Polychlorinated Biphenyl Residues Research Articles

EFFECTS OF TRIMMING AND COOKING BY SEVERAL METHODS ON POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS (PCB) RESIDUES IN BLUEFISH

ABSTRACTBluefish were captured in the Atlantic Ocean near Long Island to study the effects of trimming and cooking on reduction of residues of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The mean concentration (standard error) of PCBs in the raw untrimmed fillets of the fish captured was 1.76 ± 0.17 ppm on a dry weight basis with range of 0.58 to 7.47. A direct relation between the concentration of PCBs in the raw fish fillets and their fresh weight showed a correlation coefficient of only 0.39. About twice the concentration of PCBs were found in the skins as compared to the dorsal and ventral sections of the raw fillets. Trimming the fillets resulted in a reduction in PCB residues averaging 59.4% with a further average reduction of 7.4% from baking, broiling, frying or poaching. There were no significant (p > 0.05) differences among the combined trimming and various cooking methods in the magnitude of reduction of PCB residues. The total quantities of PCBs found in the oil collected after baking, broiling or frying the fillets were less than could be accounted for as total cooking losses thus indicating that vaporization of PCBs during cooking may also occur.

Expression of orthologues to rat P-450IA1 and IIB1 in sea-birds from the Irish sea 1978-88. Evidence for environmental induction

Five species of fish-eating sea-bird: cormorant, razorbill, puffin, guillemot and shag were collected from the Saltee Isles and the Isle of May between the years 1978 and 1988. Liver microsomes were prepared and assayed for monooxygenase activity using the cyclodienes aldrin and HCE as substrates; in the case of the birds killed in 1988, microsomes were also assayed for ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase activity. A number of cormorants were induced with phenobarbital till anaesthesia. Tissue subsamples were stored in a tissue bank at −70°C and in 1988 analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by capillary GC and GC MS. In addition, microsomes were prepared from some of these liver samples and probed in Western blots with polyclonal antibodies against rat P-450IA1 (P-450c) and rat P-450IIB1 (P-450b) and also with a monoclonal antibody towards P-450E from the scup, the P-450IA1 orthologue in this fish species. All bird species showed cross-reactivity with antibodies to rat P-450IA1 with a wide variation in levels of cross-reactive protein between individual birds and a similar cross-reactivity and variation was seen with the monoclonal antibody to scup P-450E. Early samples (1978-80) showed a higher degree of expression of this P-450IA1 orthologue than those collected more recently and this showed some correlation with distribution of PCB residues in the samples, suggesting a degree of environmental induction. By contrast, only weak cross-reactivity was seen with antibodies against rat P-450IIB1 and there was little or no variation between individual birds. This suggested that no phenobarbital-type induction was occurring in these PCB-exposed bird species. In addition, Western blots from cormorants dosed with phenobarbital showed no increase in the levels of P-450IIB1 cross-reactive protein in the treated birds suggesting that, like fish and unlike some other birds, these species are refractory to phenobarbital-type induction.

DDE, PCB, and mercury residues in Minnesota Common Goldeneye and Hooded Merganser eggs, 1981

DDT and its metabolites, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and mercury (Hg) were measured in Hooded Merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) and Common Goldeneye (Bucephala clangula) eggs after dead hens were found on clutches. DDE, PCBs, and Hg were detected in all eggs analyzed. Geometric mean concentrations of DDE were low in merganser and goldeneye eggs (0.62 and 0.52 ppm wet weight, respectively). Geometric mean PCB levels were also low, but were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in goldeneye eggs (1.52 vs. 0.66 ppm wet weight). Geometric mean Hg in merganser eggs approached a level for concern and was significantly greater (P < 0.01) than in goldeneye eggs (0.45 vs. 0.11 ppm wet weight, respectively). Merganser and goldeneye eggshells were 9.6 and 15.4% thinner, respectively, and their Ratcliffe indices were 6.0 and 9.2% lower, respectively, than measurements from eggs collected before DDT was in use. Residues and shell thicknesses had among- and within-nest variance structures that differed by species. DDE accounted for 21% of the variation in shell weight controlled for egg size in goldeneyes, but no relationship was evident for mergansers. No dead females were found in about 240 nest boxes monitored in 1982 and 1983 and it is unlikely that contaminant levels measured contributed to hen mortality. Egg breakage in successful nests was greater for goldeneyes than for mergansers or Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa).

