Organochlorine Pollutants Research Articles

Organochlorine pollutants in human blood and their relation with age, gender and habitat from North-east India

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been beneficial to man and environment but their inadvertent use has caused considerable harm to human health. Despite the proliferation of different types of pesticides, organochlorines such as HCH and DDT still account for two third of the total consumption in India because of their low cost and versatility in action again various pests. Since, Assam, a state in North-eastern part of India is an endemic area with perennial transmission where mosquito borne diseases are serious health problems; these pesticides are still being used in huge quantities in vector control as well as in agriculture. A total of 331 human blood samples were collected from district Nagaon and Dibrugarh of Assam to determine the residue levels of DDT and HCH in human blood. The concentrations of selected persistent organochlorine pollutants were measured with gas chromatography-electron capture detector. The results demonstrated that the mean levels of total DDT and HCH were 743μgL−1 and 627μgL−1 for district Nagaon while 417μgL−1 and 348μgL−1 for district Dibrugarh. The difference of total HCH and total DDT between these two districts was found to be highly significant (P<0.0001). Among DDT metabolites, the same trend was observed for both the districts as p,p-DDT was the principal component contributed 41% for Nagaon and 58% for Dibrugarh. In case of HCH residues, for Nagaon, β-HCH was the predominant contaminant comprised more than 34% while for Dibrugarh, it was α-HCH that was contributing 43% of total HCH concentration.

ORGANOCHLORINE PESTICIDES AND PCBs IN NEWBORNS IN A GENERAL POPULATION OF A STRONGLY INDUSTRIALIZED AREA

Background and Aims: During pregnancy, organochlorine pollutants (OCs) are transferred from mother to fetus through the placenta (Vizcaino et al. 2011). Prenatal exposure may be related to future health problems of infants (Gladen et al. 1988). The body burden of compounds arriving to fetus depends on the environmental conditions in which the mothers live. In the present study prenatal exposure to OCs in a strongly industrialized area (Asturias, Spain) is investigated. Methods: As part of the INMA (Environment and childhood) project (Ribas-Fito et al. 2006), 226 cord serum samples from the cohort of Asturias were analysed for OCs, including pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), hexaclorobenzene (HCB), 7 polychlorobiphenyl congeners (PCBs), 4 hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. The analyses were performed using liquid-liquid extraction, followed by gas chromatography electron capture detection (GC-ECD). Results: 4,4’-DDE was the most abundant compound (median concentration of 0.51 ng/ml), and was detected in 99 % of the samples, while 4,4’-DDT (0.07 ng/ml) was found in 68 % of the samples. PCB congeners 118, 138, 153 and 180 were detected in more than 90 % of the samples, with PCB153 as the most abundant congener (0.14 ng/ml). HCB (0.14 ng/ml) and •-HCH (0.05 ng/ml) could be detected in respectively 96 and 86 % of the samples. Conclusions: Prenatal exposure to OCs and PCBs is also occurring in Asturias. Comparing with other previously published INMA cohorts the observed concentrations are lower than those in samples from Menorca, but similar to those found in Valencia (Vizcaino et al. 2011).

VERY HIGH CORRELATIONS BETWEEN FRESH WEIGHT AND LIPID-ADJUSTED PCB-153 SERUM CONCENTRATIONS – IRRESPECTIVE OF FASTING STATUS, AGE, BODY MASS INDEX, GENDER, OR EXPOSURE DISTRIBUTIONS

