Levels Of Organochlorine Compounds Research Articles

Could persistent organic pollutants affect future generations of sea turtles by maternal transfer? First results for Caretta caretta nests along the North-Western coast of Italy

Since 2013, loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta, Linnaeus 1758) nesting has been observed further north along the Italian coast, reaching the Tuscan coast (NW Mediterranean Sea). The four nesting events that occurred in Tuscany in the summer of 2019 spurred the scientific community to monitor these occurrences more carefully, following them from egg deposition to hatching. This provided an opportunity to collect samples for conducting multidisciplinary investigations, including the toxicological investigations of the biological material collected from the four nests. The aim of this study was to conduct an initial assessment of persistent organic pollutants in the eggs laid in Tuscany, aiming to establish a baseline on this topic for subsequent nesting events that have occurred until today. Organochlorine compounds (OCs), specifically polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), were analyzed and detected in unhatched eggs, embryos, and chorio-allantoic membranes (CAMs). OCs were detected in all samples, with PCBs > DDTs ≫ HCB. A significant spatial variation in pollutant levels and profiles among sea turtle nesting locations was found. Embryos showed higher levels of contamination than egg contents regardless of the developmental stages. Depth of the laying chamber and egg mass were not significant factors in OC bioaccumulation. For the first time in the Mediterranean Sea, this study assessed the role of CAM in the transfer of contaminants to the embryo. Overall, the OC levels found were lower compared to the results from other studies conducted worldwide on loggerhead sea turtle biological material. This was the first assessment of nest biological material for the North-Western coast of Italy.

Back on top: Resuspended by dredging and other environmental disturbances, organochlorine compounds may affect the health of a dolphin population in a tropical estuary, Sepetiba Bay

Organochlorine compounds (OCs) are persistent organic pollutants linked to damaging the immune and endocrine systems, leading to a greater susceptibility to infectious diseases at high concentrations. Sepetiba Bay, in the Southeastern Brazilian coast, historically presents anthropogenic activities and environmental contamination that could negatively impact resident populations. In this context, this study aimed to investigate the temporal trends in the accumulation of organochlorine compounds over a 12-year database in the Guiana dolphins’ (Sotalia guianensis) resident population from Sepetiba Bay, including individuals collected before, during, and after an unusual mortality event triggered by morbillivirus (n = 85). The influence of biological parameters was also evaluated. The OCs concentrations in the blubber ranged from 0.98 to 739 μg/g of ΣPCB; 0.08–130 μg/g of ΣDDT; <0.002–4.56 μg/g of mirex; <0.002–1.84 μg/g of ΣHCH and <0.001–0.16 μg/g of HCB in lipid weight. Increased temporal trends were found for OCs in Guiana dolphins coinciding with periods of large events of dredging in the region. In this way, our findings suggest that the constant high OCs concentrations throughout the years in this Guiana dolphin population are a result of the constant environmental disturbance in the area, such as dredging. These elevated OCs levels, e.g., ΣPCB concentrations found above the known thresholds, may impair the response of the immune system during outbreak periods, which could lead the population to a progressive decline.

Monk seals (Monachus monachus) in the Mediterranean Sea: The threat of organochlorine contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) is an emblematic species of conservation concern. Anthropogenic pressures have led to severe population declines and significant fragmentation of the remaining populations. Because of their close relationship with coastal areas, Mediterranean monk seals may be potentially exposed to pollution from agricultural sources, as well as from oil tanker spills. Although monitoring of pollution has long been considered a priority for this species, data on monk seal contamination levels are scarce. In this study, 55 blubber samples of all genders and age classes collected during necropsies (1995–2013) from seals of the Eastern Mediterranean subpopulation were analyzed for organochlorine compounds (OCs), i.e., hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Overall, PCBs > DDTs ≫ PAHs > HCB in all samples. Results showed a significant downward trend over the 19-year period for DDTs and HCB. No marked pattern was found for PAHs, even though relative abundance of cancerogenic PAH fraction rose in recent years. PCB levels in subadult specimens increased noticeably over time despite worldwide ban. Our findings did not suggest recent releases of DDT or new pesticides (e.g., Dicofol) in the environment, but may indicate an improper disposal of ancient storages of PCBs or a remobilization from reservoirs. OC levels exceeded thresholds that are commonly associated with immunosuppression and reproductive impairment in other pinnipeds. Hence, OCs could be responsible of potential toxicological effects in this subpopulation. This study represents the first report on PAH and one of the few reports on OC bioaccumulation in Mediterranean monk seals. Based on the levels found in the blubber of monk seals from the Eastern Mediterranean, and given the known harmful effects associated to the prolonged exposure to these substances and the reduced long-term expectations of species recovery, regular monitoring is advocated.

