Organochlorine pesticides in marine ecosystems of the Far Eastern Seas of Russia (2000-2017)

The present review provides information on the main organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), widely used in world agriculture in the 1940s-1960s. The patterns of their distribution in the environment, as well as the toxicity, metabolism, and degradation are described. Some data on OCPs distribution in components of aquatic ecosystems in different regions of the World and, particularly, in the Far Eastern Seas of Russia-the Sea of Japan/East Sea, the Sea of Okhotsk, and the Bering Sea-is considered for the period 2000-2017. The obtained results are discussed.

Spatiotemporal variations of organochlorine pesticides in an apex predator: Influence of government regulations and farming practices

BACKGROUND

Intensification of agricultural practices has caused several negative effects to the environment. The use of fertilizers and pesticides may alter geochemical cycles or cause direct wildlife intoxication. Detrimental effects of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have forced the authorities to ban or restrict its use. This study evaluates the variation in levels of OCPs in a sentinel species in relation to changes in government regulations and the spatial configuration of agricultural practices around the nests.

METHODS

Between 2003 and 2007, we analysed OCP levels in 256 blood samples of Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) chicks nesting in area of intensive commercial agriculture with historical frequent use of pesticides, in South-eastern Spain. We studied year-to-year variations in OCP concentrations and their relation with land use configuration around raptor nests by Generalized Linear Mixed Models (GLMM).

RESULTS

OCPs were detected in 100% samples surveyed in 2003 and 2004, while dropped to 27% in 2005, 6.8% in 2006 and 6.3% in 2007, coinciding with the ban of OCPs. The presence of the main OCPs was related to agricultural practices. In particular, endosulfan and lindane were related to irrigated crops and urban areas, while DDT-related compounds and dieldrin were associated with dry land farming.

CONCLUSIONS

OCP concentrations in blood samples of Eurasian Eagle-owls may respond quickly to the implementations of new regulations about the use of agricultural products. This raptor was confirmed as a good sentinel species allowing rapid detection of changes in pesticides use.

A review of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in Lebanon: Environmental and human contaminants

The country of Lebanon banned organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 1982 and 1997, respectively, and adopted the Stockholm Convention on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 2003. Compliance with the Stockholm Convention began immediately, and research related to POPs in Lebanon had already been completed. A National Implementation Plan for POPs was formulated and updated several times, and includes a national inventory of PCBs that were mainly detected in insulating oils and equipment in power stations. High levels of PCBs have also been detected in sediments from the Port of Tripoli, the second major sea port in Lebanon. High levels of OCPs, which are illegally smuggled into Lebanon and improperly handled and used by farmers, have been detected in underground and surface waters for many years. There have also been human biomonitoring studies of PCBs and OCPs; for example, in 1999, measurable amounts of DDE were found in breast milk, and a 2018 study reported measurable amounts of PCBs and OCPs in human serum. While these levels were well below concentrations observed in other countries, they were slightly higher than the levels observed by the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). This review provides an overview of the available PCB and OCP data from Lebanon between 1999 and 2017. In total, 12 studies of PCBs and OCPs in environmental samples, human serum samples, and human milk samples are included in this review, and the results of these studies are compared in terms of geography and chronology.

Transplacental transfer of organochlorine pesticides: Concentration ratio and chiral properties

Currently, there is limited information about the mechanism of the human transplacental transfer for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). This study aimed to evaluate the transplacental transfer of OCPs to better understand the influencing factors of exposure and transplacental efficiency. The study involved quantitative determination of OCPs and the enantiomer fraction (EF) of chiral OCPs in pregnant women from Wuhan, China. The results indicate that the exposure levels of OCPs varied in the order: maternal serum > cord serum > placenta. Chiral contaminants, such as α-HCH, o,p'-DDD and o,p'-DDT, were non-racemic in the three biological matrices, wherein EF_α-HCH < 0.5, EF_o,p'-DDD < 0.5, EF_o,p'-DDT > 0.5. For HCHs, the concentration ratio between cord serum and maternal serum (R_cm) <1, while for DDXs, the R_cm ≈ 1, indicating that the transport efficiency of different pollutants is related to the physicochemical properties. These results showed that placenta seems to be a more efficient barrier for β-HCH than for p,p'-DDE. The concentration ratios across placenta significantly lower than 1 and the enantiomeric selective transfer imply that some OCPs may have more complicated maternal-fetus transfer mechanisms, involving both simple diffusion and active transport. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the transfer of OCPs and their enantiomer fractions across placenta. These findings could expand the database of chemical exposure in biological matrices and improve the understanding of the mechanisms of transplacental transfer of OCPs.

