Residues Of Persistent Organic Pollutants Research Articles

Multiple-component covalent organic frameworks for simultaneous extraction and determination of multitarget pollutants in sea foods

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and bisphenols (BPs), have been raising global concerns due to their toxic effects on environment and human health. The monitoring of residues of POPs in seafood is crucial for assessing the accumulation of these contaminants in the study area and mitigating potential risks to human health. However, the diversity and complexity of POPs in seafood present significant challenges for their simultaneous detection. Here, a novel multi-component fluoro-functionalized covalent organic framework (OH-F-COF) was designed as SPE adsorbent for simultaneous extraction POPs. On this basis, the recognition and adsorption mechanisms were investigated by molecular simulation. Due to multiple interactions and large specific surface area, OH-F-COF displayed satisfactory coextraction performance for PFASs, PCBs, and BPs. Under optimized conditions, the OH-F-COF sorbent was employed in a strategy of simultaneous extraction and stepwise elution (SESE), in combination with HPLC−MS/MS and GC−MS method, to effectively determined POPs in seafood collected from coastal areas of China. The method obtained low detection limits for BPs (0.0037 −0.0089 ng/g), PFASs (0.0038 −0.0207 ng/g), and PCBs (0.2308 −0.2499 ng/g), respectively. This approach provided new research ideas for analyzing and controlling multitarget POPs in seafood. Environmental implicationsPersistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and bisphenols (BPs), have caused serious hazards to human health and ecosystems. Hence, there is a need to develop a quantitative method that can rapidly detect POPs in environmental and food samples. Herein, a novel multi-component fluorine-functionalized covalent organic skeletons (OH-F-COF) were prepared at room temperature, and served as adsorbent for POPs. The SESE-SPE strategy combined with chromatographic techniques was used to achieve a rapid detection of POPs in sea foods from the coastal provinces of China. This method provides a valuable tool for analyzing POPs in environmental and food samples.

Placental concentrations of xenoestrogenic organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls and assessment of their xenoestrogenicity in the PA-MAMI mother-child cohort

BackgroundOrganochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), they have contributed to the exposure of women to persistent organic pollutants (POPs). These compounds can cross the placental barrier and interfere with the hormonal system of newborns. AimTo determine concentrations of OCPs and PCBs and their xenoestrogenic activity in placentas of women from the PA-MAMI cohort of Panama. MethodsThirty-nine placenta samples from women in the Azuero peninsula (Panama) were analyzed. Five OCPs [p-p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p-p’-DDE), beta-hexachlorohexane (β-HCH), γ-hexachlorohexane (lindane), hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and mirex] and three PCB congeners (PCB-138, PCB-153 and PCB-180) were quantified in placenta extracts. The xenoestrogenic activity of extracts was assessed with the E-Screen bioassay to estimate the total effective xenoestrogen burden (TEXB). ResultsAll placental samples were positive for at least three POP residues and >70% for at least six. The frequencies of quantified OCPs ranged from 100% for p,p'-DDE and HCB to 30.8% for β-HCH. The highest median concentration was for lindane (380.0 pg/g placenta), followed by p,p'-DDE (280.0 pg/g placenta), and HCB (90.0 pg/g placenta). Exposure to p,p’-DDE was associated with greater meat consumption, suggesting that animal fat is a major source of exposure to DDT metabolites. The frequency of detected PCBs ranged between 70 and 90%; the highest median concentration was for PCB 138 (17.0 pg/g placenta), followed by PCB 153 (16.0 pg/g placenta). All placentas were positive in the estrogenicity bioassay with a median TEXB-α of 0.91 pM Eeq/g of placenta. Exposure to lindane was positively associated with the xenoestrogenicity of TEXB- α, whereas this association was negative in the case of exposure to PCB 153. ConclusionsTo our best knowledge, this study contributes the first evidence on the presence of POPs and xenoestrogenic burden in placentas from Latin-American women. Given concerns about the consequences of prenatal exposure to these compounds on children's health, preventive measures are highly recommended to eliminate or minimize the risk of OCP exposure during pregnancy.