Organochlorine compounds pose health risks to the Qinling Giant Panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis).

To assess organochlorine compound (OC) contamination, its possible sources, and adverse health impacts on giant pandas, we collected soil, bamboo, and panda fecal samples from the habitat and research center of the Qinling panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca qinlingensis)-the rarest recognized panda subspecies. The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) concentrations were comparatively low which suggests that moderate sources of OC pollution currently. OC levels were lower in samples from nature reserve than in those collected from pandas held in captivity, and OC levels within the reserve increased between functional areas in the order: core, buffer and experimental. The distribution patterns, and correlation analyses, combined with congener distributions suggested PCBs and OCPs originated from similar sources, were dispersed by similar processes, being transported through atmosphere and characterized by historical residues. Backward trajectory analyses results, and detected DRINs (aldrin, dieldrin, endrin and isodrin) both suggest long-range atmospheric transport of pollution source. PCBs pose potential cancer risk, and PCB 126 was the most notable toxicant as assessed be the high carcinogenic risk index. We provide data for health risk assessment that can guide the identification of priority congeners, and recommend a long-term monitoring plan. This study proposes an approach to ecotoxicological threats whereby giant pandas may be used as sentinel species for other threatened or endangered mammals. By highlighting the risks of long-distance transmission of pollutants, the study emphasizes the importance of transboundary cooperation to safeguard biodiversity.

Legacy and Emerging Contaminants in Demersal Fish Species from Southern Norway and Implications for Food Safety.

The present study aimed at measuring the levels of legacy and emerging contaminants in fillet samples from four demersal fish caught in two fishing sites from Southern Norway, in order to assess possible implications for food safety. Levels of organochlorine compounds (OCs), organophosphate pesticides (OPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDE), per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in fillet from Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua), European plaice (Pleuronectes platessa), lemon sole (Microstomus kitt), and European flounder (Platichthys flesus) specimens. A negligible contamination by all the investigated chemicals was noted in both the fishing sites, as very low levels of OCs, PCBs, and PFASs were noted in a limited number of individuals for each species. Considering the levels of contaminants measured in fillets of the four demersal fish species, negligible risk for human health for Norwegian consumers can be supposed.

Establishing the Association between Blood Levels of Chloroform in Children and Concentrations of Chloroform and Its Derivatives in Drinking Water of Centralized Water Supply Systems

Background: Surface reservoirs remain one of the priority sources of drinking water in the Russian Federation whereas the increasing anthropogenic effect on the environment does not exclude the possibility of contamination of surface waters with toxic compounds. The use of traditional methods of water disinfection with active chlorine aggravates the situation and leads to formation of highly toxic organochlorine compounds. In this regard, one of the urgent hygienic problems is to establish health effect of these toxicants in the population including its most sensitive groups. The objective of the study was to establish and quantify the relationship between concentrations of chloroform and its derivatives in drinking water and blood levels of organochlorine compounds in children consuming potable water with a higher content of chlorine and its derivatives. Materials and methods: The study was conducted on six territories of the Perm Region constituting an observation area where drinking water was noncompliant with hygienic standards by a number of indices, and a comparison area. The analysis of trihalomethanes in drinking water samples was carried out in accordance with the requirements of sanitary regulations SanPiN 2.1.4.1074–01. The levels of trihalomethanes (chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, dibromochloromethane, dichlorobromethane, and 1,2-dichloroethane) in children’s blood samples were analyzed by capillary gas chromatography in combination with a specific detector to increase selectivity and sensitivity of determination. We used a Kristall-5000 gas chromatograph with an Optima-5 capillary column (25 m × 0.32 mm × 0.5 μL) and a selective electron capture detector (ECD). Results: The data of comprehensive chemical analyses of average levels of trihalomethanes in blood samples of children consuming drinking water with an increased content of determined compounds (up to 3.5 MPC) and the water complying with hygienic standards are presented. We observed significant differences (р&lt;0.005) between two groups in the blood levels of chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and 1,2-dichloroethane that were 5.6, 6 and 24 times higher in children of the test group compared to the controls. Conclusion: We revealed a statistically significant causal relationship between the increase in chloroform concentrations in drinking water and the increase in blood levels of chloroform in children described by the equation у=0.00188+0.01782х (R2=0.263, p=0.0018).