Background and aims: Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), such as PCBs, DDT and dioxins, are lipophilic pollutants accumulated in the food chain. These compounds have in epidemiological studies been associated with health hazards, not only detected among highly exposed populations, but also among populations with lower exposure levels. The exposure window might be crucial and it is, accordingly, important to analyze exposure concentrations in samples collected at the window of interest. This makes the use of stored blood samples extremely interesting. However, the blood volumes available from stored samples in biobanks are often less than 0.2 ml, which means that the researchers in epidemiological studies have to select a limited number of biomarkers representing the POP exposure and abstain from analyses of lipid concentrations. This raises the question of the necessity of lipid adjustment and the implications for interpretation of health effects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate how well the correlation between fresh weight and lipid adjusted concentrations is? Methods: We have performed a number of epidemiological studies were we have used the PCB congener 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB153) as a biomarker for POP exposure. In all studies fresh weight as well as lipid adjusted PCB-153 concentrations is known. The variety of the cohort members (in total 1628) in the different studies give us the possibility to better understand how well these measures correlate. Results: When all individuals were included in the analyses a correlation coefficient of 0.95 between fresh weight and lipid adjusted serum concentrations was obtained. Restricting the analyses to specific subgroups (based on gender, fasting status, age and bmi) gave correlation coefficients between 0.90 and 0.97. Conclusions: This study do strongly support the use of samples from biobanks in epidemiological studies for analyzing PCBs even though it is not possible to lipid adjust the analyses.

A NESTED CASE-CONTROL STUDY OF INTRAUTERINE EXPOSURE TO PERSISTENT ORGANOCHLORINE POLLUTANTS IN RELATION TO RISK OF HYPOSPADIA

Background and aims: In western countries the prevalence of hypospadias varies from two to eight cases per 1,000 live births. Knowledge about risk factors for hypospadias is still scarce. However, environmental exposures to so called endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) have been suggested as a risk factor. An important group of EDCs is persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs). Due to the unique personal identification number present in the biobank databases and the national health registries in Sweden we have the possibility to investigate the association between POPs and hypospadias in relatively large studies. Methods: The Malmö Microbiology Biobank (MMB) contains about 200 000 deep-frozen serum samples, stored after population-based serological screening for virus infections and rubella immunity during pregnancy week 14. Linkages between the Medical Birth Register, the Malformation Register and the In-patient Register resulted in 390 boys with hypospadia. For 237 (61 %) of them, sufficient amount of serum samples were found in the biobank. For each case a control boy was randomly selected from the MMB. 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153), the major DDT metabolite 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p´-DDE) and hexachlorbenzene (HCB) were used as biomarkers of POP exposure. Results: A 65 percent statistically significantly increased risk in the highest maternal exposure quartile of HCB as compared to the three lowest HCB exposure categories was observed. The pattern was, although not statistically significant, similar for maternal exposure for p,p´-DDE. Conclusion: The present study indicates that in utero exposure to HCB and perhaps exposure to p,p´-DDE is a risk factor for hypospadia. The fact that HCB and p,p´-DDE may affect the androgen-signalling pathway should reinforce the concept that ECDs, though present at low doses, may affect human health negatively.

Assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in Atlantic Rain Forest fragments, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

A superficial water quality survey in a watershed of the Paraíba do Sul River, the main water supply for the most populated cities of southeastern Brazil, was held in order to assess the impact of the expansion of agricultural activity in the near border of the Atlantic Rain Forest. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of priority organochlorine pollutants in soils and superficial waters of Atlantic rainforest fragments in Teresópolis, Rio de Janeiro State. Soil sample preparations were compared by using ultrasound, microwave assisted extraction and Soxhlet extraction. Recoveries of matrix spiked samples ranged from 70 to 130%. Analysis of a certified soil material showed recoveries ranging from 71 to 234%. Although low concentrations of organochlorine residues were found in water and soil samples, this area is of environmental importance and concern, thus demanding a monitoring program of its compartments.

Ferrous ions accelerate sulfide-induced abiotic dechlorination of DDT in waterlogged paddy soil and in soil solution

Purpose Abiotic dechlorination of organochlorine pollutants seems to occur more efficiently in nature than previously thought. Ferrous (Fe2+) and sulfide (S2−) ions have been shown to be effective dechlorinating reagents. However, little is known about the interactions between Fe2+ and S2− during dechlorination of 1,1,1-trichoro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)-ethane (DDT) in soil, in spite of the fact that these ions co-exist in waterlogged soils.

