Persistent organochlorine residues in fish and water birds from the Biobio river, Chile

Organochlorine pesticides in surface waters from Reloncaví Fjord and the inner sea of Chiloé (~39.5°S - 43°S), Chilean Patagonia

Surface water samples from the environmental continuum spanning rivers (Petrohue, Cochamo, Puelo), fjord (Reloncaví), and the inner sea of Chiloé in Chilean Patagonia were analyzed to estimate concentration and distribution of dissolved Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). High concentrations of HCHs, DDTs and endosulfan found in surface waters from rivers suggest that rivers are the major source of dissolved OCPs to coastal marine ecosystems. We interpret variations in the distribution and concentration as an apparent oscillation between rain and snow-scavenging processes that might determine the type of OCPs that can be preferentially deposited on mountains, glaciers, rivers, estuaries, and finally transferred to the marine realm. Predominance of α-HCH, γ-HCH, p,p'-DDE and α-endosulfan compounds suggest that the main deposition mechanism of OCPs to the Chilean Patagonia is rain scavenging. Snow and rain can be additional sources of OCPs that must be considered for future studies in fjord systems in Chilean Patagonia.

Levels of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) in sediments from Lenga estuary, central Chile

Superficial sediments from Lenga estuary in the VIII region of central Chile were analysed for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Hexachlorobenzene (HCB). Organic carbon (OC) analysis was also performed and the statistical correlations (Pearson correlations) between compounds were also tested. Results showed the total PCB concentrations (ng g(-)(1)d.w.) fluctuated from ∼ 20 to 10,000. These levels are higher than those reported in other coastal sediments of the world. The PCB profile was dominated by middle to highly chlorinated congeners (6-Cl=40% and 7-Cl=30%). HCB concentrations (ng g(-)(1)d.w.), were lower than the PCBs and, fluctuated between 1 (at L1) and 870 (at L4). OC values ranged from 1% (L1) to 7% (L4) showing a significant positive correlations between OC% and PCBs (r=0.86; p<0.05) and for HCB (r=0.71). These results are an important contribution to knowledge of levels of POPs levels in coastal Chilean environments.

Chemical characterization of organic microcontaminant sources and biological effects in riverine sediments impacted by urban sewage and pulp mill discharges

The Biobío River basin is highly impacted by a variety of anthropogenic activities such as pulp mills and urban wastewaters subjected to different treatment processes. This work assesses for the first time, the contamination source and biological effects (estrogenic and dioxin-like activities) in the river basin by the determination of 45 organic microcontaminants in seven sediment samples. Pressurized solvent extraction combined with two-dimensional comprehensive gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry was employed for this purpose. The organic microcontaminants identified comprise monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, ionones, lineal alkyl benzenes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, musk fragrances, sterols and phathalate esters. The presence of pine and eucalyptus pulp mill effluents increased the abundance of resin-derived neutral compounds and monoterpenes respectively. A principal component analysis showed that the Biobío River basin was impacted by domestic wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), pine or eucalyptus Kraft pulp mills and pyrolytic and pyrogenic processes. Finally, the recombinant yeast assays showed that the presence of estrogenic and dioxin-like activity was mostly located in sediments impacted by domestic WWTP effluents.

Assessment of environmental pollutants in ten southern Italy harbor sediments

In 2003–2006, the distribution of macronutrients and pollutants of environmental interest was investigated in surficial sediments collected from 10 southern Italy harbors selected in four different regions. About 167 stations were sampled to determine levels of total organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorous, trace elements (Al, Cd, Pb, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, Hg, As), short- and long-chain aliphatic hydrocarbons ( Hy C > 12 and Hy C < 12), and concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons [PAHs], p-p-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene ( 4,4′-DDE), and Hexachlorobenzene (HCB). General relationships between studied variables and harbors systems were explored by multivariate statistical approaches. Results show that wide fluctuations are reported for all variables both among harbors and inside each studied system. Principal components analysis suggests that major significance in explaining total average variability is due to lead, copper, zinc, silts, sands, and PAHs. No significance has been observed when testing nonmetric multidimensional scaling distributions relating with the factor “region,” while performing analyses on factor “main human activity,” a higher significance is observed. These results suggest a strong relationship between the main human use of marine systems and observed pollution levels in sediments.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins, -furans, and -biphenyls in three species of Antarctic penguins