Organochlorine Residues in Great Blue Herons from the Northwestern United States

-We collected eggs or young Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) from eight nesting colonies in the northwestern United States from 1977 through 1982. Subadults were collected at three estuarine areas in Puget Sound in 1981 and dead young or adults were collected at various localities. Nearly all samples analyzed contained residues of DDE and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs); small residues of 10 other organic contaminants were detected infrequently. Maximum residues (wet weight) in eggs were 26 ,ug/g DDE and 13 ,Lg/g PCBs. Livers of adults from Puget Sound contained up to 5 ,ug/g PCBs. Maximum residues of DDE and PCBs in livers of prefledgling Great Blue Herons from three colonies were only 0.45 and 1.20 pLg/g, respectively. Maximum residues in whole bodies of hatchlings found dead at Lake Chatcolet, Idaho were 21 ,ug/g DDE and 11 lug/g PCBs. On a colony basis, eggshell thinning averaged from 4 to 13%. Multiple regression analysis indicated that DDE and PCBs accounted for 26 and 3%, respectively, of the variability in eggshell thickness. There was no evidence that any of the organochlorines detected were related to lethal or serious sublethal effects.

Organochlorine pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in human milk from Rome (Italy) and surroundings.

Organochlorine (OC) pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human milk have been the subject of many studies. Surveys carried out in Italy are all eight years old with the exception of the latest work. Because of recent improvements in analytical methodology, the authors believe an up-to-date study would provide additional information. Thus, this paper presents a survey of the levels of human milk contamination, in Rome and surroundings, by organochlorine pesticides and PCBs. This survey is a part of a larger monitoring program covering also geographical areas outside of Rome.

THE EFFECTS OF SEVERAL METHODS OF FISH PREPARATION ON RESIDUES OF POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS AND SENSORY CHARACTERISTICS IN STRIPED BASS

ABSTRACTFifty striped bass were captured in Long Island Sound. The concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was determined in the fish fillets before and after baking, boiling, frying, microwaving or poaching to study possible reduction of PCB residues by these cooking procedures. The cooked portions were evaluated for sensory characteristics. PCB content was significantly reduced by cooking, but there were no significant differences in that reduction among the six cooking methods. Tasters preferred fish prepared by “oil‐based” cooking methods (bake, broil, fry) as compared to “water‐based” methods (microwave, poach, boil).

Changes in pattern of organochlorine residues in blood of general Israeli population, 1975–1986

This study reviews data on the changes with time of the blood levels of some organochlorine compounds (OCCs) in the general Israeli population. All the studied OCC residues, except for p, p′-DDD, were significantly lower in 1985–1986 than in 1975. A decline in blood residues of organochlorine pesticides was observed mainly in the second half of the 1970s, whereas a fall in the polychlorinated biphenyl residue levels took place in the first half of the 1980s. During the latter period, unexplained increases in p, p′-DDD, dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide residue levels were seen. A significant decrease in the blood levels of OCCs quickly metabolized in the body ( p, p′-DDT, tetrachlorobiphenyls) indicated a considerable reduction of environmental exposures. The clear decline in OCC contamination of the environment and, in particular, of the human body during the reviewed period (1975–1986) resulted from the restriction imposed in Israel on the use of OCCs. Nevertheless this does not mean that this problem has been solved. Some health implications of low-level life-long OCC exposure are discussed, and further environmental and biological monitoring and control measures are recommended.

Classification of polychlorinated biphenyl residues: isomers vs. homologue concentrations in modeling aroclors and polychlorinated biphenyl residues.