Differences in serum levels of CB-153 and p, p′-DDE, and reproductive parameters between men living south and north in Norway

Arctic is contaminated with persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), and exposure to these compounds may differ between south and north in Norway. POPs may have negative impact on male reproductive characteristics. We compared serum levels of the CB-153 and p, p′-DDE in men who were born and had lived most of their lifetime south and north (close to or above the Arctic Circle) in Norway. We found no geographical differences in levels of CB-153 (south: 50 ng/g lipid (mean), north: 59 ng/g lipid; p = 0.27) or sperm parameters. However, the levels of p, p′-DDE were higher in south than in north (81 ng/g lipid (mean) vs. 66 ng/g lipid; p = 0.02), as were the levels of total and free testosterone. The FSH levels were lowest in south. A strong relationship between the CB-153 and the SHBG levels was observed. The regional differences observed for p, p′-DDE, testosterone and FSH were not reflected in the semen quality.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in local waterbird eggs from Hong Kong: Risk assessment to local waterbirds

The contamination status of the marine environment in Hong Kong was studied by measuring concentrations of organochlorine (OC) pollutants (i.e., hexachlorobenzene, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, mirex, total heptachlor, total chlordane, total DDTs, total PCBs, and total toxaphenes) in the eggs of selected waterbird species from different locations around the city: Little Egret ( Egretta garzetta) and Chinese Pond Heron ( Ardeola bacchus) from Mai Po Village, Great Egret ( Ardea alba) and Black-crowned Night Heron ( Nycticorax nycticorax) from A Chau, and Chinese Pond Heron ( A. bacchus) from Ho Sheung Heung. The mean concentrations of total PCBs and total DDTs ranged from 191–11 100 ng g −1 lipid and 453–49 000 ng g −1 lipid, respectively. Recent exposure of waterbirds to technical chlordane was found in Hong Kong. The risk characterization demonstrated potential risks to birds associated with exposure to DDE, which was found to cause a reduction in survival of young in Hong Kong Ardeids based on the endpoint in the risk assessment.

Organochlorine pollution in tropical rivers (Guadeloupe): Role of ecological factors in food web bioaccumulation

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and stable isotope ratios of nitrogen and carbon were measured in a tropical freshwater ecosystem to evaluate the contamination level of biota and examine the bioaccumulation patterns of pollutants through the food web. Chemical analyses showed a general and heavy contamination of the entire food web. They revealed the strong accumulation of pollutants by juveniles of diadromous fishes and shrimps, as they re-enter the river. The role of ecological factors in the bioaccumulation of pesticides was evaluated. Whereas the most persistent pollutants (chlordecone and monohydro-chlordecone) were related to the organisms diet and habitat, bioaccumulation of β-HCH was only influenced by animal lipid content. The biomagnification potential of chlordecone through the food chain has been demonstrated. It highlighted the importance of trophic transfer in this compound bioaccumulation process. In contrast, bioconcentration by passive diffusion from water seemed to be the main exposure route of biota to β-HCH.

Persistent organic pollutant in a fish community of a sub-alpine lake

This study investigated the presence of organochlorine pollutants in abiotic and biotic samples from Lake Como (Italy). DDTs and PCBs were found to be the major contaminants, ranging from 0.04 to 4.25 and from 0.25 to 40.8 μg/g lipid respectively. Evidence of biomagnification according to the trophic role of the investigated organisms was highlighted by means of Stable Isotope Analysis. A Trophic Magnification Factor (TMF) was calculated for the chemicals of interest and the applicability of the method for global use was confirmed. Statistically significant correlation has been found between the calculated trophic level and the concentrations of more lipophilic compounds, while for the less lipophilic (e.g., HCH, 3CBs) the relationship is no statistically significant and the TMF is close to 1. The role of the foraging area in affecting PCB and DDT concentrations within aquatic ecosystems has been highlighted by a Principal Component Analysis (PCA).