In-silico study of reducing human health risk of POP residues' direct (from tea) or indirect exposure (from tea garden soil): Improved rhizosphere microbial degradation, toxicity control, and mechanism analysis

The accumulation of potentially harmful substances in tea garden soils and tea leaves, especially persistent organic pollutants (POPs), is a special concern for tea consumers worldwide. However, their potential health and ecological risks in tea gardens have rarely been investigated. This study proposed measures to improve the degradation ability of POPs by the tea rhizosphere and to reduce the human health risks caused by POPs after tea consumption. In this study, the binding energy values of six types of POPs and the degraded protein were used to reflect the degradation ability and calculated using molecular dynamic simulations. The main root secretions (i.e., catechin, glucose, arginine, and oxalic acid) were selected and applied with a combination of tea fertilizer and trace element combination (i.e., urea, straw, and copper element), leading to an improved degradation ability (49.59 %) of POPs. To investigate the mechanisms of the factors that affect the degradation ability, molecular docking, tensor singular value decomposition methods, multivariate correlation analysis and 2D-QSAR model were used. The results showed that the solvation energy and solvent accessible surface area are the main forces, and the molecular weight, boiling point, and topological radius of the POPs were the key molecular features affecting their degradation ability. Based on the three key characteristics, a diet avoidance scheme (i.e., avoiding lysine, maslinic acid, ethanol, perfluorocaproic acid, and cholesterol with tea), which can reduce the binding ability of POP residues to aromatic hydrocarbon receptors by 506.13 %. This work will provide theoretical strategies to improve the quality and safety of tea production and reduce the potential risks of harmful substance residues in tea garden soils and tea leaves.

Analysis of pesticide and persistent organic pollutant residues in German bats

Bats are strictly protected throughout Europe. They are a highly diverse order of mammals in terms of body size, body weight, migratory behaviour, trophic niche specialisation and habitat use. The latter ranges from urban areas and arable land to forest. Due to their low reproductive rate, environmental stressors can have a major impact on bat populations. Pesticides in particular are discussed as an important driver of bat population declines. In this work, we analysed nearly 400 animals of five different species (Eptesicus serotinus, Myotis myotis, Nyctalus noctula, Pipistrellus pipistrellus, and Plecotus auritus) from all over Germany for residues of 209 pesticides and persistent organic pollutants. Residue analysis was conducted with a previously developed method using a miniaturized quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe (QuEChERS) sample preparation and gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for separation and detection. These analytical data were statistically correlated with the known data on the animals (e.g. age, sex, place and time of finding). Of 209 pesticides and pollutants investigated, 28 compounds were detected, the most frequent being organochlorine insecticides and polychlorinated biphenyls, which have been banned for decades by the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants. Detection of more recent pesticides that were legally used for the last decade included azole antifungals and the insecticide fipronil. The bats contained between four and 25 different residues. Statistical data analyses showed that the distribution throughout Germany is largely comparable, and single exceptions were observed in specialized ecological niches. In conclusion, this work provides the largest dataset of pesticide and persistent organic pollutant residues in European bats to date.

Conceptual approaches to rehabilitation of pesticide-polluted soils of Ukraine

The Concept of Rehabilitation of Contaminated Soils has been developed, which substantiates the ways to restore areas contaminated with persistent organic pesticides. The practical implementation of the Concept will contribute to the transfer of existing land use systems to the principles of sustainable agricultural development, as well as the preservation, reproduction and expansion of biodiversity, as well as improving the environmental safety of agro-ecosystems for sustainable development of the Agrosphere. The Concept combines ways of practical implementation of environmentally friendly methods of cleaning pesticide-contaminated areas and further use of rehabilitated land in the process of agricultural activity in Ukraine. The problem of pesticide pollution of agroecosystems is proposed to be solved by using scientifically sound ecologically safe methods of soil remediation with multicomponent pesticide pollution developed at the Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management of NAAS, in particular using bioremediation methods. The following are proposed for use: methods of agroecological monitoring of areas contaminated with persistent organic pollutants, methods of phytotesting and phytoremediation of soils contaminated with resistant pesticides. For phytoremediation of contaminated soils, it is proposed to use annual cultivated (barley, wheat, beans, soybeans, zucchini, pumpkin) and wild (dandelion, bitter wormwood, common wormwood, wheatgrass) species of plant-mediators, which are suitable for phytostabilation and in the conditions of multicomponent soil pollution. The main stages of the Concept implementation are: complex agroecological monitoring of soils contaminated with residues of persistent organic pollutants (POPs); comprehensive ecotoxicological assessment of soil condition; determining the degree of chemical degradation of soils; adaptation of remediation technologies to the specifics of the area in need of cleaning; introduction of ecologically safe remediation methods into practical use; realization of prospects of further use of rehabilitated soils in various branches of agriculture; taking into account the ecological and economic efficiency of the use of remediation methods. Possibility and ways of using restored areas in the process of agricultural activity, taking into account the main stages of implementation of the Concept are set out in the developed in the Institute of Agroecology and Environmental Management of NAAS «Scientific and methodological recommendations for restoration of soil contaminated with organochlorine pesticides depending on their toxicity» and «Scientific and methodological recommendations for the use of restored areas in the process of agricultural activity».