Supporting dataset and methods for serum concentrations of selected persistent organic pollutants measured in women with primary ovarian insufficiency

The dataset presented in this article supports “Selected persistent organic pollutants associated with the risk of primary ovarian insufficiency in women” (Pan et al., 2019). The supplementary data were as follows: (1) Detailed information regarding pretreatment methods, instrumental analysis and methods validation of quantification of serum concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). (2) The total dioxin equivalents (TEQs) levels of dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) in primary ovarian insufficiency (POI) cases and controls, as well as the association of TEQ levels with the risk of POI. (3) The results of principal components analyses (PCA) about 20 POPs that were detected in >40% samples.

Soil burden by persistent organochlorine compounds in the vicinity of a coal-fired power plant in Croatia: a comparison study with an urban-industrialized area

The impact of a coal-fired Plomin Power Plant (PPP) in Croatia on PCB soil burden was examined by comparing the occurrence, levels, and profile of PCBs in soil from the PPP with the values determined in urban-industrialized soil (Varaždin, Croatia). Soil burden by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were also investigated at both locations. Topsoil samples were collected at five distances (100-800 m) along a downwind pollution gradient from the PPP and across the city. The total content of PCBs in 100-m soil was nearly 20-fold the levels found in 800-m soil, which pointed to the PPP as a local source of soil contamination. The PPP soils were dominated by indicator PCB congeners, particularly hexa-homologs. A different profile and mass fraction range of PCBs in soils from PPP and Varaždin area indicated the different sources of contamination. Levels of total PCBs in PPP soils (0.25-19.07 μg kg^-1) were higher than PCB levels determined in soils from Varaždin (0.29-5.52 μg kg^-1), partially as a result of higher OC content in PPP soils. PPP soil burden by PCBs corresponded to a lower end of PCB level ranges reported for cities with high population and heavy industry. OCPs were detected at significantly higher levels in Varaždin soils than in PPP soils, with the highest contribution of the DDT-like compounds (DDX) detected in soils affected by river deposits. The p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT ratio in Varaždin soils indicated a fresh atmospheric input of p,p'-DDT. The PPP soil analysis detected a presence of only p,p'-DDE and HCB at levels corresponding to their global environmental presence.

Persistent organic pollutants in blubber of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) from the Southern Ocean

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were analyzed in eighteen blubber samples biopsied from fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) during the feeding season near the Antarctic Peninsula in the summer of 2013. POP content (in ng g^-1 lipid weight) ranged from 46.4 to 708 for polychlorinated biphenyls (∑PCBs), 6.77 to 123 for hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 10.1 to 489 for dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and derivatives (∑DDTs), 5.38 to 52.8 for hexachlorocyclohexanes (∑HCH) and <0.40 to 2.54 for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (∑PBDEs). The presence of those compounds in Southern Ocean fin whales is related to long-range transport and their diet based mainly on euphausiids (krill). Their contents were much lower compared to the same species in other locations, especially in the Northern Hemisphere, presumably due to differences in trophic position and the proximity of POP sources and contamination of prey items.

