Polychlorinated Biphenyls Levels In Sediments 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.

Historical records and spatial distribution of high hazard PCBs levels in sediments around a large South American industrial coastal area (Santos Estuary, Brazil).

The depositional history of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was studied from surficial sediments and three sediment cores sampled in the Santos Estuary, an important industrial and urban centre in South America. The maximum concentration (190.7 ng g-1 dry weight) and inventory (295.50 ng cm-2) were detected in sediments related to the 1980s, representing a ten-year delay of the emission peak in Brazil. PCB consumption, the congener patterns, and multivariate statistical analyses indicated that the levels started to increase with the intensification of regional urban and industrial development that continued to interfere in the magnitude of input during the past 50 years. In addition, the risk assessment indicates that levels observed in most of the samples are in a range capable of producing ecological risks to the marine biota. This study provides the first estimates of historic sediments PCB inventories in the Southwestern Atlantic, contributing data for regional and global management and highlighting the role of sediment as a compartment for permanently storing POPs and the risks involved in their resuspension, especially in regions that are constantly dredged such as the Santos Estuary.

Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in water, sediments and biota from e-waste dumpsites in Lagos and Osun States, South-West, Nigeria

The levels of PCBs in sediments, water, leachate and aquatic fauna ( Tilapia guineensis , Callinectes amnicola and Cardiosoma armatum ) found in and around e-waste dumpsites in Lagos and Osun States, South-West, Nigeria were analyzed using Gas Chromatography Electron Capture Detector (GC ECD) Agilent 7820A. All the 28 PCBs congeners studied were detected with the Σhexa-PCBs dominating in Lagos (21%) while the Σtetra-PCBs (24%) enriched the samples from Osun State. The concentrations of Σ- PCBs in decreasing order were Lagos: sediment ˃ fish gill ˃ fish muscles ˃ water ˃ crab ˃ leachate and Osun: fish gill ˃ fish muscle ˃ sediment ˃ crab ˃ water ˃ leachate. The concentrations of total indicator PCBs ( Σ7PCBs) in the sediment from Lagos (4.19 μg/kg) and Osun (8.58 μg/kg) exceeded the Canadian Sediment Quality standard threshold effect level (CSQ TEL) (0.03 μg/kg) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration threshold effect level (NOAA TEL) for fresh and marine sediments.. The calculated toxic equivalent quotient (TEQ) for fish from Lagos and Osun (3.7 and 4.4) respectively further suggests a likely occurrence of adverse effects to humans who consume the fish. This study reveals the high health and ecological risks associated with e waste pollution in the aquatic environment. Keywords: e-waste, polychlorinated Biphenyls, aquatic environment, leachate

Characteristics, distribution and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in coastal sediments from the heavily industrialized area of Asalouyeh, Iran.

In this research, the levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in the marine sediments of Asaluyeh harbor, in the Persian Gulf. The samples were taken from industrial, semi-industrial and urban regions. The mean concentration levels of total (Σ) 18 detected PCBs were 514.32, 144.67 and 31.6 pg/g dw for the industrial, semi-industrial and urban sampling stations, respectively. Based on a multivariate statistical analysis, it was found that high contamination levels of PCBs in sediments collected along the Persian Gulf were associated with releases from local industries. Total organic carbon (TOC) content was significantly and positively correlated with the concentrations of PCB congeners. World Health Organization toxic equivalents (TEQs) for PCBs ranged from 0.04 to 2.66 pg TEQ/g dry weight (dw) in the coastal sediments. The TEQ values in this study were higher than many reported worldwide in the literature for sediments. This suggests that there are high levels of contamination in the area due to industrial and other human activities.

Historical sediment record and levels of PCBs in sediments and mangroves of Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were quantified in 18 surface sediment samples, 1 sediment core, and several mangrove tissue samples collected in Jobos Bay, Puerto Rico in September 2013. Total PCBs in surface sediments ranged from 0.42 to 1232ngg−1 dw. Generally, higher levels were observed near-shore close to urban and industrial areas. The levels suggest significant pollution in Jobos Bay with respect to PCBs. Two-thirds of the sites were dominated by lighter PCB congeners (tri- to penta-chlorinated PCBs) while one-third had heavy PCB congeners (hexa- to octa-chlorinated PCBs) dominant. Total PCBs in a sediment core indicated levels fluctuating according to historical usage patterns. Total PCBs were measured in mangal leaves (14–747ngg−1 dw), roots (0.26–120ngg−1 dw), and seeds (16–93ngg−1 dw), suggesting bioaccumulation from sediments. This is the first report of a historical profile of PCBs in the study area and of PCB bioaccumulation in mangroves. This article provides new and useful information on PCBs in the Caribbean area of the GRULAC region.