SIMCA (soft independent modeling by class analogy), a principal components chemometric modeling program, was used to examine complex mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyl residues (PCBs) in fish and turtles. Individual PCB isomers were measured by electron capture capillary gas chromatography. The authors calculated PCB (Cl/sub 1-10/) congener concentrations by summing 105 isomer concentrations into homologue subgroups. Information theory was used to estimate the maximum information content of the two data sets. The authors compared the results from principal components modeling of samples and Aroclors by using both isomer and Cl/sub 1-10/ homologue concentrations. Modeling of normalized data from Aroclors or their mixtures gave similar sample score plots for both data sets. However, modeling environmental sample congener concentrations gave erroneous classification results when compared to results from modeling isomer data. Although the Cl/sub 1-10/ sums accurately reflect the concentration of PCBs in the sample, calculations to determine PCB profiles as Aroclor mixtures should be made by using individual PCB isomers.

Methods for waste load allocation of municipal sewage sludge at the 106-mile ocean disposal site

Methods for modeling short-term (time-variable) and long-term (time-averaged) exposures in the upper mixed layer that may result from the proposed disposal of sewage sludge at the 106-Mile Ocean Disposal Site are presented. The models have not been field validated at the 106-Mile Site, but they do provide decision makers with “upper-bound” estimates of risk to the upper water column from municipal sludge loadings currently projected for disposal at the site. The methods are believed to be useful in managing disposal site operations and in determining if future loadings to the site would be permissible. The models are two-dimensional in the horizontal plane and assume complete mixing over a prescribed mixed-layer depth. Upper-bound estimates of sludge contaminant concentrations in the upper mixed layer were based on summer hydrographic conditions and an annual disposal rate of 7.2 million metric wet tons of sludge. Preliminary assessments of the potential effects of the sludge disposal were made using U.S. Environmental Protection Agency marine water quality criteria, the Food and Drug Administration tolerance level for polychlorinated biphenyl residues in edible portions of fish tissue and whole-sludge toxicity test results. Within the framework of the assumptions and limitations of this analysis, and based on the projected loading rate, the overall results indicate that there would be no violations of these criteria. The margins of safety relative to the specified criteria were estimated.

Are polychlorinated biphenyl residues adequately described by Aroclor mixture equivalents? Isomer-specific principal components analysis of such residues in fish and turtles

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues from fish and turtles were analyzed with SIMCA (Soft Independent Modeling of Class Analogy), a principal components analysis technique. A series of technical Aroclors were also analyzed to provide a reference data set for pattern recognition. Environmental PCB residues are often expressed in terms of relative Aroclor composition. In this work, we assessed the similarity of Aroclors to class models derived for fish and turtles to ascertain if the PCB residues in the samples could be described by an Aroclor or Aroclor mixture. Using PCA, we found that these samples could not be described by an Aroclor or Aroclor mixture and that it would be inappropriate to report these samples as such. 18 references, 3 figures, 3 tables.

Serum concentrations of organochlorine compounds during pregnancy and the newborn

The widespread use of organochlorine compounds as insecticides during the past few decades has led to their ubiqitous presence in the environment. The polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were produced for use as coolant and insulator fluids for transformers and capacitors, as heat transfer fluids and as fire retardants for wood products; heavy industrial usage has led to widespread contamination of the environment with the PCBs. Organochlorine insecticides (OCIs) and PCBs are highly lipid soluble and are resistant to environmental degradation. In human beings these compounds are stored in adipose tissue and are resistant to metabolism. These substances are present in women and the fetus is exposed during utero development by transplacental transfer. Relatively high serum levels of OCIs and PCBs have been found in women with premature delivery. Also, DDT and PCB residue levels were higher in California sea lions which gave birth prematurely than in those with full-term pups. OCIs may disturb the hormonal balance of pregnancy and perhaps precipitate labor. Some DDT analogs are reported to have estrogenic effects and PCBs were also estrogenically active. Limited data exist on the levels and kinetics of OCIs and PCBs during pregnancy and in newborns.

