Concentrations and Human Health Risk of Organochlorines in Farmed Freshwater Products: Fish Ponds around Changsha, China

ABSTRACT

The present study was conducted to reveal the concentrations and patterns of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seven species of freshwater food products (Procambarus clarkii, Ctenopharyngodon idellus, Parabramis pekinensis, Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, Cyprinus carpio, Aristichthys nobilis, and Carassius auratus) collected from aquaculture farms around Changsha, People's Republic of China. The OCPs and PCBs in the muscle tissue of these species were analyzed to assess the health risk associated with dietary intake. The mean concentrations of OCPs and PCBs were 6.38 to 15.90 and 3.18 to 5.12 ng g-1 wet weight, respectively. Heptachlor and δ-HCH were the main OCP contaminants in the tested samples, accounting for >74% of the total OCPs. PCB52 was the main PCB, accounting for >88% of the total PCBs. The bioaccumulation of OCPs and PCBs in these aquatic products depends upon the species. C. idellus had the highest concentrations of OCPs, and H. molitrix had the highest concentrations of PCBs. The mean lipid concentration in these freshwater species was 6.08 to 19.8% (dry weight) and was significantly correlated with the concentrations of OCPs and PCBs. The health risk from consumption of these freshwater species was assessed based on the hazard ratios and hazard quotient, and consumption of these products was determined to pose a carcinogenic risk.

HIGHLIGHTS

Spatio-temporal distribution of organochlorine pesticides in agricultural soils of southeast China during 2014-2019

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are organic pollutants that are persistent and undegradable in the environment. To investigate their residual concentrations, spatial and temporal distributions, and the relationship with the crops planted, 12 individual OCPs in 687 soil samples from Jiangsu, Zhejiang and Jiangxi provinces of southeast China were examined. The detection frequencies of OCPs in the studied areas were 1.89%-64.9%. The concentrations of dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethanes (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), and endosulfans ranged from 0.01 to 5659 μg/kg, 0.03-3.58 μg/kg, and 0.05-3235 μg/kg, respectively. Jiangsu was mainly contaminated by p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDD and endosulfan sulfate, Zhejiang was more polluted by OCPs except δ-HCH, and Jiangxi was more vulnerable to the contamination of OCPs except o,p'-DDE. The partial least-squares discrimination analysis (PLS-DA) model with RX2 36.3-36.8% revealed that compounds with similar chemical properties tended to appear in the same year and month. All crop lands were polluted by DDTs and Endosulfans. The highest concentrations of DDTs and Endosulfans were found in citrus and vegetable fields, respectively. This study offers new insight into the layout and partitioning of OCPs in agricultural land and into insecticide management on public health and ecological safety.

Stable isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in the study of organochlorine contaminants in albatrosses and petrels

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes in albatrosses and petrels collected off southern Brazil were compared with concentrations of organochlorine contaminants (OCs). δ(13)C and δ(15)N values, as well as OCs concentrations, exhibited a high degree of variability among individuals and overlap among species. δ(13)C values reflected latitudinal differences among species, with lower values found in Wandering and Tristan Albatrosses and higher values found in Black-browed and Atlantic Yellow-nosed Albatrosses and White-chinned Petrels. Some relationships were found between OCs and stable isotopes, but in general a partial 'uncoupling' was observed between OCs concentrations and stable isotopes ratios (especially for δ(15)N). δ(13)C and δ(15)N values in Procellariiformes tissues during the non-breeding season appear to be a better indicator of foraging habitats than of trophic relationships, which may partially explain the high degree of variability between concentrations of OCs and stable isotopes ratios in birds with a diversified diet and wide foraging range.

Pine needle and semi-permeable membrane device derived organochlorine compounds (OCPs) concentrations in air in Mersin Province to Taurus, Turkey

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were analyzed in three different ages (half-, 1.5-, 2.5-year-old) for needles and semi permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) at three deployment periods from sea level to 1881 meter above sea level. Individual HCHs concentrations ranged between 1.4 and 129 pg/g fw depending on the age and sampling season while 2.5-year-old needles showed higher HCHs levels compared to half and 1.5- year-old. Correlation between elevation and HCH concentration in SPMDs was found but not in needle samples. Concentrations of HCHs in SPMDs indicated clearly cold condensation effect on accumulation in winter period and increased with altitude. Concentrations of DDTs in half and 1.5-year-old needles were lower than 2.5-year-old needles. The highest total concentration of DDTs was detected in 1-year-period SPMD. Higher concentrations were found in 2.5-year-old needles for other OCPs. Seasonal and altitude-dependent changes were not observed for other OCPs in SMPDs. Total accumulation of OCPs in SPMDs were found higher than in needles. On the contrary, an increased accumulation rate was observed for HCHs in SPMD. In general, Total concentrations of DDTs and HCHs were similar to total of other OCPs in all altitudes when dominating endosulfan wasnot taken into account in the computation of total concentration of other OCPs.

