1
|
Amani Room S, Huang KT, Pan SY, Chen PJ, Hsu YC, Chi KH. Health assessment of emerging persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in PM 2.5 in northern and central Taiwan. CHEMOSPHERE 2024; 353:141573. [PMID: 38428532 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2024.141573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
Over the last two decades, Taiwan has effectively diminished atmospheric concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) through the adept utilization of advanced technologies and the implementation of air pollution control devices. Despite this success, there exists a dearth of data regarding the levels of other PM2.5-bound organic pollutants and their associated health risks. To address this gap, our study comprehensively investigates the spatial and seasonal variations, potential sources, and health risks of PCDD/Fs, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and Polychlorinated naphthalene (PCNs) in Northern and Central Taiwan. Sampling collections were conducted at three specific locations, including six municipal waste incinerators in Northern Taiwan, as well as a traffic and an industrial site in Central Taiwan. As a result, the highest mean values of PM2.5 (20.3-39.6 μg/m3) were observed at traffic sites, followed by industrial sites (14.4-39.3 μg/m3), and the vicinity of the municipal waste incinerator (12.4-29.4 μg/m3). Additionally, PCDD/Fs and PCBs exhibited discernible seasonal fluctuations, displaying higher concentrations in winter (7.53-11.9 and 0.09-0.12 fg I-TEQWHO/m3) and spring (7.02-13.7 and 0.11-0.16 fg I-TEQWHO/m3) compared to summer and autumn. Conversely, PCNs displayed no significant seasonal variations, with peak values observed in winter (0.05-0.10 fg I-TEQWHO/m3) and spring (0.03-0.08 fg I-TEQWHO/m3). Utilizing a Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model, sintering plants emerged as the predominant contributors to PCDD/Fs, constituting 77.9% of emissions. Woodchip boilers (68.3%) and municipal waste incinerators (21.0%) were identified as primary contributors to PCBs, while municipal waste incinerators (64.6%) along with a secondary copper and a copper sludge smelter (22.1%) were the principal sources of PCNs. Moreover, the study specified that individuals aged 19-70 in Northern Taiwan and those under the age of 12 years in Central Taiwan were found to have a significantly higher cancer risk, with values ranging from 9.26 x 10-9-1.12 x 10-7 and from 2.50 x 10-8-2.08 x 10-7respectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shahzada Amani Room
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Kai Ting Huang
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Shih Yu Pan
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Po Jui Chen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Yuam-Cheng Hsu
- National Environmental Research Academy, Ministry of Environment, Taoyuan, 330, Taiwan
| | - Kai Hsien Chi
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
A Review of Soil Contaminated with Dioxins and Biodegradation Technologies: Current Status and Future Prospects. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10060278. [PMID: 35736887 PMCID: PMC9227754 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10060278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
This article provides a comprehensive assessment of dioxins contaminating the soil and evaluates the bioremediation technology currently being widely used, and also offers recommendations for future prospects. Soil pollution containing dioxins is extremely toxic and hazardous to human health and the environment. Dioxin concentrations in soils around the world are caused by a variety of sources and outcomes, but the main sources are from the consequences of war and human activities. Bioremediation technology (bioaugmentation, biostimulation, and phytoremediation) is considered an optimal and environmentally friendly technology, with the goal of applying native microbial communities and using plant species with a high biomass to treat contaminated dioxins in soil. The powerful bioremediation system is the growth of microorganisms that contribute to the increased mutualistic and competitive relationships between different strains of microorganisms. Although biological treatment technology can thoroughly treat contaminated dioxins in soil with high efficiency, the amount of gas generated and Cl radicals dispersed after the treatment process remains high. Further research on the subject is required to provide stricter control over the outputs noted in this study.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou Q, Wu WL, Lin CQ, Liang H, Long CY, Lv F, Pan JL, Liu ZT, Wang BY, Yang XF, Deng XL, Jiang AM. Occurrence and dietary exposure assessment of pentachlorophenol in livestock, poultry, and aquatic foods marketed in Guangdong Province, China: Based on food monitoring data from 2015 to 2018. J Food Sci 2021; 86:1132-1143. [PMID: 33598948 DOI: 10.1111/1750-3841.15653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
As a persistent organic pollutant, pentachlorophenol (PCP) has serious impacts on human health. However, its presence in animal source food products sold in the Guangdong Province (GD) of China, and the resultant dietary exposure have not been elucidated. To address this gap, 3,100 samples from seven food categories, including beef, pork, mutton, offals, broilers, hen eggs, and farmed freshwater fish, marketed throughout four geographical regions of GD, were collected from 2015 to 2018. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was employed to detect PCP levels in these food matrices. PCP was found in all food categories, but the average contamination levels were low, ranging from 0.40 µg/kg wet weight (ww) (hen eggs) to 5.85 µg/kg ww (offals). However, higher concentrations of PCP were detected (P < 0.05) in animal source food from the North region. Additionally, a temporal declining trend was observed in this four-year consecutive survey. The estimated human dietary exposure of PCP to population groups, including the general population and subgroups (male and female, children, and adults), was found to be far below the permissible daily intake (3 µg/kg body weight). Therefore, the health impacts of PCP should be correspondingly low for local residents, based on current toxicological knowledge. Regional exposure patterns varied due to different extents of contamination in the four areas, and pork, broilers, and freshwater fish were the major sources of dietary PCP exposure. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: As a persistent organic pollutant, pentachlorophenol (PCP) has serious impacts on human health. However, its presence in animal source food products sold in Guangdong Province of China, and the resultant dietary exposure have not been elucidated. In this study, we conducted an in-depth investigation on the occurrence of PCP in major foodstuff categories, including beef, pork, mutton, broilers, offals, hen eggs, and farmed freshwater fish, marketed in all 21 prefecture-level divisions of Guangdong Province, in order to provide integral insights for regulatory authorities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quan Zhou
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| | - Wei-Liang Wu
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China.,Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 511430, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Chang-Qin Lin
- Testing Department of Chemistry and Light Industry, Zhongshan Supervision Testing Institute of Quality & Metrology, Zhongshan, 528405, P. R. China
| | - Hui Liang
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 511430, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Chao-Yang Long
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 511430, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Fen Lv
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 511430, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Jia-Liang Pan
- Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China.,Department of Hygiene Detection Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Zhi-Ting Liu
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 511430, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Bo-Yuan Wang
- Department of Public Health and Food Hygiene, Zhongshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Zhongshan, 528403, P. R. China
| | - Xing-Fen Yang
- Food Safety and Health Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Tropical Disease Research, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Xiao-Ling Deng
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Safety, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, 511430, P. R. China.,Academy of Preventive Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P. R. China
| | - Ai-Min Jiang
- College of Food Science, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Nguyen BAT, Hsieh JL, Lo SC, Wang SY, Hung CH, Huang E, Hung SH, Chin WC, Huang CC. Biodegradation of dioxins by Burkholderia cenocepacia strain 869T2: Role of 2-haloacid dehalogenase. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2021; 401:123347. [PMID: 33113713 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Dioxin compounds are persistent carcinogenic byproducts of anthropogenic activities such as waste combustion and other industrial activities. The ubiquitous distribution of dioxins is global concerns these days. Among of recent techniques, bioremediation, an eco-friendly and cost-effective technology, uses bacteria or fungi to detoxify in dioxins; however, not many bacteria can degrade the most toxic dioxin congener 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD). In this study, the endophytic bacterium Burkholderia cenocapacia 869T2 was capable of TCDD degradation by nearly 95 % after one-week of an aerobic incubation. Through transcriptomic analysis of the strain 869T2 at 6 -h and 12 -h TCDD exposure, a number of catabolic genes involved in dioxin metabolism were detected with high gene expressions in the presence of TCDD. The transcriptome data also indicated that B. cenocepacia strain 869T2 metabolized the dioxin compounds from an early phase (at 6 h) of the incubation, and the initial outline for a general dioxin degradation pathway were proposed. One of the catabolic genes, l-2-haloacid dehalogenase (2-HAD) was cloned to investigate its contribution in dioxin dehalogenation. By detecting the increasing concentration of chloride ions released from TCDD, our results indicated that the dehalogenase played a crucial role in dehalogenation of dioxin in the aerobic condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Anh Thi Nguyen
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China; Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Ju-Liang Hsieh
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shou-Chen Lo
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Sui-Yuan Wang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chun-Hsiung Hung
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Eugene Huang
- College of Agriculture and Natural Resources, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Shih-Hsun Hung
- Department of Horticulture, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Wei-Chih Chin
- General Research Service Center, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan, Republic of China; Department of Biological Sciences and Technology, National Pingtung University of Science and Technology, Pingtung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Chieh-Chen Huang