Spatial distribution of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticides in soil-groundwater systems and their associated risks in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Basin

Soil and groundwater samples were collected from paddy fields in the middle reaches of the Yangtze River Basin to study the occurrence and the risks associated with organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) in soil and groundwater. Results showed that OCPs and OPPs were widely distributed throughout the study area. The levels of OCPs and OPPs in the soil were much lower than those specified by soil quality standards. However, the levels of four OCPs (heptachlors, aldrin, dieldrin, and γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) in groundwater were higher than those permitted by drinking water standards. The health risk assessment method suggested by the US Environment Protection Agency was used to evaluate the regional risks from selected pesticides. Results showed that there were low health risks from OCPs and OPPs in soil at the regional scale, but high risks from heptachlor, aldrin, and endrin in groundwater, suggesting an urgent need for groundwater protection. There are widespread concerns on dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and hexachlorocyclohexane, but little focus on other pesticides in China. However, our results suggest that the presence of, and risks from, other pesticides in groundwater should be a focus from the region aspect.

Selected persistent organic pollutants associated with the risk of primary ovarian insufficiency in women

Although some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) may not be currently in production, many of these chemicals still exist ubiquitously in the environment and continue to represent significant environmental health concern. One of the important concerns of POPs exposure may lead to the adverse reproductive consequences including primary ovarian insufficiency (POI), but the limited evidence has been reported so far. Our case-control study was performed to explore the association between serum levels of selected POPs and risk for POI in a Chinese female population, including 157 cases and 217 healthy controls. Serum concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and serum levels of reproductive hormones [follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) and estradiol] were measured. The medians of dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p'-DDT) were significantly higher in case sera than in controls. Higher concentrations of DL-PCBs and p,p'-DDT were significantly associated with elevated risk of POI. A dose-response relationship was observed between the sum of DL-PCBs (Σ₆ DL-PCBs) and the risk of POI (p for trend = 0.003), with odds ratios for the second and third tertiles, compared with the first, of 1.31- (95% CIs: 0.67-2.57) and 3.15-fold (95% CIs: 1.63-6.10), respectively. Similar results were observed for the sum of p,p'-DDT and its metabolites (Σ₂ p,p'-DDTs). In control women, FSH levels were negatively associated with PCBs exposure, while LH had a positive association with OCPs. In patients with POI, exposure to PCBs was correlated with higher levels of LH, whereas exposure to OCPs was associated with lower levels of AMH. To the best of our knowledge, this study for the first provided evidence that exposure to PCBs and DDT could be the potential risk factors for POI in women.

Serum concentrations and detection rates of selected organochlorine pesticides in a sample of Greek school-aged children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Prospective studies indicate that the exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) during fetal life, infancy, and early childhood may be associated with features of neurodevelopmental disorders in children. However, few studies have investigated the concentrations of serum OCPs in children with categorically diagnosed neurodevelopmental disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the concentrations and detection rates of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolites, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, cyclodienes, and methoxychlor in serum samples of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and specific learning disorder (SLD), all of normal intelligence, compared to typically developing controls (TD). In total, 114 schoolchildren, aged 6-13 years old, were assessed and distributed into four groups: ASD (n = 39), ADHD (n = 21), SLD (n = 32), and TD (n = 18). Each clinical group was compared to the TD group. Concentrations of serum OCPs were determined by gas chromatography and are presented as ng/g lipid. Concentrations of β-HCH, the sum of HCH isomers, and o,p'-DDD were significantly higher in ASD children: ASD vs. TD (mean ± SD): 10.5 ± 7.7 vs. 6.1 ± 4.0, (p = 0.049); 12.0 ± 10.3 vs. 6.6 ± 4.0, (p = 0.025); 7.4 ± 6.5 vs. 2.8 ± 2.3, (p = 0.0019), respectively. The detection rates of p,p'-DDT, at least one substance from DDTs detected, and the cyclodiene heptachlor epoxide, were significantly lower in the ASD group: ASD vs. TD: 12.8% vs. 38.9%, (p = 0.037); 69.2% vs. 94.4%, (p = 0.044); 10.3% vs. 38.9%, (p = 0.026), respectively. No significant differences between the ADHD or SLD groups and the TD group were observed. We demonstrated higher serum concentrations and lower detection rates of selected OCPs in ASD than TD children. Our results add to potential neurodevelopmental concerns surrounding OCPs and provide evidence of specificity in the relations between HCHs and ASD.

