Sum Of Polychlorinated Biphenyls Research Articles

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) residues in European roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and red deer (Cervus elaphus) from north-western Poland

The purpose of this study was to evaluate polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) contamination levels in roe and red deer from north-western Poland and to assess environmental pollution in this area. A quantitative analysis was conducted using a capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method. The mean concentrations of ΣPCBs (sum of PCBs: 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180) in liver samples were 30.24±12.35 ng·g−1 of lipid weight (l.w.) in roe deer and 60.13±14.23 ng·g−1 l.w. in red deer, compared with 24.21±10.02 and 45.22±9.77 ng·g−1 in the lungs of roe and red deer, respectively. PCBs 138, 153 and 180 were the dominant congeners in the liver samples of the analysed animals, whereas PCB 138 and 153 in the lungs. TEQs levels calculated for only dioxin-like PCBs were low: 0.32 and 0.29 pg WHO-PCB-TEQ·g−1 fat in liver of red deer and roe deer, respectively. The mean PCB concentrations obtained in our study for organs of roe deer and red deer were several times lower than those reported elsewhere. These findings show that the investigated roe and red deer originated from an area with low levels of PCB contamination.

Body feathers as a potential new biomonitoring tool in raptors: A study on organohalogenated contaminants in different feather types and preen oil of West Greenland white-tailed eagles ( Haliaeetus albicilla)

We investigated the variation in concentrations and profiles of various classes of organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) in different feather types, muscle tissue and preen oil from 15 white-tailed eagle ( Haliaeetus albicilla) carcasses from Greenland. The influence of moult patterns and potential external contamination onto the feather surface was examined, while the present study is also the first to investigate the use of body feathers for OHC monitoring. Concentrations of sum polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in feathers from white tailed eagles ranged from 2.3 ng/g in a primary wing feather to 4200 ng/g in body feathers. Using 300 mg of body feathers, almost 50 different OHCs could be quantified and median concentrations in body feathers were 10 fold higher than concentrations in tail feathers (rectrices) or primary wing feathers. Body feathers could be very useful for biomonitoring taking into account their easy sampling, short preparation time and high levels of OHCs. In addition, the effects of confounding variables such as feather size, moult and age are also minimised using body feathers. Correlations with concentrations in muscle tissue and preen oil were high and significant for all feather types ( r ranging from 0.81 to 0.87 for sum PCBs). Significant differences in concentrations and profiles of OHCs were found between different primary feathers, indicating that the accumulation of OHCs in feathers varies over the moulting period (maximum three years). Washing of feathers with an organic solvent (acetone) resulted in a significant decrease in the measured concentrations of OHCs in feathers. However, our results indicated that preen oil is probably not the only contributor to the external contamination that can be removed by washing with acetone. Possibly dust and other particles may be of importance and may be sticking to the preened feathers. Rectrices washed only with water showed high and significant correlations with concentrations in muscle and preen oil as well. Washing with acetone therefore does not seem to be of great influence when relating to internal tissue concentrations. We recommend washing feathers only with distilled water in order to remove dirt and dust particles before analysis.

Geography and stage of development affect persistent organic pollutants in stranded and wild-caught harbor seal pups from central California

Persistent organic pollutants have been associated with disease susceptibility and decreased immunity in marine mammals. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), chlordanes (CHLDs), and hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs) were evaluated in terms of stage of development and likely exposure routes (in utero, suckling, fasting) in the blubber of 202 stranded and wild-caught, primarily young of the year (n=177), harbor seals (Phoca vitulina) in the central California coast. This is the first report of HCH concentrations in the blubber of California seals. Lipid normalized concentrations ranged from 200 to 330,000ng/g for sum PCBs, 320–1,500,000ng/g for sum DDTs, 23–63,000ng/g for sum PBDEs, 29–29,000ng/g for sum CHLDs, and 2–780ng/g for sum HCHs. The highest concentrations were observed in harbor seal pups that suckled in the wild and then lost mass during the post-weaning fast. Among the pups sampled in the wild and those released from rehabilitation, there were no differences in mass, blubber depth, or percent lipid although contaminant concentrations were significantly higher in the pups which nursed in the wild. When geographic differences were evaluated in a subset of newborn animals collected near their birth locations, the ratio of sum DDTs to sum PCBs was significantly greater in samples from an area with agricultural inputs (Monterey), than one with industrial inputs (San Francisco Bay). A principal components analysis distinguished between seals from San Francisco Bay and Monterey Bay based on specific PCB and PBDE congeners and DDT metabolites. These data illustrate the important influence of life stage, nutritional status, and location on blubber contaminant levels, and thus the need to consider these factors when interpreting single sample measurements in marine mammals.

