Number Of Persistent Organic Pollutants Research Articles

Persistent organic pollutants affect steroidogenic and apoptotic activities in granulosa cells and reactive oxygen species concentrations in oocytes in the mouse.

The destruction of granulosa cells (GCs), the main functional cell type in the ovary, prevents steroid hormone production, which in turn may damage oocytes, resulting in ovarian failure. The accumulation of a number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the ovarian follicular fluid (FF) has been documented, which raises serious questions regarding their impact on female fertility. We aimed to determine whether a mixture of POPs reflecting the profile found in FF influences mouse GCs or oocyte function and viability. A mixture of POPs, comprising perfluorooctanoate, perfluorooctane sulfonate, 2,2-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene, polychlorinated biphenyl 153, and hexachlorobenzene, was used. In addition to using the exact concentration of POPs previously measured in human FF, we tested two other mixtures, one with10-fold lower and another with 10-fold higher concentrations of each POP. Steroidogenesis was disrupted in GCs by the POP mixture, as demonstrated by lower oestradiol and progesterone secretion and greater lipid droplet accumulation. Furthermore, the POP mixture reduced GC viability and increased apoptosis, assessed using caspase-3 activity. The POP mixture significantly increased the number of oocytes that successfully progressed to the second meiotic metaphase and the oocyte reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration. Thus, a mixture of POPs that are typically present in human FF has detrimental effects on ovarian function: it reduces the viability of GCs, and increases the oocyte concentrations of ROS. These results indicate that chronic exposure to POPs adversely affects female reproductive health.

Targeted and Nontargeted Detection and Characterization of Trace Organic Chemicals in Human Serum and Plasma Using QuEChERS Extraction.

Humans are exposed to a broad range of organic chemicals. Although targeted gas chromatography mass spectrometry techniques are used to quantify a limited number of persistent organic pollutants and trace organic contaminants in biological samples, nontargeted, high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) methods assess the human exposome more extensively. We present a QuEChERS extraction for targeted and nontargeted analysis of trace organic contaminants using HRMS and compare this method to a traditional, cartridge-based solid-phase extraction (SPE). Following validation using reference and spiked serum samples, the method was applied to plasma samples (n = 75) from the Prospective investigation of Obesity, Energy, and Metabolism (POEM) study. We quantified 44 analytes using targeted analysis and 6247 peaks were detected using the nontargeted approach. Over 90% of targeted analytes were at least 90% recovered using the QuEChERS method in spiked serum samples. In nontargeted analysis, 84% of the peaks were above the method detection limit with area counts up to 3.0 × 105 times greater using the QuEChERS method. Of the targeted compounds, 88% were also identified in the nontargeted analysis. We categorized the 4212 chemicals assigned an identity in using EPA's CompTox Dashboard and 1076 chemicals were found in at least one list. The category with the highest number of chemicals was "androgen or estrogen receptor activity." The findings demonstrate that a QuEChERS technique is suitable for both targeted and nontargeted analysis of trace organic contaminants in biological samples.

Biosorción y tolerancia de Pb, Cr y Cd por la biomasa de Pleurotus ostreatus (Jacq. Ex Fr.) P. Kumm

A nivel mundial, el uso indiscriminado de productos metálicos vertidos en agua utilizada en la agricultura ha generado una grave contaminación, por lo tanto, es importante establecer una metodología para su descontaminación a través de procesos biológicos, con hongos basidiomicetos ya que se ha demostrado que pueden degradar una serie de contaminantes orgánicos persistentes utilizando enzimas extracelulares, además de eliminar metales disueltos del agua mediante biosorción, actuando, como un intercambiador natural. Los objetivos de este trabajo fueron determinar entre tres metales (Pb, Cr y Cd) cuál fue removido más eficientemente de la solución acuosa por el micelio del hongo Pleurotus ostreatus, así como evaluar su tolerancia y describir los efectos causados por cada uno sobre su estructura celular. La adsorción de metales por el micelio en medio líquido se evaluó utilizando medio Kirk modificado, se cuantificaron las concentraciones retenidas durante 8 días en solución de 20 mg L-1 de cada elemento, los resultados indicaron que la adsorción de Pb (75%) fue la más eficiente, seguida de Cr (42%) y Cd (2.25%). En los resultados en medio de cultivo sólido (PDA) ninguna concentración de Pb y Cr inhibió el crecimiento del micelio, sin embargo, con Cd se inhibió a partir de 60 mg L-1; no obstante, los tres elementos causaron en el micelio alteraciones a nivel estructural. En conclusión, la cepa de P. ostreatus presento tolerancia y biosorción significativa (p≤ 0.05) para

