Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants Research Articles

Advances in the electrochemical degradation of environmental persistent organochlorine pollutants: materials, mechanisms, and applications

Advances in the electrochemical degradation of environmental persistent organochlorine pollutants: materials, mechanisms, and applications

Presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and persistent organochlorine pollutants in human Milk: Evaluating their levels, association with Total antioxidant capacity, and risk assessment

Breastfeeding provides numerous health benefits for both infants and mothers, promoting optimal growth and development while offering protection against various illnesses and diseases. This study investigated the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organochlorine pesticides (OCP) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in human milk sampled in Zadar (Croatia). The primary objectives were twofold: firstly, to evaluate the individual impact of each compound on the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) value, and secondly, to assess associated health risks. Notably, this study presents pioneering and preliminary insights into PAH levels in Croatian human milk, contributing to the limited research on PAH in breast milk worldwide. PCB and OCP levels in Croatian human milk were found to be relatively lower compared to worldwide data. Conversely, PAH levels were comparatively higher, albeit with lower detection frequencies. A negative correlation was established between organic contaminant levels and antioxidative capacity, suggesting a potential link between higher antioxidative potential and lower organic contaminant levels. Diagnostic ratio pointed towards traffic emissions as the primary source of the detected PAH. The presence of PAH suggests potential health risk, underscoring the need for further in-depth investigation.

Organochlorine compounds in the bottom sediments of the meromictic Mogilnoe Lake (Kildin Island, Russia)

The paper presents the results of a study of the behavior of organochlorine compounds (chlorinated benzenes and phenols) in the bottom sediments of Mogilnoe Lake (Kildin Island, Barents Sea). Mogilnoe Lake is a meromictic water reservoir located in the high latitudes of the Russian Arctic. A unique feature of the lake is its underground connection with the sea, which makes it similar to tropical anchialine lakes. Lake sediment samples were taken at three deep-water stations during complex expedition work in June 2019 by employees of the N. Laverov Federal Center for Integrated Arctic Research of the Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (Arkhangelsk). Organochlorine compounds were extracted from air-dried samples of bottom sediments using accelerated flow-through solvent extraction with a hot mixture of organic solvents. Determination of the concentrations of chlorinated benzenes was carried out according to RD 52.24.417-2011 (RF), and the concentrations of chlorinated phenols and their derivatives – in accordance with the ISO 14154:2005. Quantification and identification of individual organochlorine compounds were carried out by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection. The presence of organochlorine compounds in sediments of the meromictic Mogilnoe Lake has been established. Concentrations of persistent organochlorine pollutants were assessed as high. Most likely, the component composition of organochlorine compounds and their detected levels (primarily pollutants) in the bottom sediments of the lake are due to the influence of various local anthropogenic sources, as well as atmospheric long-range transport from low/moderate latitudes and nearby regions.

Determination of persistent organochlorine pollutants in human serum by combining liquid-liquid extraction and solid-phase extraction with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POCPs) are a group of “forever chemicals” that are ubiquitous in the environment and pose adverse health effects to humans. However, the lack of sensitive and widely applicable analytical method for internal POCPs exposure assessment puts limits on the researches of health risk evaluations. Therefore, we developed a method for the measurement of 43 POCPs in human serum using gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Serum samples were treated with methanol and acid to precipitate protein and remove lipids, respectively. 13C-labeled analogue was spiked and liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) was performed to extract target analytes by hexane and methyl tert-butyl ether. The extract was purified by solid-phase extraction (SPE) and eluted with dichloromethane. The eluate was concentrated under nitrogen stream and reconstituted with toluene. Samples were analyzed by GC-MS/MS operated in electron impact (EI) and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode. Calibration curves of all target analytes showed favorable linearity within the concentration range of 0.008 to 10 μg/L for different POCPs, with regression coefficients above 0.991. The method detection limits and limits of quantification ranged from 0.005 to 0.10 μg/L and 0.017 to 0.34 μg/L, respectively. The recoveries and precision of all analytes at 3 different spike levels were in the range of 65.3 % to 121.8 % and 1.8 % to 13.9 %, respectively. The matrix effects (ME) ranged from 74.9 % to 125.6 %. The results of measuring quality control samples from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) were with relative deviations of less than 30 %. With an optimized sample preparation procedure, the proposed method has successfully achieved in improving extraction efficiency and reducing ME. It was applied in the simultaneous determination of POCPs in a small volume of human serum in China National Human Biomonitoring.