- Department of Life Sciences, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wu JH, Chen WY, Kuo HC, Li YM. Redox fluctuations shape the soil microbiome in the hypoxic bioremediation of octachlorinated dibenzodioxin- and dibenzofuran-contaminated soil. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2019; 248:506-515. [PMID: 30831347 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2019.02.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 02/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The biodegradation of polychlorinated-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) has been recently demonstrated in a single reactor under hypoxic conditions. Maintaining hypoxic conditions through periodic aerations results in a marked fluctuation of reduction-oxidation (redox) potential. To further assess the effects of redox fluctuations, we operated two fed-batch continuously stirred tank reactors (CSTRs) with sophisticated redox controls at different anoxic/oxic fluctuations to reduce PCDD/Fs in contaminated soil. The results of long-term reactor operation showed that the CSTR with redox fluctuations at a narrow range (-63 ± 68 mV) (CSTR_A) revealed a higher substrate hydrolysis level and PCDD/F degradation rate than did the CSTR with a redox potential that fluctuated at a broad range (-13 ± 118 mV) (CSTR_B). In accordance with analyses of bacterial 16S rRNA genes, the designated hypoxic conditions with added compost supported survival of bacterial populations at a density of approximately 109 copies/g slurry. The evolved core microbiome was dominated by anoxic/oxic fluctuation-adapted Bacteroidetes, Alphaproteobacteria, and Actinobacteria, with higher species diversity and functionality, including hydrolysis and degradation of dioxin-like compounds in CSTR_A than in CSTR_B. Taken together, the overall results of this study expand the understanding of redox fluctuations in association with the degradation of recalcitrant substrates in soil and the corresponding microbiome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jer-Horng Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Chih Kuo
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan City, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Ming Li
- Mass Laboratory, National Chiao-Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Huang WY, Ngo HH, Lin C, Vu CT, Kaewlaoyoong A, Boonsong T, Tran HT, Bui XT, Vo TDH, Chen JR. Aerobic co-composting degradation of highly PCDD/F-contaminated field soil. A study of bacterial community. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2019; 660:595-602. [PMID: 30641388 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2018.12.312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated bacterial communities during aerobic food waste co-composting degradation of highly PCDD/F-contaminated field soil. The total initial toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) of the soil was 16,004 ng-TEQ kg-1 dry weight. After 42-day composting and bioactivity-enhanced monitored natural attenuation (MNA), the final compost product's TEQ reduced to 1916 ng-TEQ kg-1 dry weight (approximately 75% degradation) with a degradation rate of 136.33 ng-TEQ kg-1 day-1. Variations in bacterial communities and PCDD/F degraders were identified by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Thermophilic conditions of the co-composting process resulted in fewer observed bacteria and PCDD/F concentrations. Numerous organic compound degraders were identified by NGS, supporting the conclusion that PCDD/Fs were degraded during food waste co-composting. Bacterial communities of the composting process were defined by four phyla (Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes and Firmicutes). At the genus level, Bacillus (Firmicutes) emerged as the most dominant phylotype. Further studies on specific roles of these bacterial strains are needed, especially for the thermophiles which contributed to the high degradation rate of the co-co-composting treatment's first 14 days.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Yen Huang
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Huu-Hao Ngo
- Centre for Technology in Water and Wastewater, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Broadway, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Chi-Thanh Vu
- Civil and Environmental Engineering Department, The University of Alabama in Huntsville, Huntsville, AL 35899, USA.
| | - Acharee Kaewlaoyoong
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Totsaporn Boonsong
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Huu-Tuan Tran
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Xuan-Thanh Bui
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, University of Technology, Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi-Dieu-Hien Vo
- Institute of Marine Science and Technology, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 81157, Taiwan
| | - Jenq-Renn Chen
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhou T, Bo X, Qu J, Wang L, Zhou J, Li S. Characteristics of PCDD/Fs and metals in surface soil around an iron and steel plant in North China Plain. CHEMOSPHERE 2019; 216:413-418. [PMID: 30384311 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
In this study, the level of 18 species of metals and 17 species of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were monitored in surface soil samples around an iron and steel plant in the North China Plain. The concentration of PCDD/Fs and metals in the soil ranged from 0.16 to 4.5 ng I-TEQ/kg and 1.2 to 24,182.2 mg/kg, respectively. Furthermore, the prevailing winds were confirmed to influence the spatial distribution of PCDD/Fs and metals concentrations. The highest concentration of PCDD/Fs was located in downwind soil sample 4 (S4), which showed more than 50% of PCDFs in the total PCDD/Fs, and high levels of lower chlorinated PCDFs. Moreover, the highest Cd and Zn concentrations of 18.1 and 2647.8 mg/kg, respectively, were observed in soil collected from S4, which were significantly above the government guidelines for metals in farmland soil. Our results show that a group of metals (Mg, Al, K, Fe, Cu, Zn, Se, Cd, Sb and Pb) was well correlated with all PCDD/Fs except three (OCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD and 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDD), which likely originated from iron and steel processes. Additionally, Pb, Zn, Cd and all polychlorinated dibenzofurans showed a good correlation and grouped in one cluster, suggesting anthropogenic sources from sintering process. Therefore, the metallic characteristics in soil, especially the Pb, Zn and Cd tracers, implied evidence of the accumulation of PCDD/Fs from sinter plants.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian Zhou
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Xin Bo
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China.
