Concentrations Of Polychlorobiphenyls Research Articles

Assessment of organic contaminants at a paint manufacturing site: Implications for health risks and source identification

The daily variation of organic contaminants, both gaseous and associated with suspended particulate matter (PM), was investigated within the estate of the National Company of Paintings in Lakhdaria, Algeria, spanning the period 2014-2015. The research emphasizes the chemical characterization of suspended PM, analyzing a range of organic compounds, including n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and highly polar organics (HPOC), such as phthalate esters and heterocyclic compounds. Vapors of PAHs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were also analyzed. Low molecular weight compounds were primarily associated with the gas phase (two-ring PAHs, approximately 95%; three-ring PAHs, around 70%), while high molecular weight congeners were mainly associated with the particle phase (six-ring PAHs, 55%). The concentrations of PCBs (ranging from 0.6 to 42 ng m–3) were higher than those reported in other cities in Algeria and Europe. The source reconciliation of organic contaminants through principal component analysis (PCA) demonstrated that the primary sources were petroleum combustion, industrial manufacturing, tobacco smoking, and vehicular traffic. The significance of tobacco smoke was further confirmed by the analysis of PAH diagnostic ratios. Differences in the rates of diagnostic ratios between gaseous and particulate PAHs were attributed to distinct contributions from sources such as industrial processes. Health risks for workers exposed to PAHs and PCBs in PM < 10 μm (PM10) were quantitatively assessed in terms of benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR). The ILCR presents novel findings showcasing heightened risks among workers exposed to specific PAHs within production areas, whereas those related to PCBs suggested a high potential of health risks for laboratory workers.

Influence of gestational weight gain on the organochlorine pollution content of breast milk

BackgroundTransplacental transfer and breastfeeding are the main transport routes of organic pollutants into children at the beginning of life. Although pollutant transmission through these mechanisms primarily depends on the maternal pollution burden, its impact may be modulated by physiological effects. ObjectivesWe have examined whether gestational weight gain (GWG) exerts an influence on the content of lipophilic low volatile pollutants in breast milk. ResultsColostrum from mothers from the INMA cohorts of Sabadell and Gipuzkoa (n = 256 and 119, respectively) with low GWG as defined by the Institute of Medicine (IOM) from the US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine had significantly higher concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and 4,4′-DDE than colostrum in mothers who gained weight within IOM recommendations or in those who exceeded this threshold. Statistically significant differences were also found in the colostrum:maternal serum ratios of these compounds. Women with low GWG retained higher pollutant amounts in colostrum. These observations are consistent with previously described higher concentrations of these pollutants in infant cord blood from mothers with low GWG by IOM standards. They indicate that mobilization of lipophilic organic pollutants by metabolic pregnant changes not only leads to higher fetal transfer but to higher accumulation into the mammary system upon low GWG. Conclusions: The present results show that insufficient GWG, besides increasing in utero exposure, also enhances pollutant transfer to infants during breastfeeding which considerably extends the significance of this physiological change for the pollutant children intake in early life.

Prenatal exposure to persistent organic compounds and their association with anogenital distance in infants.

What is the association between prenatal exposure to persistent organic pollutants, separately and combined, and anogenital distance (in-utero endocrine disruption marker). A cohort study conducted in Sonora, Mexico. Blood concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCB) 28, 74, 118, 138/158, 153, 170, 180 and the isomers of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites were determined in women in the third trimester of pregnancy; three variants of anogenital distance were measured on five occasions during the first year of life of their infants: 82 girls (402 observations) and 74 boys (356 observations). Boys had negative and significant associations between anogenital distance/height and the concentrations of PCB 28 (beta = - 0.005;P = 0.006), PCB 74 (beta = - 0.003;P = 0.013), and PCB 170 (beta = - 0.005;P = 0.001) when analysed individually. Negative and significant associations were also found using statistical models applied to mixtures of compounds. The latter associations were sometimes larger in magnitude and significance, suggesting a possible potentiation of the compounds. No associations were observed between anogenital distance and DDT in either sex or with PCB in girls. The decreased anogenital distance associated with prenatal exposure to the persistent organic pollutants, observed consistently in different analyses, suggests an under-masculinizing effect of these environmental pollutants in boys.