Occurrence of Halogenated Contaminants in Fish from Selected River Localities and Ponds in the Czech Republic

The occurrence of organohalogenated compounds including major persistent chlorinated pollutants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDT and its metabolites, brominated flame retardants (BFRs), represented by polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), together with currently widely discussed perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), mainly perfluorooctane sulfonic acid was monitored in several fish species collected from Czech rivers. Eleven sampling locations in highly industrialized areas were chosen. In addition, wild species of 14 farmed fish (grown in dedicated ponds) were also analysed. With respect to the contamination in different areas, chlorinated chemicals were dominant. PCBs and DDTs ranged from 4.8 to 211 and 2 to 791μg/kg wet weight, respectively. Concentrations of BFRs and PFCs were significantly lower and ranged from 0.6 to 10.2 and 0.9 to 62μg/kg wet weight, respectively. The highest levels of target analyte groups were found in fish muscle tissue in localities situated on the lower part of the Elbe River: Levels of DDT, HCB, PBDEs, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) were as high as 791, 77.6, 14.4 and 193μg/kg wet weight, respectively, in Usti nad Labem and in the sample originated from the confluence of Elbe with Bilina River; a sum of PCBs at a level of 211μg/kg was detected.

Obesity and Persistent Organic Pollutants: Possible Obesogenic Effect of Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals associated with the development of the metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes. In humans, little is known about their role in the potential origin of obesity. This study aims to assess the associations between serum levels of POPs and the prevalence of obesity in a cohort of obese and lean adult men and women. POP serum samples were investigated cross-sectionally in 98 obese and 47 lean participants, aged ≥18 years. Serum samples were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners 153, 138, 180, and 170 and for the organochlorine pesticides, dichloro-diphenyl-dichloroethylene (pp-DDE), and β-hexachlorocyclohexane (βHCH). We established a significant negative correlation between BMI, waist, fat mass percentage, total and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue, and serum levels of PCB 153, 180, 170, and the sumPCBs. For βHCH, we demonstrated a positive correlation with BMI, waist, fat mass percentage, and total and subcutaneous abdominal adipose tissue. PCBs 180, 170, and the sum of PCBs correlated significantly negative with homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA(IR)). βHCH correlated significantly positively with HOMA(IR). A strong correlation was established between all POP serum levels and age. We established a positive relationship between high serum levels of βHCH and BMI and HOMA(IR), whereas serum PCB levels were inversely correlated with BMI and HOMA(IR). Combined, these results suggest that the diabetogenic effect of low-dose exposure to POPs might be more complicated than a simple obesogenic effect.

Serum Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls Are Associated With Growth Among Russian Boys

We evaluated the associations of serum dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) with longitudinally assessed growth measurements among peripubertal Russian boys. A total of 499 boys from Chapaevsk, Russia, aged 8 to 9 years were enrolled in the study from 2003 to 2005 and were followed prospectively for 3 years. Blood samples were collected and physical examinations were conducted at entry and repeated at annual study visits. Multivariate mixed-effects regression models for repeated measures were used to examine the associations of serum dioxins and PCBs with longitudinal measurements of BMI, height, and height velocity. Serum dioxin (total 2005 toxic equivalency [TEQ] median: 21.1 pg/g lipid) and PCBs (median sum of PCBs: 250 ng/g lipid) were measured in 468 boys. At study entry and during 3 years of follow-up, >50% of the boys had age-adjusted BMI and height z scores within 1 SD of World Health Organization-standardized mean values for age. Boys in the highest exposure quintile of the sum of dioxin and PCB concentrations and total TEQs had a significant decrease in mean BMI z scores of 0.67 for dioxins and TEQs and 1.04 for PCBs, compared with boys in the lowest exposure quintile. Comparison of the highest versus the lowest quintile revealed that higher serum PCB concentrations were associated with significantly lower height z scores (mean z-score decrease: 0.41) and height velocity (mean decrease: 0.19 cm/year) after 3 years of follow-up. Our findings suggest that exposures to dioxins and PCBs are associated with reduced growth during the peripubertal period and may compromise adult body mass, stature, and health.