Prenatal and childhood exposure to chlordecone and adiposity of seven-year-old children in the Timoun mother-child cohort study in Guadeloupe (French West Indies)

BACKGROUND

Exposure to persistent environmental organic pollutants may contribute to the development of obesity among children. Chlordecone is a persistent organochlorine insecticide with estrogenic properties that was used in the French West Indies (1973-1993) and is still present in the soil and the water and food consumed by the local population. We studied the association between prenatal and childhood exposure to chlordecone and the adiposity of prepubertal children.

METHODS

Within the Timoun Mother-Child Cohort Study in Guadeloupe (French West Indies), 575 children had a medical examination at seven years of age, including adiposity measurements. A Structural Equation Modeling approach was used to create a global adiposity score from four adiposity indicators: the BMI z-score, percentage of fat mass, sum of the tricipital and subscapular skinfold thickness, and waist-to-height ratio. Chlordecone concentrations were measured in cord blood at birth and in the children's blood at seven years of age. Models were adjusted for prenatal and postnatal covariates. Sensitivity analyses accounted for co-exposure to PCB-153 and pp'-DDE. Mediation analyses, including intermediate birth outcomes, were conducted.

RESULTS

Prenatal chlordecone exposure tended to be associated with increased adiposity at seven years of age, particularly in boys. However, statistical significance was only reached in the third quartile of exposure and neither linear nor non-linear trends could be formally identified. Consideration of preterm birth or birth weight in mediation analyses did not modify the results, as adjustment for PCB-153 and pp'-DDE co-exposures.

CONCLUSION

Globally, we found little evidence of an association between chlordecone exposure during the critical in utero or childhood periods of development and altered body-weight homeostasis in childhood. Nevertheless, some associations we observed at seven years of age, although non-significant, were consistent with those observed at earlier ages and would be worth investing during further follow-ups of children of the Timoun Mother-Child Cohort Study when they reach puberty.

Quantification of insecticides in commercial seafood sold in East Asian markets: risk assessment for consumers

The extraction of 21 insecticides and 5 metabolites was performed using an optimized and validated QuEChERS protocol that was further used for the quantification (GC-MS/MS) in several seafood matrices (crustaceans, bivalves, and fish-mudskippers). Seven species, acquired from Hong Kong and Macao wet markets (a region so far poorly monitored), were selected based on their commercial importance in the Indo-Pacific region, market abundance, and affordable price. Among them, mussels from Hong Kong, together with mudskippers from Macao, presented the highest insecticide concentrations (median values of 30.33 and 23.90 ng/g WW, respectively). Residual levels of fenobucarb, DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlors were above the established threshold (10 ng/g WW) for human consumption according to the European and Chinese legislations: for example, in fish-mudskippers, DDTs, fenobucarb, and heptachlors (5-, 20- and tenfold, respectively), and in bivalves, HCHs (fourfold) had higher levels than the threshold. Risk assessment revealed potential human health effects (e.g., neurotoxicity), especially through fish and bivalve consumption (non-carcinogenic risk; ΣHQ_LT > 1), and a potential concern of lifetime cancer risk development through the consumption of fish, bivalves, and crustaceans collected from these markets (carcinogenic risk; ΣTCR > 10^-4). Since these results indicate polluted regions, where the seafood is collected/produced, a strict monitoring framework should be implemented in those areas to improve food quality and safety of seafood products.

Pentachlorophenol affects doxycycline and tetracycline resistance genes in soil by altering microbial structure

Tetracycline antibiotics play a vital role in animal husbandry, primarily employed to uphold the health of livestock and poultry. Consequently, when manure is reintegrated into farmland, tetracycline antibiotics can persist in the soil. Simultaneously, to ensure optimal crop production, organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are frequently applied to farmland. The coexistence of tetracycline antibiotics and OCPs in soil may lead to an increased risk of transmission of tetracycline resistance genes (TRGs). Nevertheless, the precise mechanism underlying the effects of OCPs on tetracycline antibiotics and TRGs remains elusive. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of OCPs on soil tetracycline antibiotics and TRGs using different concentrations of doxycycline (DOX) and pentachlorophenol (PCP). The findings indicate that PCP and DOX mutually impede their degradation in soil. Furthermore, our investigation identifies Sphingomonas and Bacillus as potential pivotal microorganisms influencing the reciprocal inhibition of PCP and DOX. Additionally, it is observed that the concurrent presence of PCP and DOX could impede each other's degradation by elevating soil conductivity. Furthermore, we observed that a high concentration of PCP (10.7 mg/kg) reduced the content of efflux pump tetA, ribosome protective protein tetM, tetQ, and passivating enzyme tetX. In contrast, a low PCP concentration (6.4 mg/kg) only reduced the content of ribosome protective protein tetQ. This suggests that PCP may reduce the relative abundance of TRGs by altering the soil microbial community structure and inhibiting the potential host bacteria of TRGs. These findings have significant implications in understanding the combined pollution of veterinary antibiotics and OCPs. By shedding light on the interactions between these compounds and their impact on microbial communities, this study provides a theoretical basis for developing strategies to manage and mitigate their environmental impact, and may give some information regarding the sustainable use of antibiotics and pesticides to ensure the long-term health and productivity of agricultural systems.

