Levels Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Research Articles

Case study: Electrochemical Geo-Oxidation (ECGO) treatment of Massachusetts New Bedford Harbor sediment PCBs

An electrochemical remediation technology, referred to as Electrochemical Geo-Oxidation (ECGO) was tested in field to assess its potential to treat polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contaminated sediments from New Bedford Harbor (NBH), Massachusetts. The primary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of ECGO for reducing PCB levels under the anaerobic conditions typical of saturated and submerged sediments. The ECGO treatment of aerated and un-aerated (anaerobic) samples of the NBH sediments began on November, 2003 and lasted over four-years until early July, 2008. During 2003–2006 seven sampling events occurred, and the last sampling was done on March, 2010, about 20 months after the treatment power was turned off on July 12, 2008. Full PCB congener analyses (EPA 22 1668A) and partial PCB scans (EPA Method 8082) were performed on samples collected from the ECGO test cells and the control cell. At the end of the first 30-month period, the sample analyses indicated about 30% reduction in total PCB levels in un-aerated ECGO test cell compared to the control. The eighth and final sampling in March 2010 showed that total PCBs had been greatly reduced in the un-aerated test cell, from about 40,000 μg/kg (ppb) to 200 μg/kg (ppb). Conversely, PCB levels in sediments contained in the aerated ECGO test cell remained relatively unchanged compared to the pre-test level and control. This represented a greater than 90% reduction in total PCBs relative to the 2003 starting levels and the control sample average. The final results indicated that ECGO was effective at degrading PCBs in a reducing environment.

Blood mercury and plasma polychlorinated biphenyls concentrations in pregnant Inuit women from Nunavik: Temporal trends, 1992–2017

The Inuit of Nunavik (Northern Quebec, Canada) are exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and mercury (Hg) through their consumption of marine country foods. A temporal trend study was initiated in 1992 to monitor circulating levels of PCBs and Hg in pregnant Inuit women, since the fetus is most at risk of adverse health effects. We set out (1) to describe temporal trends of PCBs and Hg levels in pregnant Nunavik women between 1992 and 2017; (2) to determine the prevalence of participants exceeding the guidance values in 2017; (3) to investigate relations between marine country food intake and contaminant levels over the study period. A total of 559 pregnant women provided a blood sample for contaminant analysis from 1992 to 2017. PCB congeners were quantified in plasma (serum) by gas chromatography (GC) coupled to electron capture detection or mass spectrometry (MS). We determined whole blood mercury concentration by cold vapor atomic absorption or inductively-coupled plasma MS. We performed multilevel modeling to assess temporal trends in contaminant levels and relations with marine country food consumption. Concentrations of total PCBs and Hg decreased by 84% and 65% between 1992 and 2017, respectively. Nevertheless, 10% and 22% of women in 2017 exceeded guidance values for PCBs and Hg, respectively. While the decline in marine country food intake is the only factor associated with decreasing Hg levels, other factors may explain the decline in PCB levels. Despite the significant decline in PCBs and Hg levels from 1992 to 2017, exposure to these contaminants is still quite prevalent among pregnant Nunavik women. Most of the decline in Hg exposure is likely due to a shift away from marine country foods to store-bought foods, which is a concern given the cultural and nutritional importance of country foods and the high food insecurity that prevails in Nunavik.

Changes in thyroid hormone related proteins and gene expression induced by polychlorinated biphenyls and halogen flame retardants exposure of children in a Chinese e-waste recycling area

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and halogen flame retardants (HFRs) are major pollutants in e-waste recycling area. High internal exposure levels of PCBs and HFRs are harmful to human thyroid hormone (TH) equilibrium. To examine their disrupting effects on TH, we conducted a study on children (n = 114) of an e-waste recycling and a control area in South China. Concentrations of PCBs, HFRs, and TH levels were determined in serum samples. TH related proteins and their corresponding gene were also monitored as markers of such disruption. Levels of these chemicals in the exposed group were much greater than those in the control group. Results of the linear regression and generalized additive model indicated the presence of close relationships between the internal exposure levels and the responses of TH related proteins, gene expression. More extensive exposure concentrations of these chemicals led to higher expression of iodothyronine deiodinase I and decreased the concentrations of thyroid-stimulating hormone, expression of TH receptor α, indicating the exertion of discrepant and even contrary influences on equilibrium of TH, and a compensation of these mechanisms may kept the homeostasis of TH. These results for children warrant further investigation on the health risks of PCBs and HFRs exposure in e-waste area.