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins, polychlorodibenzofurans, and polychlorobiphenyls in women of reproductive age in Italy: A human biomonitoring study.

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants that represent a major concern for women of reproductive age because of the neurodevelopmental effects associated to perinatal exposure. This study was aimed at characterizing exposure of women of reproductive age to PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs as a function of residence in different Italian Regions, in areas at presumable different environmental contamination and human exposure to these pollutants. Study participants were enrolled in 2011-2012 in 6 Italian Regions representative of Northern, Central and Southern Italy; in each region, areas at presumed different exposure (rural, urban and industrial) were selected for enrolment. Each participant provided a serum sample for the analysis of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs. Median concentrations of PCDDs+PCDFs, DL-PCBs, NDL6-PCBs and NDL9-PCBs in serum samples were respectively 6.0 and 3.5 pgWHO-TE05/g fat, and 75 and 93ng/g fat. Age was the variable that most affected median serum concentrations. Age adjusted concentrations were found significantly different between geographical zones: women from Northern Italy showed the highest values, followed by Central and Southern Italy. PCDDs+PCDFs concentrations were significantly higher in the group of women residing in industrial areas compared to the group residing in rural areas. A clear diminishing temporal trend was observed compared to levels reported in previous studies. This study produced the largest dataset on serum concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in women of childbearing age in Italy. confirmed that environmental and lifestyle factors may influence exposure to these contaminants and thereby the body burden. The observed marked temporal decline in body burden during three decades is in agreement with the general trend observed worldwide.

Fate of emerging and priority micropollutants during the sewage sludge treatment: Case study of Paris conurbation. Part 1: Contamination of the different types of sewage sludge

This article provides data on the contamination of different kinds of sludge (raw, centrifuged, digested, thermally dried sludge and sludge cake) from Paris conurbation by 71 various pollutants including pharmaceutical products (PHPs), hormones, perfluorinated acids (PFAs), linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS), alkylphenols (APs), phthalates (PAEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs).Very high contents of LAS (0.1–10g/kg dry matter - DM) compared to other compounds were found in all types of sludge followed by DEHP (10–100mg/kg DM) and fluoroquinolones (1–100mg/kg DM). APs were measured at intermediary contents in Parisian sludge, lying in the 2–20mg/kg DM range. Finally, hormones, PAHs, PCBs, PAEs, PFAs and the remaining PHPs were all found at contents lower than 1mg/kg DM.For most compounds (PHPs, PFOS, DEHP, PAHs), no significant differences in the micropollutant contents were found for similar types of sludge from different WWTP in Paris, highlighting the homogeneity of sludge contamination in downstream Paris catchment.The variability of concentration is rather high (coefficient of variation >100%) for several PHPs, PFAs or PCBs while it is moderate (<100%) or low (<50%) for fluoroquinolones, hormones, PAHs, APs or LAS. In addition, digestion seems to have a buffer effect as variabilities are lower in digested sludge for PHPs, PFAs, APs and PCBs. During sludge treatment (centrifugation, digestion, thermal drying, sludge conditioning+press filtration), the hormones, LAS, APs, PAHs, DEHP and PCBs concentrations increased, while those of PHPs and PFAs decreased. In the case of digestion, the increase of content can be explained by no pollutant removal or a lower removal than DM removal (concentration phenomenon) whereas the decrease underlines that the compound is more removed than the DM. In any case, these concentration variations presuppose the mechanisms of dissipation that could be attributed to volatilization, biotic or abiotic transformation (complete or with metabolites production), bound residues formation.In addition, data on sludge liquors - centrifuged (CW) and condensed (TDW) waters - from respectively centrifugation and thermal drying were collected. Several hormones, PHPs, PFAs, LAS, PAEs, APs, PCBs and PAHs were quantified in CW and TDW, displaying a transfer through the water removal. The concentrations observed are rather comparable to those found in wastewater.

Influence of Occupational and Environmental Exposure to Low Concentrations of Polychlorobiphenyls and a Smoking Habit on the Urinary Excretion of Corticosteroid Hormones.

