DDT Isomers Research Articles

Levels of chlorpyrifos, ethion, lambda-cyhalothrin, pendimethlin and triazophos pesticide residues in vegetables

Keeping in view the adverse effects of pesticides, due to their excessive uses in crops and storages, a representative study was conducted to evaluate the presence of pesticide residues in vegetables for most frequently used pesticides in the state of Haryana in India. In all, a variety of vegetables were collected as samples from farmers as well as markets located in twenty one districts of Haryana, India for the period of eight years. The extraction of pesticides from vegetable samples was done using QuEChERS method and analysis for commonly used pesticides was done using Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GCMS). The analysis of samples showed that approximately one-third of samples were found with detectable presence of pesticide residues. More importantly, the presence of some banned or withdrawn pesticides such as DDT isomers, endosulphan. Furthermore, approximately 40 % of the analyzed samples contained pesticide residues at or below maximum residue level (MRLs) and 16 % of analyzed samples contained pesticide residues above MRLs in terms of commodity groups. Furthermore, residues of Chlorpyrifos were found most often exceeding the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). Ethion, lambda-cyhalothrin, pendimethlin and triazophos were other pesticides with detected value higher than specified MRL values. Pesticides occurrence in large number of samples need to be "alarming and forcing matter to take appropriate action" to the cause of public health. This study may provide new directions for the application, management and control of pesticides used by farmers.

The Commerson's dolphin as Subantarctic sentinel of POPs: Insights into the pollutant status in one of the southernmost coastal areas of the globe

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are halogenated contaminants found globally. Cetaceans are impacted by these pollutants, and nowadays, it is essential to understand their presence to mitigate their impacts. This study aimed to establish baseline levels of POPs in the blubber of Commerson's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus commersonii) within the Subantarctic ecosystem. A wide range of POPs concentrations were measured among individuals: ΣPCBs from 289.5 to 15264 ng g−1 lw and ΣDDTs from 540.4 to 17657 ng g−1 lw. Levels of HCB and mirex ranged from 48 to 1703.7 ng g−1 lw and 5.1–1917.4 ng g−1 lw, respectively. The predominant POPs were mid-to high molecular weight PCBs (hexa-PCBs), consistent with other findings in cetaceans of the southern hemisphere. The mean ratio of ΣDDT/ΣPCB was 0.44, with p,p′-DDE/ΣDDT at 0.56, indicating p,p’-DDE as the dominant DDT isomer. Furthermore, differences in POP concentrations were observed based on sexual maturity, with mature males exhibiting higher levels of ƩPCBs, HCB, ƩDDT, and mirex. Age and total body length of animals were strongly correlated with POP concentrations. Our study provides valuable insights into the pollutant status of POPs in the Subantarctic population of Commerson's dolphins inhabiting the southernmost coastal regions of South America.

Organohalogen compounds in a hotspot for chemical pollution: Assessment in free-ranging Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis)

The assessment of chemical pollution in free-ranging living mammals is viable using remote biopsies and portrays a comprehensive scenario of environmental health. The Southwestern Atlantic Ocean holds incredible biodiversity, but it is under the constant and invisible threat of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of anthropogenic origin, such as pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and industrial-use compounds (e.g., PCBs). Thus, this study aimed to assess the bioaccumulation of POPs (PCBs, DDTs, HCB, mirex and PBDEs) and natural organobromine compounds (MeO-BDEs) using gas-chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in biopsy samples of Atlantic spotted dolphins (Stenella frontalis, n = 20) that inhabit and forage both inside and in adjacent areas to degraded (Guanabara Bay) and conserved (Ilha Grande Bay) coastal bays in the Southeastern Brazil. Among the studied compounds, PCBs were predominant in the contamination profile with median concentration of 97.0 μg.g-1 lipid weight (lw), followed by the sum of the p,p’ isomers of DDT, DDD, and DDE of 11.0 μg.g-1 lw, the brominated flame retardants PBDEs of 1.6 μg.g-1 lw, and the other organochlorine pesticides mirex of 0.78 μg.g-1 lw, and HCB of 0.049 μg.g-1 lw. The MeO-BDEs were detected with a median concentration of 22.8 μg.g-1 lw. 85 % of the Atlantic spotted dolphins analyzed in this study presented PCB concentration that exceeded even the less conservative threshold limits for adverse health effects (41 μg.g-1 lw). This study shows that despite the conservation status of preserved bays, cetacean species foraging in these locations are still under increased threat. Hence chemical pollution demands local and global efforts to be mitigated.