Long-term Trends of Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants, Occupancy and Reproductive Success in Peregrine Falcons (&lt;i&gt;Falco peregrinus tundrius&lt;/i&gt;) Breeding near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, Canada

The historical decline of the peregrine falcon ( Falco peregrinus ) in North America was attributed mainly to reproductive failure associated with persistent organochlorine pollutants, in particular DD T (dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane). It is generally assumed that declining trends in pesticide loads will be accompanied by a corresponding increase in reproduction. In this study, we concurrently measured occupancy, reproductive performance, and pesticide loads of breeding-aged adults on territory near Rankin Inlet, Nunavut, from 1982 to 2009. Our findings indicate that reproductive success of peregrine falcons in our study population declined despite concomitant reductions in pesticide loads, and that on average, approximately three fewer territories were occupied annually from 2002 to 2009 than were occupied from 1982 to 1989. In addition, the average number of young to reach banding age annually from 2002 to 2009 was approximately half the number banded annually from 1982 to 1989. These results indicate that in recent years fewer pairs have attempted to breed; in addition, those that did breed successfully raised fewer young to banding age. In general, the pesticides examined in this study cannot mechanistically explain either the reduction in occupancy or the decline in reproductive performance. We suggest that the proximate effects of local weather patterns—ultimately associated, either directly or indirectly, with overall climate change—have the greatest potential to explain the altered demographic features of the Rankin Inlet population.

Integrated biological and chemical analysis of organochlorine compound pollution and of its biological effects in a riverine system downstream the discharge point

Pollution in riverine systems, along with its biological effects, may propagate downstream even at considerable distances. We analyzed the organochlorine compound (OC) pollution in a section of the low Ebro River (Northeast Spain) downstream a long-operating chlor-alkali plant. Maximal levels of OCs and of their associated dioxin-like biological activity occurred in residue samples from the plant, and persisted in river sediments some 40 km downstream (Xerta site). Biological analysis at multiple organization levels in local carp ( Cyprinus carpio, EROD, Cyp1A mRNA expression in the liver, hepatosomatic index, condition factor, and micronuclei index in peripheral blood) showed a similar pattern, with a maximal impact in Ascó, few kilometers downstream the plant, and a clear reduction at Xerta. This combination of chemical, molecular, cellular and physiological data allowed the precise assessment of the negative impact of the chlor-alkali plant on the quality of river sediments and on fish, and suggests that sediments may be a reservoir for toxic substances even in dynamic environments like rivers.

PCB and DDT levels do not appear to have enhanced the mortality of striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba) in the 2007 Mediterranean epizootic

In 2007, 17 years after the first reported Mediterranean epizootic of striped dolphins ( Stenella coeruleoalba), a new strain of the morbillivirus caused the deaths of dozens of striped dolphins that appeared dead on Western Mediterranean beaches. DDT and PCB levels were determined in these dolphins, and in individuals from sporadic strandings in the surrounding years. Comparison between the two epidemic events showed that organochlorine (OC) levels in the dolphins from 1990 epizootic were more than 10-fold higher for tPCB and 6-fold higher for tDDT than levels in dolphins from the 2007 outbreak. In contrast to what occurred in 1990, OCs from individuals affected by the second outburst fit well with curves of OC trends in the Mediterranean. Because the virulence of the 2007 epizootic was much lower, and the deceased dolphins affected by it did not present OC concentrations that were more elevated than in presumably healthy individuals, this second outburst is not believed to have been enhanced by OC pollutants.