Supporting dataset and methods for Transplacental Transfer of Organochlorine Pesticides: Concentration Ratio and Chiral Properties

The dataset and methods provided in this article supports “Transplacental Transfer of Organochlorine Pesticides: Concentration Ratio and Chiral Properties” [1]. The supplementary data were as follows: 1) the information on pretreatment and instrumental methods.2) the data for concentration in the maternal serum, cord serum and placenta samples and data interpretation. 3) the correlation between the influence factors and the log-transformed concentrations of the chemicals samples. 4) the dataset for transplacental transfer ratio of the OCPs and correlations with influencing factors.

Organochlorine pesticides in the soils from Benevento provincial territory, southern Italy: Spatial distribution, air-soil exchange, and implications for environmental health

This study comprehensively interprets the contamination status of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the soils from Benevento provincial territory, southern Italy, and its implications for environmental health by means of a systematic grid sampling method and geostatistics. The total concentrations of OCPs in the soils ranged from 0.058 to 16.9 ng/g, with a geometric mean (GM) of 0.72 ng/g and an arithmetic mean (AM) of 1.71 ng/g. The levels of OCPs were dominated by p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, HCB, contributing together to 73.5% of the total OCPs. The higher levels of HCB, DDTs, and HCHs found in southwestern, central and east Benevento provincial territory, all occurring adjacent to landfill sites. The residues of OCPs in soil are largely ascribed to their historical use. The OCP inventories in soils of Benevento provincial territory ranged from 0.13 to 4.84 metric tons, with GM = 0.42 metric tons and AM = 0.44 metric tons. The soil is likely to be a sink for DDTs under the influence of regional air transport from pollution hotspots and has the potential to release other chemicals with a high vapor pressure, e.g., HCB, HCHs, and α-Endosulfan. And the mean level of the air-soil exchange flux of HCB, HCHs, and DDTs is estimated to be -1.59, -0.72, and 0.10 ng/m²/day respectively. The potential ecological and human health risks caused by OCPs in the soils are deemed essentially negligible in Benevento provincial territory.

Tissue distribution of organic contaminants in stranded pregnant sperm whale (Physeter microcephalus) from the Huizhou coast of the South China Sea

Twelve persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were measured in 11 tissue samples from a pregnant sperm whale stranded on the Huizhou coast of the South China Sea, China, in March 2017. POPs were found to be more concentrated in the irrigated tissues such as placenta, ovary, mammary gland, and liver than the less irrigated tissues such as epidermis. High POP levels detected in the placenta might result in abnormal hormone secretion in the placenta, which would affect the unborn offspring. We hypothesized that ovary is potentially vulnerable to the exposure of higher contaminant levels. The PAH concentrations were higher in the lung than in other tissues, which suggest that PAH levels in the lung were breath-dependent in the sperm whale. The concentrations of POPs except PAHs in the sperm whale blubber were lower than those in the same species in the Northern Hemisphere and were comparable to or lower than those in the same species in the Southern Hemisphere.

Dietary exposure assessment of organochlorine pesticides in two commonly grown leafy vegetables in South-western Nigeria

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent pesticides whose usage have been banned or restricted worldwide and the presence of its residues in vegetables could affect its nutritional quality as well cause adverse health effects. This study quantified the OCP residue levels in commonly grown and consumed vegetables and assessed the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks from the consumption of the contaminated vegetables. The OCP residues levels in the extract from the vegetables were determined using a Gas Chromatograph coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD). Health risk estimates were analysed using Estimated Average Daily Intake (EADI), Hazard Index (HI), and Hazard Ratio (HR) for children (16.7 kg) and adults (60 kg) weight categories. The residue analysis indicated that amaranths had the highest mean concentration of endrin aldehyde (2.987 ± 0.391 mg kg^-1) and endosulfan sulfate (0.661 ± 0.280 mg kg^-1), while in fluted pumpkin, the highest mean concentrations were endrin aldehyde (3.491 ± 0.376 mg kg^-1) and endosulfan sulfate (2.775 ± 0.644 mg kg^-1). The percentage of the detected OCP residues above Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs) ranged from 25% to 100% for both vegetables. Non-carcinogenic health risk estimates for the children weight category showed that aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, and heptachlor detected in both vegetables had HI > 1. While for adults, only aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, and endrin aldehyde revealed non-carcinogenic effect in both vegetables. Human risk estimations for the carcinogenic health effect for the two vegetables showed that aldrin and dieldrin could pose carcinogenic health risks to adult, while aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide could pose carcinogenic health risks to children. The results revealed both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for the consumers of the contaminated vegetables from the selected locations in South-western Nigeria.