Distribution of Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Food of Animal Origin in Croatia.

Pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent environmental pollutants. When entering the food chain, they can represent a public health problem due to their negative effects on health. In this study, concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), organophosphate pesticides (OPPs), pyrethroids, carbamates, and PCBs-a total 73 compounds-were determined in a total of 2268 samples of fat tissues (beef, pork, sheep, goat, poultry, game, horse, rabbit) and processed fat, meat, and processed meat products collected in Croatia during an 8-year period. In fatty tissues, 787 results exceeded the limits of quantification (LOQ): 16 OCPs, eight OPPs, six pyrethroids, one carbamate, and seven PCBs. The most positive results in fat samples were found for OCPs, with a frequency of quantification in the range of 57.5-87.5%. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) were quantified in the highest percentages, in the ranges of 5.5-66.7% and 5.4-55.8%. Concentrations above the MRL values were determined for chlorpyrifos in pork fat and for resmethrin in six fat samples and one pâté. In 984 samples of meat and meat products, only 62 results exceeded the LOQ values. The highest frequency of quantification was determined for OCPs (25 samples), of which 40% were DDT isomers (60% DDE). Frequency quantifications of PCBs in fat samples were between 7.23 and 36.7%. An evaluation of the health risk assessment showed that the consumption of fat, meat, and meat products does not pose a threat to consumer health, since all EDI values were well below the respective toxicological reference values.

The Migration of Organic Chlorine Pesticide Residues in the Composition of the Soil Samples from Mirzaabad, Gulistan and Boyovut Districts of Syrdarya Region

The thin layer chromatography gas chromatography ECD detector was employed to evaluate soil samples and wheat stalks collected during the spring season for the presence of chlorine organic pesticides, namely DDT, DDE, DDD, HCH alpha, and gamma isomers. The study revealed that the uppermost concentration of pesticides is constrained within the depth interval of 0–10(20) cm, with their infiltration extending to a depth of 2.0–2.5 m. The initial investigation focused on examining the dynamics and movement of OCP, including substances such as DDT, DDD, DDE, alpha HCH, and gamma HCH, throughout the Syrdarya region. This page provides an overview of organochlorine pesticides, their residual presence, their application in agricultural regions, and the constituent makeup of wheat stalks. In April 2023, a collection of samples was obtained from several districts within the Syrdarya region. Subsequently, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on a total of 15 samples. The gas chromatography technique with an electron capture detector (GC/ECD) was employed for the investigation of organic chlorine insecticides. The isolation and quantification of organic chlorine insecticides with low to medium polarity were achieved using a capillary column.

The dynamics of persistent organic pollutant (POP) transfer from female bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) to their calves during lactation