Elucidating and forecasting the organochlorine pesticides in suspended particulate matter by a two-stage decomposition based interpretable deep learning approach

Accurately predicting the concentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) presents a challenge due to their complex sources and environmental behaviors. In this study, we introduced a novel and advanced model that combined the power of three distinct techniques: Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN), Variational Mode Decomposition (VMD), and a deep learning network of Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM). The objective is to characterize the variation in OCPs concentrations with high precision. Results show that the hybrid two-stage decomposition coupled models achieved an average symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE) of 23.24 % in the empirical analysis of typical surface water. It exhibited higher predictive power than the given individual benchmark models, which yielded an average SMAPE of 40.88 %, and single decomposition coupled models with an average SMAPE of 29.80 %. The proposed CEEMDAN-VMD-LSTM model, with an average SMAPE of 13.55 %, consistently outperformed the other models, yielding an average SMAPE of 33.53 %. A comparative analysis with shallow neural network methods demonstrated the advantages of the LSTM algorithm when coupled with secondary decomposition techniques for processing time series datasets. Furthermore, the interpretable analysis derived by the SHAP approach revealed that precipitation followed by the total phosphorus had strong effects on the predicted concentration of OCPs in the given water. The data presented herein shows the effectiveness of decomposition technique-based deep learning algorithms in capturing the dynamic characteristics of pollutants in surface water.

Pesticide occurrence and distribution in fogwater collected at four sites at Strasbourg metropolitan between 2015 and 2021

The presence of pesticides in fogwater plays a major role in accumulating relatively substantial levels of trace compounds due to their unique physico-chemical characteristics. The radiation wintertime fog in Alsace has been studied in the past few years (between 2015 and 2021) at four sites (Geispolsheim, Erstein, Strasbourg, and Cronenbourg). Fog samples are extracted using the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) performed on the XTR Chromabond cartridge coupled with gas/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS). The samples are found to be contaminated by 25 semi- and non-volatile currently-used and previously-banned pesticides (like procymidone) and 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) at notable levels and high detection frequency (DF). The analysis also reveals that Cronenbourg is the most contaminated site (31.5 ± 3.0 μg. L-1), followed by Erstein (23.1 ± 17.0 μg. L-1), Strasbourg (23.0 ± 3.5 μg. L-1), and Geispolsheim (22.8 ± 7.7 μg. L-1). Pearson and principal component analyses (PCA) prove the simultaneous application of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, and their atmospheric transport, mainly through west-southern air currents, from highly impacted sites to near-by urban and less impact sites (Strasbourg and Cronenbourg). The levels of OCPs are found at lower concentrations at all sites than other pesticides, of which dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites have the highest contribution (27%), while hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has the least contribution (3%). Ratio analysis indicates the historical emission of DDTs, whereas a recent and local input of lindane and endosulfan has been observed.

Occurrence and health risk estimate of organochlorine pesticides in fruits and vegetables matrices

Occurrence of 20 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in 60 organic and non-organic fruits and vegetables matrices was undertaken using QuEChERS Method EN 15662 for sample preparation analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The procedural method was validated by spiking the OCP standard solutions at three fortified levels at 10, 50, and 100 µg/kg wet weight (ww) to the real matrix of fruit and vegetable with good recovery ranging from 75 to 108% with relative standard deviation (RSD) ≤ 11%, and the limits of detection and quantification (LODs and LOQs) were 0.002-0.02 μg/kg and 0.004-0.1 μg/kg ww, respectively. The assessment of health risks associated with pesticide residues through consumption of vegetables and fruits and the effect of washing and peeling on concentration of various pesticides were also studied. The results showed that the concentration levels of 60% of samples were lower than the LOQs, while the rest was contaminated by OCP residues. Organic fruits and vegetables showed the absence of OCPs, while several of the studied compounds were detected from conventional agriculture. Skin removal (peeling) was the most effective strategy to eliminate or decrease pesticide residues, and should be one of the solutions to reduce the health impact of pesticides in fruits and vegetables. The analysis of health risk assessment was based on the use of the estimated average daily intake (EDI), hazard index (HI), and hazard ratio (HR) for individuals in two weight categories: children (weighing 16.7 kg) and adults (weighing 60 kg). The HI values were less than 1 suggesting that there was no probable non-carcinogenic health effect, except for heptachlor for children (HI of 1.285). However, the values of HR revealed that children were more susceptible to the carcinogenic health effect associated with consuming contaminated vegetables.