Dietary exposure and risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in rural communities living within catchment areas of iSimangaliso World Heritage Site, South Africa

Dietary intake of contaminated food is a major route of human exposure to organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). Despite the prevalence of OCP usage in southern Africa for several decades, their impact on socioeconomically vulnerable communities remains largely overlooked. We investigated the accumulation of OCPs in crops commonly cultivated by rural communities surrounding iSimangaliso Wetland Park, South Africa. All samples analysed were found to be contaminated, with total OCP concentrations ranging between 190 and 240 ng g^-1 ww. Elevated levels of OCP residues were detected in all products, with the majority of samples exceeding European Commission's maximum residue limits (MRLs). We combine these results with local OCP fish tissue estimates to assess potential dietary risks. Cumulative risk assessment indicated potential non-cancer risks associated with heptachlor epoxide, while a cancer risk as high as 1 in 10 was found to be associated with aldrin and dieldrin. This far exceeds USEPA guidelines and indicates that OCP residues in crops and fish from the study area pose a high risk to human health. The results of this study call for further attention to be given to the health implications of continued OCP use not only within the study area but also in Southern Africa in general.

Biochars reduced the bioaccessibility and (bio)uptake of organochlorine pesticides and changed the microbial community dynamics in agricultural soils

Biochar is considered as a universal sorbent used for soil amendment but its impacts on organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and microbial communities associated with soil and vegetables are unclear. The effects of different biochars (derived from sewage sludge biochar (SSBC), soybean straw biochar (SBBC), rice straw biochar (RSBC) and peanut shells biochar (PNBC)), on bioaccessible fractions of OCPs in a contaminated soil and their subsequent bioaccumulation into vegetables (Chinese cabbage and spring onion) were investigated in this research work. The influence of these amendments on vegetable yields and soil microbial community using Illumina next generation sequencing technology was also assessed. The application of selected biochars significantly (p < 0.01) reduced the bioaccessibility of ∑OCPs in contaminated soil: SSBC (52%), PNBC (51%), RSBC (60%), and SBBC (47%), as compared to the control. The results indicated that following biochar additions, the bio-uptake of ∑OCP bio-uptake was considerably (from 86 to 85%) reduced in grown vegetables. Risk assessment showed that biochar amendments markedly (p < 0.01) decreased the hazard quotient (HQ) indices and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILTR) values for OCPs associated with the consumption of vegetables. In addition, the results of high-throughput sequencing showed significant differences in microbial community structure between the treatments, which was driven by differences in the relative abundances of soil microbes. The relative abundances of Acidobacteria, Chloroflexi, Nitrospirae and Verrucomicrobia decreased following biochar additions. However, biochar amendments increased the relative abundances of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, and Gemmatimonadetes, though the increase in relative abundances of these phyla was strongly dependent on the type of biochar used.

Degradation of endosulfan by high-energy ball milling with CaO: process and mechanism

Mechanochemical degradation (MCD) technology has shown its remarkable potential in the disposal of persistent organochlorines in a non-combustion manner. In the present study, endosulfan, as the newly listed persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the Stockholm Convention, was investigated for its feasibility of mechanochemical destruction using high-energy ball milling. Using calcium oxide (CaO) as a co-milling reagent, the degradation efficiency of endosulfan was nearly 100% after ball milling for 60 min, while the dechlorination efficiency and the sulfate formation efficiency were delayed for endosulfan degradation. After ball milling for 120 min, the dechlorination efficiency and sulfate formation efficiency reached 87.55% and 26.28%, respectively. Based on the measurement results from various material characterization approaches, the main degradation pathway of endosulfan was proposed as sequential dechlorination followed by the destruction of hydrocarbon skeleton. The GC-MS analysis confirmed that complete desulfurization and dechlorination had been realized finally. This study provides an option for the way toward the efficient and rapid destruction of endosulfan as a new POPs using mechanochemical technology.