Abstract D095: Plasma levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and breast cancer mortality: The Carolina Breast Cancer Study

Abstract Background: Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of 209 synthetic organic chemicals, several of which are known carcinogens or endocrine disruptors. PCBs are hypothesized to influence the risk of developing breast cancer; however, whether PCBs influence the risk of mortality following breast cancer is poorly understood. We examined plasma levels of 17 PCB congeners in association with mortality among women who participated in the population-based Carolina Breast Cancer Study (CBCS). Methods: Participants included 456 white and 292 black women who were diagnosed with primary invasive breast cancer from 1993-1996, and who had PCB and lipid measurements from blood samples obtained on average 4.1 months after diagnosis. Using the National Death Index, we identified 392 deaths including 210 from breast cancer, over a median follow-up of 20.6 years. We used Cox regression to estimate covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for all-cause and breast cancer-specific 5-year mortality, and 20-year mortality conditional on 5-year survival in relation to tertiles and continuous ln-transformed lipid-adjusted PCB levels. We also examined effect measure modification by race. Results: The highest (vs. lowest) tertile of PCB118 was associated with a 5-year breast cancer-specific mortality HR of 1.86 (95% CI=1.07-3.23). One-ln unit increases in PCB74, PCB99, PCB118, and total PCBs were associated with 5-year breast cancer-specific mortality HRs ranging from 1.33 (95% CI=1.02-1.74) for PCB74 to 1.40 (95% CI=1.02-1.92) for PCB118. By race, a one-ln unit increase in PCB74 was associated with a HR of 1.47 (95% CI=1.01-2.14) among black women and with a HR of 1.19 (95% CI=0.79-1.77) among white women (P-Interaction=0.05). Continuous PCB levels were associated with 20-year conditional all-cause mortality HRs ranging from 1.20 (95% CI=1.03-1.41) for a one-ln unit increase in PCB182+PCB187 to 1.37 (95% CI=1.12-1.68) for a one-ln unit increase in PCB118. PCBs were not associated with 5-year all-cause mortality or with 20-year conditional breast cancer-specific mortality. Conclusion: PCBs may increase the risk of short-term breast cancer-specific mortality as well as long-term all-cause mortality among women with breast cancer. Citation Format: Humberto Parada, Xuezheng Sun, Chiu-Kit Tse, Lawrence S. Engel, Andrew F. Olshan, Melissa A. Troester. Plasma levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and breast cancer mortality: The Carolina Breast Cancer Study [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Twelfth AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2019 Sep 20-23; San Francisco, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2020;29(6 Suppl_2):Abstract nr D095.

Lactational exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls is higher in overweight /obese women and associated with altered infant growth trajectory: A pilot study

BackgroundInfant exposure to environmental chemicals, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), may contribute to developmental programming of long-term metabolic disease risk. PCBs persist given their lipophilicity and long half-lives, allowing them to bio-accumulate in adipose tissue. These compounds can then be excreted into maternal milk resulting in infant exposure. ObjectiveTo determine the level of PCBs in milk from mothers with pre-pregnancy overweight and obese (OW/OB) versus normal weight status (NW) and evaluate the association of milk PCB levels with infant growth over the first 6 months of life. MethodsA pilot study of a subset of milk samples from mothers with NW (pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) < 25 kg/m2, n = 11) and OW/OB (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, n = 8) were examined approximately 2-weeks postpartum. PCB congeners 138 + 163, 132 + 153, 180, and the sum were measured using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and adjusted for milk fat content. Infant growth was monitored from birth to 6 months for weight-for-age (WFA), length-for-age (LFA), weight-for-length (WFL), head circumference-for-age (HCA), and associations with milk PCB content determined using linear mixed modeling. ResultsTotal milk fat content did not differ by maternal weight status (p = 0.88). Milk from mothers with OW/OB had significantly higher PCB sum (p = 0.02) and PCB 138 + 163 (p = 0.03). PCB 132 + 153 (β −0.0008, p = 0.0218), PCB 180 (β −0.0010, p = 0.0279), and PCB sum (β −0.0006, p = 0.0138) were negatively associated with HCA Z-score growth to 6 months. PCB 180 was negatively associated with infant WFA (β −0.0015, p = 0.0058) and WFL Z-score (β −0.0016, p = 0.0263) to 6 months. There were no associations of PCB sum content with WFL, LFA, WFL Z-score over the first 6 months of life. ConclusionsMaternal overweight and obesity are associated with higher levels of total PCB congeners (132, 138, 153, 163, 180) in human milk. PCB congeners have negative associations with infant head circumference and weight trajectory over the first 6 months of life.