Occurrence of Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants in Sediments from Lake Piediluco, Italy

In surficial sediments of Lake Piediluco, a small, riverine, regulated and heavily modified water body in the Central Italian Apennines, contamination by persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) was assessed. During spring and autumn, six representative points were investigated. Reflecting a substantial zonation of pollution within this aquatic ecosystem, concentrations were found to vary from site to site. OCPs, particularly DDT and its metabolites DDE and DDD, were detected at varying frequencies and concentrations from 0.301 to 8.185 ng/g d.w., whilst total PCBs (Σ50 congeners) were from 0.570 to 10.206 ng/g d.w. Although both PCB congener-specific and homolog patterns suggest a prevalent presence of Aroclors 1254 and 1260, a more limited likely contribution of 1248 technical mixture is not to be excluded. In the western area of the lake, affected daily by continuous basin water remixing for hydroelectricity production, major seasonal differences in OCP concentrations were found. Conversely, the eastern area was typified by low seasonal fluctuation and small variation among sites. Regardless of either collection site or seasonality, polychlorinated-p-dioxin and furan (PCDD/Fs) contamination were below 8.3 pg WHO-TEQ/g. In contrast to the present study, POP pollution from PCBs, PCDD/Fs and some DDT-derived pollutants has not been investigated so far. Nevertheless, the concentrations are typical of low-polluted or pristine area lakes and are consistently lower than those of other Italian lakes of greater size and depth (e.g., Como, Garda and Maggiore). The physical and chemical properties of investigated analytes are more consistent with probable diffuse point source contamination originating from the catchment area, rather than from atmospheric depositions by regional or long-range transports. Finally, according to the international sediment quality guidelines (SQGs), Piediluco sediments pose a low risk to sediment-dwelling organisms and, more generally, to the wildlife of such aquatic ecosystems.

Evaluation of Persistent Organochlorine pollutants in mother’s milk from Kalaburagi district, Karnataka, India.

In present study, traces of organochlorine pollutants and related compounds namely DDE p, p' and DDE o, p' were analysed in mother’s breast milk living in rural areas of Kalaburagi district, traces of organochlorine pollutants were analysed in almost 80% of the samples analysed from rural areas. Demonstrating that residents in these areas have been exposed to the contaminants. Kalaburagi is having fertile land, a variety of seasonal crops are cultivated in the selected study area, farmers practice large amounts of pesticides to increase the crop productivity and control the pests. Exposure of humans to these hazardous chemicals occurs directly in fields as women works as agricultural labour and indirectly due to intake of contaminated food habits. The organochlorine pollutants are lipophilic in nature and their presence in mother’s milk has been documented in different parts of the country. Breast milk samples were collected from mothers who were willing to donate the samples after signing the informed consent form. The levels of total OCPs in milk ranged from 5 ng g -1 to 9 ng g -1 . The results are within permissible limits provided and harmless.