Persistent organic pollutants in tissues of farmed tuna from the Adriatic Sea

This study investigated the levels and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides in three tissue types of farmed Bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus): muscle, liver and branchiae. Seven adult species were caught in 2015 at a tuna farm in the Croatian Adriatic. The organochlorine compound levels decreased in the following order: liver > muscle > branchiae while contaminant distribution in all three tissues followed the same order: ΣPCB ≫ ΣDDT > ΣHCH ~ HCB. The found POP levels indicated moderate pollution of farmed tuna and were below all limits set by current laws. Furthermore, no cytotoxic effect of the POP mixture extracted from tuna liver samples on human neuroblastoma cells was observed.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorines pesticides in indoor dust: An exploration of sources and health exposure risk in a rural area (Kopawa) of Nepal.

While contamination of indoor environment with organochlorine compounds (OCs) is well documented worldwide, only a few studies highlighted the problem of indoor pollution in Indian sub-continent, including Nepal. This study insight the contamination level, distribution pattern, and sources of OCs in indoor dust from a rural area of Nepal. Additionally, daily exposure risk through different intake pathways was estimated in order to mark the potential risk of OCs to local residents. Results indicated the predominance of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in dust. Ʃ26OCPs (median 87ng/g) in dust was about 7-8 times greater than Ʃ30PCBs (median 10.5ng/g). DDT was the most abundant chemical among Ʃ26OCPs, followed by HCHs and endosulfan, and accounted for 73%, 7%, and 4% of Ʃ26OCPs, respectively. A relatively high level of ƩDDT than other OCPs suggests the existence of DDT source in the Nepalese environment. Among PCB, tetra-CBs were most prevalent, trailed by penta-CBs, hexa-CBs, and hepta-CBs, and comprised 28%, 21%, 17% and 17% of Ʃ30PCBs, respectively. Dioxin like-PCBs (median 3.48ng/g) was about two times higher than the total indicator-PCB (median 1.63ng/g). High p,p-DDT/p,p-DDE ratio (median 2.89) suggested fresh application and minimal degradation of DDT in the local environment of Kopawa. While lower α-/γ-HCH ratio (median 0.75) indicated lindane contamination as the primary sources of HCH. Moreover, the low α-/β-endosulfan ratio (median 0.86) specified the fresh use of commercial endosulfan. Among OCPs, only DDT positively related to total organic carbon (TOC) (Rho=0.55, p<0.05) but not black carbon (BC), proposing minimal or zero impact of TOC and BC. For PCBs, PCB-126 was moderately and negatively correlated with TOC (Rho=-0.49, p<0.05), but not BC. The daily risk exposure (DRE) assessment showed that children are more vulnerable to OCs than the adult. The DRE of OCs in this study were 2-4 order of magnitude lower than their corresponding reference dose (RfD), proposing insignificant risk.

Chlordecone and organochlorine compound levels in the French West Indies population in 2013-2014.

Agricultural activities in the Caribbean, especially banana cropping, are known for their significant use of pesticides. In particular is chlordecone, which was used between 1972 and 1993 against the banana root borer, Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar, 1824). In this context, "Kannari study: Health, Nutrition and Exposition to Chlordecone in French West Indies" was put in place in 2013-2014 to supplement knowledge about the exposure of the population to chlordecone and other organochlorine pollutants. The data collected comprised a dietary intake description, data from biological samples (blood sample), socioeconomic and demographic information, and data from complementary specific items relative to life habits. A total of 742 subjects (292 in Guadeloupe and 450 in Martinique) were included in the impregnation component of the Kannari study. In this study, chlordecone and organochlorine compounds were detected in almost all participants. This result suggests that exposure to chlordecone is widespread, but also to other organochlorine pesticides. Chlordecone impregnation of the majority of the population appears to have decreased between 2003 and 2013, but various subgroups of the population remain highly exposed. The levels of impregnation are determined by dietary exposure and environmental contamination. However, total consumption of fresh fish (all species combined), especially from informal channels, is the main source of exposure to chlordecone. The serum PCB concentrations measured in the French Caribbean Islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique are lower than those observed in metropolitan France in 2007 (French Nutrition and Health Survey (ENNS)). In contrast, the French West Indies population seems more exposed to lindane than the French mainland population, and this exposure also seems more recent.