The effects of occupational exposure to low concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) on the urinary excretion of corticosteroid hormones were evaluated, taking into account the influence of cigarette smoking. The study included 26 males working as electrical maintenance staff in a steel factory, previously exposed to a mixture of PCBs (exposed workers), and 30 male workers with no occupational exposure to PCBs (controls). Serum PCBs (33 congeners), urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, 17-ketosteroids (KS) and pregnanes, and their respective glucuronidated and sulfonated compounds, were determined for each subject. PCBs were significantly higher in the exposed workers than controls, and were correlated with age. Both the urinary concentrations of the total 17-KS and pregnanes, and those of some single steroids and their glucuronidated compounds, were significantly lower in the exposed workers than controls, but higher in smokers than the non-smokers + ex-smokers. Two-way analysis of variance showed a negative association between serum PCBs and both total glucuronidated 17-KS and total and glucuronidated pregnanes, and a positive association between cigarette smoking and both total and glucuronidated 17-KS. PCBs seem to act as endocrine disruptors by reducing the urinary excretion of corticosteroid hormones, particularly of the glucuronidated fraction. Cigarette smoking could boost these effects of PCBs in smokers.

Influence of diet in the accumulation of organochlorine compounds in herons breeding in remote riverine environments

The composition of organochlorine compounds (OCs), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), DDTs and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), has been analyzed in eggs from cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and little egret (Egretta garzetta), two species of herons (family Ardeidae), nesting at the same remote riverine environment (Aiguabarreig, Ebro River). These two species were selected to evaluate the importance of diet in the accumulation of OCs. Cattle egret essentially feeds on dry grassy habitats and follow cattle or other large animals whereas little egret feeds on fish, amphibians and crustaceans captured in shallow waters. The δ(15)N and δ(13)C isotopic composition of the sampled eggs was studied and the results were consistent with these species feeding habits. In both species, the compounds accumulated the most were the less volatile and more lipophilic, e.g. PCB congeners of higher chlorination, DDT and metabolites. The distinct foraging species preferences were reflected in significant higher concentrations in little egret than cattle egret of all pollutant groups analysed. These differences were statistically significant for DDTs and PCBs (p < 0.015 and p < 0.047, respectively), e.g. the p,p'-DDE and PCB concentrations were 6 and 4.5 times higher, respectively, in the former than the latter. This strong contrast indicates that in remote environments aquatic riverine ecosystems are more efficient OC reservoirs than the terrestrial ecosystem.

The influence of extreme river discharge conditions on the quality of suspended particulate matter in Rivers Meuse and Rhine (The Netherlands)

As a consequence of climate change, increased precipitation in winter and longer periods of decreased precipitation in summer are expected to cause more frequent episodes of very high or very low river discharge in the Netherlands. To study the impact of such extreme river discharge conditions on water quality, toxicity profiles and pollutant profiles were determined of suspended particulate matter (SPM) collected from Rivers Meuse and Rhine. Archived (1993–2003) and fresh (2009–2011) SPM samples were selected from the Dutch annual monitoring program of the national water bodies (MWTL), representing episodes with river discharge conditions ranging from very low to regular to very high. SPM extracts were tested in a battery of in vitro bioassays for their potency to interact with the androgen receptor (AR), the estrogen receptor (ER), the arylhydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and the thyroid hormone transporter protein transthyretin (TTR). SPM extracts were further tested for their mutagenic potency (Ames assay) and their potency to inhibit bacterial respiration (Vibrio fischeri bioluminescence assay). Target-analyzed pollutant concentrations of the SPM samples and additional sample information were retrieved from a public database of MWTL results. In vitro toxicity profiles and pollutant profiles were analyzed in relation to discharge conditions and in relation to each other using correlation analysis and multivariate statistics. Compared to regular discharge conditions, composition of SPM during very high River Meuse and Rhine discharges shifted to more coarse, sandy, organic carbon (OC) poor particles. On the contrary, very low discharge led to a shift to more fine, OC rich material, probably dominated by algae. This shift was most evident in River Meuse, which is characterized by almost stagnant water conditions during episodes of drought. During such episodes, SPM extracts from River Meuse demonstrated increased potencies to inhibit bacterial respiration and to compete with thyroid hormone to bind to TTR, possibly due to the presence of fycotoxins. Meanwhile concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) in SPM were also increased. Very high River Meuse discharges on the other hand corresponded to increased androgenic and AhR agoniztic responses, which coincided with increased PAH levels and PAH-related in vivo risk estimates (i.e. multi-substance potentially affected fraction of species; msPAF). In River Rhine, very high discharges also corresponded to increasing androgenic potencies in SPM. Concentrations and corresponding msPAF values of PAHs (and metals), however, decreased with very high discharges in River Rhine in contrast to River Meuse. Mutagenicity was observed for SPM extracts from River Rhine collected during all discharge conditions, except during regular discharge. Aggregated toxicity index values, which were useful to identify toxicity profiles deviating from the generally observed pattern, did not correlate with river discharges, probably due to opposite effects of discharge conditions on different bioassay responses. In conclusion, SPM quality and related in vivo risk estimates changed during very low or very high discharge conditions but the changes were specific for the different toxic endpoints and pollutants in the different rivers. Moreover, bioassay responses to a series of consecutively collected samples from River Rhine during the Christmas flood of 1993 indicated that SPM quality is variable within a single episode of extreme discharge.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in pigments: inadvertent production and environmental significance