Human biomonitoring of persistent and non-persistent pollutants in a representative sample of the general population from Cape Verde: Results from the PERVEMAC-II study

International Public Health authorities recommend biomonitoring studies to assess the exposure to chemicals in the general population. The aim of the present study was to analyze the blood concentrations of a total 360 pollutants, including 230 pesticides in current or recent use, 59 persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), 11 anticoagulant rodenticides and 60 pharmaceutical active compounds (PhACs), in a cohort of 403 subjects from Cape Verde. The study was performed in the frame of the Pesticide Residues in Vegetables of the Macaronesia project (PERVEMAC-II). A total of 60 out of 360 toxic compounds (16.7%) were detected, at least, in one participant. The three most frequently detected substances were p,p’-DDE (100%), phenanthrene (94.0%) and hexachlobenzene (35.9%). 2-Phenylphenol and imidacloprid were detected in 29.0 and 14.4% of the population. The three substances with the highest serum concentrations were PhACs: naproxen (249.1 ng/mL), metronidazole (115.6 ng/mL) and acetaminophen (25.2 ng/mL). Median blood concentration of p,p’-DDE, HCB and phenanthrene were 1.87, 0.08 and 0.36 ng/mL. Blood concentrations of POPs were influenced by age, although both gender and body mass index may exert an influence in the presence of these substances. Lifestyle has an effect on the concentration of these substances, especially in terms of dietary habits. Both the frequency of detection and the concentration of the studied substances are similar to those of other biomonitored populations. This is the first biomonitoring study carried out in Cape Verde. Our results may be useful for the implementation of public health measures by the competent authorities.

Environmental contaminant body burdens and the relationship with blood pressure measures among Indigenous adolescents using Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression: Results from the Nituuchischaayihtitaau Aschii: Multi-Community Environment-and-Health Study in Eeyou Istchee, Quebec, Canada, 2005–2009

Early onset hypertension among youth has important cardiovascular health implications later in life. Persistent organochlorine pollutants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and toxic metals have been associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. This study examined body burdens of environmental contaminants and blood pressure measurements (BP) among adolescents. We used data collected from the Multi-Community Environment-and-Health Study. First Nation adolescents with valid contaminant and BP measures were eligible. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) produced orthogonal principal component (PC) axes that were subsequently used as independent predictors in modified Poisson regression models, with robust variance estimation. Prevalence ratios (PR) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were derived for elevated blood pressure (EBP), which was defined as systolic (SBP≥120 mm Hg or diastolic DBP)≥80 mm Hg according to new clinical practice guidelines for BP screening among adolescents between 13 and 19 years of age. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) further examined individual contaminant contributions on continuous BP measures. In total there were ( n =148; 47 % females) First Nation adolescents. Prevalence of EBP, was 29%. Four PCs were extracted from the PCA analysis. The first axis (PC-1) explained 45% of the total variance, showing positive, primarily high loadings from polychlorinated biphenyl congeners (PCB). PBDEs loaded highly on PC-2, explaining 18% of the variation. Toxic metals (i.e., lead and mercury), and cadmium highly and positively loaded on PC-3 and PC-4, accounting for 11% and 10% of the variation, respectively. EBP was significantly associated with increasing PC-2 (i.e., PBDEs) across all adjusted models, fully adjusted model (PR=1.21; 95% 1.05, 1.40). Results from BKMR bolster the findings from the PCA and regression models. In this cross-sectional analysis, exposure to PBDE, specifically, PBDE-47 may adversely affect BP measures among young First Nation adolescents in Canada.

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

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

Preliminary Studies of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Sediment, Water and Fish Samples from Ethiope River, Abraka Axis, Southern Nigeria

Selected persistent organochlorine pollutants, including DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin, Aldrin, heptachlor, HCH as well as some of their isomers were determined in water, sediment and fish samples from the Ethiope River in Southern Nigeria. Twenty organochlorine pesticides were detected in both seasons from October 2012 – September 2013. Results revealed ∑HCH to be 0.620µg/L (water), 33 ng/g (sediment) and 29.00 ng/g (fish) for the rainy season while concentrations of 0.170 µg/L (water), 14 ng/g (sediment) and 28.00 ng/g (fish) were obtained for the dry season. 0.05–0.15 ng/g for aldrin, 0.12–5.8 ng/g for dieldrin, 0.22–0.64 ng/g for endrin, 0.24–6.37 ng/g for endosulfan and 0.21–8.81 ng/g for ΣDDT (p, p` -DDD, p, p` -DDE, p, p` -DDT). Among the OCPs, ∑HCH, endosulfan and PDDT were the most dominant compounds in the river sediments. γ- HCH was the most frequent detected compound in all the samples from this river. Among the cyclodiene compounds, aldrin was in abundance in most of the sediments, water and fish samples. γ-HCH, γ-HCH and HCB contributed this highest value for the water, sediment and fish sample respectively in the rainy season while aldrin, endrin and HCB were the highest contributors to the ΣOCPs to the mean of water, sediment and fish respectively. Hazard quotient and bioaccumulation analysis carried out on the fish sample revealed that the fishes were heavily contaminated with values &gt;1 for both seasons which possess a possibility for ecological concern.