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic compounds that can accumulate in high concentrations in the blubber of marine mammals, which are long-lived, top-level predators in their ecosystems. These compounds, which include DDTs, PCBs, PBDEs, HCHs, and CHLDs, impact mammalian health, including neurological effects, reduced immune system efficiency, and reproductive failure. POPs are transferred from females to their offspring during gestation and lactation, which have implications for the health of newborn marine mammals, particularly first-born offspring who receive higher concentrations. The dynamics of POP transfer during lactation have been studied in a few pinniped species, but there are no comparable studies on living cetaceans. Because life history strategies and behavior of lactating phocids differ from dolphins, a study on delphinid maternal transfer is warranted. To accomplish this, placenta and longitudinally collected blood and milk samples were taken concurrently from trained bottlenose dolphin, Tursiops truncatus, mother/calf pairs to assess the dynamics of maternal contaminant transfer. Initial POP levels in placenta, blood serum, and milk varied by individual and were related to the age and reproductive history of the females. Regardless of initial POP levels, maternal serum and milk concentrations decreased while calf serum POP levels increased over time. Pollutant transfer varied by POP class and by congener. Contaminant transfer efficiency to calves was most apparent for 4- to 6‑chlorine PCBs, DDT isomers p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDD, and o,p′-DDE, trans-nonachlor, cis-nonachlor, heptachlor epoxide, nonachlor III, and oxychlordane. By the end of the lactation period, calf serum POP levels were considerably greater than those of their mothers, particularly for compounds with fewer chlorines. POP levels were most biomagnified in the calf born to the primiparous female. These results provide critical information on one component of contaminant transfer in the marine ecosystem and for understanding potential risks of POP exposure to developing odontocete calves.

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in three bathyal chondrichthyes from the North-Western Mediterranean Sea

The deep-sea can act as a sink for legacy contaminants such as organochlorines (OCs), causing damages in its inhabitants for their persistence and their prolonged effects in the organisms. HCB, DDT and its isomers, and 28 PCBs congeners were detected in muscle and embryonic tissues of three deep-sea chondrichthyes Chimaera monstrosa (n = 16), Dalatias licha (n = 12) and Etmopterus spinax (n = 51) sampled in Ligurian and Tyrrhenian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). Contaminant distribution in E. spinax and C. monstrosa was PCBs > DDTs ≫ HCB while in D. licha was DDTs > PCBs ≫ HCB. Statistically significant differences were highlighted in OC levels among the species, but no such differences were found among sexes. Ratios between DDT isomers highlighted an historical input of the pesticide in the environment. For the first time was also demonstrated maternal transfer in deep water chondrichthyes, specifically in E. spinax where was highlighted that transfer of contaminants increases with increasing compound's Log Kow.

Metal(loid)s and persistent organic pollutants in yellow European eel from the Raša River, Croatia

The anthropogenic impact on the aquatic environment of the Raša River (Croatia) was investigated through the analysis of seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), three DDT isomers, and 22 major and trace elements using yellow European eel (Anguilla anguilla L.) as a biological indicator of contamination. The obtained data indicated generally low contamination status in the surrounding area. Levels of all organic contaminants in muscle significantly increased with lipid content, length, weight and body condition. In both muscle and liver, most metal(loid)s decreased or remained unchanged with increasing size, while at downstream location only several elements (Cd, Cu, Fe, Na, Se, U, V, Zn) accumulated in the liver with fish growth. Spatial analysis revealed higher pressure of Ag, Cd, Cr, Mo, Tl, U, and V at the downstream location, revealing the potentially limited impact of historical coal mining industry on the lower reaches of the Raša River.

A new insight into the emission source of DDT in indoor environment from rural area of South China and comprehensive human health exposure assessment.

Human exposure to dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) and the subsequent risk to human health remain an important concern due to the "new" input of DDTs in the environment, especially since exposure to DDTs in indoor microenvironments is often ignored. In this study, we identified a new source of DDT emission in indoor environments and evaluated the health risk from the exposure to DDTs by investigating DDTs in indoor and outdoor dust, air, and coatings of household items in rural areas of Qingyuan, South China. The concentrations of DDTs in house dust and air were < MQL (method quantification limit)-3450ng/g (median 42.4ng/g) and 22.7-965pg/m3 (median 49.5pg/m3), respectively, which were significantly higher than the outdoor DDT values. Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) was the main isomer in air samples, while DDT was the dominant isomer in indoor dust. Significant correlations between different DDT isomers were observed in indoor samples but not in outdoor samples. Furniture coating was identified as a source of DDTs in the indoor dust. The total daily exposure dose of DDTs (1.75 × 10-2ng/kg bw/day for adults and 1.28 × 10-1ng/kg bw/day for toddlers) through inhalation, dust ingestion, and dermal contact was found unlikely to pose a health risk. Our findings provide new insights into the emission sources and health risks caused by DDT indoors, highlighting the need to further investigate the toxicity mechanisms of parent DDT compound.