Polychlorobiphenyls are toxic, bioaccumulative, and persistent chemicals whose intentional manufacture has been banned throughout the developed world. Polychlorobiphenyls may be generated inadvertently during the production of certain pigments, including diarylides. This inadvertent production is allowed under various regulatory schemes, such as the Toxic Substances Control Act in the United States and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Generally, these regulations require polychlorobiphenyl levels in batches of pigment to be less than certain regulatory limits, usually 50 ppm. A growing body of evidence suggests that the use of pigments is dispersing polychlorobiphenyls throughout the environment. Polychlorobiphenyl congeners associated with pigments have been found throughout the United States in sediments and in surface waters at levels exceeding the prevailing water quality standards. A recent Japanese government study reported measured polychlorobiphenyl concentrations well above 50 ppm in several commercial batches of azo pigments. A strong case may thus be argued that pigment manufacturers should modify existing production processes to reduce, ideally prevent, the formation of polychlorobiphenyls, or develop new pigments that do not have the potential to form polychlorobiphenyls. This paper, the result of a collaboration involving environmental scientists (LR and JG) and a pigment chemist (RC), reviews the evidence for environmental contamination from inadvertent polychlorobiphenyl production in specific pigments, together with a rationalisation of the conclusions based on the reaction mechanisms involved in their manufacture. Broad measures are proposed that might address these issues, both from environmental and from chemical perspectives.

Diversity of active microbial communities subjected to long-term exposure to chemical contaminants along a 40-year-old sediment core.

In estuarine ecosystems, metallic and organic contaminants are mainly associated with fine grain sediments which settle on mudflats. Over time, the layers of sediment accumulate and are then transformed by diagenetic processes mainly controlled by microbial activity, recording the history of the estuary's chemical contamination. In an environment of this specific type, we investigated the evolution of the chemical contamination and the structure of both total and active microbial communities, based on PhyloChip analysis of a 4.6-m core corresponding to a 40-year sedimentary record. While the archaeal abundance remained constant along the core, a decrease by one order of magnitude in the bacterial abundance was observed with depth. Both total and active microbial communities were dominated by Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes in all sediment samples. Among Proteobacteria, alpha-Proteobacteria dominated both total (from 37 to 60 %) and metabolically active (from 19.7 to 34.6 %) communities, including the Rhizobiales, Rhodobacter, Caulobacterales, and Sphingomonadales orders. Co-inertia analysis revealed a relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, zinc and some polychlorobiphenyls concentrations, and the structure of total and active microbial communities in the oldest and most contaminated sediments (from 1970 to 1975), suggesting that long-term exposure to chemicals shaped the structure of the microbial community.