Background levels of polychlorinated biphenyls in the population of the Canary Islands (Spain)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent and toxic compounds that have been detected in human serum or tissues worldwide. The objective of our study was to determine serum PCB levels in a representative sample of the general population of the Spanish Archipelago of the Canary Islands (607 serum samples from subjects aged between 6 and 75 years) in order to establish the main causes of this contamination and to evaluate the potential risks posed by these chemicals on the population through the use of toxicity equivalence to dioxins (TEQs). PCB congeners (28, 52, 77, 81, 101, 105, 114, 118, 123, 126, 138, 153, 156, 157, 167, 169, 180, and 189) were measured by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Our results showed that PCB residues were found in 76% of serum samples analyzed, with the congeners 153 and 180 being the most frequently detected and having the highest median values (21.8 and 6.7 ng/g lipid, respectively). Serum levels of non-dioxin-like PCBs increased with age, body mass index (BMI), urban habitat, and smoking. The median concentration of the sum of PCBs considered as markers of environmental contamination by these chemicals (M-PCBs) was 46.4 ng/g lipid. Levels of the sum of dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) were 48.5 ng/g lipid in the 95th percentile, and were also positively associated with age. As a consequence, age seemed to be positively associated with TEQs levels, reaching values as high as 58.6 pg/g lipid in the serum samples from oldest people. Our results indicate that the inhabitants of the Canary Archipelago show levels of PCB contamination lower than other populations present on the Spanish mainland, as well as many populations from developed countries. Nevertheless, as these compounds may induce adverse health effects even at very low doses, our findings should be considered by local Public Health authorities in order to establish measures for diminishing the exposure of the population of these islands to PCBs.

Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and other persistent organic pollutants in human serum from Greece

Human serum samples ( n = 61) were collected in Attika, Greece between June and October 2007 and analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Thirty samples were collected from computer clerks of a large computer company in Athens working full-time with computers, and thirty-one from a control population in the Attika region with no computer use. Σ 5PBDE concentrations (sum of tri- to hexa-BDEs) in all samples ( n = 61) ranged from 0.68 to 13.3 ng g −1 lipid, with a median of 1.07 ng g −1 lipid. These concentrations are on the lower end of those reported from other countries, probably reflecting lower usage of PBDE-containing products or lower exposures to these chemicals. Individual and ∑ 5PBDE concentrations did not statistically differ between the two groups of computer clerks and non-computer users ( p > 0.05), with the exception of BDE 153 ( p = 0.033). The predominant congener was BDE 153, followed by BDEs 47, 100, 99, 183, 154 and 28. HBCD was also detected in 70% of the samples. BDE 209 was detected in 8 out 61 samples (13%), with concentrations ranging from 1.18 to 19.1 ng g −1 lipid, and a median of 2.94 ng g −1 lipid. No age dependency was found for PBDEs. Σ 11PCB (sum of PCBs 74, 99, 118, 138, 146, 153, 156, 170, 180, 183 and 187,) in all samples ( n = 61) ranged from 36 to 402 ng g −1 lipid, with a median of 110 ng g −1 lipid. pp′-DDE concentrations ranged from 53.8 to 1649 ng g −1 lipid, with a median of 268 ng g −1 lipid. This is the first study to report levels of PBDEs in a possibly occupationally exposed subset of the Greek population.

Polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus L .)

To explore the concentrations and dynamics of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Finnish semi-domesticated reindeer ( Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) the reindeer milk and tissue samples were collected from the sub-arctic northern Finland. Reindeer milk's PCB sum (1.20 ng g − 1 wet weight) and PCDD/F sum (0.70 pg g −1 ww) in autumn were higher than in summer (PCBs 0.50 ng g − 1 ww and PCDD/Fs 0.20 pg g − 1 ww). The mean fat content in autumn milk (26%) was significantly higher than in summer (10%). Concentrations in reindeer milk were generally far below 50% of that in adult reindeer body burden. However, the bioaccumulation factors were multiple in milk/reindeer calf ratio and that aroused the question of other important exposure routes than lactation. The muscle and liver of reindeer calves had higher PCDD/F and PCB concentrations than adult animals that possibly indicate the significance of transfer of these compounds from dam to calf through lactation and placenta. However, PBDE concentrations were higher in adult reindeer, especially in liver. In addition, reindeer liver seems to have a special feature to collect highly toxic PCDD/Fs, although the PCB sum concentrations (range from 0.33 to 1.69 ng g − 1 wet weight) were clearly higher than the sums of PCDD/Fs (range from 3.78 to 39.2 pg g − 1 ww). Stillborn reindeer calves represented individuals who had got their PCDD/F, PCB and PBDE load only via the placenta. Concentrations in muscle and brown adipose tissue samples did not indicate dependency on fat content. Obviously effective placental transfer of PCBs and PBDEs from reindeer dam to foetus was seen in this study.

Impacts of pollution derived from ship wrecks on the marine environment on the basis of s/s “ Stuttgart” (Polish coast, Europe)

In 1943 the German hospital ship s/s Stuttgart ( Lazaretschiff “C”) was sunk close to the port of Gdynia (Gulf of Gdańsk — Polish coast). This and other actions (undertaken after the war to remove the wreck) led to pollution of the sea bottom with oil derivatives. During our studies (2009) 11 surface sediment and water samples were collected as well as sediment core samples at 4 locations in order to determine the concentration levels of priority pollutants belonging to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB). The concentrations of 16 PAH and 7 PCB were analysed with GC-MS. ΣPAH varied between 11.54 ± 0.39 and 206.7 ± 6.5 mg/kg dry weight in the surface sediments, and from 0.686 ± 0.026 to 1291 ± 53 mg/kg dry weight in the core samples. Contamination in the core samples collected may reach a depth of at least 230–240 cm (deepest sample studied). The PAH-group profiles in all surface sediment samples suggest a pyrolytic source of PAH, while the results obtained for core samples indicate a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs of PAH. Results obtained may suggest also that fuel residues being present at sea bottom is not crude oil derived but results from coal processing (synthetic fuel). The sum of PCB in surface sediments ranged from 0.761 ± 0.068 to 6.82 ± 0.28 μg/kg dry weight (except for sampling point W2, where ΣPCB was 108.8 ± 4.4 μg/kg dry weight). The strong correlation between PAH and PCB levels, and the fact that PCB are present only in the surface sediments, suggest that the compounds in these sediments got there as a result of emission from urban areas, entering the aquatic environment via atmospheric deposition. PCB levels in the sediment core samples were generally very low and in most cases did not exceed the method quantification limit.

Occurrence of endocrine disrupting compounds in tissues and body fluids of Belgian dairy cows and its implications for the use of the cow as a model to study endocrine disruption

The reproductive performance of high producing dairy cows has dropped severely throughout the last decades. It has already been suggested that the presence of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) in the environment could be one of the reasons for this declining fertility. Reliable data concerning tissue and body fluid concentrations of these chemicals are thus crucial, but currently only scarcely available. Therefore, we selected dairy cows (≥ 6 years) from diverse locations in Belgium and analysed tissues (liver, adipose tissue, muscle, kidney, and ovaria) and body fluids (serum, follicular fluid, and milk) for their content of potential EDCs, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Furthermore, we collected milk and serum samples from high producing dairy cows 2–3 weeks post-partum to verify if the massive lipolysis required to sustain milk production is accompanied with an increase in EDC concentrations in milk and serum. Overall, contamination was very low (median sum PCBs liver: 11.7 ng g −1 lw), with follicular fluid samples showing no detectable contamination. CB 153 was present in each tissue sample. Strong correlations could be found between EDCs in the same tissue. The increased PCB concentrations observed in milk samples from high producing dairy cows could indicate that massive lipolysis can play a role in liberating and thereby increasing EDC concentrations in milk. Because concentrations of the most prevalent EDCs in dairy cow tissues and body fluids are very low, exposure to EDCs can hardly be considered as a major cause of declining fertility in high producing dairy cows in Belgium. As a result of this low contamination and the similarities between the female bovine and human reproductive physiology, in vitro studies based on Belgian dairy cow ovarian follicles can be considered as a valuable model to study the effects of EDCs on human reproduction.

Time trends of persistent organic pollutants in Sweden during 1993–2007 and relation to age, gender, body mass index, breast-feeding and parity

Background Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are lipophilic chemicals that bioaccumulate. Most of them were resticted or banned in the 1970s and 1980s to protect human health and the environment. The main source for humans is dietary intake of dairy products, meat and fish. Little data exist on changes of the concentration of POPs in the Swedish population over time. Objective To study if the concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDE, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and chlordanes have changed in the Swedish population during 1993–2007, and certain factors that may influence the concentrations. Methods During 1993–2007 samples from 537 controls in different human cancer studies were collected and analysed. Background information such as body mass index, breast-feeding and parity was assessed by questionaires. Wilcoxon rank-sum test was used to analyse the explanatory factors specimen (blood or adipose tissue), gender, BMI, total breast-feeding and parity in relation to POPs. Time trends for POPs were analysed using linear regression analysis, adjusted for specimen, gender, BMI and age. Results The concentration decreased for all POPs during 1993−2007. The annual change was statistically significant for the sum of PCBs −7.2%, HCB −8.8%, DDE −13.5% and the sum of chlordanes −10.3%. BMI and age were determinants of the concentrations. Cumulative breast-feeding > 8 months gave statistically significantly lower concentrations for the sum of PCBs, DDE and the sum of chlordanes. Parity with > 2 children yielded statistically significantly lower sum of PCBs. Conclusions All the studied POPs decreased during the time period, probably due to restrictions of their use.

Persistent organic pollutants in the green sea turtle Chelonia mydas: nesting population variation, maternal transfer, and effects on development

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have a wide range of toxic effects on humans and wildlife, and have been reported in a number of endangered sea tur- tle populations. The present study screened for POPs in a green sea turtle Chelonia mydas popula- tion in Peninsular Malaysia and investigated the maternal transfer and effects of POPs on embryonic development. At the Ma'Daerah Turtle Sanctuary, blood, eggs and hatchling blood were collected from 11 nesting female C. mydas. Samples were analysed for 83 PCBs, 23 OCPs and 19 PBDEs using gas chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry. The chemical profiles of eggs from individual turtles were significantly different, indicating variable contaminant uptake during foraging. There was evidence of maternal transfer of POPs to eggs and hatchlings, with significant correlations in sum of PCBs (ΣPCB), sum of PBDEs (ΣPBDE), γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH), trans-chlordane and mirex concentrations between maternal blood and eggs (p < 0.05, R 2 < 0.71), between eggs and hatchling blood (p < 0.05, R 2 < 0.83), and between maternal and hatchling blood (p < 0.05, R 2 < 0.61). In addition, there was congener-specific transfer of PCBs with less lipophilic congeners (e.g. PCB 99) more readily transferred to hatchlings than the more lipophilic congeners (e.g. PCBs 180 + 193). There was also a significant correlation between increasing egg POP concentration and decreasing hatchling mass:length ratio. POPs may therefore have subtle effects on the development of C. mydas eggs, which may compromise offshore dispersal and predator avoidance.

The use of blue tit eggs as a biomonitoring tool for organohalogenated pollutants in the European environment

In the present study, large scale geographical variation in the occurrence of organohalogenated pollutants (OHPs) was investigated throughout Europe using eggs of a terrestrial resident passerine species, the blue tit ( Cyanistes caeruleus). Blue tit eggs from 10 sampling locations, involving suburban, rural and remote areas, in 7 European countries were collected and analysed. Sum polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels ranged from 150 ng/g lipid weight (lw) to 2003 ng/g lw. Sum polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) ranged from 3.95 ng/g lw to 114 ng/g lw. As expected, PCB and PBDE concentrations were significantly higher in the sampled suburban locations compared to the rural and remote locations. Sum organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) ranged from 122 ng/g lw to 775 ng/g lw. OCP concentrations were, against the expectations, found to be lower in the rural sampling locations compared to the other locations. Contamination profiles of PCBs, PBDEs and OCPs differed also among the sampling locations, which may be due to local contamination sources. Finally, we compared the results of this study with previously reported OHP concentrations in the eggs of a closely related species, the great tit ( Parus major), from the same sampling locations in Europe. We found no differences in concentrations between the species. In addition, we found a significant, positive correlation between the sum PCB concentrations in blue tit eggs and great tit eggs, suggesting similar exposure pathways, mechanisms of accumulation and maternal transfer of PCBs. In conclusion, our results suggest the usefulness of eggs from passerine birds as a biomonitoring tool for OHPs on a large geographical scale.

Reconcilable differences: The use of reference material to reduce methodological artifacts in the reporting of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls

Numerous long-term monitoring programs have assessed spatial and temporal trends of organochlorine (OC) pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Changes in analytical approaches (e.g., gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection [GC-ECD] versus mass spectrometric detection [GC-MSD]) can reveal artifacts in the reported concentrations. In-house reference material (RM) was used to determine the analytical artifacts in the measurement of OCs and PCBs in Great Lake herring gull eggs previously analyzed from 1994 to 1996 (GC-ECD) and 1997 to 1999 (GC-MSD). Approximately 19.0% of the variability of PCB congeners in gull eggs was associated with analytical artifacts, and differences among colonies were obscured. Although the discrepancy in sum PCBs (SigmaPCBs) was fairly small (2.1%), some congeners varied considerably between methods (> 60%). After statistically removing the artifacts, only 1.4% of the variability in PCBs of herring gull eggs was associated with artifacts, and differences among gull colonies became apparent. After excluding OCs near the detection limit in the RM, statistically removing the artifacts reduced some of the differences between methods for OCs. Analytical artifacts may potentially render inferences difficult, confounded, and erroneous. When combining contaminant data obtained using different methods, the methods should be assumed to give different results unless demonstrated otherwise. Assessments of the compatibility of analytical methodologies should be made using an appropriate RM.

Serum PCB Concentrations and Cochlear Function in 12-Year-Old Children

Experimental evidence from animals indicates that exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) causes deterioration of the outer hair cells (OHCs) of the cochlea. To test this hypothesis in humans, we measured serum PCB concentrations in 574 12-year-old children residing in three districts in the Slovak Republic using high-resolution gas chromatography with microelectron capture detection. As a marker of cochlear status, we measured transient evoked (TE) and distortion product (DP) otoacoustic emissions (OAEs), and assessed the cross-sectional association between serum PCBs and OAEs. Median total PCB concentrations were 352.8, 150.5, and 134.9 ng/g lipid in Michalovce, Svidnik, and Bratislava, respectively. In multivariate regression models where otoacoustic measures were modeled as a function of log (base 10) PCB concentrations with adjustment for gender, age, and site of examination, dioxin-like PCBs, nondioxin-like PCBs and a PCB grouping targeting upregulation of hepatic uridine 5'-diphospho-glucuronosyltransferase were significantly associated with lower TEOAE powers at 1000 and 1500 Hz. At 1500 Hz, we observed a strong association with sum of PCBs and DL-PCBs, in the left ear only. The DPOAEs at 1000 Hz were associated with all four PCB groupings. The results of this study show that PCBs may affect the OHCs of the cochlea, a result consistent with findings from animal studies published to date.

Distribution of PCBs, Their Hydroxylated Metabolites, and Other Phenolic Contaminants in Human Serum from Two European Countries

Human exposure to mixtures of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) may result in the formation of different profiles of hydroxylated PCBs (HO-PCBs), as a consequence of different exposures or dissimilar metabolism of parent compounds. Therefore, we investigated the levels and profiles of PCBs and HO-PCBs in human serum samples collected from two European countries with different degrees of pollution. There was no significant difference between the levels of sum PCBs measured in each set of samples, with a median concentration of 3100 pg/mL for Romanian samples (n = 53) and 3380 pg/mL for Belgian samples (n = 22). However, the median concentrations recorded for sum HO-PCBs were almost double in Belgian (310 pg/mL) compared to Romanian (175 pg/mL) samples. The detection frequency recorded for HO-PCBs in Belgian samples was also significantly higher compared to Romanian samples. The main contributors to the sum HO-PCBs in the Belgian samples were 4HO-CB107 > 4HO-CB146 > 4HO-CB187 (76% from the sum HO-PCBs) and 4HO-CB187 > 4HO-CB146 > 3'HO-CB138 (66% from the sum of HO-PCBs) in the Romanian samples. The HO-PCB profile showed that the higher chlorinated HO-PCBs had a higher contribution in the Romanian samples compared to the Belgian ones. This suggests that differences in the PCB profiles between populations can lead to the formation of different HO-PCB metabolite profiles presenting thus different risks for populations. No clear preferential mechanism of HO-PCB metabolite formation (HO-direct insertion vs. 1,2-shift of a chlorine atom) could be highlighted for investigated samples. The main chlorinated phenolic compound found in the Belgian samples was pentachlorophenol (PCP) which accounted for up to 85% of the total quantified phenolics, whereas in the Romanian samples, PCP accounted for only 35%.

Evidence for Unique and Ubiquitous Environmental Sources of 3,3′-Dichlorobiphenyl (PCB 11)

The non-Aroclor congener 3,3'-dichlorobiphenyl (PCB 11) has been recently detected in air, water, biota, sediment, and suspended sediment. Although it has been known since at least the 1970s that this congener is produced inadvertently during the production of diarylide yellow pigments, this work presents the first evidence that the use of these pigments in consumer goods results in the dispersion of PCB 11 throughout the environment at levels that are problematic in terms of achieving water quality standards for the sum of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). In this work, PCB 11 is measured at ppb levels in consumer goods that are likely to be discarded in ways that allow them to enter wastewater treatment plants and combined sewer overflows, including newspapers, magazines, cardboard boxes used for food packaging, and plastic bags. Also, using data sets acquired for the purpose of calculating total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) for PCBs, PCB 11 loads to the New York/New Jersey Harbor and Delaware River are calculated. Despite the fact that there are no known manufacturers of diarylide yellow pigments in the Delaware River watershed, the loads of PCB 11 to the Delaware River exceed the TMDL for the sum of PCBs by nearly a factor of 2. The ratio of PCB 11 to a characteristic dechlorination end product, PCB 4 (2,2'-dichlorobiphenyl), in these data sets indicates that dechlorination is not a significant source of PCB 11 in these systems. In the upper Hudson River, where extensive dechlorination of heavy PCB congeners occurs, the ratio is just 0.012. In contrast, downstream in the NY/NJ Harbor as well as in the Delaware River the ratio is much higher and more variable. Pigment use therefore appears to be the main source of PCB 11 in these systems, and this congener is likely to present a significant obstacle to achieving PCB water quality standards throughout the United States.

Revised and new reference values for environmental pollutants in urine or blood of children in Germany derived from the German Environmental Survey on Children 2003-2006 (GerES IV)

Based on the representative data collection of the German Environmental Survey on Children 2003-2006 (GerES IV) the Human Biomonitoring Commission of the German Federal Environment Agency has updated the reference values for a comprehensive number of environmental pollutants in blood and urine of children in Germany. Reference values are statistically derived values that indicate the upper margin of background exposure to a given pollutant in a given population at a given time. They can be used as criteria to classify the measured values of individuals or population groups as being "elevated" or "not elevated". Since environmental conditions are changing, reference values are continuously checked and updated if new information becomes available. Therefore, the previously derived reference values for metabolites of pyrethroids (cis-, trans-Cl(2)Ca and 3-PBA: 1, 2, and 2microg/l), of PAH (1-hydroxypyrene: 0.5microg/l), for arsenic in urine (15microg/l), and for PCB 138, PCB 153, PCB 180 in whole blood (0.3, 0.4, 0.3microg/l) and for DDE (western Germany) in whole blood (0.7microg/l) were confirmed. The following reference values were lowered: lead in blood from 50 to 35microg/l, cadmium in urine from 0.5 to 0.2microg/l, mercury in whole blood from 1.0 to 0.8microg/l, mercury in urine from 0.7 to 0.4microg/l, beta-HCH in whole blood from 0.3 to 0.1microg/l, HCB in whole blood from 0.3 to 0.2microg/l, and DMP in urine from 135 to 75microg/l, and DMTP in urine from 160 to 100microg/l. Based on the extended data set of the GerES IV, the reference value for the sum of PCB 138+153+180 in whole blood of children aged 7 to 14 was raised from 0.9 to 1.0microg/l. The reference value for DEP in urine of children aged 3 to 14 was raised from 16 to 30microg/l. New reference values in urine of children aged 3 to 14 living in Germany were derived for antimony (0.3microg/l), nickel (4.5microg/l), thallium (0.6microg/l), uranium (0.04microg/l), metabolites of organophosphorous compounds (DMDTP, DETP: 10microg/l, 10microg/l) and metabolites of PAH (1-hydroxyphenanthrene: 0.6microg/l; 2/9-hydroxyphenanthrene: 0.4microg/l; 3-hydroxyphenanthrene: 0.5microg/l; 4-hydroxyphenanthrene: 0.2microg/l; Sigma hydroxyphenanthrene (1, 2/9, 3, 4): 1.5microg/l) in urine and for DDE in blood of children aged 7 to 14 years living in eastern Germany (1.4microg/l). If reliable and repeated measurements show a value above the reference value, an environmental hygiene-based search for the causes and sources of this exposure is recommended. After that, it should be checked whether the exposure can be decreased within reasonable bounds.

Persistent organochlorine pollutants and toxaphene congener profiles in bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) frequenting the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary, Georgia, USA

Although the Turtle/Brunswick River Estuary (TBRE) in coastal Georgia (USA) is severely contaminated by persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), little information regarding POPs in higher-trophic-level biota in this system is available. In the present study, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; including DDTs, chlordanes, and mirex), and chlorinated monoterpenes (toxaphene) were measured using gas chromatography with electron-capture detection and gas chromatography with electron-capture negative ion mass spectrometry (GC-ECNI-MS) in blubber of free-ranging and stranded bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus). Mean total PCBs (78.6 +/- 32.4 microg/g lipid) and toxaphene (11.7 +/- 9.3 microg/g lipid) were significantly higher in dolphins sampled in the TBRE than in dolphins stranded near Savannah (GA, USA) 80 to 100 km to the north. Levels of OCPs were several-fold lower than levels of PCBs; moreover, PCBs comprised 81 and 67% of the total POP burden in TBRE and non-TBRE dolphins, respectively. Analyses with GC-ECNI-MS revealed that 2,2,5-endo,6-exo,8,8,9,10-octachlorobornane (P-42a), a major component in technical toxaphene and a major residue congener in local estuarine fish species, was the most abundant chlorobornane in both sets of blubber samples. Mean total POP concentrations (sum of PCBs, OCPs, and toxaphene) approached 100 microg/g lipid for the TBRE animals, well above published total PCB thresholds at which immunosuppresion and/or reproductive anomalies are thought to occur. These results indicate extended utilization of the highly contaminated TBRE as habitat for a group of coastal estuarine dolphins, and they further suggest that these animals may be at risk because of elevated POP concentrations.