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and Related Chemicals in the Global Environment: Some Personal Reflections

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and related chemicals are fascinating because of their combination of physical-chemical properties and complex effects. Most are man-made, but some also have natural origins. They are persistent in the environment, but they can be broken down variously by biodegradation, atmospheric reactions, and abiotic transformations. They can exist in the gas or particle phases, or both, in the atmosphere and in the dissolved or particulate phases, or both, in water. These combinations mean that they may undergo long-range transport in the atmosphere or oceans, or they may stay close to sources. Hence, emissions from one country are frequently a source of contamination to another country. They are also usually lipophilic, so-combined with persistence-this means they can accumulate in organisms and biomagnify through food chains. We all have a baseline of POPs residues in our tissues, even the unborn fetus via placental transfer and the newly born baby via mother's milk. POPs in biological systems occur in mixtures, so confirming effects caused by POPs on humans and other top predators is never straightforward. Depending on which papers you read, POPs may be relatively benign, or they could be responsible for key subchronic and chronic effects on reproductive potential, on immune response, as carcinogens, and on a range of behavioral and cognitive end points. They could be a factor behind diseases and conditions which have been increasingly reported and studied in modern societies. In short, they are endlessly fascinating to scientists and a nightmare to regulators and policy makers.

Exploring the Efficiency of UHPLC-Orbitrap MS for the Determination of 20 Pharmaceuticals and Acesulfame K in Hospital and Urban Wastewaters with the Aid of FPSE

Aside from the classical residues of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the occurrence of emerging contaminants (ECs) in the environment has become a subject of increasing concern due to their harmful impact on the aquatic environment. Wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents are major sources of environmental pollution. Therefore, data concerning their existence is required. In this study, twenty compounds representative of different drug groups considered ECs and belonging to antibiotics, antipsychotics, anti-inflammatory drugs plus acesulfame K were selected to be accurately detected and quantified with UHPLC–LTQ-Orbitrap MS in hospital and urban WWTP effluents. Chromatographic parameters (column efficiency, mobile phase, etc.), as well as mass spectrometry conditions concerning ionization mode and Orbitrap analysis (ESI options, mass resolving power, AGC target, tube lens, injection time), were evaluated. Moreover, a novel fabric phase sorptive extraction (FPSE) method based on fiber glass coated with PEG300 was employed as sample preparation process. Experimental parameters affecting extraction and desorption steps such as sample pH, extraction time, ionic strength, elution time and solvent have been optimized. The optimized methodology was validated providing excellent linearity (R2 > 0.99), and low detection and quantification limits up to 3.1 and 9.3 ng/L, for carbamazepine, respectively. Relative recoveries ranged from 81.1% to 114.0%, while a medium matrix effect for most of the target compounds occurred. Applying the above analytical method in effluents of WWTPs from NW Greece, nine compounds were quantified with concentrations that varied from 55.4 to 728.4 ng/L.

Residues of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in Agricultural Soils Adjacent to Historical Sources of Their Storage and Distribution-The Case Study of Azerbaijan.