Impacts of atmospheric chlor-alkali factory emissions in surrounding populations

Environmental exposures need to be assessed for the understanding of the health risks of general population. Organochlorine compounds (OCs) from chlor-alkali plants (CAPs) are significant for the exposomes of individuals living in locations receiving their emissions and have to be determined. The aims of the study are to identify the area of influence of past and present OC emissions from CAPs and to set quantitative body burden estimates. A CAP situated in a rural area was selected for study. The geographic distribution of the atmospheric emissions was monitored using olive tree leaves. Human biomonitoring was assessed by serum analysis from general population (n=1340). OC concentrations followed exponential decay functions with maxima in the immediate vicinity of the factory. The individuals living within 1km exhibited hexachlorobenzene (HCB), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) and DDT-DDE (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) concentrations that were 12, 1.3–1.9 and 3.9 times higher than in sites not influenced by the emissions from this factory. Individuals from municipalities situated 15–25km away from the CAP showed 1.5, 1.2–1.4 and 1.3 times higher serum HCB, PCB and DDT concentrations than in distant sites. The high serum concentrations of DDT and PCBs were observed even 23–31years and 9–17years after manufacture completion of these compounds, respectively. Our methodology provides a way for assessment of the influence of past and present atmospheric OCs emissions from CAPs into the exposome of individuals living in nearby areas.

Distribution of organochlorine compounds in superficial sediments from the Gulf of Lion, northwestern Mediterranean Sea

Superficial sediments from Cap de Creus to the Rhone Delta, in the Gulf of Lion, Northwestern Mediterranean Sea, including the mid-shelf mud belt and the continental slope were collected between 2005 and 2008 to assess the levels, main sources and distribution patterns of organochlorine pollutants. Discharges from the Rhone River are the main source for all these compounds around the area. The spatial distribution of organochlorine pollutants was also related to their physicochemical properties and to sediment grain size and composition. The concentrations of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDD and DDE), and the chlorobenzenes (CBzs) – pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) – decreased westwards along the mid-shelf mud belt. In contrast, hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), namely lindane (γ-HCH), followed another concentration pattern suggesting a different transport mode. The major concentrations of organochlorine compounds were observed off the Rhone River mouth, in the prodelta, where PCB, DDT and CBz concentrations reached 38, 29 and 8.3ngg−1, respectively. These average concentrations in the mid continental shelf were two to ten times lower than those found in a study performed about 20years ago, albeit in almost all the sites the values of PCBs and DDTs still exceed the NOAA’s Sediment Quality Guidelines. In contrast, the concentrations in the continental slope were nearly the same as 20 years ago, which may evidence that even most of these compounds were banned decades ago, their background concentrations associated to diffuse pollution have not decreased in the deep continental margin.

An Investigation of Organochlorine and Polychlorobiphenyl Concentrations in the Blood and Eggs of the Carnivorous Flatback Turtle,Natator depressus, from Queensland, Australia

Abstract Low concentrations of several pesticides including organochlorines and polychlorinated biphenyls were found in the blood and eggs of nesting female flatback turtles, Natator depressus, collected from Curtis Island in Queensland, Australia.

PCDD/Fs and PCBs in ambient air in a highly industrialized city in Northern Italy

Ambient air samples were collected in five locations around a polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) production plant in a highly industrialized city in the north of Italy, for the analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and PCBs.PCDD/F atmospheric concentrations were lower than those generally detected in urban areas, while PCB concentrations were higher than in urban and industrialized areas in other countries, especially in the locations closest to the plant. To identify source emissions responsible for air pollution we used principal component analysis (PCA) to compare the “fingerprint” of the air in Brescia with some source-related experimental and published data. This analysis showed that the PCDD/F fingerprints were more similar to steel plant emission data, while none of the PCB air patterns were comparable to emission profiles, indicating that different sources are responsible for the concentration of these two pollutants. The highest PCB concentrations detected in the areas closest to the chemical plant are indicative of its impact on the surrounding environment.