Accumulation of background levels of persistent organochlorine and organobromine pollutants through the soil–earthworm–hedgehog food chain

The bioaccumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and DDT and metabolites, was investigated in the soil–earthworm–hedgehog food chain. Concentrations of selected POPs were measured in soil and earthworms collected in grassland and open woodland and in hair and blood of hedgehogs foraging in two parks containing these habitats. Despite background concentrations in soil (ranging from 1.3 to 9.3 ng/g for DDTs, 2.3 to 6.5 ng/g for PCBs and 0.08 to 0.20 ng/g for PBDEs), biota-soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) indicated that earthworms accumulated POPs (0.48–1.70 for DDTs, 1.09–2.76 for PCBs and 1.99–5.67 for PBDEs) and that animals feeding on earthworms are potentially exposed to higher concentrations of pollutants. BSAFs decreased with increasing soil concentrations for the three groups of compounds, suggesting that steady-state equilibrium was not reached in soil or earthworms. Positive, but low, log-linear relationships were found for DDT ( r 2 = 0.23, p < 0.05 for Brasschaat and r 2 = 0.63, p < 0.01 for Hoboken) and PCB ( r 2 = 0.13, p < 0.05 for both parks) concentrations between soil and earthworms. In order to relate earthworm to hedgehog POP concentrations, the foraging behavior of each individual was taken into account. The use of hair as a potential biomonitoring tissue in exposure and risk assessment of POPs was evaluated by examining the relationship between PCB and p,p′-DDE levels in hedgehogs' hair and blood. Contaminant profiles were used to gain insight into biotransformation of the studied compounds in each step of the investigated food chain and in the blood of hedgehogs, as well as the consequences thereof for their incorporation in hair. The absence of a discernable relationship between POP concentrations in earthworms and hair is possible due to variation in individual foraging behavior and POP uptake. Our results suggest that POPs in tissues should be measured from an adequate number of individuals per population instead of relying on indirect estimates from levels in soil or prey items.

Flame retardants and organochlorine pollutants in bald eagle plasma from the Great Lakes region

We report measurements of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and of emerging flame retardants in the plasma of nestling bald eagles sampled from early May to late June of 2005. Concentrations of total PBDEs ranged from 0.35 ng g −1 ww to 29.3 ng g −1 ww (average = 5.7 ± 1.9 ng g −1 ww). The most abundant congeners were BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100. The fully brominated congener, BDE-209, was detected in approximately one third of the samples at an average concentration of 1.2 ± 0.72 ng g −1 ww. Several emerging flame retardants, such as pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), and Dechlorane Plus (DP), were detected in these samples. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides were also detected at levels close to those previously published. A statistically significant relationship was found between total PBDE concentrations and total PCB and p, p′-DDE concentrations, suggesting that these compounds share a common source, which is most likely the eagle’s food.

A nested case-control study of intrauterine exposure to persistent organochlorine pollutants in relation to risk of type 1 diabetes.

BackgroundThe incidence of type 1 diabetes in Europe is increasing at a rate of about 3% per year and there is also an increasing incidence throughout the world. Type 1 diabetes is a complex disease caused by multiple genetic and environmental factors. Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) have been suggested as a triggering factor for developing childhood type 1 diabetes. The aim of this case-control study was to assess possible impacts of in utero exposure to POPs on type 1 diabetes.Methodology/ Principal FindingsThe study was performed as a case-control study within a biobank in Malmö, a city located in the Southern part of Sweden. The study included 150 cases (children who had their diagnosis mostly before 18 years of age) and 150 controls, matched for gender and day of birth. 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB-153) and the major DDT metabolite 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis (p-chlorophenyl)-ethylene (p,p′-DDE) were used as a biomarkers for POP exposure. When comparing the quartile with the highest maternal serum concentrations of PCB-153 with the other quartiles, an odds ratio (OR) of 0.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.42, 1.27) was obtained. Similar results was obtained for p,p′-DDE (OR 0.56, 95% CI 0.29, 1.08).ConclusionsThe hypothesis that in utero exposure to POPs will trigger the risk for developing type 1 diabetes was not supported by the results. The risk estimates did, although not statistically significant, go in the opposite direction. However, it is not reasonable to believe that exposure to POPs should protect against type 1 diabetes.