BACKGROUND, AIMS AND SCOPE

Fish-eating seabirds are recognized to be at risk of accumulating toxic contaminants due to their high position in the trophic web and to their low ability to metabolize xenobiotic compounds. Penguins are widely distributed in Antarctica and represent an important fraction of the Antarctic biomass. They feed mainly on krill and, depending on krill availability, also on fish. It has been reported that predators may be a sink for volatile and toxic chemicals and this may pose a serious environmental problem. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), -furans (PCDFs), and -biphenyls (PCBs), including non-ortho congeners, hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and p,p'-DDE, were quantified in three species of Antarctic Pygoscelids in order to evaluate their accumulation patterns. The potential toxicity of twenty-two dioxin-like congeners was assessed and expressed as 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD equivalents (TEQs). Differences between males and females were investigated.

METHODS

Blood samples of the Adélie penguin Pygoscelis adeliae, Chinstrap penguin Pygoscelis antarctica and Gentoo penguin Pygoscelis papua were collected at Admiralty Bay, King George Is (62 degrees 10'39" S, 58 degrees 26'46" W) in February 2004. Halogenated hydrocarbons were identified and quantified using gas chromatography coupled with gas chromatography mass spectrometry analyses. Results are expressed on a wet weight basis.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

HCB, p,p'-DDE and sigmaPCBs were higher in Adélie penguins (6.7 +/- 6.1, 8.2 +/- 3.3 and 9.8 +/- 3.8 ng/g, respectively) than in Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, both of which showed values in the same order of magnitude, but approximately 40% lower than Adélie penguins. Hexa-CBs ranged 35-45% of the residue. Low-chlorinated PCBs (nos. 70+76+95+ 56+60+101) accounted for 40-60% in the three species. PCB101 made up 15% of the residue in Adélie penguins. PBDEs were 291 +/- 477, 107 +/- 104 and 116 +/- 108 pg/g in Adélie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, respectively; the most abundant congeners were BDE47 in Adélie and Chinstrap penguins and BDE17 in Gentoo penguins. PCDDs were 22 +/- 32, 6.5 +/- 7.4 and 18 +/- 23 pg/g in Adélie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, respectively. PCDFs were higher in Adélie penguins and lower in Chinstrap penguins. PCDDs/Fs and PBDEs were higher in males than in females of Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins; differences in concentrations were likely related to the partial detoxification that occurs in females during egg formation. Of the four non-ortho PCBs measured, PCB126 occurred at the highest concentrations and contributed the majority of the non-ortho PCB-TEQ in Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins. The highest TEQs were found in the Gentoo penguin and due mainly to PCDDs and non-ortho PCBs.

CONCLUSIONS

POP concentrations in penguins were lower than those found in seabird species from other areas of the world. Different chemical accumulation patterns were observed in relation to species and sex; the Adélie penguin showed the highest POP levels. Dissimilar ecological or metabolic features may be involved; the diverse timing of reproduction steps can be responsible for those differences; moreover, Adélie penguins feed on krill (a fatty resource) more abundantly than the other two species during the rearing period.

RECOMMENDATION AND OUTLOOK

The South Shetland Islands might be subjected to a higher chemical impact with respect to the rest of Antarctica, due to their being near South America. Because penguins are fish-eating birds showing low detoxifying capacities and key-species in Antarctic ecosystems, further studies on their xenobiotic metabolism should be carried out.

Analysis of CYP4501A1, PAHs metabolites in bile, and genotoxic damage in Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to Biobío River sediments, Central Chile

The responses of cytochrome P4501A1 in the liver, the appearance of fluorescent metabolites in bile, and genotoxic damage in erythrocytes were studied in Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed under laboratory conditions to sediments taken from the Biobio River, central Chile. Samples were taken at four sampling sites in the Biobio River, following a pollution gradient from the discharge, where Stations 2 and 3 are impacted by a petrochemical industrial discharge effluent. Chemical analysis indicates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) presence in a range of 2000 to 7000 ng g(-1) dry weight in sediments from Stations 2 and 3, respectively. Both the CYP1A1 activity and the bile metabolites of O. mykiss exposed to the PAH-contaminated sediments present statistically significant differences with respect to the other stations. Additionally, the comet assay revealed notable genotoxic damage in trout erythrocytes from Stations 2 and 3, an effect that was not observed at the other stations.