Contamination of riverbed sediments by hazardous substances in the Mediterranean context: Influence of hydrological conditions

Summary The aim of this study was to characterize spatial and temporal contamination by hazardous substances of the sediments of a Mediterranean river subject to significant hydrological variations. Four sediment sampling campaigns were undertaken along the Vene river under different hydrological conditions. Organotin compounds (OTCs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), alkylphenols (APs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments were analyzed. The results showed that the spatial pattern of contamination by OTCs differed with the hydrological conditions. During high flows, we observed a decrease in OTC concentrations to a background level (from 0.4–24 to 0.4–6.7 ng(Sn)/g dry weight; dw), showing that a large proportion of contaminated sediments were flushed out from the riverbed during the high flow period and transferred to the downstream environment. Concentrations of APs and PCBs were below the limits of quantification in all the sediments analyzed. Unlike OTCs, chemical analyses of PAHs showed that sewage effluents were the major source of contamination as sites located downstream from the discharge of sewage effluents were heavily contaminated (PAH concentrations ranged from 172 to 10,188 ng/g dw). Hydrological conditions also had an impact on the concentrations of PAH, since the highest concentrations (up to 10,188 ng/g dw) were measured downstream from the sewage effluent outlet during the period of high flow, probably due to urban runoff. Particulate transport of OTCs and PAHs after a rainy period was also evaluated using continuous flow centrifugation. High concentrations of OTCs (60.3 ng(Sn)/g dw) and PAHs (4193 ng/g dw) were observed in the exported suspended particulate matter.

Distribution of Pesticides and PCBs in Sediments of Agricultural Drains in the Culiacan Valley, Sinaloa, Mexico

Agriculture is one of the most important economic activities in Sinaloa, Mexico. The Culiacan Valley is an extensive agricultural region characterized by a variety of crops with high-yield productions. In this study, concentrations of organochlorine (OCPs) and organophosphorus (OPs) pesticides and polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) were determined in sediments of the agricultural drainage system of Culiacan Valley. Overall, 32 compounds were detected, with concentrations widely ranging from 0.03 to 1 294 ng g(-1) dry weight. OCP concentrations (15) ranged from 0.1 to 20.19 ng g(-1) dw. OP concentrations (8) ranged from 0.03 to 1294 ng g(-1) dw, and diazinon was the compound with the highest concentration. PCB concentrations were also determined and varied from 0.05 to 3.29 ng g(-1) dw. Other compounds detected included permethrin, triadimefon, and fipronil. The central zone registered the higher concentrations and the greatest number of compounds, which could be related to the occurrence of horticultural fields in this zone. According to sediment quality guidelines, the compounds exceeding the probable effect level were γ-HCH, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE, while the pesticides above the maximum permissible concentration were endosulfan, azinphos methyl, diazinon, dichlorvos, and permethrin. Although Sinaloa is an important agricultural crop producer in northwest Mexico, there are not many studies dealing with pesticide distribution in agricultural areas.

Transfer of PCBs from bottom sediment to freshwater river fish: A food-web modelling approach in the Rhône River (France) in support of sediment management

Since 2005, restrictions have been because of fish consumption along the Rhone River because of high polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) concentrations, which have resulted inadverse economic consequences for professional fisheries in affected areas. French environmental authorities have expended considerable efforts to research sediment remediation strategies and development of sediment quality guidelines designed to protect the health of humans consuming Rhône River fish. Here we: (1) develop a bioaccumulation food-web model that describes PCB concentrations in three common freshwater fish species of the Rhône River, using Bayesian inference to estimate the input parameters; (2) test the predictive power of the model in terms of risk assessment for fish consumption; and (3) discuss the use of this approach to develop sediment quality guidelines that protect the health of humans consuming Rhône River fish. The bioaccumulation model predictions are protective for human consumer of fish and are efficient for use in risk assessment. For example, 85% of the predicted values were within a factor of 5 of measured CB153 concentrations in fish. Using sensitivity analyses, the major role played by sediment and diet behaviors on bioaccumulation process is illustrated: the parameters involved in the respiratory process (contamination from water) have little impact on model outputs, whereas the parameters related to diet and digestion processes are the most sensitive. The bioaccumulation model was applied to derive sediment concentrations compatible with safe fish consumption. The resulting PCB sediment thresholds (expressed as the sum of seven PCB indicator congeners) that are protective for the consumption of the fish species ranged from 0.7 to 3ng/g (dw).