Biomonitoring Organochlorine Pesticides in Didelphis virginiana from Yucatan, Mexico by GC-ECD

The aim of the present work was to apply a validated methodology for the detection of organochlorine pesticides in Didelphis virginiana (Virginia opossum) serum samples collected in Yucatan, Mexico. Recent studies performed to investigate the presence of Organochlorines (OCLs) in water, human blood and milk, and animal tissues from Yucatan have shown that the OCLs concentrations are high and can be associated with potential human health risk. Since opossum is considered an important synanthropic species in Yucatan, 40 opossum serum samples were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detector. The most common OCLs found in opossum sera were lindanes, chlordanes, drines, and endosulfan. Heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, and lindanes were found at the highest concentrations, while dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and its metabolites were found at the lowest concentrations in the samples. The good linearity, precision, and accuracy obtained in the evaluated parameters in the extraction and chromatographic methods support its application for the monitoring of OCLs pesticides in populations of opossums and other wild species in Yucatan.

Measurement and modeling the gas/particle partitioning of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in atmosphere at low temperatures

The gas/particle (G/P) partition of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) has been widely investigated and well documented, but rare at low temperature. In this study, seventy-four pairs of air samples in two sampling sites in northeastern China at a wide ambient temperature range of ~63 °C (-40 to +23 °C) were simultaneously collected in both gaseous and particulate phases and eighteen OCPs in these samples were measured and analyzed, among which, partition quotient (K_P) values for fifteen OCPs were determined. Seven models including those have never been used for OCPs were applied to predict the values of K_P, and the results were compared with the monitoring data for the fifteen OCPs. It was found out that, L-M-Y model provided advantages over the other models, with the best agreement to the monitoring data for analyzed OCPs (90.1 ± 11.1% data points within ±1 log unit, RMSE: 0.53 ± 0.18). The predicted maximum partition (MP) domain for eleven OCPs was observed with high values of their logarithm of octanol-air partition coefficient (log K_OA > 12.5), where the log K_P values become a constant (-1.53), indicating that the G/P partition of OCPs is in steady state but not the equilibrium. The Li-Ma-Yang (L-M-Y model) model, considering the wet and dry depositions of particles, elucidates the necessity of non-equilibrium term for the OCPs at low temperature. These results indicate that the L-M-Y model is valid for OCPs, which renders it highly promising for describing the partition behaviors in atmosphere for SVOCs, particularly at low temperature. An equation to calculate the condensation temperature T_C was also derived, which gave a new understanding on the situation of chemicals with equal distribution between gaseous and particulate phases of OCPs and other similar SVOCs, especially in Polar Regions.

Monitoring of arsenic, mercury and organic pesticides in particulate matter, ambient air and settled dust in natural history collections taking the example of the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin

Chemical compounds such as arsenic, mercury and organochlorine pesticides have been extensively used as preventive and curative conservation treatments for cultural and biological collections to protect them from pest and mould infestations. Most of the aforementioned compounds have been classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic and teratogenic and represent a health risk for staff exposed to contaminated objects. A total of 30 compounds were analysed in settled dust, particulate matter and surrounding air collected at several locations in the natural history collections and adjacent rooms of the Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin (MfN, Natural History Museum, Berlin, Germany). Gas chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques were used to quantify dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (2,4'-DDT; 4,4'-DDT) and their metabolites (2,4'-DDE; 4,4'-DDE; 2,4'-DDD; 4,4'-DDD), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 3 isomers of hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-HCH, β-HCH, γ-HCH), the degradation product of γ-HCH with similar toxicological profile, gamma-pentachlorocyclohexene (γ-PCH) and pentachlorophenol (PCP). Atomic absorption spectrometry was used to analyse arsenic and mercury. In order to assess the pathways of contamination with biocides in dust, formations of particulate matter during individual daily work activities, particle number concentrations (PNCs) were measured. Heavy element concentrations found at the MfN were higher than the organochlorine compounds. The maximum concentration of arsenic and mercury in dust was 3507 mg/kg and 32 mg/kg, respectively, and in air, 48 ng/m³ and 1.6 ng/m³, respectively. The maximum concentration of the sum of DDTs in dust was 2 mg/kg (not detected in air); for PCP, the maximum levels in dust and air were 0.65 mg/kg and 10 ng/m³, respectively; for γ-HCH, 130 mg/kg and 320 ng/m³, respectively; and finally, for γ-PCH, 2.1 mg/kg and 230 ng/m³, respectively. Twelve PNC measurements were obtained from seven different collection rooms and the diaries of the participants' activities. PNCs were highly variable between work activities. Higher personal PNCs were associated with activities like opening storage boxes with prepared animals, reading old books or handling objects. This study has shown that taxidermic objects in museum collection may be a cause for arsenic exposure during handling of objects.

Organohalogenated pollutants in raw and UHT cow's milk from Turkey: a risk assessment of dietary intake

In this study, health risk of human exposure to organohalogenated pollutants (OHPs) through milk consumption was determined. Conventionally produced, unprocessed cow's milk samples taken from Konya District, in Turkey, and 15 different brand ultra-high-temperature (UHT) processed cow's milk samples taken from supermarkets of Turkey were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs, α-, β-, γ-, and δ-HCHs, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, and p,p'-DDT, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan I, endosulfan II, endosulfan sulfate, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, aldrin + dieldrin, methoxychlor), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, PCB 28, 52, 101, 153, 138, and 180), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs, PBDE 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154 congeners). Estimated daily intake (EDI) values calculated for both adults and children consuming raw or UHT milk were determined to exceed maximum residue limits (MRLs) set for γ-HCH, ∑Heptachlor, and endrin. EDI values also exceeded admissible daily intake (ADI) values given for ∑HCH, ∑Heptachlor, ∑Endrin aldrin + dieldrin, and ∑PCBs. p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE ratio was 1 or higher for 66% of the milk samples, which is an indication of sustaining illegal use of DDT. A health risk is determined for dietary intake of OHPs via consumption of milk.

Environmental characterization of 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone in surface waters from Macao and Hong Kong coastal areas (Pearl River Delta) and its toxicity on two biological models: Artemia salina and Daphnia magna

The Pearl River Delta (PRD) is one of the areas with higher environmental concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), being DDT one of the most abundant. In this work, 4,4'-dichlorobenzophenone (4,4'-DCBP), a common metabolite of dicofol (DDT related) and DDT, was quantified in surface waters of Hong Kong and Macao, together with the analysis of physicochemical and nutrients parameters. Hong Kong presented higher 4,4'-DCBP mean levels (12.50 ng/L) than Macao (4.05 ng/L), which may be due to the use of dicofol as a pesticide and DDT as antifouling-paint for ships. The region presented a possible eutrophication state due to the high nutrients' concentration. For the first time, toxicity evaluation of this metabolite in Artemia salina and Daphnia magna was done, in order to compute valid EC₅₀s and theoretically evaluate the risk in the PRD. The toxicity results (EC₅₀ = 0.27 mg/L for A. salina; and EC₅₀ = 0.17 mg/L and LC₅₀ = 0.26 mg/L for D. magna), together with the 4,4'-DCBP levels quantified, indicated a low environmental risk.