Estimated PCDD/F TEQ and total TEQ concentrations in the serum of 7–10 year old Finnish children

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that have detrimental health effects. As people are exposed to them mainly through the diet, EU has set maximum food dioxin and PCBs levels. EFSA CONTAM Panel made new risk assessment in 2018 that lowered the tolerable weekly intake (TWI) from 14 pg-TEQ/kg bw/week to 2 pg-TEQ/kg bw/week. Critical effect was decreased semen count at the age of 18–19 years if serum total TEQ at the age of 9 years exceeded the No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) of 7 pg/g lipid. However, it is largely unknown to what extent NOAEL is exceed in European boys currently. We thus measured PCBs from small volume of serum in 184 Finnish children 7–10 years of age. To estimate the TEQ levels of children from measured PCB levels, we used our existing human milk PCDD/F and PCB concentrations to create a hierarchical Bayesian regression model that was used to estimate TEQs from measured PCBs. For quality control (QC), three pooled blood samples from 18 to 20 year old males were measured for PCDD/Fs and PCBs, and estimated for TEQs. In QC samples measured and estimated TEQs agreed within 84%–106%. In our estimate for 7–10 year old children, PCDD/F TEQ exceeded NOAEL only in 0.5% and total TEQ in 2.7% of subjects. Risk management following the decreased TWI proposed by the CONTAM Panel should be carefully considered if total TEQ in children is already largely below the NOAEL.

SAT-723 Effects of Organohalogenated Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals on Cell Proliferation and Gene Expression in GH3 Somatolactotropes

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are substances that have been increasingly implicated in many serious pathologies, such as tumor formation, metabolic, growth and reproductive disorders. The economic and health burden of exposure to these compounds has an annual predicted cost in excess of €150 billion, across the EU regions alone. Of the growing list of compounds that act as EDCs, the organohalogenated compounds (OHCs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been associated with an increased risk of pituitary disease. We have previously reported that feline patients with hypersomatotropism (acromegaly) are exposed to elevated levels of PBDEs and PCBs in their environment. However, the mechanisms by which these compounds might directly influence somatotroph function have yet to be established. In this study, we use the GH3 rat somatolactotrope cell line to investigate how two PCB congeners - 138 and 153 - influence cell proliferation (using a Crystal Violet assay) and somatotrope gene expression (using a multiplex RT-qPCR approach to examine expression of Esr1, Esr2, Sstr1, Sstr2, Sstr3, Sstr4, Sstr5, Insr, Tshr, Pou1f1, Ghrhr2, Gh). GH3 cells were treated with Phenol Red-free media in the absence or presence of either PCB138 or 153 (-10 to -6 M), or in combination (-10 to -6M) for up to 72h. Treatment with either PCB alone, or in combination, caused significant concentration-dependent, biphasic changes in cell proliferation at each time point, but with a different profile of response on each day (significantly increased at high pM/low nM concentrations); there was no evidence of toxicity at maximum concentrations (-6M). Gene expression changes were determined in GH3 cells treated in the absence or presence of either -8M or -6M PCB138 or 153 for 24h. Differential effects of these compounds were seen on the expression of Sstr3, Sstr4, Sstr5 and Insr; all other gene transcripts were unaffected. These findings reveal that GH3 cells exposed to physiologically relevant concentrations of PCB138 and 153, alone or in combination, show concentration-dependent increases in cell proliferation; furthermore, the expression of genes associated with therapeutic targets for the treatment of acromegaly (i.e. SSTRs) are differentially affected by exposure to PCB138 and 153. Our data indicate a potential mechanism for EDCs in the onset of acromegaly, that require further, in vivo, investigations.