| | - Jiabao Qu
- School of Environmental Science and Technology, HeBei University of Science and Technology, Shijiazhuang 050000, China
| | - Longfei Wang
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Jun Zhou
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| | - Shibei Li
- The Appraisal Center for Environment and Engineering, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Beijing 100012, China; State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Numerical Modeling for Environmental Impact Assessment, Beijing 100012, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Efficacy of Indigenously Prepared Sugarcane and Pineapple Wine Solvents for Washing Highly Dioxin-Contaminated Field Soils. APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL 2018. [DOI: 10.3390/app9010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Poly-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and poly-chlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) negatively affect human health and are often found as unwanted by-products of chemical handling and manufacture procedures. While commercial solvents have been used to remove dioxins from contaminated soil, these solvents themselves may adversely affect soil health. In this study, we examined the effects of washing highly PCDD/F contaminated field-soil with two natural solvents (sugarcane and pineapple wine) under ambient temperature. Performing an initial three-washing-cycle experiment, we found that sugarcane wine more effectively removed the contaminants than pineapple wine (removal, 60% vs. 50%) and chose it to perform a six-washing-cycle experiment facilitated by mechanical stirring and ultrasonication. Sugarcane wine was found to have a high removal efficiency (almost 80%), largely due to its higher alcohol and acid content. We believe that both wines can be used in soil remediation tasks without further damage to soil health. This is the first study employing naturally made wines as soil washing solvents in treating highly PCDD/F contaminated field soil. After soil washing processes, the winery solvents are believed to be beneficial to (if necessary) bioremediation methods and/or monitored natural attenuation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Ngo TH, Tsou HH, Chen YF, Chen YW, Chi KH. Sources identification of PCDD/Fs in soil and atmospheric deposition in Taiwan. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 208:374-381. [PMID: 29885503 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.05.195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
PCDD/Fs are among pollutants, which gain major concern from Taiwan government and citizens during industrialization. PCDD/Fs can be emitted into the atmosphere, soil, and water environment in either vapor or solid forms. Atmospheric deposition is the main pathways for atmospheric PCDD/Fs to precipitate on surface soil. In this study, a simultaneous analysis of both soil and deposition PCDD/Fs was done to investigate the relationship between in-soil and deposited PCDD/Fs in Taiwan. Soil samples (n = 84) and atmospheric deposition samples (n = 57) were collected within overlapped periods of time. Geometric mean of 10.4 pg WHO-TEQ/g was found in the soil samples when the geometric mean of atmospheric deposited PCDD/F concentrations was found to be 7.39 pg WHO-TEQ/m2/day. Concentration of PCDD/Fs in samples collected in industrial location were higher than those collected in other locations in all sampling areas. OCDD, OCDF, HpCDD, HpCDF, were the predominant congeners in PCDD/F profile in both soil and atmospheric deposited samples, when 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF were major contributors for PCDD/F fingerprint with WHO-TEQ transformation. Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) analysis showed that 83% of soil PCDD/Fs correlate with atmospheric deposition process originated from industrial activities (44%) and long range transport activities (39%). Furthermore, the PMF analysis found long range transport, municipal solid water incinerators (MSWIs), industrial waste incinerators (IWIs), electric arc furnace, recycling process of aluminum, sintering plants to be the main sources contributing to atmospheric deposited PCDD/Fs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tuan Hung Ngo
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan; International Health Program, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Han Hsing Tsou
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Ya Fang Chen
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
| | - Yuan Wu Chen
- Division of Toxic Substances, Waste, and Soil Analysis, Environmental Analysis Laboratory, Taoyuan City, 32024, Taiwan
| | - Kai Hsien Chi
- Institute of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, National Yang Ming University, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Association Between Dioxin and Metabolic Syndrome by Age and Sex in an Endemic Area of Exposure in Taiwan. Epidemiology 2017; 28 Suppl 1:S82-S88. [PMID: 29028680 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000000697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some of the effects of dioxins seem to be different between men and women, and exposures starting at an early age seem to have more prominent effects. Therefore, we conducted a study in Taiwan to evaluate the associations between exposure to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) starting at different ages in both sexes. METHODS We recruited participants from an area where residents were exposed to PCDD/Fs released from a factory and defined serum PCDD/Fs levels ≥20 pg WHO98-TEQDF/g lipid as high dioxin levels. MetS was defined as meeting three of the following criteria: fasting glucose ≥100 mg/dl or under treatment for diabetes, waist circumference ≥90 cm in men or ≥80 cm in women, triglycerides ≥150 mg/dl or under treatment for elevated triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein <40 mg/dl in men or <50 mg/dl in women, and blood pressures ≥130/85 mmHg or under treatment for hypertension. RESULTS Of the 2758 participants, 785 patients with MetS were identified, and we observed positive associations between a high dioxin level and MetS. After adjusting for sex, age, and age at starting exposure, we found that a high dioxin level was an independent predictor for MetS (adjusted odds ratio =1.38; 95% confidence interval = 1.11, 1.72). When we stratified the participants by gender, we found that a high dioxin level remained an independent predictor of MetS in men, but not in women, regardless of the age at starting exposure. CONCLUSIONS Exposure to PCDD/Fs was associated with MetS in men, independent of age and age at starting exposure.