Annual changes in concentrations and health risks of PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in ambient air based on the Global Monitoring Plan in São Paulo

Ambient air contains a number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), to which inhalation exposure has drawn worldwide concern. However, information regarding annual changes in the concentrations and health risks of POPs in the ambient air of São Paulo, Brazil, are limited. This study provides comprehensive information on annual changes in polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs), and 10 groups of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the ambient air of São Paulo between 2010 and 2015 based on the Global Monitoring Plan. The mass concentrations of the studied POPs (PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and OCPs) showed declining trends from 2010 to 2015 (from 2.65 × 10−2 to 1.33 × 10−2 pg m−3, from 9.89 × 10−2 to 3.12 × 10−2 pg m−3, and from 0.313 to 0.100 ng m−3, respectively), which might be due to the decrease of non-intentional emissions. The carcinogenic risk (CR) and non-carcinogenic risk (Non-CR) of the studied POPs were 1.48 × 10−11 to 6.08 × 10−7 and 3.44 × 10−8 to 3.34 × 10−3, respectively, which are lower than the generally accepted threshold values (10−6/10−5 and 1 for CR and Non-CR, respectively), suggesting that the health risks posed by the studied POPs were acceptable. PCDD/Fs had the highest CR (6.08 × 10−8-4.81 × 10−7), whereas the 95th percentile CR of DL-PCBs and nine of the OCPs were lower than 10−7, suggesting that among the studied POPs, PCDD/Fs in the ambient air warrant special attention. The 95th percentile CRs of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (2.30 × 10−8), dieldrin (1.30 × 10−8), hexachlorocyclohexanes (1.05 × 10−8), heptachlor (8.97 × 10−9), hexachlorobenzene (6.47 × 10−9), chlordane (5.89 × 10−9), heptachlor epoxide (1.42 × 10−9), aldrin (1.33 × 10−9), and mirex (2.71 × 10−10) in ambient air were relatively low, suggesting that their threats to human health were negligible. In general, PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and OCPs in the ambient air of São Paulo did not pose serious threats to human health during 2010–2015.

Associations between internal exposure levels of persistent organic pollutants in adipose tissue and deep infiltrating endometriosis with or without concurrent ovarian endometrioma

Endometriosis is a gynaecological disease characterized by the presence of ectopic endometrial tissue. Histologically, it appears as different sub-types, being peritoneal endometriosis, ovarian endometrioma (OvE) and deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE), which are of major relevance due to their varying clinical presentations. A number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been associated with the onset of endometriosis, yet the overall set of existing studies remains fairly divergent. In this preliminary case-control study we aimed to assess the potential associations between the internal exposure to POPs and the presence of DIE with or without concurrent OvE. Adipose tissue and serum samples were collected from surgically confirmed cases (n=55) and controls (n=44) enrolled during 2013 and 2015 in Pays de la Loire, France. Targeted pollutants (76 historical or more emerging POPs including dioxins, polychlorobiphenyls (PCB), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were quantified by chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were estimated from unconditional logistic regression adjusted for known confounding variables. The results showed significant associations between DIE and adipose tissue levels of 1.2.3.7.8 – PeCDD, OCDF, PCB 105, 114, 118 and 123, PBDE 183, PBB 153, and several OCPs including trans‑nonachlor, cis‑heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, β-hexachlorocyclohexane and hexachlorobenzene. The largest associations were observed for OCDF followed by cis‑heptachlor epoxide, exhibiting adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 5.42 (2.73–12.85) and 5.36 (2.44–14.84) per 1-SD increase, respectively. The stratified analysis comparing both disease sub-types suggested that adipose tissue exposure markers may be more associated with DIE concurrent with OvE, however these results need to be confirmed in a larger population.

Number of Persistent Organic Pollutants Detected at High Concentrations in Blood Samples of the United States Population.

Human exposure to environmental chemicals as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is usually assessed considering each pollutant individually, with little attention to concentrations of mixtures in individuals or social groups. Yet, it may be relatively common for humans to have low and high concentrations of numerous POPs. The study objectives were to analyze the number of POPs detected per person at high concentrations in the U.S. population, and the associations between such type of indicators and socioeconomic factors as gender, race / ethnicity, education, and poverty level. From 91 POPs analyzed in serum samples of 4,739 individuals in three subsamples of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003–2004 (the last period with valid updated individual data for the compounds considered in the present study), we computed the number of POPs whose serum concentrations were above selected cutoff points. POPs included were 13 organochlorine compounds (OCs), 10 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), the polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) 153, 38 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/Fs), and 12 perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Over 13% of participants had ≥10 of the 37 most detected POPs each at a concentration in the top decile (P90). Over 30% of subjects with total toxic equivalency (TEQ) ≥P75, had ≥10 of 24 POPs not included in TEQ calculations at concentrations ≥P90. Compared to non-Hispanic whites, the adjusted odds ratio of having ≥10 of the 37 POPs at P90 was 9.2 for non-Hispanic blacks and 0.18 for Mexican Americans. Poverty, body mass index, age, and gender were also independently associated with having ≥10 POPs in the top decile. More than one tenth of the US population may have ≥10 POPs each at concentrations in the top decile. Such pattern is nine times more frequent in Non-Hispanic blacks and four times less frequent in Mexican Americans than in non-Hispanic whites.