Residual characteristics and potential health risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seafood and surface sediments from Xiangshan Bay, China (2011–2016)

Xiangshan Bay provides most of the seafood for residents from the southeast coast of China. However, information on the safety of local seafood was not well known. In this study, we investigated the residue, spatial distribution and potential health risks of ten polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seafood and surface sediment samples during six years (2011–2016). The results indicated the level of PCBs in 9 types of seafood from Xiangshan Bay ranged between ND and 25.3 ng·g−1. The highest average concentration of PCBs (14.2 ng·g−1) was observed in Ostreidae. The average PCB concentrations in the surface sediments was 1.58 ng·g−1 (ND to 15.2 ng·g−1). The biota-sediment accumulation factors of the PCBs in most seafood indicated that the seafood was readily subjected to the bioaccumulation of PCBs from sediments. The carcinogenic risks were all within the safe ranges of 9 types of seafood for adults.

An assessment of eggshell pigments as non-invasive biomarkers of organochlorine pollutants in gull-billed tern

Eggshell pigmentation has been assessed as an indicator of exposure to environmental pollutants in birds, but these studies have only used reflectance spectrophotometry to measure such pigmentation. The present study is the first one that measures eggshell pigments and pollutants in the same eggs to explore their use as biomarkers in birds. We have studied the concentration of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the content of 97 deserted eggs of gull-billed terns (Gelochelidon nilotica) after the abandonment of the colony in Mesas de Asta (Cádiz, S Spain) in 2012. Eggshell thickness and stage of embryo development were studied together along with the concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin in eggshells. p,p′-DDE concentrations were high when compared with other studies done with terns in the Mediterranean basin in the past. p,p′-DDE and PCB levels associated with reduced reproductive success were found in 5.1% and 2.1% of the eggs respectively. Eggshell index was largely affected by the embryo development stage, which highlights the need of knowing this information to avoid potential biases in the interpretation of results. The concentrations of protoporphyrin IX and biliverdin in the eggs of gull-billed terns were negatively associated with DDTs levels, which seems to confirm previous observations with phylogenetically related species.

Legacy persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in archive samples of wild Bluefin tuna from the Mediterranean Sea

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were quantified in archive samples of dorsal white muscle of the wild Bluefin tuna (BFT) (n = 9) collected in the central Adriatic. PCBs were the predominant organochlorine (OC) compounds (60.8–69.4% of the total OC load) found. The contribution of HCB and ΣHCHs was significantly lower, ranging from <LOD (α- and β-HCH) to 1.5% (γ-HCH). p,p′-DDE was the predominant OCP compound (60–89% of the ΣOCPs). PCB and DDT levels were comparable to the values previously found for tuna from the Mediterranean Sea, known as one of the areas most polluted by PCBs.

Levels and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in two edible fish species from Izmir Bay (eastern Aegean): a health risk assessment.

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were examined in two fish species from the Izmir Bay. A total of 624 individuals of different fish samples were sampled by trawling from three regions in Izmir Bay between 2010 and 2013. The total levels of indicator PCBs in all samples varied LOD (limit of detection) to 34.3ngg-1 (dry weight) in the study area. The highest concentrations of PCBs were found in Gulbahce for Mullus barbatus and Diplodus annularis in 2011 and 2010, respectively. PCB153 was the major contributed congener in both fish species during sampling periods. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to evaluate the correlation of the determined variables in fish species. According to PCA, the PCBs are not related with fish length. One-way ANOVA test indicated that significant temporal variations were generally detected for PCBs, while non-significant spatial variations were examined between sampling sites. Six PCB congeners were found as 0.59-6.64ngg-1 (wet weight, wwt) and compared with iPCB6 limits of 75ngg-1 (wwt) revealed by the Environmental Food Safety Authority. Accordingly, all fish species analyzed did not surpass the safe limits of iPCB6 suggested by EU. The estimated daily intake of 6 PCB congeners by the people were less than the tolerable daily intake (TDI, 10-ngkg-1 body weight day-1) recommended by WHO (2003), suggesting that this intake would not cause adverse effects to residents of Izmir.