PCBs in fish and their cestode parasites in Lake Victoria.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are classified as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) regulated by the Stockholm Convention (2001). Although their production and use was stopped almost three decades ago, PCBs are environmental persistent, toxic, and bioaccumulate in biota. We assessed the levels of 7 PCB congeners (IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) in sediment and fish (Oreochromis niloticus, Lates niloticus, and Rastrineobola argentea) and evaluated the potential of cestode fish endoparasite (Monobothrioides sp., Proteocephalaus sp., and Ligula intestinalis) as biomonitors of PCBs in Lake Victoria, Kenya. The median concentration of Σ7PCBs in sediments and fish were 2.2-96.3μg/kg dw and 300-3,000μg/kg lw, respectively. At all the sampling sites, CB138, CB153, and CB180 were the dominant PCB congeners in sediment and fish samples. Compared to the muscle of the piscine host, Proteocephalaus sp. (infecting L. niloticus) biomagnified PCBs ×6-14 while Monobothrioides sp. (infecting O. niloticus) biomagnified PCBs ×4-8. Meanwhile, L. intestinalis (infecting R. argentea) biomagnified PCBs ×8-16 compared to the muscle of unparasitized fish. We demonstrate the occurrence of moderate to high levels of PCB in sediments and fish in Lake Victoria. We also provide evidence that fish parasites bioaccumulate higher levels of PCBs than their piscine hosts and therefore provide a promising biomonitor of PCBs. We urge further a long-term study to validate the use of the above cestode fish parasites as biomonitoring tools for PCBs.

Case study of PAHs, Me-PAHs, PCBs,Phthalates and Pesticides Contamination in the Somme River water, France

Surface waters, especially natural rivers always act as receiving waters for various kinds oforganic contaminants from municipal and industrial wastewaters, agricultural activities, organic chemicals inuse, non-point source pollutions. Due to their toxicity, persistency and wide diffusion, polychlorinatedbiphenyls (PCBs), pesticides, phthalates, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and their alkylatedhomologues (Me-PAHs) are among the organic contaminants the most often monitored in the environment.Determination of the contamination level is the crucial first step of environmental research. Field investigationshave clearly demonstrated their importance on various studies on the contamination levels, the origin, andimpact of contaminants in the aquatic ecosystems. The present paper is an effort on the field studies focusingon persistent organic pollutants: PCBs, PAHs and Me-PAHs, phthalates and pesticides in Somme River waterlocated on Northern France. The sampling zone is characterized by fields of agriculture surrounding urbanizedand industrialized areas and constitutes a place embedded with strong fishing activities. However, the riversection of interest is also known for the high levels of PCB in sediments. The water were analyzed for 28PCBs, 16 PAHs and 18 Me-PAHs, 6 phthalates and 28 pesticides with the aim to determine the dispersiontrend and the water quality of the sampled water.

Determination of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by gas chromatography–electron capture detector

An effective method for determination of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been validated using gas chromatography (GC) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The GC–ECD method was validated by determining the linear range (working range) for determination of the compounds, minimum detectable quantities (MDQ), the precision and accuracy of the method for the analysis of the compounds. MDQ obtained for the compounds ranges from 0.0005 to 0.002ng. Indeed the method was found to be more sensitive as the number of chlorine atoms attached to the biphenyl increases. The precision and accuracy of the GC method validated ranges from 2.4% to 14.5% and −7.0% to 14.6% respectively. Coefficient of variation associated with the repeatability of the retention times and corresponding peak areas was found to be 0.0001–0.0007 for the retention times and 0.0014–0.059 for the peak areas. Percentage recoveries for the compounds were in the range of 95.7–101.0%. The validated method was then applied to determine levels of indicator PCBs in sediments sampled from eleven sampling points along the Lake Bosuntwi in Ghana and the highest PCB load of 19.17ngg−1 was recorded at Pipie No. 2. PCB 52 and PCB 101 were found to be the most ubiquitous indicator PCBs in the study area, both with 90.91% occurrence.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in coastal tropical ecosystems: Distribution, fate and risk assessment