PAHs, PCBs, PBDEs, and OCPs trapped and remobilized in the Lake of Cavazzo (NE Italy) sediments: Temporal trends, quality, and sources in an area prone to anthropogenic and natural stressors

Under the present climatic emergency, the environmental quality of freshwater reservoirs is an increasingly urgent topic as its deterioration threatens humans and ecosystems. It is evident that pollution by natural and anthropogenic contaminants must be avoided or reduced. The Lake of Cavazzo (NE Italy) is a natural perialpine basin which, from the mid-20th century, has sustained several anthropogenic impacts that added to the effects of the intense regional seismicity. Starting from 2015, in response to concerns raised by local authorities, a multidisciplinary investigation of the lake floor and sub-floor was conducted, including a geophysical survey and the collection of sediment cores. Two of them were studied to detect contamination by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and specific Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs; i.e. PolyChlorinated Biphenyls - PCBs, PolyBrominated Diphenyl Ethers - PBDEs, and OrganoChlorine Pesticides - OCPs), and to verify the link with known anthropogenic stressors. Results were interpreted in light of previous studies suggesting modified conditions after the ‘50s, and recognized the effects of the 1976–1977 MW 6.5 seismic sequence in resuspending sediments within the basin. Analyzed pollutants defined a potential critical situation only for few OCPs, above all 2,4’- and 4,4′-DDT isomers. In addition, PBDEs were found at concentrations exceeding those of other heavily polluted alpine lakes. Mass movements (either seismic or human induced) have likely resuspended and transferred pollutants from shallower locations to the lake depocenter, showing the potential of re-exposing contaminated layers to biomagnification processes along the lacustrine food chain. Local inputs of pollutants prevail over distributed sources, suggesting a link with local agricultural or industrial activities. Indeed, works connected to the construction of the hydroelectric power plant in the ‘50s might have reworked local sediments perturbing their natural accretion. Results of this work might inspire similar studies in other problematic lacustrine areas that sustain both natural and anthropogenic stressors.

Behaviors and trophodynamics of o,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (o,p′-DDT) in the aquatic food web: Comparison with p,p′-DDT

The broad-spectrum insecticide p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT) has been banned in most countries since the 1970s on account of its environmental persistence as well as the high biomagnification of its major metabolite 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chorophenyl)ethylene (p,p′-DDE). However, the information on the bioaccumulation and behavior of p,p′-DDTs in aquatic organisms is lacking. In this study, all 6 DDT isomers were detected in biota from the food web of the Liaodong Bay, China, and the total concentrations of DDT isomers in Chinese anchovy (Thrissa kammalensis) and Japanese Spanish mackerel (Scomberomrus niphonius) were 223 ± 42 ng/g ww and 242 ± 70 ng/g ww, respectively. In biota, o,p′-DDD dominated among the o,p′-isomers (80.5 ± 17.3%), while p,p′-DDE dominated among the p,p′-isomers (61.8 ± 15.2%). Contrastingly, sediment from the Liaodong Bay contained similar proportions of o,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDTs, suggesting an isomer-specific metabolism of the compounds in biota. A well-controlled laboratory exposure experiment with Japanese medaka (Oryzias latipes) demonstrated that o,p′-DDT was more difficult to metabolize to o,p′-DDE compared with that of p,p′-DDT. Significantly positive regressions were found between trophic levels and lipid equivalent concentrations for both o,p′-DDT and o,p′-DDD, and the trophic magnification factors (TMFs) were estimated as 12.3 and 9.12 (p < 0.05), respectively. The TMFs of o,p′-DDT and o,p′-DDD in the aquatic food web were higher than p,p′-DDT (7.76), p,p′-DDD (4.17), and p,p′-DDE (3.39), which may be explained by the isomer-specific metabolism differences in biota.