Preliminary Studies of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Sediment, Water and Fish Samples from Ethiope River, Abraka Axis, Southern Nigeria

Selected persistent organochlorine pollutants, including DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene, dieldrin, Aldrin, heptachlor, HCH as well as some of their isomers were determined in water, sediment and fish samples from the Ethiope River in Southern Nigeria. Twenty organochlorine pesticides were detected in both seasons from October 2012 – September 2013. Results revealed ∑HCH to be 0.620µg/L (water), 33 ng/g (sediment) and 29.00 ng/g (fish) for the rainy season while concentrations of 0.170 µg/L (water), 14 ng/g (sediment) and 28.00 ng/g (fish) were obtained for the dry season. 0.05–0.15 ng/g for aldrin, 0.12–5.8 ng/g for dieldrin, 0.22–0.64 ng/g for endrin, 0.24–6.37 ng/g for endosulfan and 0.21–8.81 ng/g for ΣDDT (p, p` -DDD, p, p` -DDE, p, p` -DDT). Among the OCPs, ∑HCH, endosulfan and PDDT were the most dominant compounds in the river sediments. γ- HCH was the most frequent detected compound in all the samples from this river. Among the cyclodiene compounds, aldrin was in abundance in most of the sediments, water and fish samples. γ-HCH, γ-HCH and HCB contributed this highest value for the water, sediment and fish sample respectively in the rainy season while aldrin, endrin and HCB were the highest contributors to the ΣOCPs to the mean of water, sediment and fish respectively. Hazard quotient and bioaccumulation analysis carried out on the fish sample revealed that the fishes were heavily contaminated with values &gt;1 for both seasons which possess a possibility for ecological concern.

Organochlorine compounds in subarctic small lakes

The article presents the results of studies of the environmental properties of organochlorines which differ in properties and origin, in the lake ecosystems of the Bolshezemelskaya tundra (Nenets Autonomous Okrug, Russia). The purpose of this study was to evaluate and assess the levels, distribution characteristics and composition of organochlorines in the bottom sediments of small lakes located in the Adzva river basin in Pymvashor natural boundary (the northernmost location of the exit of thermal-mineral springs of the continental Europe) and in the adjacent area, outside this unique subarctic hydrothermal zone.In order to meet this goal, multi-method (hydrochemical, geochemical, etc.) research was carried out using standard generally approved laboratory practices with their adaptation to the study goals. The quantitative content and composition of the target individual organochlorines were determined by gas chromatographic method with electron-capture detection.The presence of chlorophenol compounds and polychlorinated benzenes (including persistent organic pollutants) was shown in the lakes sediments. The influence of specific microclimatic conditions of subarctic hydrothermal system on the composition and distribution of chlorophenol compounds in lake sediments was considered. In the small lake sediment core in Pymvashor natural boundary a reducing trend in the levels of organochlorines with depth has been recorded (conditioned among other things by the lithological features of bottom sediments). The chlorophenol compounds were found at highest concentrations (619.3–765.5 ng/g) in the sediment upper layers, rich in organic matter; chlorophenol composition was represented mainly by chlorinated phenols, most likely of biotic origin. A lower concentration (185.0 ng/g) of chlorophenol compounds of predominantly abiogenic origin was determined in the lake sediments outside hydrothermal system. The presence and levels of persistent organochlorine pollutants (pentachlorophenol 0.1–2.4 ng/g; hexa- and pentachlorobenzenes 0.4–3.6 ng/g) in the lake sediments were associated with long-range atmospheric transport from various origin sources in nearby regions and low-latitude territories.