Routine determination of polychlorinated biphenyl residues in fish and shellfish in Taipei County

The optimal conditions for routine determination of polychlorinated biphenyl residues in fish and shellfish from the rivers and coast of Taipei County as determined by saponification, silica gel column and gas chromatographic procedures were investigated.

Polychlorinated biphenyl residues in some marine organisms from the Baie des Anglais (Baie-Comeau, Quebec, Saint-Lawrence Estuary)

The main source of PCB's in the Baie des Anglais comes from a pseudo lagoon which is located upstream from the Anse au Moulin immediately below an aluminum plant. Organic matter in suspension coming from industrial wastes from baie-Comeau is likely responsible for the binding of PCB's. However due to hydrodynamic factors in the Baie des Anglais, contaminants stay only a short time in the littoral area and are evacuated to the southeast, where they accumulate at 80 m depth. Another source of contamination is the accumulation of dredging spoils at the entrance of the Anse au Moulin above the 40 m isobath. The contaminated sediments are resuspended by storm wave action. The work described in this paper was conducted in order to determine the extent of PCB bioaccumulation in two molluscs species (Mytilus edulis L. and Buccinum undatum L.) and two fish species (Clupea harengus harengus and Anguilla rostrata) from the Baie des Anglais (Baie-Comeau, Quebec).

Pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in human adipose tissue from Northeast Louisiana

Pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in human adipose tissue from Northeast Louisiana

Characterization and determination of PCB isomers by high resolution gas chromatography and HRGC/mass spectrometry

AbstractAn integrated analytical procedure for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) multiresidues in environmental samples has been developed and applied to well‐characterized samples. PCB residues are characterized and quantified using wall coated open tubular column (WCOT) gas chromatography or HRGC/MS‐selected ion monitoring. An automated data system based on a Spectra Physics SP‐4200 computing integrator is used to select and quantitate peaks of individual congeners and homolog groups. This procedure consistently yields results with a reproducibility within 3 percent for HRGC‐ECD and 3.7 percent for HRGC/MS‐SIM technique respectively.

Association between PCBs and lower embryonic weight in black‐crowned night herons in San Francisco bay

Reproductive problems, including congenital malformations, reduced hatching success, and decreased survival of hatchlings, have been observed in colonial-nesting water birds at the San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge (SFBNWR). Twenty-four black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) eggs were collected from SFBNWR in 1983. Twelve of these were collected from separate nests when late-stage embryos were pipping, and an additional egg was randomly collected from each nest for organochlorine analysis. Overt anomalies and skeletal defects were not apparent. Embryonic weights (with partially absorbed yolk sacs removed) were 15% lower (p less than 0.05) in SFBNWR embryos compared to control embryos from the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center (PWRC). Crown-rump length and femur length were shorter for SFBNWR embryos. The geometric mean polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentration in SFBNWR eggs was 4.1 ppm wet weight, with a range of 0.8-52.0 ppm. A negative correlation (r = -0.61; p less than 0.05) existed between embryonic weight and log-transformed PCB residues in whole eggs collected from the same nest at SFBNWR, suggesting a possible impact of PCBs on embryonic growth. A correlation with embryonic weight did not occur for DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethylene] residues. Liver microsomal aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase activity was neither significantly elevated nor correlated with PCB, DDE, or PCB plus DDE log-transformed residues. It is unknown whether the apparent association between PCBs and lower weight is persistent through hatching.

Levels and trends of chlorinated hydrocarbon contaminants in the breast milk of Canadian women.

A total of 210 breast milk samples from 5 different regions across Canada were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachloro-1,3-butadiene, ten chlorinated benzenes, two chlorinated naphthalenes, Mirex, photomirex, alpha, beta and gamma hexachlorocyclohexane, alpha and gamma chlordane, oxychlordane, trans-nonachlor, p,p'-DDT and some analogs, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and octachlorostyrene. There was no evidence for the presence of hexachloro-1,3-butadiene, Mirex, octachlorostyrene, chlorinated naphthalenes or tetrachlorobenzenes in the breast milk. Residues of other compounds were found in all samples, except 1,2-dichlorobenzene, gamma hexachlorocyclohexane, alpha and gamma chlordane and p,p'-TDE, which were less frequently observed, while o,p'-DDT was only found in approximately one quarter of all samples. Since 1967, a steady decline in heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and p,p'-DDT and related residues is apparent. At the same time however, there is an apparent increase in PCB residue levels since 1970. This apparent increase should be viewed with some caution, since much of this increase might be attributed to better sampling and analytical techniques. Residue levels of breast milk in Canada were similar to those found in other industrial nations. Regional differences in residue levels appeared to be minimal.