Assessment of persistent organochlorine compounds contamination on the Lake Victoria water and sediments: a case study in Tanzania

The current study was conducted to establish the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), its degradation products, and indicatory polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in water and sediments from Lake Victoria in Tanzania. Seven indicator PCBs were identified in sediments, and five were identified in water. The PCBs loading ranged from lower than the limit of detection (LOD) to 10.28 µg kg−1 DW and 0.95 to 2.24 µg l−1 in sediments and water, respectively. PCBs, CB 138 and CB 153 dominated the load, because of their chemical stability and high degree of chlorination. In addition, ten OCPs were identified in sediments, and seven OCPs were identified in water. The levels of organochlorine compounds in sediments were higher than in water samples, implying that sediments may serve as a sink for these compounds. The presence of these compounds is probably as a result of either historical use, long-range environmental transport or environmental persistence. The levels of organochlorine compounds in the lake water and sediments are below the maximum residue limit set by EU and FAO, except for aldrin and dieldrin. Based on the Threshold Effect Concentration (TEC) for freshwater ecosystems, aldrin and dieldrin are the only OCPs that seem to be a threat to the lake environment.

Occurrence of organochlorine compounds in fish from freshwater environments of the central Andes, Argentina.

The Central Andes region is considered an area of high environmental relevance in South America and it is rich in glaciers, which are the main fresh water sources and reservoirs of the region. The presence of organochlorine compounds (OCs) is an environmental threat due to their persistence and adverse effects on wildlife and humans. The levels of OCs, such as chlordane compounds (CHLs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were determined in muscle and liver tissues of fish and in sediments collected from different sites of the central Andes: the Mendoza River and the Yaucha River (rainbow trout: Oncorhynchus mykiss) and Carrizal Dam (silverside: Odontesthes bonariensis). Regardless of studied site and fish tissue, the general OC trend was: DDTs > PCBs > HCHs > CHLs > HCB. The results showed clear geographic distribution patterns for DDTs. Among the sampling sites, silverside fish showed the highest average load of DDTs (614 and 867 ng g-1 lw in muscle and liver tissues, respectively). Based on the biota-sediment bioaccumulation factor (BSAF), both rainbow trout and silverside fish showed comparable capability to accumulate p,p'-DDT in their tissues. Intraspecific correlational analysis showed that CB-138 in muscle and p,p'-DDT in liver were clearly correlated with the lipid content in silverside specimens, which highlights the relevance of taking into account the fat content and the type of target tissues.

Association of serum levels of p,p’- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) with type 2 diabetes in African American and Caucasian adult men from agricultural (Delta) and non-agricultural (non-Delta) regions of Mississippi

ABSTRACTEpidemiological associations were reported in several studies between persistent organochlorine organic pollutants and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Mississippi is a highly agricultural state in the USA, particularly the Delta region, with previous high usage of organochlorine (OC) insecticides such as p,p’- dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). In addition, there is a high proportion of African Americans who display elevated prevalence of T2D. Therefore, this State provides an important dataset for further investigating any relationship between OC compounds and metabolic diseases. The aim of this study was to assess whether soil and serum levels of OC compounds, such as p,p’- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), arising from the heavy historical use of legacy OC insecticides, might serve as an environmental public health indicator for T2D occurrence. Soil samples from 60 Delta and 60 non-Delta sites randomly selected were analyzed for the presence of OC compounds. A retrospective cohort study of adult men (150 from each region) was recruited to provide a blood sample for OC compound quantitation and select demographic and clinical information including T2D. Using multivariable logistic regression, an association was found between increasing serum DDE levels and T2D occurrence in non-Delta participants (those subjects with lower serum DDE levels), as opposed to Delta participants (individuals with higher serum DDE levels). Thus, while there was a relationship between serum DDE levels and T2D in those with lower burdens of DDE, the lack of association in those with higher levels of DDE indicates a complex non-monotonic correlation between serum DDE levels and T2D occurrence complicating the goal of finding a public health marker for T2D.Abbreviations: BMI, body mass index; CVD, cardiovascular disease; CDC, Center for Disease Control, United States of America; DDE, p,p’- dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene; DDT, p,p’- dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane; GC/MS, gas chromatography/mass spectrometry; GIS, geographic information system; GPS, global positioning system; HDL, high-density lipoprotein; HTN, hypertension; IDW, inverse distance weighting; IRB, Institutional Review Board; LDL, low-density lipoprotein; LOQ, limit of quantitation; NHANES, National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys; POPs, persistent organic pollutants; OC, organochlorine; PCB, polychlorinated biphenyl; SIM, single-ion monitoring; T2D, type 2 diabetes mellitus; USA, United States of America.