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) though banned still find use in most developing countries including Ghana. PCB congener residues in sediments in the coastal regions of Ghana were determined. Sediment samples (n=80) were collected between June 2008 and March 2009, extracted by the continuous soxhlet extraction using (1:1) hexane-acetone mixture for 24h and analyzed with a CP 3800 gas chromatogram equipped with 65Ni electron capture detector (GC–ECD) and a mixed PCBs standard of the ICES 7 as marker, after clean-up. Validation of the efficiency and precision of the extraction and analytical methods were done by extracting samples spiked with 2ppm ICES PCB standard and a certified reference material 1941b for marine sediments from NIST, USA, and analyzed alongside the samples. Total PCBs detected in sediments during the dry and wet seasons were, respectively, 127 and 112μg/kg dry weight (dw), with a mean concentration of 120μg/kg (dw). The composition of PCB homologues in the sediments were dominated by tri-, penta- and tetra-PCBs. There was no correlation between organic carbon (OC) of the sediments and total PCBs content. Risk assessments conducted on the levels indicated that PCB levels in sediments along the coastal region of Ghana poses no significant health risk to humans.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the sediments of the River Chenab, Pakistan

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs, sum of 31 congeners) concentrations (ng g−1 dry weight) in sediments collected from the River Chenab during two years of monitoring ranged from 9.33 to 129.45 in winter and from 12.55 to 144.23 in summer. Levels of PCBs in sediments from the feeding tributaries were relatively greater. Sediments from the mainstream sites were dominated by tetra-CBs and penta-CBs, while hepta-CBs and octa-CBs were predominant in industrial and urban sites near tributaries. Factor analysis based on principal component analysis (FA/PCA) and correlation analysis suggested surface run-off from surrounding agricultural soils, direct discharge of industrial and municipal effluents without prior treatment into the aquatic ecosystem, and atmospheric deposition as the main sources of PCB contamination. Risk assessment was carried out by comparing the results with established sediment quality guidelines; PCB concentrations in 35% of sediments exceeded effect range low (ELR) and threshold effect level (TEL) values, however, none of sediments showed PCB concentrations greater than the effect range median (ERM) and probable effect level (PEL) with the exception of site S-20 (144.23 ng g−1, dry weight), which showed values higher than ERL and TEL.

Source and risk assessment of PCBs in sediments of Fenhe reservoir and watershed, China

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments from the Fenhe reservoir and watershed were detected at 28 sites in wet and dry seasons. The ∑(123)PCBs ranged from n.d. to 126.49 ng g(-1) dw. The dominated congeners were tri-PCBs (34.29%) and tetra-PCBs (24.05%). In the Fenhe reservoir, ∑(123)PCBs presented a decreasing trend, while percentages of low chlorinated congeners showed an increasing trend. For the temporal variations, PCBs homologues profiles of sediment samples and spatial distribution of ∑(123)PCBs for the two periods were similar (with CD = 0.021 and r(2) = 0.999 respectively), although PCBs concentrations in the wet season were significantly higher than in the dry season. PCA was applied to analyze the possible sources for PCBs, suggesting that PCBs might be mainly influenced by Aroclor 1016 and 1242. Compared with 3 established sediment quality guidelines, levels of PCBs in sediments of the investigated watershed might have a potential biological impact, especially in the wet season.

Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Sediments from Ghar El Melh lagoon, Tunisia

The concentrations of 20 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 12 superficial sediments collected from The Ghar El Melh lagoon. Sediment samples were extracted by Soxhlet and analyzed by Gas chromatography with electron capture detector. The concentrations of PCBs, as sum of the 20 congeners, ranged from not detected to 3.987 ng/g on a dry weight basis, with a predominance of highly chlorinated (penta- and hepta-chlorobiphenyls) congeners. No significant correlation was found between the total PCB concentrations and organic carbon content suggesting that sediment organic carbon content did not play an important role in controlling the PCBs levels in the sediments. PCB levels in sediments were compared with Sediments Quality Guidelines (ERM-ERL indexes) for evaluation probable toxic effects on marine organism. The PCBs concentrations were lower than ERM and ERL values for all the collected samples.