Effects of pulp and paper mill effluents on the microplankton and microbial self-purification capabilities of the Biobío River, Chile

Most studies focus on the ecotoxicity of pulp and paper mill effluents, rather than on how they affect the physicochemical and biological structure and the intrinsic ecological capabilities of the receiving watercourses. We investigated the impact of such effluents on the water quality, microplankton system and microbial self-purification capacity (degradation of polymeric organic compounds via extracellular enzymes) of the Biobío River in Chile. The physicochemical impact on the water quality was indicated by raised conductivity, by the pollution of the water body with nitrate, nitrite and soluble reactive phosphorus, by the appearance of tannin and lignin, and by the steady accumulation of inorganic and organic suspended matter (SPM) along the river. From the biological structure of the microplankton system, very low and declining concentrations of chlorophyll a and heterotrophic flagellate densities were determined. The pulp and paper mill effluents introduced high bacterial abundances and biomass concentrations into the river water. This reflects the effective use made of the abundantly available inorganic and organic nutrients within this industrial and municipal process water by bacteria adapted to these extreme environments, additionally supported by concomitant low grazing pressure derivable from low heterotrophic flagellate abundances. Indeed, in one section of the river affected by a pulp mill, the plant was found to significantly contribute to the self-cleaning capacity of the river. However, this elevated degradation capacity was not enough to compensate for the additionally discharged organic material which, together with the toxic effects of the paper plant effluents, significantly interferes with the ecological status of the Biobío River.

Occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in belgian human adipose tissue samples

Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in 53 human adipose tissue samples. The samples consisted of adipose tissue from 31 men and 22 women having a mean age of 53 years. No information about diet or occupational exposure was collected. Cleanup was performed using a glass column containing acidified silica, deactivated alumina, and anhydrous sodium sulphate. Subsequently, samples were analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. PBDE concentrations (sum of BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 154, 153, and 183) ranged between 1.23 and 57.2 ng g(-1) lipid weight and were comparable with levels in samples from other European countries. The sum of seven International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES) indicator PCB congeners (PCBs 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180) ranged from 126 to 2090 ng g(-1) lipid weight. No age dependency was found for PBDEs (Pearson correlation -0.023, p = 0.873), whereas PCBs showed higher correlation coefficients with age (Pearson correlation 0.613, p < 0.0005). There was no relationship between PBDE and PCB levels (Pearson correlation -0.010, p = 0.943).

EROD induction and PCDD/F levels in fish liver from the Biobio River in Chile

The Biobio River basin, located in central Chile, is one of the most important freshwater resources for a population of 1 million inhabitants. The river receives discharges of pulp mills, sewage treatment plants and there is a diffuse input of materials coming from the drainage basin. Previous studies reported high levels of etoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) induction in fish from the lower stretch of the river, mainly due to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) exposure. The present study investigates polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) levels as well as EROD induction in fish livers from Central Chile's Biobio River. Dioxin and furan levels in fish livers are reported for the first time in three areas of the Basin. In all samples the highest concentrations were found for the octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) and PCDD/F TEQ concentrations ranged from 2.83 to 6.33 ppt (wet weight). The results indicate a clear induction of EROD activity in different fish species as the river mouth is approached, although this induction is not clearly related with dioxin and furan levels found in the fish livers. Our results clearly show that other pollutants might be acting as EROD inductors in the Biobio Basin.