Assessing persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Sicily Island atmosphere, Mediterranean, using PUF disk passive air samplers.

In this study, PUF disk passive air samplers were deployed at eight sites, during two sampling periods, on the Island of Sicily in the Mediterranean basin. Samples were screened for a number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (n=28 congeners), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (n=16 compounds), and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs n=28) using GC-MS. PCB concentrations in air ranged ~10-300pgm-3. The PCB pattern was dominated by lower to middle molecular weight PCBs (Cl3-5) and PCB-28 and PCB-52 were the most abundant congeners. α- and γ-Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) concentrations in air were relatively high ~420±320 (50-1000) and 460±340 (30-1000) pgm-3, respectively, with an average α/γ ratio of 1±0.5, indicating a tendency of higher use of lindane than of technical HCH. Among DDTs, only p,p'-DDT 90±15 (~10-800) and p,p'-DDE 60±60 (20-400) were frequently detected. DDT/DDE=0.4-3.0 (1.0±0.7 for both periods) suggesting past and fresh inputs of DDT at the sampling sites. α-Endosulfan, recently included in Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, fluctuated between 120±50 (50-1000) pgm-3. In contrast, PBDE levels were very low (0.2-2pgm-3). Back trajectories of advection suggest that POP levels are mainly related to local sources (primary or secondary) from Sicily (50-70% contribution of air masses), Southern Italy, and Sardinia (20%). This study provides new information for POP levels in the atmosphere of the Mediterranean region.

Number of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Detected at High Concentrations in the U.S. Population (NHANES 2003–04).

Number of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Detected at High Concentrations in the U.S. Population (NHANES 2003–04).

Evaluating the temporal variability of concentrations of POPs in a glacier-fed stream food chain using a combined modeling approach

Falling snow acts as an efficient scavenger of contaminants from the atmosphere and, accumulating on the ground surface, behaves as a temporary storage reservoir; during snow aging and metamorphosis, contaminants may concentrate and be subject to pulsed release during intense snow melt events. In high-mountain areas, firn and ice play a similar role. The consequent concentration peaks in surface waters can pose a risk to high-altitude ecosystems, since snow and ice melt often coincide with periods of intense biological activity. In such situations, the role of dynamic models can be crucial when assessing environmental behavior of contaminants and their accumulation patterns in aquatic organisms. In the present work, a dynamic fate modeling approach was combined to a hydrological module capable of estimating water discharge and snow/ice melt contributions on an hourly basis, starting from hourly air temperatures. The model was applied to the case study of the Frodolfo glacier-fed stream (Italian Alps), for which concentrations of a number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) and p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) in stream water and four macroinvertebrate groups were available. Considering the uncertainties in input data, results showed a satisfying agreement for both water and organism concentrations. This study showed the model adequacy for the estimation of pollutant concentrations in surface waters and bioaccumulation in aquatic organisms, as well as its possible role in assessing the consequences of climate change on the cycle of POPs.

Dioxin-like compounds and bone quality in Cree women of Eastern James Bay (Canada): a cross-sectional study