Association Between Leukocyte Telomere Length and Serum Concentrations of PCBs and Organochlorine Pesticides.

Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) through food, water, and air occurred during the life, which may change telomere length (TL) in peripheral blood leukocytes. The present study was designed to investigate the association between TL and serum levels of PCBs and OCPs in Tehran male's population. Whole blood samples were randomly taken from 300 adult males, aged between 25 and 40years. TL was determined by real-time PCR to measure the number of the telomere (T) repeats to the number of a single-copy gene (S). We applied the multivariate linear regression model to compare the effect of each lipid adjusted serum levels of PCBs and OCPs congener on the TL, with adjustment for age, body mass index, education, smoking, and food patterns. Each doubling of the nondioxin-like PCBs, dioxin-like PCBs, and OCPs levels were associated with 1.9% [95% confidence interval (CI) - 0.70 to 5.40%], 2.5% (95% CI 0.30-8.3%), and - 2.4% (95% CI - 0.70 to - 6.2%) variation in the TL, respectively. The percent difference in the TL with exposure to nondioxin-like PCBs, dioxin-like PCBs, and OCPs for participants with older than age 37years were 6.45% (95% CI 2.81-16.50%), 4.52% (95% CI 1.60-10.54%), and - 7.44% (95% CI - 1.55 to - 15.51%), respectively. Exposures to nondioxin-like PCBs (except for PCB 28 and 52) with high chlorine in structure and dioxin-like PCBs were related to longer TLs. Conversely, serum levels of OCPs can be associated with oxidative stress and systemic inflammation that lead to telomere shortening.

Association of plasma levels of lipid and polychlorinated biphenyls in Iranian adult

BackgroundExposure to Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) continues over the world through seafood consumption and indoor exposure to building materials containing PCB. This study aimed to assess the relationship between plasma level of PCB congeners and lipid profile and Body Mass Index (BMI) as well. MethodsThe study population consisted of 181 Iranian adults. Data on BMI, plasma concentration of PCB congeners and serum level of lipid profile including Triglyceride, low-density lipoproteins and high-density lipoproteins, recruited from database of a project entitled “Occupational and environmental exposure to PCBs in Iran”. Multiple linear regression analysis of associations between different quartiles of PCB congeners and various lipid fractions and BMI have been conducted. ResultsA linear increase in average serum Triglyceride and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) levels of participants in first, second, third and fourth quartiles of some PCB congeners was obtained. Following adjustment for age, gender, diet and other variables, only the association between different quartiles of PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 118 and PCB sum and TG remained statistically significant. ConclusionThe study showed a significant positive relation between plasma PCBs concentrations and serum level of TG in the study population with normal PCBs levels.

Хлорорганические соединения в камбалах рода Hippoglossoides Gottsche, 1835 из дальневосточных морей России