Persistent toxic substances in soils and waters along an altitudinal gradient in the Laja River Basin, Central Southern Chile

In this study the levels and distribution of some persistent toxic substances (PTS) were investigated in soils, superficial water, and snow along an altitudinal gradient in the Laja River Basin (South Central Chile). The principal objective was to establish the basin's contamination status. The working hypothesis was that PTS levels and distribution in the basin are dependent on the degree of anthropogenic intervention. Fifteen PAHs, seven PCBs congeners, and three organochlorine pesticides were studied in superficial soil and water samples obtained along the altitudinal gradient and from a coastal reference station (Lleu-Lleu River). Soil samples were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction with acetone/cyclohexane (1:1) for PAHs and organochlorine compounds. Contaminants were extracted from water and snow samples by liquid-liquid extraction (LLE). PAH and organochlorine compound quantification was carried out by HPLC with fluorescence detection and GC-MS, respectively. PCBs in soils presented four different profiles in the altitudinal gradient, mainly determined by their chlorination degree; these profiles were not observed for the chlorinated pesticides. In general, the detected levels for the analyzed compounds were low for soils when compared with soil data from other remote areas of the world. Higher summation operator PAHs levels in soils were found in the station located at 227 masl (4243 ng g-1 TOC), in a forestry area and near a timber industry, where detected levels were up to eight times higher than the other sampling sites. In general, PAH levels and distribution seems to be dependent on local conditions. No pesticides were detected in surface waters. However, congeners of PCBs were detected in almost all sampling stations with the highest levels being found in Laja Lake waters, where 1.1 ng/l were observed. This concentration is two times higher than values reported for polluted lakes in the Northern Hemisphere. The presence of organochlorine compound in snow sampled at the highest elevation point of the basin is indicative of the transport and atmospheric deposition phenomena of alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH and PCB 52, with values being similar to the levels reported in Canadian snow samples. We conclude that environmental PTS substance levels are in general relatively low, although PAHs may be of concern in some areas of the basin.

Passive-sampler derived air concentrations of persistent organic pollutants on a north-south transect in Chile

Passive air samplers consisting of polyurethane foam (PUF) disks, were deployed in six locations in Chile along a north-south transect to investigate gas-phase concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The study provides new information on air concentrations of these persistent organic pollutants (POPs) which is lacking in this region. It also provides insight into potential sources and long-range transport (LRT). The samplers were deployed for a 2-month period in five remote sites and one site in the city of Concepción. Mean concentrations (pg m(-3)) for sigmaPCB were 4.7 +/- 2.7 at remote sites and 53 +/- 13 in Concepción. PCB levels at remote sites were related to proximity to urban source regions and/or air back trajectories. With the exception of endosulfan I, mean concentrations (pg m(-3)) of OCPs at background sites were consistently low: 5.4 +/- 1.4 for alpha-HCH, 7.0 +/- 1.1 for gamma-HCH, 2.5 +/- 0.5 for TC, 2.5 +/- 0.6 for CC, 1.9 +/- 1.2 for dieldrin, and less than 3.5 for toxaphene. Endosulfan I showed a decreasing concentration gradient from 99 to 3.5 pg m(-3) from the north to south of Chile. Concentrations of OCPs in the Concepción City were generally 10-20 times higher than at the background sites suggesting continued usage and/or re-emission from past use. For instance, at remote sites, the alpha/gamma ratio (0.76) was typical of background air, while the ratio in Concepción (0.12) was consistent with fresh use of gamma-HCH. Levels of sigmaPBDEs were below the detection limit of 6 pg m(-3) at all sites.

PCBs and HCHs in a salt-marsh sediment record from South-Central Chile: use of tsunami signatures and 137Cs fallout as temporal markers

This paper documents the occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) deposition inferred from a sedimentary record exposed in a salt-marsh trench in South-Central Chile. Sediments were carefully collected every 1 cm from the trench wall. The samples were analyzed for PCBs, HCHs, 137Cs, organic carbon and grain size. The 137Cs fallout and the sedimentary signature left by the 1960 Chilean tsunami were used as temporal markers to estimate the stratigraphic chronology and the sedimentation rates. PCBs were quantified by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD), and positive samples were confirmed by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry detection (GC-MS). Based on these results, PCBs and HCHs deposition over the last 40 years was estimated. No PCBs were detected below the tsunami signature. Total concentrations ranged from undetectable (ND) to 32 ng/g d.w. for PCBs and from undetectable (ND) to 1.29 ng/g d.w. for HCHs. The highest PCB concentrations were found in the upper 7 cm of the core. Even though PCBs were banned in 1982 as electrical fluids in Chile, total estimated PCB fluxes have increased approximately 20 times during the last 40 years: from undetectable values to 102.6 ng/cm2/year, reflecting that PCBs are still in use and being released into the environment.