BackgroundAboriginal populations living in Canada’s northern regions are exposed to a number of persistent organic pollutants through their traditional diet which includes substantial amounts of predator fish species. Exposure to dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) can cause a variety of toxic effects including adverse effects on bone tissue. This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the relationship between plasma concentrations of DLCs and bone quality parameters in Cree women of Eastern James Bay (Canada).MethodsTwo hundred and forty-nine Cree women from seven communities in Eastern James Bay (Canada), aged 35 to 74 years old, participated in the study. In order to determine the total DLC concentration in plasma samples of participants, we measured the aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated transcriptional activity elicited by plasma sample extracts using a luciferase reporter gene assay. Plasma concentrations of mono-ortho-substituted dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) 105, 118 and 156 were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Bone quality parameters (speed of sound, m/s; broadband ultrasound attenuation, dB/MHz; stiffness index, %) were assessed by quantitative ultrasound at the right calcaneus with the Achilles InSight system. Several factors known to be associated with osteoporosis were documented by questionnaire. Multiple linear regression models were constructed for the three ultrasound parameters.ResultsDL-PCBs 105 and 118 concentrations, but not the global DLC concentration, were inversely associated with the stiffness index, even after adjusting for several confounding factors. The stiffness index (log) decreased by −0.22% (p=0.0414) and −0.04% (p=0.0483) with an increase of one μg/L in plasma concentrations of DL-PCB 105 and DL-PCB 118, respectively. Other factors, including age, height, smoking status, menopausal status and the percentage of omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) in erythrocyte membranes were negatively associated with one of the ultrasound parameters, while the percentage of omega-3 PUFAs in these membranes and levels of physical activity and education were positively associated with them.ConclusionsOur results show that an increase in plasma concentrations of DL-PCBs 105 and 118 was negatively associated with stiffness index, a measure of bone quality/strength, in women of this population. In addition to environmental contaminants, future studies should also consider PUFA intake as a factor influencing bone quality.

Ultrasound assisted dialysis of semi-permeable membrane devices for the simultaneous analysis of a wide number of persistent organic pollutants

A new procedure based on ultrasound assisted dialysis (UAD) for the simultaneous and quantitative extraction of a wide number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) or some other organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) contained in semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) has been developed. This extraction technique combines the advantages of the organic solvent dialysis (OSD) and the speed of the ultrasound assisted extraction. The extraction was performed in an ultrasound bath for 32min placing the SPMD in a glass flask covered with 80mL of hexane. This set-up is able to extract simultaneously up to 8 samples. The proposed method entails good repeatabilities (RSD 2–13%) and recoveries (around 100% for almost every analyte). Limits of detection were at ngSPMD−1 level and enough for the determination of the target analytes in a slightly polluted aquatic environment, as it was tested by successfully comparing the OSD to the proposed methodology. Therefore, the results obtained show that the UAD can be a good alternative for the extraction of POPs in SPMDs as it requires short extraction times and solvent volumes, and provides a cleaner extract for the subsequent clean-up step. Moreover, it fits better than the OSD to the general requirements of Green Chemistry.

Number of persistent organic pollutants detected at high concentrations in a general population

BackgroundSurveys of human exposure to environmental chemicals do not integrate the number of compounds detected per person and the concentration of each compound. This leaves untested relevant exposure scenarios, such as whether individuals with low concentrations of some compounds have high concentrations of the other compounds. ObjectiveTo analyze the number of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) detected at high concentrations. MethodsSerum concentrations of 19 POPs were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron-capture detection in a representative sample of the general population of Catalonia, Spain (N=919). ResultsOver 58% of participants had concentrations in the top quartile of ≥1 of the eight most prevalent POPs, and 34% of ≥3 POPs. 83% of women 60 to 74years old had concentrations of ≥3 POPs in the top quartile; 56% of women 60 to 74years had p,p′-DDE, HCB and β-HCH all in their respective top quartiles, and 48% had concentrations of ≥6 POPs in the top quartile. Over 30% of subjects had concentrations in the top decile of 1 to 5 of the eight most prevalent POPs. Half of the population had levels of 1 to 5 POPs >500ng/g. Less than 4% had all eight POPs in the lowest quartile. ConclusionsMore than half of the study population had concentrations in the top quartile of ≥1 POPs. Significant subgroups of the population accumulate POP mixtures at high concentrations. POP concentrations appear low in most of the population only when each individual compound is looked at separately.

Persistent Organic Pollutants – Are Our Methods Sensitive and Selective Enough?

Due to the exponential growth of the world population and a strong worldwide economic development, humans are increasingly exposed to chemicals. This is particularly true for persistent, toxic chemicals that accumulate in organisms including humans. The presence of these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) has been reported since the 1960s. Analytical methods developed for the determination of POPs in wildlife, food, feed, sediments, dust, air, and humans have seen a tremendous improvement in sensitivity and selectivity. Detection limits of 0.1 mg/kg for pesticides in the 1960s have decreased down to < 0.1 ng/kg for dioxins presently. On the other hand, due to new toxicological insights, authorities nowadays often demand much lower detection limits than in the early days of discovery. This paper compares the lowest effectual levels of a number of POPs with the analytical capabilities of modern laboratories in terms of sensitivity and selectivity. Methods discussed are gas chromatography (GC), including multi-dimensional GC and liquid chromatography (LC), combined with electron capture detection (for GC) or with different mass spectrometric detectors. The conclusion is that the still improving sensitivity of current methods is sufficient to allow detection of POPs at a level clearly below the lowest observable adverse effect levels. Selectivity has also improved, but given the high complexity of some of the POPs and the multitude of POPs and other chemicals to which we are exposed, further developments in selectivity are still badly needed. To limit and focus the information for regulators, an effect-directed analysis is proposed as an alternative approach.