Хлорорганические пестициды (ХОП) и полихлорированные бифенилы (ПХБ) относятся к группе стойких органических загрязняющих веществ (СОЗ) и являются глобальными суперэкотоксикантами. Рыба и морепродукты — важный источник полноценного белка и полиненасыщенных жирных кислот, особенно для жителей приморских районов. До 90 % всех поллютантов поступают в организм человека с пищей. Конечным депо СОЗ в окружающей среде являются морские экосистемы, а следовательно, эти вещества могут накапливаться в различных объектах морского промысла. В работе представлены сведения о концентрациях ХОП [изомеры ГХЦГ (α-, β-, γ-), ДДТ и его метаболиты (ДДД и ДДЕ)] и ПХБ в мышцах камбал рода Hippoglossoides Gottsche, 1835, обитающих в дальневосточных морях России (Охотское море, Татарский пролив, Японское море). Липиды экстрагировали из гомогенатов тканей рыб смесью гексана и ацетона с последующим разрушением жировых компонентов концентрированной серной кислотой. ХОП и ПХБ разделяли при помощи колоночной хроматографии полярным и неполярным растворителями. Ксенобиотики количественно определяли методом газовой хромато-масс-спектрометрии. Для оценки качества выбранной методики применяли метод стандартных добавок. Средняя воспроизводимость концентраций аналитов варьировала от 94,6 до 103,7 %, что говорит о надёжности полученных данных и об эффективности использованных методов. Средние концентрации ∑ДДТ, ∑ГХЦГ, ∑ХОП (∑ДДТ + ∑ГХЦГ) и ∑ПХБ конгенеров составили: в образцах, отобранных в восточной части Охотского моря, — (62 ± 89), (50 ± 52), (100 ± 125) и (92 ± 45) нг·г−1 липидов; в южной части Охотского моря — (20 ± 17), (36 ± 37), (54 ± 41) и (99 ± 43) нг·г−1 липидов; в Японском море — (40 ± 29), (62 ± 36), (102 ± 50) и (1616 ± 1177) нг·г−1 липидов соответственно. В образцах из Татарского пролива средние уровни ∑ГХЦГ, ∑ХОП и ∑ПХБ составили (221 ± 182), (224 ± 180) и (455 ± 317) нг·г−1 липидов соответственно. ДДТ обнаружен в трёх исследованных образцах. В восточной части Охотского моря в камбалах зарегистрированы наибольшие концентрации ДДТ и умеренные — ГХЦГ, что может быть связано с расположением на полуострове Камчатка «могильника» ядохимикатов и пестицидов, в котором захоронены ХОП. Поступление ПХБ в воды южной части Охотского моря может объясняться как активным судоходством, так и наличием стоков с мусорных полигонов, несущих остаточные количества ПХБ в экосистему. Южная часть Охотского моря — самый чистый из исследованных районов, характеризующийся наименьшим содержанием ДДТ, ГХЦГ и ПХБ в организмах. В камбалах из залива Невельского (Татарский пролив) ДДТ практически отсутствовал. В то же время в них выявлен самый высокий уровень содержания ГХЦГ, представленного только β-изомером, что говорит о длительной циркуляции токсиканта в экосистеме. Согласно постановлению Правительства Сахалинской области, на территории о-ва Сахалин есть полигоны размещения пришедших в негодность или запрещённых пестицидов, хранение которых (на момент вступления постановления в силу) осуществлялось с нарушениями, способными привести к серьёзному загрязнению окружающей среды. Скорее всего, источником загрязнения Татарского пролива стали именно они. Другим источником загрязнения ГХЦГ могут быть течения, выносящие воды Японского моря через пролив Невельского в Охотское море. Высокие уровни ПХБ в водах залива могут быть связаны с активным судоходством и, возможно, с влиянием свалок бытовых отходов на о-ве Сахалин. Камбалы из Японского моря характеризуются наибольшим загрязнением СОЗ. Поступление ХОП в акваторию моря может быть связано с поверхностными смывами, речными стоками, утечками из хранилищ запрещённых к применению пестицидов и атмосферным переносом из стран Азии, где до сих пор разрешено применение некоторых ХОП. Найденные уровни ПХБ на порядок величин превышают таковые в камбалах из Охотского моря и Татарского пролива, что может быть объяснено активным судоходством в водах Японского моря, влиянием действующих нефтеналивного и угольного портов в г. Находке, а также местным загрязнением прибрежной полосы (так называемых диких пляжей). Таким образом, исследована аккумуляция хлорорганических пестицидов (ГХЦГ и ДДТ) и полихлорированных бифенилов в мышцах камбал из дальневосточных морей России. При существующем глобальном фоне СОЗ, сформировавшемся на планете, уровни этих соединений в камбалах южной части Охотского моря могут быть приняты как фоновые. Наибольшему антропогенному прессу подвержено Японское море, где концентрации ПХБ значительно превышают таковые как в дальневосточных морях России, так и в сравниваемых регионах мира в целом.