Needle-trap device packed with the MIL-100(Fe) metal–organic framework for the extraction of the airborne organochlorine pesticides

This study was presented the development of the needle trap device (NTD) packed with the MIL-100(Fe) metal–organic framework (MOF) for extraction of organochlorine pesticides (Hexachlorobenzene, Aldrin, Alpha-Chlordane, Dildrin and DDT isomers) from the air environment for the first time. Specifications of synthesized MIL-100(Fe) were identified by Fourier-transfer infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and elemental mapping techniques. The optimization of sampling and desorption parameters such as humidity, time, and temperature were performed by response surface methodology (RSM). Sampling and analysis of organochlorine pesticides were accomplished under different conditions in the laboratory scale and then was employed in the field study for the real air samples. The highest response was obtained at desorption temperature of 280 °C and desorption time of 5 min. The temperature and humidity of the sampling site were set to 30 °C and 25%. Furthermore, the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Limit of Quantification (LOQ) for the targeted analytes were determined in the range of 0.04–0.41 µg/m3 and 0.21–1.82 µg/m3, respectively. Moreover, from the recovery standpoint, any significant change was not detected on the analytes after 6 days of storage at 4 °C. Also, the results of this study showed a high correlation (R2 = 0.9882) between the results of the proposed method with the standard NIOSH method. This study exhibited that the proposed MIL-100(Fe)@NTD method can be employed as an eco-friendly, reliable, sensitive, and efficient procedure for sampling and determination of the organochlorine pesticides compared to the standard NIOSH method.

Levels of Metals and Organochlorine Pesticides in Kidney, Liver, and Muscle Tissues of Wild Boars (Sus scrofa) from Hatay Province, Eastern Mediterranean Region, Turkey.

Increases in the levels of environmental contaminants are reflected in wild animals, which are early indicators of pollution. Hatay is an ecologically important region with a high intensity of industrial and agricultural activities. This study aimed to investigate the contamination levels of metals and organochlorine pesticides associated with environmental pollution in tissues of wild boars from Turkey. The highest mean levels (mg kg-1) of metals were 0.05 for As, 0.51 for Cd, 6.30 for Cu, 0.07 for Hg, 0.54 for Ni, and 0.57 for Pb in kidney tissues and 0.22 for Cr, 353.38 for Fe, 2.86 for Mn, and 46.76 for Zn in liver tissues. The Cd and Pb levels exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRLs) in some tissues. Among the studied pesticides, only p,p'-DDE contamination was quantified, and the mean levels were 3.6, 0.1, and 0.5µg kg-1 in liver, kidney, and muscle tissues respectively. In conclusion, Hatay Province requires monitoring in terms of environmentally important contaminants, mainly Cd, Pb, and DDT isomers.

Legacy persistent organochlorine pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface soil from the industrial corridor of South India: occurrence, sources and risk assessment.

Conversion of agricultural fields into the industrial corridor under the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Limited (SIPCOT) necessitated the investigation of soil-borne organic contaminants. This study is the first attempt to evaluate the occurrence of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from Mambakkam and Cheyyar SIPCOT belt, along the residential, industrial and agricultural transects. Concentrations of Σ28PCBs, Σ16PAHs and OCPs were in the range 0.3-9ng/g, 33-2934ng/g and nd-81.4ng/g, respectively. Residential areas showed higher OCP concentrations than other site types, probably due to their frequent use in vector control programmes. DDT isomers and α-isomer of endosulfan showed low concentrations indicating past usage of these OCPs. Principal component analysis indicated that high-temperature combustion and industrial processes might be the major sources of high molecular weight PAHs, while low-temperature combustion processes might be responsible for low molecular weight PAHs. PCBs in soil were probably attributed to unaccounted combustion processes of e-waste in the region. Carcinogenic PAHs and Σ28PCBs were higher in the industrial sites. Mean Σ28PCBs at Mambakkam (4.8ng/g) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than that at the incipient industrial corridor Cheyyar (2.7ng/g). Lower chlorinated PCBs (3-Cl and 4-Cl) amounted to more than half of Σ28PCBs in 75% of the sites. Total toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs (total BaPeq) were found to be maximum in industrial areas. Maximum contribution to TEQs due to dioxin-like-PCBs was from PCB-157, followed by PCB-189.