The aim of this study was to identify and examine the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in soil collected from the surroundings of historical pesticide storage facilities on former agricultural aerodromes, warehouses, and pesticide distribution sites located in the most important agricultural regions in Azerbaijan. The conducted research included determination of three groups of POPs (occurring together), in the natural soil environment influenced for many years by abiotic and biotic factors that could have caused their transformations or decomposition. In this study, soil samples were collected in 21 georeferenced points located in the administrative area of Bilasuvar, Saatly, Sabirabad, Salyan and Jalilabad districts of Azerbaijan. Soil chemical analysis involved determination of organochlorine compounds (OCP): hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) (three isomers α-HCH, β-HCH and γ-HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) (six congeners 2,4′DDT; 4,4′DDT; 2,4′DDE; 4,4′DDE; 2,4′DDE; and 4,4′DDE); polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): 16 compounds from the United States Environmental Protection Agency US EPA list and, PCBs (seven congeners identified with the following IUPAC numbers: 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180). Our research showed that OCPs reached the highest concentration in the studied areas. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged from 0.01 to 21,888 mg∙kg−1 with significantly higher concentrations of Σ6DDTs (0.01 μg kg−1 to 21880 mg kg−1) compared to ΣHCH (0.14 ng kg−1 to 166.72 µg kg−1). The total concentrations of PCBs in the studied soils was varied from 0.02 to 147.30 μg·kg−1 but only PCB138 and PCB180 were detected in all analyzed samples. The concentrations of Σ16 PAHs were also strongly diversified throughout the sampling areas and ranged from 0.15 to 16,026 mg kg−1. The obtained results confirmed that the agricultural soils of Azerbaijan contained much lower (up to by three orders of magnitude) concentrations of PCBs and PAHs than DDT. It is supported by the fact that PCBs and PAHs were not directly used by agriculture sector and their content results from secondary sources, such as combustion and various industrial processes. Moreover, the high concentrations of PAHs in studied soils were associated with their location in direct neighborhood of the airport, as well as with accumulation of contaminants from dispersed sources and long range transport. The high concentrations of pesticides confirm that deposition of parent OCPs have occurred from obsolete pesticide landfills.

Implications of Trophic Variability for Modeling Biomagnification of POPs in Marine Food Webs in the Svalbard Archipelago.

The occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Arctic has been of constant concern, as these chemicals cause reproductive effects and mortality in organisms. The Arctic acts as a chemical sink, which makes this system an interesting case for bioaccumulation studies. However, as conducting empirical studies for all Arctic species and POPs individually is unfeasible, in silico methods have been developed. Existing bioaccumulation models are predominately validated for temperate food chains, and do not account for a large variation in trophic levels. This study applies Monte Carlo simulations to account for variability in trophic ecology on Svalbard when predicting bioaccumulation of POPs using the optimal modeling for ecotoxicological applications (OMEGA) bioaccumulation model. Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) were calculated accordingly. Comparing our model results with monitored POP residues in biota revealed that, on average, all predictions fell within a factor 6 of the monitored POP residues in biota. Trophic variability did not affect model performance tremendously, with up to a 25% variability in performance metrics. To our knowledge, we were the first to include trophic variability in predicting biomagnification in Arctic ecosystems using a mechanistic biomagnification model. However, considerable amounts of data are required to quantify the implications of trophic variability on biomagnification of POPs in Arctic food webs.

Methodologies and Results Concerning the Determination of Ocs And Pcbs From Fish Meat

In the last decade, studies have been focusing on determinations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), well known for being involved in human chronic diseases. Various approaches and methodologies are used in monitoring these chemical substances in fish food chain. Therefore, their development, functionality and efficiency are vital for consumers’ protection. The aim of this paper is to review recently published analytical techniques for sample preparation in the determination of POP residues such as organochlorine compounds (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Limitations and advantages of sample preparation techniques are discussed and compared so that they can facilitate the decision of future analysts upon adequate protocols in individual laboratories. A list of the most common compounds quantified nowadays is displayed. In addition, results achieved in original papers are used to briefly describe the current situation on different continents, with third world countries undergoing more pollution than the rest of the world.

Persistent Organic Pollutants Residues in Human Breast Milk from Bathinda and Ludhiana Districts of Punjab, India.

In the present study, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including six congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides, were estimated in human breast milk samples collected from two districts of Punjab (India). The mean concentrations of POP residues were recorded higher in Bathinda district (PCBs: 33.7; DDTs: 519.2; HCHs: 46.6ngg-1 lipid wt.) than Ludhiana (PCBs: 24.2; DDTs; 415.3; HCHs; 35.5ngg-1 lipid wt.). Levels of PCBs and DDTs were observed higher in primiparas, whereas HCHs residues were seen more in multiparas. Risk analysis to POPs exposure through breast milk reflected that the daily intake for some infants was close to or above the tolerable daily intake limit for detrimental effects, which may raise a health concern. Comparative evaluation of present data indicated that DDT and HCHs residue levels in human breast milk from Punjab, India were among the lowest values reported for developing countries. The first-order kinetic reaction at a steady-state condition used to estimate the half-life of DDT and HCH suggested that DDT levels have declined from 18,211 to 490ngg-1 lipid wt. with a half-life (Tdec1/2) of 3.25years over a span of 15years. Similarly, HCH levels have decreased from 8609 to 46.6ngg-1 in this duration with Tdec1/2 of 2.25years. Because some infants are still at risk, continuous monitoring of POPs in human milk is needed for surveillance and interpretation of time trends and for linkage to strict enforcement of agricultural regulations.