Associations between functional polychlorinated biphenyls in adipose tissues and prognostic biomarkers of breast cancer patients

BackgroundExposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been shown to influence expression of some biomarkers that are predictive/prognostic for breast cancer. Therefore, our study was conducted to further investigating associations of different functional PCBs in adipose tissue with breast cancer prognostic biomarkers. MethodsTwo hundred and five breast cancer patients were recruited in Shantou, China. Breast adipose tissues were collected during their resection surgery and levels of 7 PCB congeners were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The PCB congeners were divided into 4 groups according to structure-activity. Socio-demographic, clinical and pathological information were obtained from questionnaire and digital medical records. Odds ratios (ORs) for associations between prognostic biomarkers and PCB levels (tertile 3 [T3], tertile 2 [T2] vs. tertile 1) were estimated from logistic regression models. ResultsMost PCB congeners were detectable, with a highest level (22.06 ng/g lipid) of PCB153. As for estrogenic PCBs, increased PCB52 exposure was positively associated with PR expression (ORT2 = 2.36, Ptrend = 0.054), but higher PCB101 level was negatively associated with HER-2 (ORT3 = 0.24, Ptrend = 0.029) and tumor size (OR = 0.43). Limited dioxin-like PCB138 exposure was positively associated with ER (ORT2 = 3.23, ORT3 = 3.77, Ptrend = 0.047) but negatively with Top-IIα expression (ORT2 = 0.35, ORT3 = 0.28, Ptrend = 0.080). Higher PCB153 (CYP inducer) level was negatively associated with ER (ORT2 = 0.32, ORT3 = 0.19, Ptrend = 0.038) but positively with Ki-67 expression (ORT2 = 1.43, ORT3 = 3.60, Ptrend = 0.055). Higher neurotoxic PCB28 was positively associated with HER-2 (ORT3 = 5.43, Ptrend = 0.006) and tumor size (OR = 2.37). Moreover, total PCBs exposure was positively associated with VEGF-C (ORT2 = 76.91, ORT3 = 97.96, Ptrend = 0.041) and tumor metastasis (OR = 2.25). ConclusionsDifferent functional PCB congeners have different associations (both positive and negative) with breast cancer prognostic biomarkers, as well as tumor classification stage. Therefore, the development and aggressiveness of breast cancer may depend upon exposure to specific structure-activity of PCBs.

PCBs occurrence in marine bivalves and fish from Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil

In order to evaluate contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a tropical bay exposed to different anthropogenic pressures, samples of bivalves: mangrove oyster (Crassotrea rhizophorae), mangrove mussel (Mytella guyanensis)and clams (Anomalocardia brasiliana), were collected in different parts of Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia, Brazil. In addition, samples of bivalves and fish, purchased from a seafood market in the city of Salvador were analyzed to evaluate human exposure to PCBs through ingestion. Identification and quantification of PCBs were done by GC/MS after microwave extraction and purification with sulfuric acid. In bivalves, concentrations ranged from <0.08 to 50.1 ng g −1 (dry weight), with the highest values being detected in mangrove oyster, followed by clams and mangrove mussel of the Subaé estuary and Madre de Deus/Mataripe; regions known to be impacted by anthropic activities. From the total of the 12 fish species analyzed, only 5 presented levels of PCBs above the detection limit, ranging from 0.23 to 4.55 ng g −1 and 0.51 to 26.05 ng g −1 by dry weight and lipid weight, respectively. In general, concentrations of PCBs on the bay are lower than in most regions around the world, especially those located in the Northern Hemisphere. Indexes indicated that local biota and seafood from the fish market are not adversely impacted by PCBs and do not represent a risk to human health.