An evaluation of the levels of organochlorine compounds (OCPs and PCBs) in cultured freshwater and wild sea fish eggs as an exposure biomarker for environmental contamination.

In this study, the eggs of 30 wild Black Sea whiting (Merlangius merlangus euxinus, Nordmann, 1840) and 30 farmed freshwater rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss, Walbaum, 1792) collected from Samsun Province in Turkey were analyzed to determine the level of contamination by nine organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), namely α-hexachlorocyclohexane (α-HCH), β-HCH, γ-HCH (lindane), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), aldrin, 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), 4,4'-DDT, 2,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), 4,4'-DDE, and 15 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (PCB-28, -70, -74, -81, -99, -101, -118, -138, -153, -156, -170, -180, -183, -187, and -208), and their potential use as biomarkers to monitor levels of environmental contamination. OCPs and PCBs in the fat of fish eggs were extracted cryogenically and their concentrations were determined with a gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD). The whiting eggs showed high OCP and PCB levels compared to the rainbow trout eggs. The median ∑ DDT values for whiting and rainbow trout eggs were 1601.62ngg-1 fat (range 824.87-5049.81) and 406.49ngg-1 fat (range 199.88-588.82); median ∑Indicator PCBs were 1264.24ngg-1 fat (range 520.05-6140.32) and 82.11ngg-1 fat (range 2.85-215.97); and median ∑ HCHs were 155.66ngg-1 fat (range 35.45-330.40) and 13.48ngg-1 fat (range 4.44-66.44), respectively. In the whiting eggs, the ∑Indicator PCB level was above the maximum residue limit (MRL) of 200ngg-1 fat stated in the European Commission Regulation (EC) and Turkish Food Codex (TFC). In addition, there was a significant difference between the contamination levels of the eggs of the two species. In conclusion, it appears that fish eggs can serve as a valuable biomarker for the level of contamination of persistent organochlorine contaminants in different aquatic environments.

Persistent Organochlorine Compounds Levels in Selected Fish Species from Lake Victoria and Associated Human Health Risks

Nile perch (<i>L. niloticus </i>) and Nile tilapia (<i>O. niloticus</i>) are the major commercial fish species in Lake Victoria region of Tanzania. This study was conducted to assess the levels of persistent organochlorine compounds, namely PCBs and OCPs in these two fish species and the probable human health risks associated with the consumption of these two fish species from Lake Victoria. Fish samples were collected between May and August 2016 and the necessary anthropometric measurements such as length and weight were taken. The extraction was done using a modified QuEChERS method and the identification and quantification of the chemicals were done using GC/ECDs. The results of this study revealed that fish species sampled were undersize, which was an indication of overfishing and abuse of bylaws. Among the 19 OCPs which were considered, only four (β- HCH, HCB, Aldrin and Dieldrin) were detected at measurable quantities. β- HCH ranged from <0.24 to 1.19µg/kg. The mean concentrations were 0.77±0.43µg/kg and 0.56±0.16µg/kg for <i>L. niloticus</i> and <i>O. niloticus</i> respectively. HCB levels ranged from <0.18 to 0.59µg/kg in <i>L. niloticus</i> and <0.18µg/kg in <i>O. niloticus</i>. Aldrin ranged from <0.14 to 0.34µg/kg in <i>L. niloticus</i> whereas it was not detected in <i>O. niloticus</i>. Moreover, Dieldrin residues ranged from <0.17 to 1.06µg/kg in <i>O. niloticus</i> but were not detected in <i>L. niloticus</i>. Generally, there were slightly higher levels of the detected OCPs in <i>L. niloticus</i> than the corresponding levels in <i>O. niloticus</i> mainly due to their differences in trophic levels and feeding habits. The indicator PCBs were not detected in all the investigated fish samples. The levels of all the detected organochlorines were far below the MRL set for fish and fishery products suggesting that the fresh fish from Lake Victoria are safe for human consumption. Low levels of the detected residues and non- detection of many organochlorines considered indicate that contamination in Lake Victoria has not reached alarming levels. The human health risk assessment of the detected organochlorines showed cancer risk from 8.6E-06 to 3.2E-05 for children and from 7.8E-06 to 1.3E-05 for adults indicating that there is a low cancer risk for both age groups. The non- cancer risks (HI) on the other hand, were 5.7E-02 for children and 4.7E-02 for adults, which is an indication of an insignificant risk.