Association between persistent organic pollutants in human milk and the infant growth and development throughout the first year postpartum in a cohort from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are compounds that are recalcitrant and ubiquitous that bioaccumulate in human milk (HM) and can impact infant growth and development. We explore the association between POP concentration in HM at 2-50 days postpartum and infant growth and development trajectory throughout the first year of life. A cohort of 68 healthy adult Brazilian women and their infants were followed from 28 to 35 gestational weeks to 12 months postpartum. HM samples were collected between 2 and 50 days postpartum, and POP concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Concentrations of POPs >limit of quantification (LOQ) were defined as presence, and concentrations ≤LOQ as an absence. Growth z-scores were analyzed according to WHO growth charts and infant development scores according to Age & Stages Questionnaires at 1 (n = 66), 6 (n = 50), and 12 months (n = 45). Linear mixed effects (LME) models were used to investigate the association of POPs in HM with infant growth and development. Benjamini-Hochberg (BH) correction for multiple testing was performed to reduce the false discovery ratio. P < 0.1 was considered for models with the interaction between POPs and time/sex. After BH correction, adjusted LME models with time interaction showed (1) a positive association between the presence of β hexachlorocyclohexane and an increase in head circumference-for-age z-score (β = 0.003, P = 0.095); (2) negative associations between total POPs (β = -0.000002, P = 0.10), total organochlorine pesticides (β = -0.000002, P = 0.10), and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene concentrations in HM (β = -0.000002, P = 0.10) and fine motor scores. No statistical difference between the sexes was observed. Postnatal exposure to organochlorine pesticides in HM shows a positive association with the trajectory of head circumference-for-age z-score and a negative association with the trajectories of fine motor skills scores. Future studies on POP variation in HM at different postpartum times and their effect on infant growth and development should be encouraged.

Density tunable dispersive solid phase extraction of four organochlorine pesticides from edible oil sample using rhodamine B as a sorbent prior to GC-MS analysis

In this study, a new method was used to evaluate the levels of four organochlorine pesticides in edible samples. In this method, a density tunable dispersive solid phase extraction procedure was coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Rhodamine B was used as a sorbent, which was distributed throughout the oil matrix with the aid of evaporation of methanol. This process enabled the possibility of effective extraction and preconcentration of the target analytes. To achieve this goal, several factors affecting the extraction efficiency, including the type and volume of diluent, the amount of rhodamine B, the volume of methanol, and the temperature of the ultrasonic bath were carefully evaluated. This method provided low detection limits (from 0.21 to 0.36 ng g-1), wide linear range (1.1-100 ng g-1) and acceptable extraction recoveries (64-72%) and enrichment factors (102-115). The precision of the method was evaluated by calculating the relative standard deviation, which ranged from 3.6 to 6.8% for intra- and 3.1 to 8.8% for inter-day precisions. The investigated method reduced the interference of the matrix and provided the possibility of quantitative determination of the studied organochlorine pesticides in various oil samples (canola, corn, sunflower, and olive). This method introduced a reliable analytical tool for the monitoring of the pesticide residues in different oil samples by providing capabilities such as simplicity, sensitivity, and compatibility with the environment.

Associations of polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides with metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease among Chinese adults: Effect modification by lifestyle

Exposure to environmental pollutants and unhealthy lifestyles are key risk factors for metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). While previous studies have suggested links between exposure to organochlorine pesticides (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and MAFLD, the results have been inconsistent. Furthermore, the combined effects of PCBs and OCPs on MAFLD and whether lifestyle factors can modify the associations remain unknown. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the individual and joint effects of PCBs and OCPs on MAFLD and explore the potential modifying role of lifestyle. The study included 1923 participants from Wuhan, China. MAFLD was diagnosed based on ultrasonically diagnosed hepatic steatosis and the presence of overweight/obese, diabetes mellitus, or metabolic dysregulation. Healthy lifestyle score was determined by smoking, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and diet. Logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) were used to assess associations of individual and mixture of PCBs/OCPs with MAFLD. To explore the potential lifestyle modification, joint associations of PCBs/OCPs and lifestyle on MAFLD were conducted. Single-pollutant analysis showed positive associations of p,p'-DDE, β-HCH, PCB-153, and PCB-180 with MAFLD, with ORs (95% CIs) of 1.18 (1.05, 1.33), 1.57 (1.20, 2.05), 1.45 (1.14, 1.83), and 1.42 (1.12, 1.80), respectively. WQS regression demonstrated a harmful effect of PCBs/OCPs mixture on MAFLD (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.24, 2.43), with β-HCH, p,p'-DDE, and PCB-180 being the major contributors. In the joint association analysis, participants with both high PCBs/OCPs exposure and unhealthy lifestyle have the highest odds of MAFLD. In conclusion, exposure to the mixture of PCBs and OCPs was positively correlated with MAFLD, and adopting a healthy lifestyle can mitigate the adverse impact.