Organochlorine contaminants in passeriformes and other avian prey of the peregrine falcon in the western united states

AbstractAbout 1,150 individuals of 38 species of Passeriformes and other small birds were collected in 1980 at 36 locations in eight western U.S. states for organochlorine (OC) chemical analysis. The bird carcasses (less beak, tarsi, gastrointestinal tract, and feathers) were combined by species and location (4 to 15 specimens per sample) into 124 composited samples for analysis. Also analyzed were 77 single specimens of four species, to assess variation in residue concentrations in individual birds. The chemicals detected (greater than 0.05 ppm) were the following (in order of frequency): DDE, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), heptachlor epoxide, oxychlordane, dieldrin and toxaphene. DDE accounted for 72% of total OC concentrations (ppm DDE/ppm total OCs) overall and PCBs accounted for 3%. DDE mean (geometric) residues were highest in tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolorVieillot), 12.0 ppm; killdeer (Charadrius vociferusL.), 5.9 ppm; and Brewer's blackbirds (Euphagus cyanocephalusWagler), 2.7 ppm. Eight migratory species showed mean DDE residues 13 times higher than those in four resident species (1.3 vs. 0.1 ppm,p< 0.05), but PCB residues were similar (0.03 vs. 0.02 ppm). Insectivorous species showed higher DDE, PCB and total OC residues than did either omnivores or granivores (p< 0.05). Males of some species showed higher residues of DDE, PCBs and total OCs than did females (p< 0.05). DDE residues, but not PCBs, in killdeer, Brewer's blackbirds and violet‐green swallows (Tachycineta thalassinaSwainson) were significantly related (0.01 <p< 0.08) to latitude and longitude of origin.Concentrations of DDE in the carcass fat of some individual tree swallows and killdeer would be in the lethal range if 15 to 20% of the stored DDE were rapidly mobilized to the brain. Samples of 13 species contained DDE concentrations (greater than 3 ppm) considered sufficient to inhibit the normal reproduction of avian predators feeding on them. The evidence suggests that potentially harmful OC concentrations are present in certain western migrants and pose an even greater hazard to avian predators such as the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinusTunstall).

Mass spectrometric quantification of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners using multiple carbon-13 internal standards

Multiple carbon-13 internal standards improve the precision and accuracy of the mass spectrometric analysis of polychlorinatedbiphenyl (PCB) congeners compared to analyses using a single carbon-13 internal standard. The mean percentage error in PCB congener analysis on the μg g−1 level using multiple ion detection and three carbon-13 internal standards was 6.29%. This precision in single laboratory work suggests that the method will be useful for interlaboratory studies monitoring PCB residues and contaminats of public health significance.

Changes in levels of organochlorines in woodcock wings from 1971 to 1975

Wings from woodcock (Philohela minor) were first monitored for organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the eastern U.S. in 1971. Regional differences in these compounds were clearly demonstrated and baseline residue levels were obtained for later comparisons. An expanded sampling of wings in 1972 revealed that residues in wings of adult woodcock may differ significantly from those in immatures, and that residues of several important agricultural insecticides and PCBs had declined significantly. More extensive sampling was undertaken in 1975 to determine if changes in residue levels had taken place in the intervening years. PCBs, mirex, and heptachlor epoxide increased significantly between 1972 and 1975 in adult woodcock wings. In immature woodcock wings mirex, dieldrin, and PCBs increased significantly between 1972 and 1975, but DDT residues decreased significantly.