Seabird eggs as bioindicators of chemical contamination in Chile

Seabird eggs were used as bioindicators of chemical contamination in Chile. Brown-hooded Gull (Larus maculipennis), Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus), Trudeau's Tern (Sterna trudeaui), Neotropic Cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus), and Pink-footed Shearwater (Puffinus creatopus) eggs were sampled at different breeding sites during the 1990s. Mercury and organochlorines (PCBs, DDT, HCB, HCH, and PCP) were quantified to reveal the interspecific differences, spatial and temporal trends in contamination levels. Trudeau's Tern displayed the highest levels of mercury (486 ng g(-1) wet weight). The highest sumDDT concentrations were measured in Brown-hooded Gulls (726 ng g(-1)). PCB levels were similar among the species (102-236 ng g(-1)), but the composition of the PCB mixture was different in Pink-footed Shearwaters. With the exception of the Brown-hooded Gull, all species studied presented similar and low levels of organochlorines (sumOHa). Residues of PCB and related compounds were not detected in any of the seabird eggs analyzed in Chile. Geographical variation was low, although levels of industrial chemicals were slightly higher in eggs from Concepción Bay, and agricultural chemicals in eggs from Valdivia. Also interannual variation was low, but some evidence was found of decreasing levels in gull eggs throughout the time of the study. The causes of the low levels and small variability in space and time of environmental chemicals in Chilean seabirds are discussed. We propose the use of seabirds in future monitoring of the development of chemical contamination in Chile.

First report on chlorinated pesticide deposition in a sediment core from a small lake in central Chile

This paper presents a first report on chlorinated pesticide deposition analyzed through sedimentary records in a small mesotrophic lake (Chica de San Pedro) in central Chile. The sediment core was sliced and dated using 210Pb, 137Cs and pollen analyses. Organochlorine pesticides were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). From these results, pesticide deposition over the last 50 years was estimated. No pesticides were detected below the 1940 slice of the core. Concentrations were in the range 0.640-1.4 ng/g d.w. for total DDTs, 0.046-0.362 ng/g d.w. for lindane and 0.015-0.310 ng/g d.w. for alpha-hexachlorohexane. Highest concentrations of pp'DDT were found in 1993-1996 and higher concentrations of pp'-DDE and pp'-DDD were found in the seventies (1972-1978). Total organic carbon (TOC) normalized data were used for statistical analysis. Although significant correlation was observed between concentrations of DDE and DDD, no correlation was found for DDT, suggesting that it had a different source. Factorial analysis grouped DDE together with DDD, while DDT was grouped together with gamma- and alpha-HCH. Total DDT fluxes were highest during the 1970s, while those for HCHs have been increasing in the 1990s. In Chile, organochlorine compounds were banned in 1985, and the historical deposition patterns seem to indicate that such measures have been effective. On the other hand, results point out a relatively new occurrence of pp'-DDT in the watershed, but the source remains unknown.

Nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals in endangered species of wildlife

This paper explores the problem of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) from the ecotoxicological point of view, focusing on nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to EDCs for risk assessment of endangered species of wildlife. Several EDCs, such as polyhalogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and toxic metals, tend to be biomagnified in the terrestrial and particularly the marine food chains. Top predators tend to accumulate high concentrations of these contaminants which places them in a situation of high toxicological risk. Hence, there is a need to develop nondestructive techniques, such as nondestructive biomarkers, for hazard assessment, protection, and conservation of endangered species exposed to EDCs. The biological materials proposed for this approach (for example blood, faeces, fur, skin biopsy specimens) are easily obtained with minimal stress for individuals and populations. Some validation data are reported on porphyrins in sea bird excreta (Larus dominicanus, Phalacrocorax olivaceus, Pelecanus occidentalis thagus), as nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to organochlorines, and on benzopyrene monooxygenase activities in marine mammal skin biopsy specimens (Stenella coeruleoalba, Balaenoptera physalus), as early indicators of exposure to p,p'-DDE and other endocrine disrupting organochlorines.