Post-synthetic modification of covalent organic framework for efficient adsorption of organochlorine pesticides from cattle's milk

Analysis of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) residues in milk faces a significant challenge. Herein, a sea urchin structured covalent organic framework bearing boric acid groups named COF-B(OH)2 was synthesized and applied as a coating material for solid-phase microextraction (SPME) of the OCPs in cattle's milk. Its performance was superior to that of three commonly used commercial SPME fibers, which could be due to the coexistence of hydrogen bonding, halogen bonding, π-stacking and electrostatic interactions. Besides, the fiber coating displayed good stability and reusability. After optimization, a COF-B(OH)2 based SPME coupled with gas chromatography-electron capture detection was established for the sensitive detection of the OCPs from milk samples. The limits of detection (S/N = 3) were between 0.04 and 1.00 μg kg-1. Satisfactory accuracy was achieved with the method recoveries in the range of 87.5 % to 112.5 %. These results manifest the feasibility of the COF-B(OH)2 coated fiber for the enrichment of the trace OCPs from milk samples.

Optimization and uncertainty assessment of a gas chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry method to determine organic contaminants in blood: A case study of an endangered seabird

Birds are excellent bioindicators of environmental pollution, and blood provides information on contaminant exposure, although its analysis is challenging because of the low volumes that can be sampled. The objective of the present study was to optimize and validate a miniaturized and functional extraction and analytical method based on gas chromatography coupled to Orbitrap mass spectrometry (GCOrbitrap-MS) for the trace analysis of contaminants in avian blood. Studied compounds included 25 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), 6 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 8 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Four extraction and clean-up conditions were optimized and compared in terms of efficiency, accuracy, and uncertainty assessment. Extraction with hexane:dichloromethane and miniaturized Florisil pipette clean-up was the most adequate considering precision and accuracy, time, and costs, and was thereafter used to analyse 20 blood samples of a pelagic seabird, namely the Bermuda petrel (Pterodroma cahow). This species, endemic to the Northwest Atlantic, is among the most endangered seabirds of the region that in the '60 faced a decrease in the breeding success likely linked to a consistent exposure to dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). Indeed, p,p'-DDE, the main DDT metabolite, was detected in all samples and ranged bewteen 1.13 and 6.87 ng/g wet weight. Other ubiquitous compounds were PCBs (ranging from 0.13 to 6.76 ng/g ww), hexachlorobenzene, and mirex, while PAHs were sporadically detected at low concentrations, and PBDEs were not present. Overall, the extraction method herein proposed allowed analysing very small blood volumes (∼ 100 µL), thus respecting ethical principles prioritising the application of less-invasive sampling protocols, fundamental when studying threatened avian species.

Review of scientific literature on available methods of assessing organochlorine pesticides in the environment

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) widely used in agriculture and industry, causing serious health and ecological consequences upon exposure. This review offers a thorough overview of OCPs analysis emphasizing the necessity of ongoing work to enhance the identification and monitoring of these POPs in environmental and human samples. The benefits and drawbacks of the various OCPs analysis techniques including gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), gas chromatography-electron capture detector (GC-ECD), and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) are discussed. Challenges associated with validation and optimization criteria, including accuracy, precision, limit of detection (LOD), and limit of quantitation (LOQ), must be met for a method to be regarded as accurate and reliable. Suitable quality control measures, such as method blanks and procedural blanks, are emphasized. The LOD and LOQ are critical quality control measure for efficient quantification of these compounds, and researchers have explored various techniques for their calculation. Matrix interference, solubility, volatility, and partition coefficient influence OCPs occurrences and are discussed in this review. Validation experiments, as stated by European Commission in document SANTE/11813/2017, showed that the acceptance criteria for method validation of OCP analytes include ≤20 % for high precision, and 70-120 % for recovery. This may ultimately be vital for determining the human health risk effects of exposure to OCP and for formulating sensible environmental and public health regulations.