Organochlorine Pesticides Exposure as a Risk Factor for Breast Cancer in Young Women: A Case Control Study

Background: Young women (&lt; 40 years) constitutes about 10%–25% of total breast cancer cases in south-Asian women and an increase in incidence rates have been noted in the recent past. It is higher compared with their western counterparts, where rates of 5%–10% are reported. Younger women usually present with more aggressive tumor and poorer prognosis, suggesting that breast cancer in young women represents a distinct entity. Exposure to environmental estrogens such as organochlorine compounds in pesticides and industrial chemical has been proposed to be a risk factor for breast cancer. There is rampant use of pesticides in farming in south-Asian countries. However the associations between organochlorine compounds and breast cancer risk, reported in different studies has been inconsistent. Hence this study was planned with the objectives to assess the serum levels of organochlorine compound and the presence of other risk factors in north Indian population of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Aim: To assess the serum level of organochlorine compounds and the other risk factors in north-Indian population of young women diagnosed with breast cancer. Methods: This case control study was conducted at UCMS &amp; GTB Hospital, Delhi, India in 42 patients of breast cancer ≤ 40 years age and 42 age-matched-controls. The study subjects were evaluated for various known risk factors such as family history of breast or ovarian cancer, age of menarche, number of pregnancies and abortions, duration of breast feeding, oral contraceptive intake, obesity, benign breast disease &amp; biopsy, etc. Study subjects were also evaluated for exposure to environmental pollutants by performing of assays of twelve different organochloride pesticides in their blood samples. Genetic analysis also done to look for polymorphisms of genes: BRCA1 at Q365R, BRCA2 at 6174delT and p53 at 216 location. Results: Significant association was seen between serum level of β- HCH, heptachlor, dieldrin, p,p'-DDE and risk of breast cancer in young women in our patient population. Significant association was also found between early age of menarche, obesity, BRCA 2 and p53 gene polymorphism as risk factors for breast cancer. Conclusion: Exposure to organochlorine pesticides could be an important modifiable risk factor, responsible for an increase in the rates of breast cancer in younger women. Polymorphism of p53 at 216 location &amp; BRCA2 at 6174delT could be independent susceptibility marker in younger women with breast cancer. Larger studies are required to validate these results.

Kandungan Pestisida Organoklorin dalam Air Susu Ibu di Daerah Pertanian Bawang Merah Kabupaten Brebes