The impact of nutrition and lifestyle on male fertility.

Male unexplained infertility has long been suspected to result from environmental, lifestyle and nutritional factors. However, the literature on the subject is still scarce, and clinical studies providing robust evidence are even scarcer. In addition, some similar studies come to different conclusions. Dietary pattern can influence spermatogenesis by its content of fatty acids and antioxidants. Yet, in an age of industrialized mass food production, human bodies become more exposed to the ingestion of xenobiotics, as well as chemicals used for production, preservation, transportation and taste enhancement of foods. We attempted in this paper to collect the available evidence to date on the effect of nutritional components on male fertility. A systematic search of the relevant literature published in PubMed, ScienceDirect and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials Database was conducted. Literature was evaluated according to the Newcastle-Ottawa- Scale. Epidemiological observations are concordant in demonstrating an association of low-quality sperm parameters with higher intake of red meat, processed and organ meat and fullfat dairy. On the contrary, better semen parameters were observed in subjects consuming a healthy diet, rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and fish. Evidences of the negative impact on male fertility of by-products of water disinfection, accumulation in food chain of persistent organochlorine pollutants, pesticides, phthalates from food and water containers and hormones used in breeding cattle have been reported. Clinical trials of the effects of micronutrients on semen parameters and outcomes of assisted fertilization are encouraging, although optimal modality of treatment should be established. Although quality of evidence should be ameliorated, it emerges that environmental factors can influence male fertility. Some nutrients may enhance fertility whereas others will worsen it. With diagnostic analysis on a molecular or even sub-molecular level, new interactions with micronutrients or molecular components of our daily ingested foods and leisure drugs may lead to a better understanding of so far suspected but as yet unexplained effects on male spermatogenesis and fertility.

Organochlorine compounds in sediment core of subarctic small lake

The paper is dedicated to the study of organochlorines behavior under specific conditions of the lake ecosystem of the northernmost location of the exit of thermal-mineral springs in the continental Europe, Pymvashor natural boundary (Bolshezemelskaya Tundra, Nenets Autonomous Okrug). Data on the quantitative content, distribution characteristics and composition of organochlorines in lake sediments were first obtained for given location. The presence of chlorophenol compounds (up to 766 ng g-1 d.w.) in the sediments was due to the occurrence of natural enzymatic and biochemical processes in the components of lake ecosystems. Due to the remoteness of the study area, the presence and levels of persistent organochlorine pollutants (pentachlorophenol 0.12.4 ng g-1 d.w., polychlorobenzenes 0.43.6 ng g-1 d.w.) in the lake sediments were associated with long-range atmospheric transport in the past and in the present time.

Upregulation of vitamin D-binding protein is associated with changes in insulin production in pancreatic beta-cells exposed to p,p\u2032-DDT and p,p\u2032-DDE

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) gradually accumulate in the human organism due to their presence in the environment. Some studies have described a correlation between the level of POPs in the human body and the incidence of diabetes, but we know little about the direct effect of POPs on pancreatic beta-cells. We exposed pancreatic beta-cells INS1E to non-lethal concentrations of p,p′-DDT (1,1′-(2,2,2-Trichloroethane-1,1-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene)) and p,p′-DDE (1,1′-(2,2-dichloroethene-1,1-diyl)bis(4-chlorobenzene)) for 1 month, and assessed changes in protein expression and the intracellular insulin level. 2-D electrophoresis revealed 6 proteins with changed expression in cells exposed to p,p′-DDT or p,p′-DDE. One of the detected proteins – vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP) – was upregulated in both cells exposed to p,p′-DDT, and cells exposed to p,p′-DDE. Both exposures to pollutants reduced the intracellular level of insulin mRNA, proinsulin, and insulin monomer; p,p′-DDT also slightly reduced the level of hexameric insulin. Overexpression of VDBP caused by the stable transfection of beta-cells with the gene for VDBP decreased both the proinsulin and hexameric insulin level in beta-cells similarly to the reduction detected in cells exposed to p,p′-DDT. Our data suggest that in the cells exposed to p,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDE, the increased VDBP protein level decreased the proinsulin expression in an unknown mechanism.