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in surface sediments from river networks, South Korea: Spatial distribution, source identification, and ecological risks

In this study, the nationwide monitoring of 65 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 23 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments was conducted at 77 sites in river networks in South Korea. The concentrations of ∑PCBs were relatively high in industrial sites (0.0297-138 ng/g dry weight (dw); mean 15.1 ng/g dw; median 5.44 ng/g dw), followed by industrial and agricultural (not detected (ND)-15.2 ng/g dw; mean 1.23 ng/g dw; median 0.513 ng/g dw), other sites (0.0369-0.209 ng/g dw; mean 0.116 ng/g dw; median 0.101 ng/g dw), and agricultural (0.0119-0.359 ng/g dw; mean 0.117 ng/g dw; median 0.0476 ng/g dw). The distribution and composition of PCBs in sediments are affected by past use of commercial products, atmospheric deposition, wastewater effluents, and manufacturing processes. The concentrations of ∑OCPs in industrial sites ranged from 0.0587 to 8.70 ng/g dw (mean 1.85 ng/g dw; median 0.989 ng/g dw), followed by industrial and agricultural (ND-8.54 ng/g dw; mean 0.739 ng/g dw; median 0.343 ng/g dw), other sites (0.0247-0.143 ng/g dw; mean 0.0939 ng/g dw; median 0.114 ng/g dw), and agricultural (0.00838-0.931 ng/g dw; mean 0.232 ng/g dw; median 0.0752 ng/g dw). Hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorobenzene are unintentionally generated in industries and combustion processes. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and chlordane were dominantly distributed by historical use, whereas recent inputs (i.e., long-range transport and atmospheric deposition) were related to aldrin, heptachlor, and hexachlorocyclohexanes. The ecological risks determined by the sediment quality guidelines and mean probable effect level quotients were acceptable, except at two sites.

Association of high organochlorine pesticide serum levels with oxidative stress in intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer

It has been revealed that certain organochlorine pesticides may increase the risk of gastric cancer incidence among farm workers. This research aimed to assay levels of 7 different organochlorine pesticides in the serum of functional dyspepsia, intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer patients, along with measuring oxidative stress parameters compared to the control group and their associations. The levels of organochlorine pesticides in the serum of gastric cancer (n = 34), intestinal metaplasia (n = 8), functional dyspepsia patients (n = 48) and control group (n = 46), were measured by gas chromatography equipment. Oxidative stress parameters and erythrocyte acetylcholine esterase activity were also measured in these individuals. The levels of some organochlorine pesticides in the serum of gastric cancer patients were significantly higher than those in the control group. Moreover, the profiles of organochlorine pesticide concentrations were different in gastric cancer, intestinal metaplasia and functional dyspepsia patients. Overall, oxidant parameters were significantly higher in gastric cancer and intestinal metaplasia patients than those in functional dyspepsia patients and the control group, except in the case of malondialdehyde. The antioxidant and acetylcholine esterase enzyme activities were significantly higher in the control group than in other groups. Our results showed that progression from functional dyspepsia towards intestinal metaplasia and gastric cancer was associated with elevations in organochlorine pesticide serum levels, which had an association with the induction of oxidative stress and the reduction of antioxidant and acetylcholine esterase enzyme activities.

Serum concentrations of persistent endocrine-disrupting chemicals in U.S. military personnel: A comparison by race/ethnicity and sex

OBJECTIVES/BACKGROUND

We evaluated patterns of serum concentrations of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in a U.S. military sample by race/ethnicity (R/E) and sex.

METHODS

Twenty-three EDCs were measured in stored serum samples obtained between 1995 and 2010 for 708 service members from the Department of Defense Serum Repository. For each EDC, geometric means (GM) were estimated using log-transformed concentrations in a linear regression model, for eight combined R/E/sex groups: non-Hispanic White (NHW), non-Hispanic Black (NHB), non-Hispanic Asian (NHA), and Hispanic men and women, adjusted for age and service branch and stratified by age tertile ("younger age": 17-23, "middle age": 24-30, and "older age": 31-52 years). Comparisons were made between our military sample and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2003-2004 data for NHW and NHB groups.

RESULTS

Within our military sample, the highest PCB concentrations were among older age NHB men and women and highest OCP concentrations among older age NHB women and NHA men. PBDE concentrations were generally highest in middle age Hispanic women and NHA men, though based on small sample size. Generally, NHB men and women had higher concentrations of EDCs in both the military and NHANES.

CONCLUSIONS

We found patterns of elevated EDC concentrations among NHB, NHA, and Hispanic groups in the military sample and for NHB men and women in NHANES. There were no consistent patterns of higher or lower EDCs comparing the military to NHANES. Future studies of EDCs and health outcomes should stratify by R/E/sex to account for potential disparities in EDC concentrations.