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in fresh water farm fish species from Punjab (India) and evaluation of their dietary intake for human risk assessment

ABSTRACTIn India, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been used extensively in both agricultural and industrial sectors, resulting in deterioration of terrestrial and aquatic environment. In the present study, analysis of POPs in fresh water ecosystem comprising samples of fish, sediments, and water was done from fish farms in Punjab, India. POP residues comprising lindane, p,p’-DDE, p,p’-DDD, endosulfan sulfate, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (PCB-28, PCB-138, PCB-180) were detected in fish samples. Residues of p,p’ DDE and p,p’ DDD were recorded utmost in fish flesh with mean levels of 13.8 and 5.8 ng g−1, respectively. PCB residues were estimated in 20 fish samples with values in the range ND–46.3 ng g−1. The mean residue levels detected in this study were lower than the recommended maximum residue limits (MRLs) described by EU-MRLs, Italian-MRLs, FDA-2001, and FAO-1983. At the current levels of POP residues in fish flesh, the human health risk assessment based on both deterministic (mean residue levels) and probabilistic (95th percentile upper bound limit) approaches, reflected that cancer and non-cancer risks were within United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) prescribed limits. The presence of POP residues in fish farm sediments and water elucidated the relationship between occurrence of POP residues in fish and its aquatic environment.

Legacy and currently used pesticides in the atmospheric environment of Lake Victoria, East Africa

The Lake Victoria watershed has extensive agricultural activity with a long history of pesticide use but there is limited information on historical use or on environmental levels. To address this data gap, high volume air samples were collected from two sites close to the northern shore of Lake Victoria; Kakira (KAK) and Entebbe (EBB). The samples, to be analyzed for pesticides, were collected over various periods between 1999 and 2004 inclusive (KAK 1999–2000, KAK 2003–2004, EBB 2003 and EBB 2004 sample sets) and from 2008 to 2010 inclusive (EBB 2008, EBB 2009 and EBB 2010 sample sets). The latter sample sets (which also included precipitation samples) were also analyzed for currently used pesticides (CUPs) including chlorpyrifos, chlorthalonil, metribuzin, trifluralin, malathion and dacthal. Chlorpyrifos was the predominant CUP in air samples with average concentrations of 93.5, 26.1 and 3.54ngm−3 for the EBB 2008, 2009, 2010 sample sets, respectively. Average concentrations of total endosulfan (ΣEndo), total DDT related compounds (ΣDDTs) and hexachlorocyclohexanes (ΣHCHs) ranged from 12.3–282, 22.8–130 and 3.72–81.8pgm−3, respectively, for all the sample sets. Atmospheric prevalence of residues of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) increased with fresh emissions of endosulfan, DDT and lindane. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) and dieldrin were also detected in air samples. Transformation products, pentachloroanisole, 3,4,5-trichloroveratrole and 3,4,5,6-tetrachloroveratrole, were also detected. The five most prevalent compounds in the precipitation samples were in the order chlorpyrifos>chlorothalonil>ΣEndo>ΣDDTs>ΣHCHs with average fluxes of 1123, 396, 130, 41.7 and 41.3ngm−2sample−1, respectively. PeCB exceeded HCB in precipitation samples. The reverse was true for air samples. Backward air trajectories suggested transboundary and local emission sources of the analytes. The results underscore the need for a concerted regional vigilance in management of chemicals.