Ryanodine Receptor Type 2: A Molecular Target for Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane- and Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene-Mediated Cardiotoxicity.

DDT/DDE interactions with RyR2 alter cardiomyocyte Ca2+ dynamics that may contribute to adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with exposures.

Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediment of Zhang River Estuary Mangrove National Natural Reserve: The Implication of Its Source Change in China’s Mangroves

Seventeen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were examined in surface sediments from Zhang River Estuary Mangrove National Natural Reserve, which is situated in the Fujian province in southeast China. The range of ∑OCPs concentration was 0.29–25.41 ng/g dry weight (average 4.53 ng/g), ∑HCHs was 0.008–0.906 ng/g dry weight (average 0.240 ng/g), and ∑DDTs was ND–4.743 (average 0.664 ng/g). The concentrations of the HCH isomers were observed in the following decreasing order: α-HCH &gt; β-HCH &gt; δ-HCH &gt; γ-HCH, and that of the DDT isomers were as in the following order: p,p’-DDT &gt; p,p’-DDE &gt; p,p’-DDD. According to the analysis of the isomer ratios, γ-HCH (lindane) and endosulfan were rarely used recently around this mangrove forest. Instead, the ratios of (DDD+DDE)/DDT showed that DDTs were still illegally used. Compared with other mangroves in China, the residue level and ecological risk of the OCPs in surface sediment from ZREMNNR are both at a low level. Based on stepwise regression analysis, current fruit planting, as well as mariculture in developed areas and vegetable planting in developing areas, had a positive relation with DDT residues in mangrove sediment in China. Oppositely, HCH residues in mangrove sediment were derived from historical consumption, and generally the higher levels occurred in the developed areas. Through this study, we help to close the knowledge gap of OCPs in China’s mangroves and provide a possible management implication for sustainable development in the future.

Pre-diagnostic serum concentrations of organochlorines and risk of acute myeloid leukemia: A nested case-control study in the Norwegian Janus Serum Bank Cohort

BackgroundEpidemiologic studies suggest an increased risk of leukemia among individuals occupationally exposed to some organochlorine (OC) compounds. Associations between serum OC pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels and risk of acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the most common subtype of acute leukemia in adult populations, have not been evaluated prospectively in the general population. ObjectiveWe evaluated the risk of AML in relation to pre-diagnostic serum levels of OC pesticides and PCBs in a case-control study nested within the Janus Serum Bank Cohort. MethodsJanus is a large population-based cohort containing biologic samples collected beginning in the early 1970s from ~318,000 individuals in Norway. Serum levels of 11 OC pesticides or their metabolites and 34 PCB congeners were measured in 56 AML cases and 288 controls. Conditional logistic regression was conducted to evaluate associations between lipid-adjusted serum OC levels and risk of AML. ResultsHigher serum levels of total chlordane/heptachlor metabolites were associated with AML risk (3rd vs. 1st tertile odds ratio (OR) = 2.26, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.91–5.63; ptrend = 0.11). Significant exposure-response associations were observed for levels of heptachlor epoxide (3rd vs. 1st tertile OR = 2.85, 95% CI = 1.05–7.73; ptrend = 0.02) and dieldrin (3rd vs. 1st tertile OR = 2.71, 95% CI = 1.07–6.83; ptrend = 0.03). No significant exposure-response associations with AML risk were observed for total DDT or individual isomers and derivatives. Higher serum levels of p,p′-DDT showed a non-significant increase in risk, but the exposure-response became attenuated when co-adjusting for heptachlor epoxide or dieldrin levels. Serum PCB levels were not significantly associated with AML risk. ConclusionsOur data suggest that higher serum levels of dieldrin and metabolites derived from chlordane/heptachlor are associated with risk of AML in the general Norwegian population, based on samples collected on average ~17 years before diagnosis. Further research in populations with historically high or recent exposure to DDT is warranted to assess the association with AML risk with body burden of specific DDT isomers and derivatives.