Rapid analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in fish by pressurised liquid extraction with in-cell cleanup and GC-MS

An improved, rapid method for polychlorobiphenyl (PCB) extraction from lipid rich matrices and determination by GC-MS is presented. PCBs accumulate in the environment, can be extremely persistent, and health complications including neurotoxic effects have been reported. Thus, monitoring these persistent organic pollutants seems prudent. The analytical procedure for PCB assessment from environmental samples typically consists of the three steps extraction, purification and analysis by GC coupled with electron-capture detection or mass spectrometry. The aim of the present study was the implementation of a protocol allowing for determining selected indicator PCBs (n = 6) following a single extraction/purification step. Pressurised liquid extraction (PLE) combined with different silica layers directly in the extraction cell allowed efficient removal of lipids and direct analysis by GC-MS. Accuracy was determined by comparison with a reference standard (SRM 1946), and the equivalence of PLE to an established extraction method (soxhlet) was verified. Mean recovery of the combined procedure from trout spiked with a mixture of 50 ng of each PCB was 87 ± 8 (range 74–94)%, and results of ASE were comparable to soxhlet (difference total PCBs <16%). In addition, the protocol showed higher throughput (20 min/extraction cycle) and required less organic solvents (90 mL/sample). This method was then applied for monitoring PCBs in a variety of Luxembourgish fresh water fish (trout, eels, roaches, n = 38). The PCB profile was dominated by congeners 153 and 138, with maximum concentrations of 30 and 21 ng g−1 trout (fresh weight), respectively, highlighting that PCB concentrations might vary considerably in fish depending on species, eating habits and weight.

Trace analysis of persistent toxic substances in the main stream of Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River, China

The Jiangsu section of the Yangtze River is the downstream of the whole river, serving as an important drinking water source. Persistent toxic substances (PTS), from the industries such as automobile, textile, chemical, and electronic production, are not listed in the National Standard yet and not monitored and controlled. However, pollution of PTS can threaten the environment and human health. In order to understand the pollution status of the PTS contamination and recommend future rationalization of countermeasure, the PTS including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), and phthalates (PAEs) were investigated. Samples were collected at 15 sites from five main stream sections of the Yangtze River in Jiangsu Province. PTS were extracted using solid phase extract method. The analysis of OCPs, PCBs was performed using GC/ECD and PAHs, PAEs was performed by GC/MS. The method detection limits are low and the recoveries are from 58.1% to 110.3%. The total concentrations of OCPs, PCBs, PAHs, and PAEs were 0.27∼2.15ngl(-1), <0.21∼44.4ngl(-1), 0.012∼3.576μgl(-1) and 0.178∼1.474μgl(-1), respectively. γ-HCH, PCB28, PCB101, phenanthrene, anthracene, di-n-butyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate are the major detected PTS. The concentration of most of the PTS was below the environmental quality standards for surface water of China. The pollution status of OCPs, PCBs, PAHs, and PAEs were analyzed. PTS contamination levels of the five main stream sections were relatively low.

Persistent organic pollutants and enzyme activities in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) from Orbetello lagoon

The aim of the present study was to obtain insights into the environmental quality of Orbetello lagoon using the European eel ( Anguilla anguilla ) as bioindicator organism. Levels of POPs, including seven polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs) (known as markers of Aroclor 1260), three coplanar PCBs, ΣDDT ( op -DDD, pp’ -DDD, op -DDT, pp’ -DDT, op’ -DDE, pp’ -DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH: α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH, δ-HCH), polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzo-p-furans (PCDFs) and polybromodiphenylethers (PBDEs), were investigated in eel muscle to study bioaccumulation of toxic compounds. EROD MROD and UDPGT activities were measured in liver microsomal fraction to investigate eel detoxifying/metabolic capacity. Ovaries were analyzed by light microscopy to evaluate potential risk for eel reproduction. Muscle concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, pp’ -DDE, HCB and HCHs were in the ng/g lipid weight (l.w.) range while coplanar PCBs were in the pg/g wet weight range. PCDD/Fs were below the detection limit. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) calculated for mono- and non- ortho PCBs were below the risk thresholds established by the European Union. EROD, MROD and UDPGT activities suggested low exposure to chemical inducers in line with the low concentrations of contaminants observed in muscle. Principal components analysis (PCA) showed a potential role of DDTs, especially pp’ -DDE, in inducing EROD, MROD and UDPGT activities. All specimens analysed were females; oocytes in advanced stages of development showed normal morphology, whereas those in early stages of development showed histological anomalies.