Ozonation and Advanced Oxidation Treatment of Emerging Organic Pollutants in Water and Wastewater

A vast number of persistent organic pollutants have been found in wastewater effluent, surface water, and drinking water around the world. This indicates their ineffective removal from water and wastewater using conventional treatment technologies. In addition to classical persistent organics such as organochlorine insecticides, solvents, and polychlorinated biphenyls, a growing number of emerging pollutants of both synthetic and natural origins have been identified as major environmental pollutants in recent years. A variety of advanced and conventional treatment options have been suggested for the removal and/or destruction of these persistent organics in water and wastewater, such as chemical oxidation, activated carbon adsorption, and membrane filtration. Of these options, chemical oxidation using ozone, alone or in combination with additional physical/chemical agents (i.e., advanced oxidation), has been proved a highly effective treatment process for a wide spectrum of emerging aqueous organic pollutants, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, personal care products, surfactants, microbial toxins, and natural fatty acids. In this paper, we discuss the emerging organic pollutants of concern in the aquatic environment and focus on the issues associated with their removal using ozonation and advanced oxidation processes.

Body of evidence.

Research ArticleOpen AccessBody of evidence. Bob Weinhold Bob Weinhold Search for more papers by this author Published:1 June 2003https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.111-a394Cited by:9AboutSectionsPDF ToolsDownload CitationsTrack Citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InReddit FiguresReferencesRelatedDetailsCited by Porta M (2014) Human contamination by persistent toxic substances: the rationale to improve exposure assessment, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 10.1007/s11356-014-3460-0, 22:19, (14560-14565), Online publication date: 1-Oct-2015. Porta M, Pumarega J, Gasull M and Lopez T (2014) Contamination from Endocrine Disrupters of the General Population at Low and High Concentrations Endocrine Disrupters, 10.1016/B978-0-12-800095-3.00006-7, (167-192), . Porta M, Pumarega J and Gasull M (2012) Number of persistent organic pollutants detected at high concentrations in a general population, Environment International, 10.1016/j.envint.2012.02.005, 44, (106-111), Online publication date: 1-Sep-2012. Porta M (2012) Human contamination by environmental chemical pollutants: Can we assess it more properly?, Preventive Medicine, 10.1016/j.ypmed.2012.09.020, 55:6, (560-562), Online publication date: 1-Dec-2012. Porta M, Gasull M and Pumarega J (2012) Commentary: A step towards more comprehensive analyses of life course effects of mixtures of environmental factors, International Journal of Epidemiology, 10.1093/ije/dys014, 41:3, (843-846), Online publication date: 1-Jun-2012. Wu J, Wang X, Ying F, Hu G, Wang X, Li D, Yu H and Han X (2011) In vitro assessment of reproductive toxicity on rats induced by organic contaminants of source water, Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety, 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2011.03.016, 74:6, (1756-1764), Online publication date: 1-Sep-2011. Porta M, Puigdomènech E, Ballester F, Selva J, Ribas-Fitó N, Llop S and López T (2008) Monitoring concentrations of persistent organic pollutants in the general population: The international experience, Environment International, 10.1016/j.envint.2007.10.004, 34:4, (546-561), Online publication date: 1-May-2008. Porta M, Puigdomènech E, Ballester F, Selva J, Ribas-Fitó N, Domínguez-Boada L, Martín-Olmedo P, Olea N, Llop S and Fernández M (2008) Estudios realizados en España sobre concentraciones en humanos de compuestos tóxicos persistentes, Gaceta Sanitaria, 10.1157/13123971, 22:3, (248-266), Online publication date: 1-May-2008. Przybyla J, Kile M and Smit E (2017) Description of exposure profiles for seven environmental chemicals in a US population using recursive partition mixture modeling (RPMM), Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, 10.1038/s41370-017-0008-7 Vol. 111, No. 7 June 2003Metrics About Article Metrics Publication History Originally published1 June 2003Published in print1 June 2003 Financial disclosuresPDF download License information EHP is an open-access journal published with support from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health. All content is public domain unless otherwise noted. Note to readers with disabilities EHP strives to ensure that all journal content is accessible to all readers. However, some figures and Supplemental Material published in EHP articles may not conform to 508 standards due to the complexity of the information being presented. If you need assistance accessing journal content, please contact [email protected]. Our staff will work with you to assess and meet your accessibility needs within 3 working days.