Environmental contaminant body burdens and the relationship with blood pressure measures among Indigenous Canadians

OPS 18: Cardiometabolic effects of chemical exposures, Room 110, Floor 1, August 26, 2019, 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM Blood pressure (BP) increments increase cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Recently, clinical practice guidelines lowered hypertension definitions. Indigenous Canadians experience slightly higher CVD compared to non-Indigenous Canadians. Environmental contaminant body burden from persistent organochlorine pollutants, organic compound concentrations (OCs), and metals have been linked with hypertension risk. This study examined the role of OCs, and metals on hypertension among Indigenous Canadians. Methods: Using data from the Environment-and-Health Study in Eeyou Istchee territory of northern Québec, Canada, the sample restricted to adults over 20-years of age, with valid BP measures and detectable body burden mixtures. In total, n=774 participants were eligible, of which, n=452, 58% females. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was used to reduce the complexity of the contaminant data. Orthogonal principal component (PC) variables were used as independent predictors in both multivariable linear regression, and modified Poisson regression models with robust variance estimation, deriving relative risk for hypertension defined using systolic BP (SBP) ≥140 mm Hg or diastolic BP (DBP) ≥90 mm Hg. Results: Three PCs were extracted from the PCA analysis. PC-1, PC-2, and PC-3, explained 72%, 5.5% and 4.8% of the variation, respectively. Polychlorinated biphenyls and OCs positively highly loaded on the first axes (PC-1), followed by moderate loadings for metal mercury. Lead loaded positively, whereas DDT negatively loaded on PC-2, and cadmium strongly loaded on the third PC axis. Systolic BP measures were significantly associated with PC-1 across all models. In the final model, PC-1 increased SBP β=1.72 (95% CI 0.42, 3.02). PC-3, represented by cadmium was associated with SBP but after adjusting for body mass, PC-3 was no longer associated with SBP. Hypertension was consistently and significantly associated with PC-1 across models, RR=1.14 (95% CI 1.02, 1.28) in the final adjusted model. Conclusion: Using a reduction technique, this cross-sectional analysis found OCs to be associated with increased SBP.

Захворюваність на рак молочної залози і роль стійких хлорорганічних забруднювачів навколишнього середовища (аналіз даних літератури)

Захворюваність на рак молочної залози і роль стійких хлорорганічних забруднювачів навколишнього середовища (аналіз даних літератури)

Body burden of organohalogenated pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Romanian population: Influence of age, gender, body mass index, and habitat

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) are highly lipophilic and resistant to degradation, hence these substances are commonly found in the environment even decades after their prohibition. The aim of the present study was to determine human serum concentrations of POPs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Romanian population, investigating the role of demographic variables on the body burden of such chemicals. A cross-sectional study including a total of 121 subjects from Brasov (Transylvania region) was designed. The concentration of 62 chemicals, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) and PAHs, was measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in the serum of the participants. p,p′-DDE and β-HCH were detected in 100% and 62% of the series (median values = 2.1 and 0.5 μg/L); PCB-153 was detected in 77.7% of the subjects and PCB-28 showed the highest median concentration (0.5 μg/L); BDE-47 was detected at a low concentration in 11.6% of the individuals; phenanthrene and naphthalene were present in 98.3% and 38.8% of the serum samples (median values = 0.9 and 6.5 μg/L, respectively). Age was the main determinant of the total body burden of OCPs and PCBs. A positive correlation was observed between p,p′-DDE and age (Spearman Rho = 0.312, P < 0.0001), suggesting the prevalence of higher levels of pollutants at older ages. The present results showed a significant decrease in serum levels of p,p′-DDE and HCH in Romania —a country which has traditionally reported higher values than other Eastern European countries— as well as low levels of PCBs and BDEs. The presence of PAHs suggests an unknown source of exposure that deserves further investigation.