Distribution and ecological risk of organic pollutants in the sediments and seafood of Yangtze Estuary and Hangzhou Bay, East China Sea

A wide variety of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the surface marine sediments and seafood from four geographic areas of the East China Sea were investigated. The POP concentrations were analyzed and their possible ecotoxicological risks assessed. The total concentrations of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the sediments were found to be ND–22.40, ND–5.10, 32.10–171.70, and 0.60–63.00ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Low-chlorinated biphenyl congeners and HCHs were predominantly found at the Hangzhou Bay and Yangtze River areas. The sediment ecotoxicological risk was assessed, indicating the toxic effect of PCBs and DDTs on benthic organisms. In marine organisms of economic importance, the concentration of total PAHs, PCBs, and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) ranged from 43.20 to 291.20, 2.60 to 96.20, and 12.70 to 235.20μg/kg dw, respectively. The bioaccumulation in marine organisms did not pose a significant health risk to consumers. As indicated by the POP residues in both marine sediments and organisms, POPs were persistent over time, posing a long-term risk to the local ecosystem and human health via the food chain.

Serum and adipose tissue as matrices for assessment of exposure to persistent organic pollutants in breast cancer patients

The aim of this study was to assess differences between two biological matrices (serum and breast adipose tissue) in the evaluation of persistent organic pollutant (POP) exposure in breast cancer patients. The study population consisted of 103 women undergoing surgery for newly diagnosed breast carcinoma in a public hospital in Granada, Southern Spain. Independent variables were gathered from questionnaires and clinical records. POP concentrations were quantified in breast adipose tissue and serum samples. Spearman correlation tests were performed between pairs of POP concentrations and stepwise multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to assess predictors of concentrations in the two matrices. p,p′- Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) showed the the highest median concentration in both matrices (194.34 and 173.84ng/g lipid in adipose tissue and serum, respectively). Median wet-basis adipose tissue:serum ratios ranged from 109.34 to 651.62, while lipid-basis ratios ranged from 0.88 to 4.34. In general, we found significant positive correlation coefficients between pairs of POPs in adipose tissue and in serum, which were always higher in adipose tissue. We found positive and statistically significant correlations between serum and adipose tissue concentrations of p,p′-DDE and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) but not of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Age was positively associated with most POPs in adipose tissue and serum, while the body mass index was positively associated with adipose tissue HCB concentrations and negatively associated with serum PCB-153 and PCB-138 concentrations. Recent weight loss was inversely associated with POP residues in adipose tissue and positively associated with POP residues in serum. Serum HCB and PCB-180 concentrations were lower in patients who had received preoperative chemotherapy. According to our results, serum and adipose tissue POP concentrations in breast cancer patients may be differentially affected by external predictors. Taken together, these findings indicate the need to take account of the individual POP(s) under study and the biological matrix used when relating internal POP exposure to breast cancer disease and to make a careful selection of covariates for adjusting the model.

Distribution of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Farm Fish, Sediments and Water from Punjab (India)

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic chemicals that are adversely affecting animal and human health and the environment around the world. They persist for long periods of time in the environment and can accumulate and pass from one species to the next through the food chain. The present study aimed for determination of POPs residues in farm fish and its environment. Total 195 farm fish, 39 sediments and 39 water samples were collected from Punjab and then analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and confirmed by GC-mass spectrometry. Residues of lindane, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, endosulfan sulfate, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB)-28, PCB-138, and PCB-180 were detected with mean levels of 22.6, 15.3, 22.7, 23.7, 26.9, 27.3, and 25.7 ng/g in farm fish samples, respectively. In the fishpond sediment samples presence of lindane and p,p'-DDE residues were noticed with mean levels of 17.7 and 9.4 ng/g, respectively. Residues of p,p'-DDE and endosulfan sulfate were detected with a mean level of 14.9 and 64.4 ng/g in fish pond water samples. The comparison of overall mean residues of POPs observed in fish samples throughout Punjab revealed that the levels were below the maximum residue limits (MRLs) described by EU-MRLs, Italian-MRLs, FDA-2001, and FAO-1983. The presence of POPs residues in the aquatic environment requires continuous monitoring for the safeguard of human health.