Persistent organic pollutants and cognitive decline among middle-aged or older adults in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos

Persistent organic pollutants may negatively impact cognition; however, associations between persistent organic pollutants and changes in cognition among United States Hispanic/Latino adults have not been investigated. Herein, we examined the associations between 33 persistent organic pollutants and cognitive changes among 1837 Hispanic/Latino adults. At baseline (2008-2011; Visit 1), participants provided biospecimens in which we measured levels of 5 persistent pesticides or pesticide metabolites, 4 polybrominated diphenyl ethers and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl, and 24 polychlorinated biphenyls. At Visit 1 and again at Visit 2 (2015-2018), a battery of neurocognitive tests was administered which included the Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test, Word Fluency Test, and Digit Symbol Substitution Test. To estimate the adjusted associations between changes in cognition and each POP, we used linear regression for survey data. Each doubling in plasma levels of polychlorinated biphenyls 146, 178, 194, 199/206, and 209 was associated with steeper declines in global cognition (βs range:-0.053 to -0.061) with stronger associations for the Brief-Spanish English Verbal Learning Test. Persistent organic pollutants, in particular polychlorinated biphenyls, were associated with declines in cognition over 7 years and may be a concern for Hispanic/Latino adults.

Public healthcare costs associated with long-term exposure to mixtures of persistent organic pollutants in two areas of Southern Spain: A longitudinal analysis

BACKGROUND

Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides are persistent organic pollutants (POPs) that had been banned or restricted in many countries, including Spain. However, their ubiquity still poses environmental and human health threats.

OBJECTIVE

To longitudinally explore public healthcare costs associated with long-term exposure to a mixture of 8 POPs in a cohort of residents of two areas of Granada Province, Southern Spain.

METHODS

Longitudinal study in a subsample (n = 385) of GraMo adult cohort. Exposure assessment was performed by analyzing adipose tissue POP concentrations at recruitment. Average primary care (APC) and average hospital care (AHC) expenditures of each participant over 14 years were estimated using the data from their medical records. Data analyses were performed by robust MM regression, weighted quantile sum regression (WQS) and G-computation analysis.

RESULTS

In the adjusted robust MM models for APC, most POPs showed positive beta coefficients, being Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) significantly associated (β: 1.87; 95% Confidence interval (95%CI): 0.17, 3.57). The magnitude of this association increased (β: 3.72; 95%CI: 0.80, 6.64) when the analyses were restricted to semi-rural residents, where β-HCH was also marginally-significantly associated to APC (β: 3.40; 95%CI: -0.10, 6.90). WQS revealed a positive but non-significant mixture association with APC (β: 0.14; 95%CI: -0.06, 0.34), mainly accounted for by β-HCH (54%) and HCB (43%), that was borderline-significant in the semi-rural residents (β: 0.23; 95%CI: -0.01, 0.48). No significant results were observed in G-Computation analyses.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exposure to POP mixtures might represent a modifiable factor increasing healthcare costs, thus affecting the efficiency of the healthcare systems. However, and owing the complexity of the potential causal pathways and the limitations of the present study, further research is warranted to fully elucidate ascertain whether interventions to reduce human exposure should be considered in healthcare policies.

Pesticides exposure in pregnant Argentinian women: Potential relations with the residence areas and the anthropometric neonate parameters

Intrauterine environment is the first chemical exposure scenario in life, through transplacental transfer. In this study, the aim was to determine concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and selected current use pesticides in the placentas of pregnant women from Argentina. Socio-demographic information, the mother's lifestyle and neonatal characteristics were also analysed and related to pesticides residue concentrations. Thus, 85 placentas were collected at birth, from an area of intensive fruit production for the international market, in Patagonia Argentina. Concentrations of 23 pesticides including, trifluralin (herbicide), the fungicides chlorothalonil and HCB, and the insecticides chlorpyrifos, HCHs, endosulfans, DDTs, chlordanes, heptachlors, drins and metoxichlor, were determined by GC-ECD and GC-MS. Results were first analysed all together and then grouped by their residential settings, in urban and rural groups. Total mean pesticide concentration was 582.6 ± 1034.4 ng/g lw, where DDTs (325.9 ± 950.3 ng/g lw) and chlorpyrifos (188.4 ± 365.4 ng/g lw) showed a high contribution. Pesticide levels found exceeded those reported in low, middle and high income countries from Europe, Asia and Africa. In general, pesticides concentrations were not associated with neonatal anthropometric parameters. When the results were analysed by residence place, significantly higher concentrations of total pesticides and chlorpyrifos (Mann Whitney test p = 0.0003 and p = 0.032, respectively) were observed in placentas collected from mothers living in rural settings compared to urban areas. Rural pregnant women presented the highest pesticide burden (5.9 μg), where DDTs and chlorpyrifos were the major constituents. These results suggested that all pregnant women are highly exposed to complex pesticide mixtures, including banned OCPs and the widely used chlorpyrifos. Based on the pesticide concentrations found, our results warn of possible health impacts from prenatal exposure through transplacental transfer. This is one of the first reports of both chlorpyrifos and chlorothalonil concentrations in placental tissue, and contributes to the knowledge of current pesticide exposure in Argentina.