Organochlorine Pollutants in Chub, Leuciscus cephalus, from the Svratka River, Czech Republic

The aim was to evaluate the extent of pollution of the Svratka River with organochlorinated pollutants using the chub (Leuciscus cephalus) as a suitable bioindicator of the river contamination. The sum of 7 PCB congeners was found in range of 7.6-93.8 ng/g (with median of 31.7 ng/g) wet weight (ww), DDTs of 2.9-93.8 (29.9) ng/g ww, HCHs isomers of 0.1-5.3 (1.0) ng/g ww, HCB of 0.3-8.4 (2.2) ng/g ww and OCS of <0.1-0.5 (0.1) ng/g ww. Our results confirm predominance of metabolite DDE and higher-chlorinated PCB congeners and are comparable with similar studies and findings within the Czech Republic.

Organochlorine Residues in South American Sea Lions, Otaria flavescens (Shaw, 1800): Bioaccumulation and Time Trends

Blubber from stranded South American sea lions (Otaria flavescens) was sampled between 1991 and 2005 on the Peninsula Valdés in Argentina and analyzed for organochlorine (OC) pollutants. Mean blubber concentrations, expressed on an extractable basis, were 686 (SD = 1,060) ng g(-1) for dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (tDDT) and 735 (SD = 787) ng g(-1) for polychlorinated byphenils (PCB). The OC levels were well below those associated with adverse sublethal effects and lethality in mammals. OC concentrations showed statistically significant associations with age that were positive in males and negative in females. These trends are consistent with the majority of marine mammal populations studied. There were no trends in the levels of tDDT or PCB over time. In spite of the low levels detected, OC contamination was present consistently over the 14-year period, suggesting continuous inputs from geographic redistribution.

Avian liver organochlorine and PCB from South coast of the Caspian Sea, Iran

Liver samples (n = 43) of 9 avian species representing the families Phalacrocoracidae, Podicipedidae, Laridae, and Anatidae, were collected from the Iranian coast of the Caspian Sea. Samples were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), and seven PCB congeners. p,p'-DDE was predominantly found in all species, at concentrations ranging from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 340 ng/g ww. Most frequently encountered PCB congeners, in all samples, were 118, 153 and 138; and birds in Phalacrocoracidae had the highest liver PCB (mean 90 +/- 32; ranging from <LOQ to 106 ng/g ww) whereas Podicipedidae had the highest OCP (mean 147 +/- 49; ranging from <LOQ to 340 ng/g ww) (P < 0.05). Differences in the diet, and migratory routes, were important species-specific factors that affected hepatic concentration of OCP and PCB in the species we studied. Range of OCP and PCB concentrations in the present study was lower than those reported for birds in other regions of the world. Hepatic PCB concentration found in our avian species was below toxic effect levels that have been previously reported in birds. To our knowledge this is the first report of persistent organochlorine pollutants in liver of birds from Iran.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants and heavy metals in tissues of common bottlenose dolphin ( Tursiops truncatus) from the Levantine Basin of the Eastern Mediterranean

DDT’s, PCBs and heavy metals (HM) were measured in tissues of common bottlenose dolphins, collected along the Israeli Mediterranean coast during 2004–2006. ΣDDT and PCBs concentrations were highest in the blubber, with a wide concentration range of 0.92–142 and 0.05–7.9 mg kg −1 wet weight, respectively. Blubber PCBs values were an order of magnitude lower than in tissues of this and other delphinid species in the Western Mediterranea. We found relatively high DDE/ΣDDT percentage (85–96%); a common indicator of DDT degradation, which fitted the general trend of increase in the last 20 years in the Mediterranean Sea, indicating the progressive degradation of the remnant DDT and the absence of new inputs. Concentrations of HM ranged as follows: 0.01–123 mg kg −1 wet weight for Hg, <0.04–1.3 for Cd, 1–30 for Cu, 0.3–4 for Mn, 19–517 for Fe, 4.3–68 for Zn and 2.4–48 for Ni. These concentrations were similar to those found in specimens collected during previous years in the region, suggesting stability over time in the HM levels of the basin’s food-web.