Collapse
|
11
|
Hung W, Huang WY, Lin C, Vu CT, Yotapukdee S, Kaewlaoyoong A, Chen JR, Shen YH. The use of ultrasound-assisted anaerobic compost tea washing to remove poly-chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) from highly contaminated field soils. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 24:18936-18945. [PMID: 28656572 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-017-9517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 06/12/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The remediation of dioxin-contaminated soil of a specific coastal area previously employed for the manufacture of pentachlorophenol (PCP) in southern Taiwan's Tainan City has attracted much attention of researchers there. This work addresses the possibility of providing an effective and environmentally friendly option for removing PCDD/Fs from soil in that field. Soil screening/sieving was first conducted to assess particle distribution. Fine sand was observed to be the major component of the soil, accounting for more than 60% of the total mass. A combination of ultrasonification and mechanical double-blade agitation was used to facilitate the washing of the soil using the biosurfactant anaerobic compost tea. More than 85 and 95% of total removal efficiencies were achieved for moderately and highly contaminated soils after 6 and 10 washing cycles, respectively, under ambient temperature, a soil/liquid ratio 1:2.5, 700 rpm, and over a relatively short duration. These results were achieved through the collision and penetration effects of this combined treatment as well as PCDD/F partitioning between the particles and anaerobic compost tea. This study represents the first to report the use of anaerobic compost tea solvent to wash soil highly contaminated by dioxin. It was concluded that anaerobic compost tea, rich in non-toxic bio-surfactants (e.g., alcohols, humic acids), can be used to improve bioavailability and bioactivity of the soil making bio-attenuation and full remediation more efficient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiteng Hung
- Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Yen Huang
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Chitsan Lin
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan.
| | - Chi Thanh Vu
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Siwalee Yotapukdee
- Department of Marine Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung Marine University, Kaohsiung, 81157, Taiwan
| | - Acharee Kaewlaoyoong
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Jenq-Renn Chen
- Department of Safety, Health and Environmental Engineering, National Kaohsiung First University of Science and Technology, Kaohsiung, 82445, Taiwan
| | - Yun-Hwei Shen
- Department of Resources Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, 1 University Road, Tainan, 70101, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Zhou Y, Yin G, Asplund L, Stewart K, Rantakokko P, Bignert A, Ruokojärvi P, Kiviranta H, Qiu Y, Ma Z, Bergman Å. Human exposure to PCDDs and their precursors from heron and tern eggs in the Yangtze River Delta indicate PCP origin. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2017; 225:184-192. [PMID: 28371733 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2017.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2016] [Revised: 02/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/24/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are highly toxic to humans and wildlife. In the present study, PCDD/Fs were analyzed in the eggs of whiskered terns (Chlidonias hybrida), and genetically identified eggs from black-crowned night herons (Nycticorax nycticorax) sampled from two lakes in the Yangtze River Delta area, China. The median toxic equivalent (TEQ) of PCDD/Fs were 280 (range: 95-1500) and 400 (range: 220-1100) pg TEQ g-1 lw (WHO, 1998 for birds) in the eggs of black-crowned night heron and whiskered tern, respectively. Compared to known sources, concentrations of PCDDs relative to the sum of PCDD/Fs in bird eggs, demonstrated high abundance of octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD), 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaCDD and 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexaCDD indicating pentachlorophenol (PCP), and/or sodium pentachlorophenolate (Na-PCP) as significant sources of the PCDD/Fs. The presence of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs), hydroxylated and methoxylated polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (OH- and MeO-PCDEs, known impurities in PCP products), corroborates this hypothesis. Further, significant correlations were found between the predominant congener CDE-206, 3'-OH-CDE-207, 2'-MeO-CDE-206 and OCDD, indicating a common origin. Eggs from the two lakes are sometimes used for human consumption. The WHO health-based tolerable intake of PCDD/Fs is exceeded if eggs from the two lakes are consumed regularly on a weekly basis, particularly for children. The TEQs extensively exceed maximum levels for PCDD/Fs in hen eggs and egg products according to EU legislation (2.5 pg TEQ g-1lw). The results suggest immediate action should be taken to manage the contamination, and further studies evaluating the impacts of egg consumption from wild birds in China. Likewise, studies on dioxins and other POPs in common eggs need to be initiated around China.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yihui Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Ge Yin
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lillemor Asplund
- Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kathryn Stewart
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Panu Rantakokko
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box95, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Anders Bignert
- Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, SE-10405 Stockholm, Sweden; Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Päivi Ruokojärvi
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box95, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Hannu Kiviranta