Informal e-waste recycling and plasma levels of non-dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (NDL-PCBs) – A cross-sectional study at Agbogbloshie, Ghana

Informal e-waste recycling leads to a contamination of the workers with several hazardous substances, in particular heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) belong to the group of POPs and are suspected to be associated with adverse health effects. In particular lower chlorinated PCBs, such as the congeners PCB 28 and PCB 52 are a marker of occupational exposure. The aim of our study was to assess the occupational PCB exposure in e-waste workers in relation to their specific recycling task (e.g. dismantling, burning). Altogether, n = 88 e-waste workers and n = 196 control subjects have been included in this study. All plasma participant's samples were evaluated for the PCB congeners PCB 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180 and sum of NDL-indicator congeners by human biomonitoring. A significant difference could be detected for the lower chlorinated PCB congeners (PCB 28, 52, and 101) for e-waste workers in comparison to the control group. Analyzing specific recycling tasks, workers who dismantle and those who burn e-waste showed the highest plasma levels of PCB 28 and 52. In conclusion, e-waste workers showed occupational related elevated PCB levels. Although those levels did not exceed the BAT value, workers were contaminated with PCBs during their task. Occupational health and safety measure are therefore necessary to protect the worker's health.

Polychlorinated Biphenyl Profile in Polyhydroxy-alkanoates Synthetized from Urban Organic Wastes.

The microbial synthesis of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from organic wastes is a valuable process to valorize available renewable resources, such as food wastes and biological sludge. Bioplastics find many applications in various sectors, from medical field to food industry. However, persistent organic pollutants could be transferred from wastes to the final product. The present paper demonstrates that the use of municipal wastes in PHA production is safe for the environment and human health and provides a polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) profile in both commercial and waste-based PHA samples. PCB analysis in several PHA samples showed very low concentrations of the target analytes. Commercial PHA samples showed a similar PCB level with respect to PHA samples from municipal waste/sludge and higher than PHA samples from fruit waste. For all analyzed PCBs, detected concentrations were consistently lower than the ones reported in regulatory framework or guidelines.

The distribution characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the surface sediments of Ross Sea and Drake Passage, Antarctica: A 192 congeners analysis

A total of 23 sediment samples are collected from Ross Sea and Drake Passage to investigate the distribution characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Antarctic marine sediments. Over 51 kinds of PCBs are detected through exhaustive searches using multiple reaction monitoring system. The results show that the concentration of individual PCB congener and total PCBs vary greatly among sampling sites, ranging from not detected to 49.75 ng g−1 and 3.77 to 246.86 ng g−1, respectively. The average PCBs level in Ross Sea is ten times higher than that in Drake Passage. Two different homologues, hexa- and tetra-CBs, give high contributions to ∑PCBs level in most samples from Ross Sea and Drake Passage, respectively. Our results support that the marine sediments might be an important sink for PCBs. Besides, the biological pump and the primary productivity might be responsible for the distribution differences of PCBs between Ross Sea and Drake Passage.

Condition factor, heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the muscle of fishes harvested in, and imported into Lagos, Nigeria

Fish is an important part of the human diet, are at the top of the aquatic food chain with a high propensity to accumulating contaminants like heavy metals and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) which are toxic to humans. The objective of this study was to evaluate the relationship between condition factor (physiologic wellbeing) of the fishes, PCBs, and heavy metal accumulation.Ten adult fish species three each of Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Trachinotus teraia, Liza dumerilli, Tilapia guieensis, Pseudotolithus elongatus, Pomadasys jubelini, Polydactylus quadrifilis, Caranx hippos, Sphyreana barracuda, Arius heudoloti,were acquired at Epe Lagoon. Ten adult fish species three each of Argentina silus, Gadus chalcogrammus, Gadus morhua, Atlantic mackerel, Micropogonias undulatus, Urophycis sp., Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus, Oreochromis niloticus, Clupea harengus, Trachurus trachurus, imported into Lagos were purchased. The fish species’ condition factor was determined. The heavy metals were determined using AAS while PCB level was determined using GC-MS. Iron, mercury, zinc, arsenic, nickel and copper levels correlated positively with the condition factor in the local fishes while in the imported fishes, cadmium, iron, zinc, nickel, copper and lead levels correlated positively to the condition factor. The levels of PCBs in both the local and imported fishes were non-detectable. It is concluded that the lead, copper, arsenic, zinc, mercury and cadmium in both the imported and local fishes were within permissible limits compared with the FAO/WHO maximum permissible limits. The positive correlation of some heavy metals to the fishes’ condition factor infers that these metals might be altering physiologic activities in the fishes. Keywords: Condition factor; Heavy metals; Polychlorinated biphenyl; Fish