ABSTRAKPestisida organoklorin digunakan secara luas di pertanian pada waktu yang lampau. Zat ini mempunyai sifat persisten di lingkungan, memiliki kemampuan bioakumulasi dan biomagnifikasi dalam rantai makanan. Paparan organoklorin pada bayi sebelum lahir dapat menyebabkan kelahiran premature, abortus spontan, bahkan berdampak mengganggu fungsi system syaraf pusat. Wanita di daerah pertanian bawang merah beresiko tinggi terhadap paparan pestisida baik dari keterlibatan mereka di pertanian maupun paparan dari lingkungan. Air susu ibu adalah media yang sesuai untuk memantau paparan organoklorin pada manusia. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui kandungan pestisida organoklorin pada air susu ibu di daerah pertanian bawang merah Kabupaten Brebes, keterlibatan wanita di pertanian, dan keterkaitan beberapa faktor dengan konsentrasi organoklorin. Metode dan desain penelitian yang digunakan adalah deskriptif kualitatif dengan pendekatan cross sectional, dengan responden berjumlah 14 orang. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan sebanyak 4 responden mempunyai p’pDDE dengan konsentrasi &gt;0,01 mg/kg (0,018-0,082 mg/kg) dan 11 responden mempunyai dieldrin dengan konsentrasi &lt;0,01 mg/kg (0,001-0,007 mg/kg). Semakin meningkat nomor kelahiran, tingkat pengetahuan dan praktek penggunaan pestisida konsentrasi p’pDDE cenderung menurun. Kebiasaan makan ikan yang tercemar menjadi sumber paparan organoklorin pada wanita di daerah pertanian bawang merah Kabupaten Brebes. Kebijakan pengawasan penggunaan pestisida yang sekarang ada belum efektif untuk meningkatkan keamanan bekerja dengan pestisida pada petani.Kata Kunci : Organoklorin, ASI dan Keamanan bekerja dengan pestisidaABSTRACTTHE CONTENT OF ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES IN HUMAN BREAST MILK IN ONION AGRICULTURA AREA AT BREBES DISTRICT; Organochlorine pesticides were widely used in agricultural at the past, these compounds are persistent in the environment and can be bioaccumulate and biomagnificate in food chain. Prenatal organochlorine exposure may lead to premature birth, spontaneous abortion and infere central nervous system function. Women living in agriculture area pose high risk of pesticides exposure resulting from their agriculture occupation and environment exposure. Breast milk could be a suitable matrix for monitoring organochlorine exposure in human. This study aimed to assess the content of organochlorine pesticides in human breast milk, women involvement in agricultural activity and factors related to the level of organochlorine compounds in breast milk. The qualitative descriptive method using cross sectional approach was applied in this research. There were 14 partisipants. The result demonstrated that 4 partisipans had p’pDDE level above 0,01 mg/kg (0,018-1,082), and 11 partisipans had level of Dieldrin below 0,01 mg/kg (0,001-0,007). Concentration p’pDDE tend to decreased as the increased of parity, level of knowledge, and level practices of pesticide. Dietary habits especially fish consumption was considered as a source of organochlorine exposure to human. Supervision policy the used of pesticide hasn’t effective yet to increase safe practices of pesticides among farmers.Keywords : Organochlorine, breast milk, safe practices of pesticides

Serum concentrations of organochlorine compounds and predictors of exposure in children living in agricultural communities from South-Eastern Spain

BackgroundInformation on exposure levels to organochlorine compounds (OCs) in child population is limited, despite their greater vulnerability to the adverse health effects of these chemicals. ObjectiveTo determine serum concentrations of 10 OCs (including organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls –PCBs–) in children living in agricultural communities from Almería (South-Eastern Spain), and to identify the main predictors of exposure related to socio-economic characteristics, diet and lifestyle. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted on 133 children aged 6–11 years selected from public schools of the study area. OCs compounds were determined in serum samples by GC/ECD. Anthropometric measures were obtained during sample collection. Information on sociodemographic characteristics, parental occupation, residential history, lifestyle and frequency of food consumption, among other relevant factors, was obtained by questionnaires administered to the mothers. ResultsGeometric means of serum concentrations (ng/ml) were 0.11 for β-hexachloro-cyclohexane (β-HCH), 0.09 for endosulfan, 0.20 for endosulfan-ether, 0.51 for hexachorobenzene (HCB), 0.08 for mirex, 0.06 for oxychlordane, 0.36 for p,p'-DDE, 0.20 for PCB 138, 0.36 for PCB 153, and 0.45 for PCB 180. Percentage of samples above the limit of detection (0.05 ppb) ranged from 32 (β-HCH) to 100 (HCB). A high variability in OC levels depending on the compound was observed between our results and others found in similar studies carried out in children. Variables related to fish consumption were found to be the major dietary determinant of PCB 138, p,p´-DDE, endosulfan-α, β-HCH, mirex and oxychlordane levels. ConclusionsChildren participating in this study showed detectable levels of many OC, despite these compounds are no longer used. Their presence in children serum can be explained by their high lipophilicity and environmental persistence, leading to contamination of fatty food. In this line, fish consumption seemed to be the most relevant determinant of OC levels found in our study.

Blood concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in an avian predator endemic to southern Africa: Associations with habitat, electrical transformers and diet