The use of muscle burden in rabbitfish Siganus oramin for monitoring polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong and potential human health risk

Muscle concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in rabbitfish Siganus oramin collected from Victoria Harbour and its vicinity, Hong Kong from 2004 to 2007. Spatially, relatively higher levels of ∑PAH (1.05–4.26 μg g − 1 ) and ∑PCB (45.1–76.9 ng g − 1 ) were determined in the central and western sites inside the harbour. Temporally, upward trend of ∑PAH, accompanied with a proportion shift from high molecular weight to low molecular weight PAHs, was detected during the three-year study period, suggesting a heavier marine traffic in Victoria Harbour and its western region. However, human health risk assessment based on five individual PAHs indicated that PAHs in fish muscles posed minimal health risk through consumption. In contrast, a downward trend of ∑PCB was registered as the open use of PCBs has been banned. Despite this, the level of ∑PCB in fish muscles still posed a health risk on the local people who have a high fish consumption rate. While seasonal influences on ∑PAH/∑PCB accumulation in S. oramin seemed to be negligible, our findings in S. oramin were in line with the established PAH and PCB levels in sediments and/or mussels from the harbour, suggesting S. oramin can be used as a model fish species for monitoring PAHs and PCBs in the region.

Chlorinated pesticides and PCBs in sediments and molluscs from freshwater canals in the Hanoi region

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs were determined in surface sediments and freshwater molluscs ( Angulyagra sp.) from water canals in the region of Hanoi city. Results obtained show that the concentration of ΣDDT compounds in sediments range from 7 to 80 ng/g (dry weight) and from 6 to 864 ng/g (dry weight) in the soft tissues of molluscs. The concentrations of ΣDDTs were higher in populated sites and much lower in rural sites, indicating that the DDT has been used for mosquito control and not as a crop protection chemical. Hexachlocyclohexanes (HCHs) have also been widely used in the region but the current environmental concentrations are much lower than those of DDT's, which is due to the less persistence of those compounds. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured, for example as aroclor 1254, in concentrations up to 40 ng/g (dry weight) and up to 76 ng/g (dry weight) in sediments and molluscs, respectively. Molluscs from water canals are a very popular food in the region. Taking into consideration the high DDT levels measured in these molluscs their consumption is worrisome and may expose the population to high levels of endocrine disrupting substances. Current PCB levels in sediments are lower than usually measured in industrialized countries. Therefore, PCB concentrations in aquatic molluscs are still also relatively low. These snails do not have enzyme ability to metabolize most of the CB congeners and, thus, are passive accumulators and a significant transfer pathway of CBs to consumers. Therefore, measures to phase out the use of these persistent and bioaccumulable chemicals should be adopted in order to prevent further environmental contamination.

17 - Pruritis Vulvae

An effective method for determination of indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) has been validated using gas chromatography (GC) equipped with electron capture detector (ECD). The GC–ECD method was validated by determining the linear range (working range) for determination of the compounds, minimum detectable quantities (MDQ), the precision and accuracy of the method for the analysis of the compounds. MDQ obtained for the compounds ranges from 0.0005 to 0.002 ng. Indeed the method was found to be more sensitive as the number of chlorine atoms attached to the biphenyl increases. The precision and accuracy of the GC method validated ranges from 2.4% to 14.5% and −7.0% to 14.6% respectively. Coefficient of variation associated with the repeatability of the retention times and corresponding peak areas was found to be 0.0001–0.0007 for the retention times and 0.0014–0.059 for the peak areas. Percentage recoveries for the compounds were in the range of 95.7–101.0%. The validated method was then applied to determine levels of indicator PCBs in sediments sampled from eleven sampling points along the Lake Bosuntwi in Ghana and the highest PCB load of 19.17 ng g−1 was recorded at Pipie No. 2. PCB 52 and PCB 101 were found to be the most ubiquitous indicator PCBs in the study area, both with 90.91% occurrence.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in the sediments and fish of an Oklahoma stream

Sediments of Pryor Creek, Oklahoma, USA, are polluted with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from an industrial source. PCBs enter the stream as rainfall erodes a mixture of clay and paper pulp containing PCBs. Concentrations of PCBs in the sediments ranged from 0·23 to 7·20 μg/g, but no PCBs have been detected in the water. No correlation was found between PCB concentrations in sediments and downstream distance. PCB levels in sediments were significantly greater (0·05 < p < 0·01) at areas of increased sediment deposition. Concentrations of PCBs in fish fillets were significantly greater (0·05 < p < 0·01) in detritivores than in either omnivores or predators. No significant difference was found between omnivores and predators. PCB concentrations in fillets from two species were found to be significantly correlated with either body weight, lipid content, or both. Concentration factors for fish fillets ranged from 0·319 for white crappie (Pomoxis annularis) up to 10·319 for river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio).