PCDDs), Dibenzofurans Research Articles

Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls, Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins, and Polychlorinated Dibenzofurans in Seafood Samples from Malaysia: Estimated Human Intake and Associated Risks

A total of 127 and 177 seafood samples from Malaysia were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), respectively. The World Health Organization-toxic-equivalency quotients (WHO-TEQ) of PCDD/Fs varied from 0.13 to 1.03pg TEQg(-1), whereas dl-PCBs ranged from 0.33 to 1.32pg TEQg(-1). Based on food-consumption data from the global environment monitoring system-food contamination monitoring and assessment programme, calculated dietary exposures to PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs from seafood for the general population in Malaysia were 0.042 and 0.098pg TEQkg(-1) body weight day(-1), respectively. These estimations were quite different from the values calculated using the Malaysian food-consumption statistics (average of 0.313 and 0.676pg TEQkg(-1) body weight day(-1) for PCDD/Fs and PCBs, respectively). However, both of the dietary exposure estimations were lower than the tolerable daily intake recommended by WHO. Thus, it is suggested that seafood from Malaysia does not pose a notable risk to the health of the average consumer.

Monitoring of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs and seasonal variations in mussels from the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy)

The levels and specific profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in Mytilus galloprovincialis from the Mar Grande and the Mar Piccolo of Taranto were determined during the extensive monitoring plan of Local Health Authority to assess PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs contamination in food and farm products, within 20 km from the industrial areas of Taranto, between March and December 2011. The average Total Toxicity Equivalence (TEQ) values for the sum of PCDD/F and DL-PCBs ranged from 1.61 to 5.63 pg WHO2005-TEQ g(-1) wet weight basis, with the highest in the first inlet of the Mar Piccolo. In particular, DL-PCBs were the dominant chemicals in all samples, followed by PCDFs and PCDDs. Congener patterns in mussels were similar, indicating a homogeneous behavior in studied areas and, probably, the same type of source. The seasonal concentrations trend showed a relevant increase of dioxin and dioxin-like PCBs TEQs during the summer months, exceeding the limits set by the European Community for food and foodstuff. Reducing PCDD/Fs and PCBs is necessary to decrease contamination levels in order to safeguard marine ecosystem and human health in the Taranto area.

Emissions of PCDD/Fs and PCBs during the Cold Start-up of Municipal Solid Waste Incinerators

This study investigated the emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from 45-hr cold start-up operations (from the ambient temperature) of two municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). Fifteen samples were collected during the whole process, while the sampling period was divided as follows: (1) the initial stage (25–250°C); (2) the second stage (250–850°C), and the final stage (850–1000°C). The peak of total (PCDD/F + PCB) (WHO2005-TEQ) concentration occurred during the second stage of the cold start-up. This could because the temperature in the combustion chamber reached 295–359°C, within the temperature window (250–450°C) of PCDD/F reformation by de novo synthesis. However, both PCDD/F and PCB (WHO2005-TEQ) concentrations were still 2.8–3.8 times higher than the regulated standards in Taiwan 45 hours after the cold start-up began, demonstrating significant memory effects. Higher PCB/(PCDD/F + PCB) TEQ fractions were observed during the initial stage of cold start-up. This is probably due to the higher volatilities of memorized PCB-126 and -169 than PCDD/F congeners, thus making them more easily released into the flue gas. On the other hand, the total (PCDD/F + PCB) emissions during 45-hr cold start-up were estimated at 46–68 mg WHO2005-TEQ.The annual (PCDD/F + PCB) emissions from normal conditions are generally estimated by the normal operating emissions factor without the cold start-up. The normal annual (PCDD/F + PCB) emission rates of the two MSWIs were 70.7–101 mg WHO2005-TEQ, including once cold start-up emission, and these increased to 142–480 mg WHO2005-TEQ, up by 65–458%, if one to eight times of cold start-up were included. Therefore, reducing unnecessary start-ups could be more important with regard to controlling the PCDD/F and PCB emissions than only attempting to increase the pollutant removal efficiency in the steady operations of MSWIs.

Pyrosequencing analysis reveals high population dynamics of the soil microcosm degrading octachlorodibenzofuran.

A deeper understanding of the microbial community structure is very important in bioremediation for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). However, this has been insufficiently addressed in previous studies. To obtain more information, we pyrosequenced the V4/V5 regions of the 16S rRNA genes of bacterial communities transited from polluted soil to batch microcosms that rapidly degraded high concentrations of octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF). The analysis results contained an average of 11,842 reads per sample, providing the first detailed description of bacterial communities associated with PCDD/Fs. The community composition markedly changed to be concomitant with the degradation of OCDF, indicating that a distinctive population structure developed rapidly in the microcosm. Although oxygen gas was provided weekly to the microcosm, the growth of potential degraders, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, and Clostridium, was observed, but in consistently low quantities. While anaerobic Sedimentibacter initially emerged as an abundant pioneer, several aerobic participants, such as the genera Brevundimonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Lysobacter, exhibited a large increase in their 16S rRNA gene copies within the timeframe, which showed a temporal population dynamic, and indicated their collaborative contributions to the degradation of OCDF under hypoxic conditions. These results have provided a deeper insight into the microbial community structure and population dynamics of the OCDF-degrading microcosm.

Comparing sediment equilibrium partitioning and passive sampling techniques to estimate benthic biota PCDD/F concentrations in Newark Bay, New Jersey (U.S.A.)

Sediment and polyethylene sampler-based estimates of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) concentrations in Newark Bay, New Jersey (USA) benthic biota were compared. Biota concentrations based on sediment were estimated using an organic carbon (OC)-water partitioning model and an OC and black carbon (BC)-water dual model. Biota concentrations based on polyethylene were estimated from samplers deployed in the Newark Bay water column and samplers immersed in a sediment/porewater slurry in the laboratory. Porewater samplers provided the best estimates of biota concentrations (within 3.1×), with best results achieved for deposit-feeders (within 1.6×). Polyethylene deployed in deep water also provided good estimates of biota concentrations (within 4×). By contrast, OC-water partitioning overestimated biota concentrations by up to 7×, while OC and BC combined underestimated biota concentrations by up to 13×. We recommend passive samplers such as polyethylene for estimating concentrations of hydrophobic organic contaminants in field biota given its simplicity and relatively lower uncertainty compared to sediment equilibrium partitioning.

울산만 퇴적물 내 PCDDs, PCDFs, DL-PCBs, PBDEs의 잔류수준과 분포패턴

울산만 내 퇴적물에 대하여 다이옥신/퓨란류(polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans, PCDD/Fs)와 다이옥신류 피씨비(dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls, DL-PCBs), PBDEs(polybrominated diphenyl ethers)의 잔류수준을 조사하고 분포를 평가하였다. 33개 정점에서 채취한 퇴적물 중 PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, PBDEs는 각각 0.11~4.86(평균<TEX>${\pm}$</TEX>표준편차, <TEX>$1.81{\pm}1.04$</TEX>) pg <TEX>$WHO_{2005}$</TEX>-TEQ <TEX>$g^{-1}$</TEX> 건중량(dw), 0.06~44.2(<TEX>$4.02{\pm}7.99$</TEX>) pg <TEX>$WHO_{2005}$</TEX>-TEQ <TEX>$g^{-1}$</TEX> dw, 2.81~63.8(<TEX>$19.4{\pm}13.9$</TEX>) ng <TEX>$g^{-1}$</TEX> dw 수준으로 검출되었다. 총 다이옥신류(PCDD/Fs+DL-PCBs)에 대하여 DL-PCBs가 약 88%로 PCDD/Fs에 비해 높은 기여율을 나타내었다. 또한, 울산만 내부에 위치한 정점의 퇴적물은 외부 정점에 비해 높은 농도수준을 보였다 (p<0.05). 총 다이옥신류 중 PCDD/Fs는 고염소의 DD/Fs에서 높은 기여율을 차지하였으며, 이성질체의 분포패턴은 연소공정의 영향이 큰 공업지역 퇴적물의 특성을 나타내었다. DL-PCBs는 PCB77, -105, -118가 주요 이성질체로써, 상업용 PCB 제품과 분포특성이 유사하게 나타났다. 또한, 퇴적물 내 PBDEs 분포에서 BDE209가 주요 이성질체로 나타났으며, 이는 상업용 deca-BDE 제품의 사용량에 의한 영향으로 판단된다. We investigated the concentrations and distribution patterns of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans(PCDD/Fs), 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls(DL-PCBs) and 24 polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs) in sediments from Ulsan Bay in Korea. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs, and PBDEs in 33 sediment samples ranged from 0.11 to 4.86(<TEX>$1.81{\pm}1.04$</TEX>) pg <TEX>$WHO_{2005}$</TEX>-TEQ <TEX>$g^{-1}$</TEX> dry weight(dw), 0.06 to 44.2(<TEX>$4.02{\pm}7.99$</TEX>) pg <TEX>$WHO_{2005}$</TEX>-TEQ <TEX>$g^{-1}$</TEX> dw, and 2.81 to 63.8(<TEX>$19.4{\pm}13.9$</TEX>) ng <TEX>$g^{-1}$</TEX> dw, respectively. DL-PCBs had dominant contributions(mean, 88%) of total TEQ concentrations in sediment. The concentrations of target compounds in inner locations were higher than those in outer locations in Ulsan Bay (p<0.05). The dominant contribution of highly chlorinated DD/Fs in sediment was associated with combustion process from industrial complexes. Distribution pattern of DL-PCBs was similar with those of commercial PCB products. BDE209 was a dominant congener in sediment, suggesting high use amount of commercial deca-BDE product in surrounding areas.

Temporal trends of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in mothers' milk from Sweden, 1972–2011

Temporal trends of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in mothers' milk are still quite rare. Data are particularly scarce when it comes to concentrations from the last decade, 2000 and onwards. The aims of the present study were to assess temporal trends of PCDD, PCDF and DL-PCB in mothers' milk from Stockholm, 1972–2011 and to compare the results with previous analysis of some of the older samples.The samples were analyzed by high resolution GC/MS and results were statistically evaluated for the periods, 1972–2011 and 2002–2011. The rate of which ∑PCDDs, ∑DL-PCBs and the ∑TEQ are decreasing (on pg/g fat WHO-TEQ2005) is higher in the last decade compared to the 40year period, 1972–2011. A similar trend is indicated, but not confirmed, for ∑TEQ of PCDFs, probably due to too many PCDF congeners below LOQ in the period 2002–2011. Concentrations of ∑PCDDs, ∑PCDFs, ∑DLPCBs and ∑TEQ, all expressed as pg/g fat on TEQ-WHO2005-basis, show a statistically significant decline over time, 5.8–6.8% per year, 1972–2011. The last ten years the annual declines for ∑PCDDs, ∑DL-PCBs and ∑TEQ are 9.2–11% and for ∑PCDF, 5.4%. Congener specific trend analysis, 2002–2001, of PCDDs and DL-PCBs showed the same pattern, while the PCDF congeners showed no such general trend. The results from the re-analysis showed good agreement with slightly lower ∑TEQ1998 pg/g fat concentrations in six out of seven samples and mean difference of 13% in ∑TEQ1998. The study shows that time series can be elongated from previous studies, as long as the sample population remains the same.

Organohalogen concentrations and feeding status in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) of the Baltic Sea during the spawning run

Changes in the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Baltic salmon muscle were studied during the spawning migration from the southern Baltic Sea to rivers flowing into the northern Gulf of Bothnia and during the spawning period. The aim was to obtain information to facilitate the arrangement of salmon fisheries such that the human dioxin intake is taken into account. The EC maximum allowable total toxic equivalent concentration (WHO-TEQPCDD/F+PCB) was exceeded in the muscle of the majority of the migrating salmon, except in the Baltic Proper. The fresh-weight-based concentrations of all toxicant groups in salmon tended to be the lowest in the Baltic Proper and the Northern Quark, and all toxicant concentrations, except PCDDs and PCDFs, were significantly higher in the spawning salmon than in the salmon caught during the spawning run. The fat content of the salmon muscle decreased by 60% during the spawning run, and the lipid-based total toxicant concentrations were consequently 4.2–6.2 times higher during the spawning period than during the spawning migration. However, the toxicants were concentrated just before spawning, and thus there is no essential difference related to whether the salmon are caught in the sea or the recreational river fishery.

Effects of regional differences in waste composition on the thermal formation of polychlorinated aromatics during incineration

Two artificial wastes (A and B) whose contents reflect regional differences in municipal solid waste composition, were used to investigate the thermal formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and naphthalenes (PCNs) during incineration. Flue gas samples were simultaneously collected at three ports in the post-combustion zone corresponding to flue gas temperatures of 400, 300, and 200°C. The combustion of Waste B, which had a higher chlorine and metal content than Waste A, produced greater levels of highly-chlorinated homologues, as demonstrated by a higher degree of chlorination. The total concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, PCBs, and PCNs formed in the combustion of both wastes increased as temperature decreased along the convector. There were no significant differences in total concentrations between Waste A and Waste B combustion at specific temperatures, with exception of PCDFs at 400°C. Orthogonal Projections to Latent Structures Discriminant Analysis (OPLS-DA) modeling, used to evaluate the data for all compound groups, suggest that during flue gas quenching at temperatures of 400°C low-chlorinated homologues are preferentially formed in the presence of copper, which is known to be a very active catalyst for this process. At 300 and 200°C, the formation of highly-chlorinated homologues is favored.

Correlation analysis of unintentional polychlorinated naphthalenes with polychlorinated dibenzo-&amp;lt;italic&amp;gt;p&amp;lt;/italic&amp;gt;-dioxins and dibenzofurans produced during industrial processes

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and polychlorinated dibenzo- p -dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) could be unintentionally produced and released during industrial thermal processes. The correlation analysis of PCNs with PCDD/Fs might provide helpful information for developing the techniques for controlling the release of PCNs and PCDD/Fs. In this study, the concentration relationships of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCNs homologues in fly ash samples from waste incinerations and metallurgical processes were analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis. For PCDDs, PCDFs and PCNs, the common characteristic was that the correlation coefficients between adjacent homologues were obvious higher than that of non-adjacent homologues, indicating the formation of higher chlorinated homologues possibly through the chlorination of low chlorinated homologues. For non-adjacent homologues, the correlation coefficients were higher for PCNs than that of PCDD/Fs. The linear correlation analysis was also performed for PCN and PCDD/F homologues, and the results indicated that tetra-, penta- and hexa- chlorinated homologues were closely correlated with PetanCDF, HexaCDF, and HxCDD ( R 2: 0.58-0.89), indicating similar formation pathway of these homologues during industrial thermal processes.

Occurrence and human exposure of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in house dust from Busan, Korea: Comparison with seafood consumption

Information on human exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) via dust ingestion is scarce. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were determined in house dust collected from Korea, to investigate the occurrence and human exposure to these contaminants. The concentrations of total toxic equivalents (TEQs) in our samples ranged from 0.22 to 11.6 (median: 1.73) pg TEQ/g dry weight, which were lower than those found in other countries. The predominant homologue or congener was octachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and furan (OCDD/F) in all the samples, suggesting a possibility of multiple sources (e.g. combustion process, textiles and cigarette smoke) of PCDD/Fs in indoor environments. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) of total TEQs via dust ingestion were 0.056 pg TEQ/day for adults (>20 years) and 0.14 pg TEQ/day for toddlers (<2 years), which were 2–3 orders of magnitude lower than the EDIs of total TEQs via seafood consumption. Our results suggest that dust ingestion could be negligible to the total TEQ exposures for the Korean population. This is the first study on human exposure of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs via dust ingestion in the Korean population.

Occurrence of Brominated Persistent Organic Pollutants (PBDD/DFs, PXDD/DFs, and PBDEs) in Baltic Wild Salmon (Salmo salar) and Correlation with PCDD/DFs and PCBs

The contamination profiles of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PBDDs), dibenzofurans (PBDFs), diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and mixed monobromo/chloro dibenzo-p-dioxins (PXDDs) and dibenzofurans (PXDFs) were determined in the tissue of Baltic wild salmon and compared with those of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and biphenyls (PCBs). Out of the analyzed PXDD/DFs, only the 3-B-2,7,8-triCDF was detected (in the concentration range of 0.039-0.075 pg g(-1) fresh weight (f.w.)). The toxic equivalents (TEQs) for analyzed PBDD/DFs (0.074-0.142 pg TEQ g(-1) f.w.) were found to contribute on average 2.1% to the total PCDD/DF-PBDD/DF-TEQ. The total concentrations of 27 PBDE congeners were in the range of 1.3-5.6 ng g(-1) f.w., with an average of 3.3 ng g(-1) f.w. The levels of PCDD/DFs and PCBs were found to be in the range of 4.53-14.6 pg WHO(2005)-PCDD/DF-PCB-TEQ g(-1) f.w., and concentrations of these compounds in most of the analyzed samples were above the maximum levels specified in Commission Regulation (EU) No. 1259/2011. Good correlation was observed between WHO(2005)-PCDD/DF-TEQ and WHO(2005)-PCB-TEQ (r(2) = 0.98), and these parameters were well correlated with the total sum of PBDE concentrations (r(2) = 0.91 and r(2) = 0.94, respectively). The results suggest that the consumption of Baltic wild salmon has no crucial impact on the average POP intake for typical Latvians.

&lt;b&gt;Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls concentrations in &lt;i&gt;Larus dominicanus&lt;/i&gt;. Case study: Marambaia island, Sepetiba bay, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil&lt;/b&gt; - doi: 10.4025/actascibiolsci.v35i3.18344

Seabirds play a significant role as bioindicators: they are conspicuous, relatively easy to observe, well-established studied group of organisms, and in the focus of public interest due to pollution in aquatic ecosystem. Systematically, a significant number of man-made chemicals have been introduced in the marine environment and represent the major problem arising in the development worldwide. Many of these chemical contaminants are persistent, known to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through the aquatic food web, affecting species associated with aquatic systems. Dioxins [polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF)] and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) concentrations were measured in Kelp gull Larus dominicanus collected from 2006 to 2011 on Marambaia Island, Sepetiba Bay, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil. Detectable liver concentrations of PCDD Fs -1 and PCBs were found in all samples analyzed. These represent some of the first measurements of PCDD Fs -1 and PCBs in seabirds from this area. Although levels of these contaminants in the tested species currently appear to fall below critical values, a continuous and systematic monitoring on these compounds becomes essential and desirable to not express toxic values in the future.

Pyrolysis of MWI fly ash – Effect on dioxin-like congeners

Removal and destruction of dioxin-like congeners, including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs), from fly ash were investigated at varying pyrolysis temperatures and reaction times and using calcium-based additives. Destruction efficiencies based on TEQ and mass both increase with rising treatment temperature. However, additional low chlorinated PCDD/Fs were formed significantly by dechlorination of high chlorinated PCDD/Fs, at pyrolysis temperatures of 250 and 300°C. Surprisingly, lower destruction efficiencies were realized in the presence of Ca-based additive, compared with those without additive, and TEQ values of fly ash into which CaO was introduced increased, compared with the raw ash, due to significant formation of low chlorinated PCDD/Fs (4–5 Cl). However, complex interactions among unburned carbon, sulfur and metals in the fly ash collected in this study make it difficult to pinpoint the exact causes. The results obtained in this study indicate that degradation and formation of dioxin-like congeners take place simultaneously in pyrolysis process, such as formation of low chlorinated PCDD/Fs via dechlorination of highly chlorinated PCDD/Fs.

Spatial trends of dioxin-like compounds in Atlantic anguillid eels

Several temperate freshwater eel stocks have experienced unsustainable declines, yet to be explained. The decline of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) in Lake Ontario has been linked to aryl-hydrocarbon receptor agonists such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs), and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and the question remains whether eels are affected similarly by these compounds. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs, dl-PCBs, and PCNs were determined in eels collected at seven locations in eastern Canada including L. Ontario, one location in New York, USA, and one location in Flanders, Belgium. Concentrations varied greatly among origins, indicating dissimilar historic loadings to local areas. The risk to eel reproduction was evaluated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents, and increased by 10-fold from the least to most contaminated site. The risk to eel recruitment from dioxin-like compounds in American eel using available guidelines is low. The development of a more comprehensive model for eel recruitment risk assessment due to dioxin-like compounds, using eel-specific guidelines, is recommended. Toxic equivalents were 5-fold higher when based on mammalian toxic equivalency factors compared to fish values. About half of the eels captured in L. Ontario exceeded the Canadian guideline for fish consumption (20pg TEQ g−1 ww), but there were no other exceedances in Canada. The current risk to eel consumers in Canada is low overall, except for highly urbanized and industrialized areas.

Reduction of PCDD, PCDF and PCB during co-combustion of biomass with waste products from pulp and paper industry

The use of waste wood as an energy carrier has increased during the last decade. However, elevated levels of alkali metals and chlorine in waste wood compared to virgin biomass can cause increased deposit formation and higher concentrations of organic pollutants. In this study, we investigated the effect of the ChlorOut technique on concentrations of organic pollutants. Ammonium sulfate was injected into the combustion system to inhibit formation of KCl (which causes deposits) and persistent organic pollutants, namely polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and biphenyls (PCBs). The results showed that concentrations of the toxic congeners of PCDD, PCDF and PCB decreased in the presence of ammonium sulfate.

Bioaccumulation of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs by earthworms in field soils of an E-waste dismantling area in China

A total of 60 paired samples of earthworm, corresponding soil and wormcast were collected to investigate the bioaccumulation tendency of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in earthworms from a typical E-waste dismantling area in east China. Significant correlations were observed for the total concentrations among different matrix types except for PCDD/Fs in soil and earthworm. The bioaccumulation tendency showed some differences among the contaminants. Calculated biota–soil accumulation factors (BSAFs) indicated that PCBs and PBDEs had higher bioaccumulation potential compared to PCDD/Fs, which was somewhat different from laboratory studies. The plot of mean BSAFs versus log Kow values for PCBs and PBDEs was well fitted by a second-order polynomial with the maximum BSAF at approximately log Kow of 6.5. While for PCDD/Fs, only a slightly decreasing trend was observed with increasing log Kow. Composition analysis indicated that tetra-, penta- and hexa-halogenated homologs had higher bioaccumulation levels, indicating that medium-halogenated congeners with log Kow around 6.5 are more easily accumulated by earthworms. Furthermore, the ratios of BDE-47/-99 and BDE-99/-100 showed some discrepancies with the technical products and other biotic species, suggesting different bioaccumulation potential of PBDEs in earthworm.

Mutagenicity and genotoxicity of Hong Kong soils contaminated by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and dioxins/furans

The aim of this study was to evaluate mutagenicity and genotoxicity of soils from 12 different land use types such as electronic waste dismantling workshop, open burning site and car dismantling workshop (CDW), based on soil concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Soils of CDW contained the sum of 10 PAHs level (94392μg/kg) exceeded The New Dutch List (Dutch Intervention Value (40000μg/kg)), dominated by high molecular PAHs (99.6%) and benzo(a)pyrene (82.6%), indicating its potential carcinogenic risks. In addition, Ames test and SOS Chromotest further manifested that soil of CDW had a significantly higher mutagenic potency (MP) of 13.8 and 7.43 on both strains of TA98 and TA100 with S9 mix, respectively, and a relatively higher genotoxicity with S9 mix (SOS inducing potency=1.16), amongst the 12 different soil types. BaP TEQ PAHs in soils were significantly correlated with MP of TA98, with and without S9 mix (r=0.858 and r=0.976 at p<0.01); MP of TA100 with and without S9 mix (r=0.666 at p<0.05 and r=0.819 at p<0.01); and SOSIP of Escherichia coli PQ 37 with S9 mix (r=0.693 at p<0.05), accordingly. Soils of CDW possessed a higher carcinogenic risk (mutagenicity and genotoxicity), based on PAHs concentrations. Bioremediation is recommended to treat the contaminated soils.

Spatial concentration, congener profiles and inhalation risk assessment of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in the atmosphere of Tianjin, China

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were monitored in a seasonal passive sampling scheme during June 2008 and January 2009 to investigate the spatial concentration, congener profiles and evaluate the potential inhalation risk in different functional areas in Tianjin, China. The spatial air concentrations and I-TEQs ranged 1.08×102–8.19×103 fg m−3 (average 2.63×103 fg m−3) and 4.08–325 fg I-TEQ m−3 (average 91.4 fg I-TEQ m−3) respectively for PCDD/Fs. The concentration and I-TEQs of PCBs were 3.08×104–3.01×105 fg m−3 (average 1.39×105 fg m−3) and 1.72–49.6 fg I-TEQ m−3 (average 18.5 fg I-TEQ m−3). It is obvious that PCB concentrations were several hundred times higher than the PCDD/Fs. However, the ambient air PCDD/Fs contributed a major part to the total toxicity equivalents, varying from 72.7% to 89.0% (average 81.8%). The atmospheric PCDD/F levels were observed to be higher in winter for most of sampling sites in the downtown. Besides, inhalation risk assessment showed that local residents might suffer more risk near the point sources than those in living area, industrial zones and background area in Tianjin City. However, the total daily dioxin intake was approximately several to hundreds of times lower than the WHO criteria, showing relatively low exposure risks from the impact of industry point sources in Tianjin City.

Environmental contamination and human exposure to dioxin-related compounds in e-waste recycling sites of developing countries

E-waste recycling using uncontrolled processes is a major source of dioxin-related compounds (DRCs), including not only the regulated polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) but also non-regulated brominated and mixed halogenated compounds (PBDD/Fs and PXDD/Fs). Various studies at informal e-waste recycling sites (EWRSs) in Asian developing countries found the soil contamination levels of PCDD/Fs from tens to ten thousand picogram TCDD-equivalents (TEQ) per gram and those of DL-PCBs up to hundreds of picogram TEQ per gram. The air concentration of PCDD/Fs was reported as high as 50 pg TEQ per m(3) in Guiyu, the largest Chinese EWRS. Non-regulated compounds also contributed substantially to the total DL toxicity of the DRC mixtures from e-waste, as evidenced by the high TEQ levels estimated for the currently identifiable PBDD/Fs as well as the large portion of unexplained bioassay-derived TEQ levels in soils/dusts from EWRSs. Considering the high exposure levels estimated for EWRS residents, especially children, comprehensive emission inventories of DRCs from informal e-waste recycling, the identities and toxic potencies of unidentified DRCs released, and their impacts on human health need to be investigated in future studies.