Profiling of heavy metal and pesticide residues in medicinal plants.

Application of medicinal plant to cure ailments has been practiced by several civilizations. Nowadays, contamination of heavy metals and pesticide residues in medicinal plant is a serious concern, due to toxic effects on human health. The present study was designed with an aim to quantify the heavy metals and pesticide residues in the 20 medicinal herbs, frequently sold in the local market as raw material without any quality assurance. The concentrations of the elements are as follows: copper (2.42-19.14μgg-1), cadmium (0.01-2.10μgg-1), chromium (17.63-58.63μgg-1), iron (7.61-322.6μgg-1), and lead (13.00-54.47μgg-1), whereas total metal concentration ranged between 44.73 and 385.15μgg-1. Among the organic pesticides, HCH (1.63-6.44μgg-1) and DDT (0.63-7.14μgg-1) isomers were found to be present in medicinal plant material. Result showed that lead and chromium concentrations in the herbs were above the permissible limits set by WHO. These herbs should be regularly checked for quality assurance before using raw or as a herbal formulation to avoid chronic exposure of metal and pesticides to human being.

Human Risk Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Vegetables from Kumasi, Ghana

The use of organochlorine pesticides has been banned worldwide due to their toxicities. However, some farmers use them illegally because of their potency. The aim of this study was to assess the level of organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues and the potential health risk associated with vegetables, soil, and groundwater obtained from farms in Ayigya, Nsenie, Gyenyase, and Kentinkrono in Kumasi, Ghana. A total of 15 samples were analyzed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an electron capture detector. The highest mean concentration of 184.10 ± 12.11 µg/kg was recorded for methoxychlor in cabbage from Ayigya. Beta-hexachlorocyclohexane (beta-HCH) recorded the lowest mean concentration of 0.20 ± 0.00 µg/kg in cabbage from Ayigya. The combined risk index showed significant health risk to children than adults. The soil samples mainly contained methoxychlor followed by dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), aldrin, and other OCPs. Concentrations of total HCHs, total DDTs, and total OCPs in the soil samples ranged from &lt;0.01 to 49.00, &lt;0.01 to 165.81, and &lt;0.01 to 174.91 µg/kg, respectively. Among all HCH and DDT isomers, only β-HCH and p,p′-DDT were detected in some of the water samples. Carcinogenic risk values for β-HCH, aldrin, and p,p′ DDT in the groundwater were found to be &gt;10−6, posing a potentially serious cancer risk to consumers. Moreover, the hazard quotients (HQs) of aldrin exceeded the threshold value of one, indicating that daily exposure is a potential concern.

Trophic transfer of persistent organic pollutants through a pelagic food web: The case of Lake Como (Northern Italy)

Despite DDT and PCB having been banned for about 40 years, they are still detectable in the environment. In the present research we specifically investigated the trophic transfer of these organochlorine contaminants (OC) through a pelagic food web of a deep lake in Northern Italy (Lake Como) over time. Zooplankton and fish were sampled each season of a year and OC concentrations and the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios were measured. By using stable isotopes, the direct trophic relationship between pelagic zooplankton and zooplanktivorous fish was confirmed for Alosa agone only in summer. Based on this result, the biomagnification factor normalized on the trophic level (BMFTL) for organic contaminants was calculated. BMFTL values were within the range 0.9–1.9 for DDT isomers and 1.6–4.9 for some PCB congeners (PCB 95, PCB 101, PCB 149, PCB 153, PCB 138 - present both in zooplankton and in fish and representing >60% of the PCB contamination), confirming the biomagnification of these compounds in one of the two zooplanktivorous fish species of the lake.