-ECD) for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to MBOCA. MBOCA was prepared by liquid-liquid extraction after alkaline hydrolysis, derivatized with N-methyl-bis (trifluoroacetamide) and then analyzed using GC-ECD. The proposed method was validated in accordance with the US Food and Drug Administration guidance. The calibration curve showed linearity in the range 1-100 µg/l, with a correlation coefficient of >0.999. The limits of detection and quantification were 0.3 µg/l and 1 µg/l, respectively. The recovery was 94-99%. Intraday accuracy, expressed as the deviation from the nominal value, was 90.5-100.3%, and intraday precision, expressed as the relative standard deviation, was 0.3-2.4%. Interday accuracy and precision were 87.8-100.2% and 0.3-4.1%, respectively. The proposed method is a simple and cost-effective method suitable for routine analyses and could be useful for biological monitoring of occupational exposure to MBOCA.

Occupational health risks among trichloroethylene-exposed workers in a clock manufacturing factory.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) is an important volatile organic compound once widely used in industry throughout the world. Occupational exposure to TCE can cause a number of health hazards such as allergic reactions and genetic damage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate occupational exposure to TCE, by analysis of the air in the breathing zone and of urine from workers employed in a clock manufacturing factory. A subjective symptom survey was conducted by using a self-administered questionnaire to evaluate the health hazards. Micronucleus (MN) frequency, based on the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay (CBMN) in peripheral blood lymphocytes, (PBLs) was used as a biomarker for chromosome damage. A total of 244 participants, including 171 workers occupationally exposed to TCE and 73 non-exposed control employees, working mainly in office jobs in the same factory, were enrolled in this study. Analyses of airborne TCE concentrations in the workplace, and of urinary trichloroacetic acid (TCA) of the workers and controls, were performed by Gas Chromatography-Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) using the modified headspace technique. The average concentration of TCE in the workplace breathing zone was 27.83 ± 6.02 ppm. The average level of urinary TCA of the exposed workers and controls was 14.84 ± 1.62, 2.95 ± 0.28 mg/L. The frequency of MN/1000BN was 7.029 ± 0.39, significantly higher than for those in the control group (3.57 ± 0.31, p = 0.001). According to multiple linear regression analysis, the results indicated that urinary TCA levels correlated with the increased MN in exposed workers (r = 0.285, p < 0.001). The prevalence rate of subjective symptoms in the exposed group was 9.61-11.76 times higher than the rate of the non-exposed group (p < 0.001). It was found that skin (29.6%) and respiratory symptoms (21.1%) were the most frequent among the exposed workers.In conclusion, these results indicate that increased micronucleus frequency is associated with occupational trichloroethylene exposure. The use of TCE in the factory is threatening workers’ health.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers listed as Stockholm Convention POPs, other brominated flame retardants and heavy metals in e-waste polymers in Nigeria.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were the first brominated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) listed in the Stockholm Convention. Parties to the convention are currently establishing inventories for developing action plans for the environmentally sound management of PBDE-containing materials. The major use of commercial octabromodiphenyl ether (c-OctaBDE) has been in casings from cathode ray tube (CRT) TVs and computer monitors. Large quantities of used e-waste and electronic equipment have been exported to developing countries with Nigeria being a major importer in Africa. The casings from 382 TVs and computers imported from major world regions to Nigeria were sampled in backyards and waste dumps. The samples were screened with X-ray flourescence (XRF) for bromine and analysed by gas chromatography/ electron capture detection (GC/ECD) for brominated flame retardants (BFRs). A high proportion of the CRT casings (61 %) contained more than 10,000 ppm bromine from BFRs. Decabromodiphenyl ether (DecaBDE) was the major flame retardant used in TV sets and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) for computer CRTs.The screening suggests that average PBDE levels (of c-OctaBDE + DecaBDE) in Nigerian-stockpiled CRT casings were 1.1 % for TV and 0.13 % for PC CRTs. These are above the Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) limit and should be separated for RoHS compliant recycling. The Nigerian e-waste inventory of 237,000 t of CRT plastic would therefore contain approx. 594 t c-OctaBDE and 1,880 t of DecaBDE. In Nigeria, as for most developing countries, there is currently no adequate e-waste management, plastic separation or destruction capacity. The data highlight the urgent need to develop environmentally sound management for this large material flow.