Detection of dioxins Trichloro dibenzo-p-dioxins and Trichloro dibenzofurans in beef with Gas Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry

This study is to investigate the residue level of TCDDs/TCDFs in beef collected from Animal Slaughter Houses in Giwangan (Yogyakarta), Klaten (Central Java) and Kupang (East Nusatenggara). R esidue of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) was also analysed with GC-ECD, and dioxins with GC-MSMS. Fifty samples were collected form Giwangan (20), Klaten (15) and Kupang (15). R esults shows that POPs were detected in beef samples including aldrin, dieldrin, DDT, endrin and heptachlor. The highest total residues of POPs were detected in beef from Giwangan (Yogyakarta) at 93.11 h g/g, followed by Klaten (17.79 h g/g) and Kupang (12.87 h g/g). R esidues of POPs were below the maximum residue limit stated by the SNI 7313: 2008 . A verage of total TEQ for TCDDs/TCDFs in beef from Giwangan was 13,624.38 r g/g with a range between 4,496.66 to 20,642.40 r g / g was higher than that from Kupang at 1,623.98 r g/g with a range between 0.83 to 6,471.07 r g/g. On the other hand, dioxins were not detected in beef from Klaten. The total TEQ of TCDDs/TCDFs in beef samples from Giwangan was 54,497.52 r g/ g and Kupang was 6,495.9 r g/g. The se results indicate d that there wa s an association between the presence of endrin and heptachlor with the presence of TCDDs/TCDFs residues in beef that this is may be new information for further studied.

Adipose tissue concentrations of persistent organic pollutants and total cancer risk in an adult cohort from Southern Spain: Preliminary data from year 9 of the follow-up

There is an increasing trend in the incidence of cancer worldwide, and it has been accepted that environmental factors account for an important proportion of the global burden. The present paper reports preliminary findings on the influence of the historical exposure to a group of persistent organic pollutants on total cancer risk, at year 9 in the follow-up of a cohort from Southern Spain.A cohort of 368 participants (median age 51years) was recruited in 2003. Their historical exposure was estimated by analyzing residues of persistent organic pollutants in adipose tissue. Estimation of cancer incidence was based on data from a population-based cancer registry. Statistical analyses were performed using multivariable Cox-regression models.In males, PCB 153 concentrations were positively associated with total cancer risk, with an adjusted hazard ratio (95% confidence interval) of 1.20 (1.01–1.41) for an increment of 100ng/g lipid.Our preliminary findings suggest a potential relationship between the historical exposure to persistent organic pollutants and the risk of cancer in men. However, these results should be interpreted with caution and require verification during the future follow-up of this cohort.

Tissue distribution and fate of persistent organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins from the Pearl River Estuary, China

Eleven persistent organic pollutant (POP) compounds including ∑PCBs, ∑DDTs, ∑HCHs, aldrin, mirex, endrin, ∑CHLs, dieldrin, HCB, heptachlor and pentachlorobenzene were measured in the kidney, liver, muscle, melon and other tissues of Sousa chinensis stranded on the western coast of the Pearl River Estuary in China during 2007–2013. For most parameters of POPs measured, melon tissues contained the highest mean concentrations with the exception of aldrin, which was higher in the kidney and liver tissues. The concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, heptachlor and endrin in the melon tissue exhibited significant correlations with body length, whereas PCBs and heptachlor also displayed significant regression with age. Our studies showed hepatic concentrations of ∑DDTs, ∑HCHs and mirex in S. chinensis were generally higher than those found in cetaceans from other geographic locations. The high levels of POP residues in the testis of one male dolphin suggested an increasing risk of infertility in the species.

Bioaccumulation and biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants in Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) from the Pearl River Estuary, China

Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) are apex predators in the Pearl River Estuary waters (PRE) of China. PCBs, DDTs and other organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (e.g., HCHs, HCB, mirex and dieldrin) were analysed in blubber samples of 45 dolphins and 10 prey fishes of S. chinensis collected from 2004 to 2013 in the PRE region to investigate the bioaccumulation and potential biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). DDTs were the most abundant residue in the dolphins, with an average of 62700ngg−1 wet weight (ww), followed by PCBs (average: 1790ngg−1 ww) and other OCPs including ∑HCHs, mirex, endrin, ∑chlordanes, HCB, dieldrin, aldrin, heptachlor, and pentachlorobenzene. The concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in male dolphins significantly increased with age and length. In contrast, female dolphins did not show obvious bioaccumulation trends with age and body length, possibly due to the lactational and parturitional transfer of these compounds. Compared with the POP residues in the prey fishes, the concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, and HCHs in the dolphin blubber increased by factors of 99, 212, and 5, respectively, whereas the residue levels of the other OCPs increased 2–185 times, indicating a potentially significant biomagnification in the top predators. The potential biomagnification factors calculated for most POPs were significantly higher than those in the cetacean species from other regions.