- National Institute for Health and Welfare, P.O. Box95, 70701 Kuopio, Finland
| | - Yanling Qiu
- Key Laboratory of Yangtze River Water Environment (Ministry of Education), College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Zhijun Ma
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Biodiversity Science and Ecological Engineering, Institute of Biodiversity Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Åke Bergman
- State Key Laboratory of Pollution Control and Resource Reuse, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China; Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-10691 Stockholm, Sweden; Swetox, Karolinska Institute, Unit of Toxicology Sciences, Forskargatan 20, SE-15136 Södertälje, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Chen WY, Wu JH, Lin SC, Chang JE. Bioremediation of polychlorinated-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans contaminated soil using simulated compost-amended landfill reactors under hypoxic conditions. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2016; 312:159-168. [PMID: 27037469 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2016.03.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2016] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Compost-amended landfill reactors were developed to reduce polychlorinated-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in contaminated soils. By periodically recirculating leachate and suppling oxygen, the online monitoring of the oxidation reduction potential confirmed that the reactors were maintained under hypoxic conditions, with redox levels constantly fluctuating between -400 and +80mV. The subsequent reactor operation demonstrated that PCDD/F degradation in soil could be facilitated by amending compost originating from the cow manure and waste sludge and that the degradation might be affected by the availability of easily degradable substrates in the soil and compost. The pyrosequencing analysis of V4/V5 regions of bacterial 16S rRNA genes suggested that species richness of the soil microbial community was increased by a factor of 1.37-1.61. Although the bacterial community varied with the compost origin and changed markedly during reactor operation, it was dominated by Alphaproteobacteria, Gammaproteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes. The aerotolerant anaerobic Sedimentibacter and Propionibacterium spp., and the uncultured Chloroflexi group could be temporarily induced to a high abundance by amending the cow manure compost; the bacterial growths were associated with the rapid degradation of PCDD/Fs. Overall, the novel bioremediation method for PCDD/F-contaminated soils using hypoxic conditions was effective, simple, energy saving, and thus easily practicable.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, East District, Tainan City 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Jer-Horng Wu
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, East District, Tainan City 701, Taiwan, ROC.
| | - Shih-Chiang Lin
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, East District, Tainan City 701, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Juu-En Chang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, No.1, University Road, East District, Tainan City 701, Taiwan, ROC
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Huang CY, Wu CL, Wu JS, Chang JW, Cheng YY, Kuo YC, Yang YC, Lee CC, Guo HR. Association between Blood Dioxin Level and Chronic Kidney Disease in an Endemic Area of Exposure. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0150248. [PMID: 26963719 PMCID: PMC4786121 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0150248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2015] [Accepted: 02/11/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dioxin is an industrial pollutant related to various diseases, but epidemiological data on its effects on the kidney are limited. Therefore, we conducted a study to evaluate the association between dioxin exposure and chronic kidney disease (CKD) and identify the related factors. METHODS We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study and recruited participants from an area where the residents were exposed to dioxin released from a factory. We defined a "high dioxin level" as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) ≥ 20 pg WHO98-TEQDF/g lipid in the serum and defined CKD as having an estimated glomerular filtration rate (e-GFR) ≤ 60 mL/min/1.73m2 or a diagnosis of CKD by a physician. The renal function was assessed between 2005 and 2010, and we excluded those who had had kidney diseases before the study started. Comparisons between patients of CKD and those who did not have CKD were made to identify the risk factors for CKD. RESULTS Of the 2898 participants, 1427 had high dioxin levels, and 156 had CKD. In the univariate analyses, CKD was associated with high dioxin levels, age, gender, metabolic syndrome, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and high insulin and uric acid levels. After adjusting for other factors, we found high dioxin levels (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.04-2.99), female gender (AOR = 1.74, 95%CI: 1.20-2.53), hypertension (AOR = 1.68, 95%CI: 1.17-2.42), high insulin levels (AOR = 2.14, 95% CI: 1.26-3.61), high uric acid levels (AOR = 4.25, 95% CI: 2.92-6.20), and older age (AOR = 4.66, 95% CI: 1.87-11.62 for 40-64 year and AOR = 26.66, 95% CI: 10.51-67.62 for age ≥ 65 year) were independent predictors of CKD. CONCLUSION A high dioxin level was associated with an increased prevalence of CKD. Therefore, the kidney function of populations with exposure to dioxin should be monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yuan Huang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Tainan Science Park Clinic, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Cheng-Long Wu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Shang Wu
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Wei Chang
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yun Cheng
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yau-Chang Kuo