Assessment of multiple anthropogenic contaminants and their potential genotoxicity in the aquatic environment of Plitvice Lakes National Park, Croatia.

In this study, the influence of anthropogenic pollution on the aquatic environment of Plitvice Lakes National Park (PLNP) was investigated during 2011-2012 using a combination of chemical and cytogenetic analyses. Four groups of major contaminants [(volatile organic compounds: benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes (BTEX); persistent organochlorine pollutants: organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); major and trace elements; anthropogenic radionuclides (90Sr, 134Cs, and 137Cs)] were determined in three aquatic compartments (water, sediment, fish). Mass fractions of inorganic constituents in different compartments reflected the geological background of the area, indicating their origin from predominantly natural sources. Levels of volatile and persistent organic compounds in water and fish, respectively, were very low, at levels typical for remote pristine areas. Analysis of anthropogenic radionuclides in water and sediment revealed elevated activity concentrations of 137Cs in water, and measurable 134Cs in the upper sediment layers from April 2011, possibly as a consequence of the Fukushima nuclear accident in March 2011. The potential genotoxicity of river and lake water and lake sediment was assessed under laboratory conditions using the alkaline comet assay on human peripheral blood lymphocytes, and measured levels of primary DNA damage were within acceptable boundaries. The results showed that despite the protected status of the park, anthropogenic impact exists in both its terrestrial and aquatic components. Although contaminant levels were low, further monitoring is recommended to make sure that they will not rise and cause potentially hazardous anthropogenic impacts.

Examining Changes in Persistent Organochlorine Pollutants Following High Consumption of Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Results from an 8-Week Dietary Intervention Study

Background: In 2004 a publication in Science by Hites et al. reported a 10 to 100-fold higher concentrations of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in farmed Atlantic salmon compared to wild Pacific salmon. These findings generated intense debate on the health-risk-benefits of farmed Atlantic Salmon.Objective: To examine the short-term effect of high consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon on serum POP concentrations.Methods: A 4-arm randomized controlled trial in overweight or obese subjects (BMI: 27.5-32.5 kg/m2) assigned to energy-restricted seafood diet over an 8-week period (SEAFOOD-plus, 2004-2005, n&amp;#61;324). Controls were assigned to a fish free diet and one arm was assigned to three meals per week of farmed Atlantic salmon (24 meals), matched for energy. Of these participants 20 male cases (Salmon) and 20 male controls were selected who experienced modest weight loss and concentrations of pp-DDE, HCB and PCBs (congeners no. 118, 138, 153, 170, 180) were measured at baseline and endpoint.Results: Median baseline concentrations for sum of PCBs, pp-DDE and HCB were 1.41, 0.78 and 0.16 ng/mL, respectively. Mean weight loss at endpoint was 4.8kg and 4.5kg in the salmon and control group (p&amp;#61;0.68), respectively. Concentrations of EPA and DHA were significantly increased at endpoint by ~32% in the Salmon group but reduced by ~14% in controls, suggesting compliance to the intervention. At endpoint the mean sum of PCBs was increased by 0.36ng/mL in the salmon group (p&amp;#61;0.22). Lack of significance is unlikely to be explained by weight loss during the intervention as only a minor change of -0.06ng/mL (p&amp;#61;0.84) in PCB concentrations were observed among controls. Individual PCB congeners, pp-DDE and HCB were non-significantly but systematically increased by 6 to 41% of mean levels in the salmon group compared to controls.Conclusion: Our study suggests that high consumption of farmed Atlantic Salmon over a short period does not substantially affect circulating POP levels.