Occurrence, seasonal variety of organochlorine compounds in street dust of Novi Sad, Serbia, and its implication for risk assessment

The paper presents a study of organochlorine compounds in street dust, an often forgotten aspect of urban environmental pollution. Six different polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and eighteen organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were monitored in terms of levels, distribution, seasonal variation and health risks. Street dust samples were collected from fifteen urban locations in Novi Sad including schools, recreational areas, residential and industrial zones. Street dust concentration of PCBs ranged from less than the limit of detection (<LOD) to 12.1 ng g^-1 (mean = 0.58 ng g^-1) in summer and from <LOD to 3.82 ng g^-1 (mean = 0.45 ng g^-1) in winter. Among the investigated OCPs, only dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were detected - their concentration varied from <LOD to 34.7 ng g^-1 (mean = 6.2 ng g^-1 and median = 1.4 ng g^-1) in summer to <LOD to 50.5 ng g^-1 (mean = 7.1 ng g^-1 and median = 2.0 ng g^-1) in winter. Principal component analysis indicated a positive correlation among PCB 101, PCB 153 and pH as well as between PCB 138 and organic matter. Regression analysis revealed that distribution trends of DDTs between the soil and street dust samples are significantly correlated in the recreational areas. The average level of total lifetime carcinogenic risk (TLCR) for PCBs (3.7 × 10^-9) and DDTs (3.6 × 10^-9) found in Novi Sad street dust samples were well below the unacceptable level of 10^-6, indicating that the lifetime cancer risk was acceptable. It was also found that the seasonal variations were not significant.

The interactive effect of the season and estuary position on the concentration of persistent organic pollutants in water and sediment from the Cua Dai estuary in Vietnam

The current study was conducted in the Cua Dai estuary, Vietnam, (1) to assess the status of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and (2) to examine the interactive effect of season and estuary position on the concentration of the pollutants in surface water and sediment. Fifty-two water and sediment samples were taken in the dry and rainy seasons from inner- and outer-estuary positions to analyze for six POPs, including hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), heptachlor, aldrin, dieldrin, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs). The averaged concentrations of the respective POPs in water samples were 0.07, 0.1, 0.01, 0.03, 0.001, and 0.2 μg L^-1 and in sediment samples were 2.6, 3.1, 0.9, 0.2, 0.2, and 121 μg kg^-1. Of the six POPs examined, the concentration of DDTs in sediment samples and PCBs in water samples was significantly affected by the interactive effect of the two examined factors. The concentrations of HCHs, DDTs, heptachlor, and aldrin in water samples and of HCHs in sediment samples were significantly higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. Sediment samples collected from the inner position had a significantly higher concentration of HCHs and PCBs than in the outer position. Some mechanisms possibly influenced the varying POP concentration could include (1) greater riverine discharge in the rainy season and (2) the sea dilution effect in the outer position. Therefore, the concentration of the individual examined POPs in water and sediment in the Cua Dai estuary significantly depended on either the season, estuary position, or their combination.

Body burden of organohalogenated pollutants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Romanian population: Influence of age, gender, body mass index, and habitat

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) are highly lipophilic and resistant to degradation, hence these substances are commonly found in the environment even decades after their prohibition. The aim of the present study was to determine human serum concentrations of POPs and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Romanian population, investigating the role of demographic variables on the body burden of such chemicals. A cross-sectional study including a total of 121 subjects from Brasov (Transylvania region) was designed. The concentration of 62 chemicals, including organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs) and PAHs, was measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in the serum of the participants. p,p'-DDE and β-HCH were detected in 100% and 62% of the series (median values = 2.1 and 0.5 μg/L); PCB-153 was detected in 77.7% of the subjects and PCB-28 showed the highest median concentration (0.5 μg/L); BDE-47 was detected at a low concentration in 11.6% of the individuals; phenanthrene and naphthalene were present in 98.3% and 38.8% of the serum samples (median values = 0.9 and 6.5 μg/L, respectively). Age was the main determinant of the total body burden of OCPs and PCBs. A positive correlation was observed between p,p'-DDE and age (Spearman Rho = 0.312, P < 0.0001), suggesting the prevalence of higher levels of pollutants at older ages. The present results showed a significant decrease in serum levels of p,p'-DDE and HCH in Romania -a country which has traditionally reported higher values than other Eastern European countries- as well as low levels of PCBs and BDEs. The presence of PAHs suggests an unknown source of exposure that deserves further investigation.