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ching Yang
- Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chang Lee
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Trace Toxic Substances, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - How-Ran Guo
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Environmental Trace Toxic Substances, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Occupational Safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Liao PY, Liu CW, Liu WY. Bioaccumulation of mercury and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in salty water organisms. ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT 2016; 188:12. [PMID: 26637189 DOI: 10.1007/s10661-015-5019-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2015] [Accepted: 11/30/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Mercury and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) accumulate in organisms through food webs and exert potentially toxic effects on aquatic organisms and humans. This study examined the levels of mercury and PCDD/Fs in organisms and sediment samples collected from a saltwater pond at the An-Shun site, a chloralkali factory that shut down in Tainan City, Taiwan. It was also a pentachlorophenol production plant. After the factories were shut down in the 1980s, mercury and PCDD/Fs contamination remained, posing severe health hazards. The correlation between PCDD/Fs congener accumulation patterns in distinct fish organs and the sediment was evaluated. Mercury and PCDD/Fs levels in all the fish samples exceeded food safety limits, and the concentrations of mercury and PCDD/Fs in each species were closely correlated (n = 12, Spearman's rank correlation [R] = 0.811, p < 0.01). The mercury concentrations were positively but non-significantly correlated with the weight (n = 11, R = 0.741, p < 0.01) and length (n = 11, R = 0.618, p < 0.05) of the species. The fish likely accumulated the contaminants through ingestion of other organisms or the sediment. However, after the pollutants entered a fish, they exhibited distinct accumulation patterns because of their differing chemical properties. Specifically, the mercury concentration was correlated with organism weight and length, whereas the PCDD/Fs concentration was associated with organ lipid content. The study results are valuable for assessing the health risks associated with ingesting mercury- and PCFF/F-contaminated seafood from the study site.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Liao
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- MWH Americas Inc., Taiwan Branch, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| | - Chen-Wuing Liu
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China.
| | - Wen-Yao Liu
- Department of Bioenvironmental Systems Engineering, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
- MWH Americas Inc., Taiwan Branch, Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Chang HJ, Lin TF, Whang LM, Wu YJ. Congener profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in sediment, water, and fish at a soil contamination site in Taiwan. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2015; 51:251-261. [PMID: 26654383 DOI: 10.1080/10934529.2015.1094346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
The relationship of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in sediment, water, and fish was studied for 55 fish farms near a contaminated site in Tainan, Taiwan. Samples were collected from the farms and analyzed for seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs congeners. High correlations were found between PCDD/Fs in water and sediment in regard to both concentration and toxicity (R(2) = 0.933 for concentration and R(2) = 0.832 for toxicity). The congener profiles of the 17 PCDD/Fs in water were similar to those in the sediment. However, the PCDD/Fs congener composition in the fish and fish belly samples were different from those in the sediment and water samples obtained from the same fish farm and were also different among the fish samples. It is thus suggested that the biotic PCDD/Fs distribution is more complex than the abiotic PCDD/Fs distribution. Among the seven factors analyzed, only the lipid percentage presented a relationship with the PCDD/Fs congener composition in the fish and fish bellies. A multiple linear regression of the concentration of each congener in the fish was conducted using the concentration of each congener in the site-matched sediment and the lipid content of the fish as independent variables. The results showed that only seven PCDD/Fs congeners with a lower degree of chlorination, which were 4-6 chlorine substitutes, in the fish presented a significant correlation with the lipid content in the fish and their concentration in sediment (r > 0.65, P < 0.005 for both independent variables). In addition, the octanol-water partition coefficients were not significantly related to this distribution behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hwang-Jen Chang
- a Environmental Protection Bureau, Tainan City Government , Tainan City , Taiwan
| | - Tsair-Fuh Lin
- b Department of Environmental Engineering and Global Water Quality Research Center , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan City , Taiwan
| | - Liang-Ming Whang
- b Department of Environmental Engineering and Global Water Quality Research Center , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan City , Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ju Wu