Persistent pollutants such as organochlorine compounds (OCs) have been highlighted as a cause of population decline in avian predators. Understanding patterns of OCs contamination can be crucial for the conservation of affected species, yet little is known on these threats to African raptors. Here we report on OC concentrations in an endangered predator endemic to southern Africa, the Black Harrier Circus maurus. Blood samples were collected in 2012–2014 from wild nestlings (n = 90) and adults (n = 23) in south-western South Africa, where agriculture and urbanization have developed rapidly since the 1950s. Polychlorinated biphenyl (ΣPCB) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ΣDDT, for p,p’-DDT + p,p’-DDE) were detected in 79% and 84% of sampled individuals, respectively, with varying concentrations among demographic groups: nestlings had significantly higher ΣPCB and p,p’-DDT concentrations than adults, while adults had higher levels of p,p’-DDE than nestlings. Levels of ΣPCB significantly increased with an index of electric transformer density, a measure of the number and power of electric transformers around active nests. We propose this index as a useful tool for assessing ΣPCB exposure risk in other wildlife. Levels of p,p’-DDE significantly increased with the proportion of wetlands within the breeding territory, and also with the proportion of bird biomass in the diet. No association was found between OC levels and the protected area status of nesting sites. Physiological effects of contaminants were also manifest in increased white blood cell counts with higher p,p’-DDT levels. Heterophil to lymphocyte ratio increased with higher ΣPCB levels, suggesting increased physiological stress and reduced immunity in contaminated individuals. Our results suggest that OCs are still a current cause of concern for endangered Black Harriers, as well as other sympatric predators.

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in human adipose tissue from northern Tunisia: Current extent of contamination and contributions of socio-demographic characteristics and dietary habits

The aims of the present study were to investigate the current exposure levels of persistent organochlorine compounds (OCs) in adipose tissues intraoperatively collected from 40 patients over 20 years undergoing non-cancer-related surgery residing in Northern region of Tunisia (Bizerte), which constitutes an exemplary case, and examined association between levels of contamination and both socio-demographic characteristics and dietary habits. Concentration of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH and δ-HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane isomers (p,p′-DDT and o,p′-DDT) and metabolites (p,p′-DDE, o,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD and o,p′-DDD) and 12 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners were measured using capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detector. Overall, residue levels of OCs followed the decreasing order of DDTs > PCBs > HCB > HCHs. DDTs levels ranged from 74.49 to 1834.76ngg−1 lipid and contributing to more than 90% to the sum of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). p,p′-DDE was the most abundant in all samples and the p,p′-DDT/p,p′-DDE ratio (range between 1.85% and 58.45%) suggesting recent and ongoing exposure to banned commercial DDT products. PCB concentrations varied from 29.27 to 322.58ngg−1 lipid and PCB-180, PCB-153 and PCB-138 were the dominant congeners accounting for 70% of total PCBs. We did not find significant correlations between OC exposure levels and sex, parity, habitat areas and smoking habits. In females, the adipose tissue concentrations of DDTs, HCB and PCB-118 were positively correlated with age. There was statistically significant relationship between body mass index (BMI) changes and the adipose tissue levels of HCB and HCHs. No association was found between OCPs levels and dietary factors. However, our study suggests that fish consumption may be an important contributor of PCBs adipose tissue content of PCBs in Tunisian people. The presented work is highly significant, being the first study pointing out the chronic exposure to OCs in Bizerte.

Integrated assessment of infant exposure to persistent organic pollutants and mercury via dietary intake in a central western Mediterranean site (Menorca Island)

In this research the levels of organochlorine compounds (OCs) and mercury (Hg) in several food items from Menorca Island were presented. The dietary exposure assessment was performed in children population from the island. Finally, body burden of OCs and Hg in these infants were associated with their dietary intakes of the selected food items.The dietary exposure to persistent pollutants by children population from Menorca Island was assessed. The concentrations of 11 organochlorine pesticides, 6 polychlorinated biphenils (PCBs) and 1 inorganic toxic element, Hg, were determined in 46 food samples that included fish, shellfish, meat, fruit, vegetables, cheese and eggs, which were acquired in local markets and department stores in the Menorca Island. The most contaminated food items were fish and shellfish, followed by meat and cheese products. OC levels were similar or lower than in other previous studies. However, 66% of the analysed fish and shellfish species for Hg exceeded the human consumption safety limits according to the European Union Legislation. Pollutant data from food was combined with the pattern of consumption of these foodstuffs in order to calculate the estimated daily intake (EDI) of these contaminants. According to our results, fish and fruit were the main sources of OCs to the EDIs (contributing to 37% and 29%, respectively) while fish and shellfish were the main sources of Hg (76% and 17%). The estimated EDIs of OCs were well below to the reported FAO/WHO Tolerable Intakes. However, estimated weekly intake of Hg would exceed the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake indicated by EFSA in the case that the only fish and seafood source would be from the central western Mediterranean. Direct associations between fish/shellfish consumption and hair concentrations of Hg and fish and meat consumption and 4,4’-DDT concentrations in venous serum in the Menorcan children were observed.