The European Chub (Squalius cephalus) as an indicator of reservoirs pollution and human health risk assessment associated with its consumption

Five reservoirs (Vlasina, Medjuvršje, Zaovine, Perućac, and Garaši) in Serbia were chosen as study sites, which differ by their position, purpose, stages of eutrophication, management policies, and levels of anthropogenic pressure. The objectives of this research were to: determine the concentrations of 26 elements in muscle, gills, and liver of the European chub by inductively-coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES); determine the concentrations of 17 organochlorine pesticides in fish muscle by gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC-MS); compare these findings with condition factor (CF) and histopathological (HP) biomarkers; and assess the potential human health risks due to consumption of chub muscle tissue. The highest elemental accumulation was found in the gills. The European chub was not a good indicator of Pb pollution between reservoirs. Concentrations of Hg, As, and Cu were low and did not exceed the proscribed maximum allowed concentrations (MACs). 4,4'-DDE was detected only in individuals from Vlasina, 4,4'-DDD from Perućac and Zaovine, and heptachlor from Zaovine. Low to moderate levels of HP were observed for both gills and liver in all studied reservoirs. HP index for gills was significantly higher for Zaovine compared to Vlasina. Significantly lower HP index for liver and the total HP index value were observed for fish from Vlasina compared to Perućac. No significant human health risks due to the intake of examined pollutants in each reservoir were recorded; women were at higher risk compared to men. A reason for concern is a few muscle samples from Garaši, Vlasina, Perućac, and Medjuvršje in which Cd exceeded the MAC. A reservoir for water supply (Garaši) is generally considered the safest for fish consumption.

Levels of organochlorine pesticides in onion and tomato samples from selected towns of Jimma Zone, Ethiopia

This study aimed to determine residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in tomato and onion samples collected from selected markets in the Jimma zone. A QuEChERS (Quick, Easy, Cheap, Effective, Rugged, and Safe) method was used for sample preparation followed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) for OCPs analysis. The method used showed wide linear ranges from 5-50 μg/L for all eight pesticides, with R2 values ≥ 0.992. The LOD values for the pesticides tested ranged from 0.14 μg/kg for p,p'-DDE to 2.40 μg/kg for p,p-DDT. LOQ values ranged from 0.46 μg/kg for p,p-DDE to 8.32 μg/kg for p,p'-DDT. The recoveries ranged from 74.84 - 109.45 % except for β-BHC (67.82 %). While most of the OCPs in the onion and tomato samples met European Union (EU) and Codex standards, some exceeded the limits. Methoxychlor and p,p'-DDT in onions, and methoxychlor, p,p'-DDT, α-BHC, and δ-BHC in some tomatoes, were detected above the permitted levels. Specific OCPs were not detected in some samples including aldrin in Meki Tomato (Mek-T), γ-chlordane in Agaro Tomato (Ag-T), and p,p'-DDE in Gera Tomato (Ger-T). The residual concentrations of OCPs varied among the samples. Among tomatoes, Gera had the highest percentage of detected OCPs contaminants (37 %), followed by Agaro (34.34 %) and Meki (28.55 %). Similarly, Sire onion (SrO) had the highest percentage of detected OCPs (28 %) compared to Minjer (25.16 %), Shewa Robit (25.10 %), and Sudan onion (22.25 %). In conclusion, most tomato and onion samples analyzed in this study contained OCP residues highlighting the importance of conducting a consumer health risk assessment.

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and organochlorine pesticides in sea snakes (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae) from Sharjah, United Arab Emirates

This study reports OCP and PAH concentrations in the tissues of stranded sea snakes from Sharjah, UAE. Samples from 10 Hydrophis lapemoides, 2 Hydrophis ornatus and 1 Hydrophis curtus were analyzed. Muscle, liver and fat tissues were extracted using micro-QuEChERs, followed by d-SPE and analyzed using GC/MS. Higher concentrations of OCPs were detected, while PAHs were more frequently detected. Significant correlations suggest that OCPs and PAHs do bioaccumulate in the tissues of sea snakes. Additionally, OCPs with lower log Kow (octanol-water partition coefficient) values were mainly detected in the muscle samples of H. lapemoides, whereas OCPs with higher log Kow values were more commonly present in the liver and fat samples. The concentrations of OCPs reported in this study were higher than those previously documented in other marine reptiles in the UAE or sea snakes from different geographical regions.