- b Department of Environmental Engineering and Global Water Quality Research Center , National Cheng Kung University , Tainan City , Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Huang CY, Wu CL, Yang YC, Chang JW, Kuo YC, Cheng YY, Wu JS, Lee CC, Guo HR. Association between Dioxin and Diabetes Mellitus in an Endemic Area of Exposure in Taiwan: A Population-Based Study. Medicine (Baltimore) 2015; 94:e1730. [PMID: 26496286 PMCID: PMC4620805 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000001730] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Dioxin has been recognized as an environmental endocrine disruptor, but epidemiology studies of its effects on type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) found inconsistent results, especially in men. Therefore, we conducted a study in Taiwan to evaluate the association between exposure to dioxin and DM.We recruited participants in an area where the residents were exposed to dioxin released from a factory. Using 20 and 64 pg WHO98-TEQDF/g lipid as the cut-offs, we categorized participants into 3 groups according to the level of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the serum. We defined DM as a fasting plasma glucose level more than 126 mg/dl or an existing diagnosis.Of the 2898 participants, 425 patients of DM were identified, and we observed positive associations between dioxin and DM. After adjusting for age and body mass index (BMI), we found that a high serum dioxin level was an independent risk factor for DM (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] associated with 20-63 pg WHO98-TEQDF/g lipid = 2.1, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.5-2.9; AOR for ≥64 pg WHO98-TEQDF/g lipid = 3.2, 95% CI 2.1-4.8). The findings are compatible with those in previous studies of PCDD/Fs. When we stratified the participants by sex, the serum dioxin level remained an independent risk factor for DM in both men and women.Exposure to dioxin is a risk factor for DM, independent of age and BMI in both men and women. Therefore, screening and intervention programs should be considered in endemic areas of exposure to dioxin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chien-Yuan Huang
- From the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan (CYH, YYC, CCL, HRG, CLW, YCK, HRG); Tainan Science Park Clinic, Chi-Mei Medical Center, Tainan, Taiwan (CYH); Department of Occupational Safety and Health, Chang Jung Christian University, Tainan, Taiwan (CYH); Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan (CLW, YCK, HRG); Department of Family Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan (YCY, JSW); Research Center for Environmental Trace Toxic Substances, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan (JWC, CCL); and Occupational Safety, Health, and Medicine Research Center, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan (HRG)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Chen WY, Wu JH, Chang JE. Pyrosequencing analysis reveals high population dynamics of the soil microcosm degrading octachlorodibenzofuran. Microbes Environ 2014; 29:393-400. [PMID: 25491754 PMCID: PMC4262363 DOI: 10.1264/jsme2.me14001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A deeper understanding of the microbial community structure is very important in bioremediation for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). However, this has been insufficiently addressed in previous studies. To obtain more information, we pyrosequenced the V4/V5 regions of the 16S rRNA genes of bacterial communities transited from polluted soil to batch microcosms that rapidly degraded high concentrations of octachlorodibenzofuran (OCDF). The analysis results contained an average of 11,842 reads per sample, providing the first detailed description of bacterial communities associated with PCDD/Fs. The community composition markedly changed to be concomitant with the degradation of OCDF, indicating that a distinctive population structure developed rapidly in the microcosm. Although oxygen gas was provided weekly to the microcosm, the growth of potential degraders, Sphingomonas, Pseudomonas, Rhodococcus, and Clostridium, was observed, but in consistently low quantities. While anaerobic Sedimentibacter initially emerged as an abundant pioneer, several aerobic participants, such as the genera Brevundimonas, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Lysobacter, exhibited a large increase in their 16S rRNA gene copies within the timeframe, which showed a temporal population dynamic, and indicated their collaborative contributions to the degradation of OCDF under hypoxic conditions. These results have provided a deeper insight into the microbial community structure and population dynamics of the OCDF-degrading microcosm.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen WY, Wu JH, Lin YY, Huang HJ, Chang JE. Bioremediation potential of soil contaminated with highly substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans: microcosm study and microbial community analysis. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2013; 261:351-61. [PMID: 23959255 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2013.07.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2013] [Revised: 07/10/2013] [Accepted: 07/16/2013] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Highly chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (DD/Fs) are main hazardous dioxins, and ubiquitously distributed in the environment. To study the feasibility of bioremediation for remedying contamination of highly chlorinated dioxins, closed microcosms were constructed with soil from a chronological site under oxygen-stimulated conditions. The results showed that high levels of near-fully and fully chlorinated DD/Fs, particularly octachlorodibenzofuran were effectually reduced without accumulation of less substituted congeners. The clone library analysis of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene from the octachlorodibenzofuran-degrading consortia showed that 98.3% of the detected sequences were affiliated with Proteobacteria. The obtained strains with putative aromatic dioxygenase genes and abilities to repetitively grow in octachlorodibenzofuran-containing agars were closely related to members within Actinobacteria, Firmicutes, and Proteobacteria. Among them, certain Rhodococcus, Micrococcus, Mesorhizobium and Bacillus isolates could degrade octachlorodibenzofuran with efficiencies of 26-43% within 21 days. Hierarchical oligonucleotide primer extension analysis further showed that Micrococcus, Rhizobium, Pseudoxanthomonas, and Brevudimonas populations increased largely when high concentrations of octachlorodibenzofuran were reduced. Overall, our results suggest that a distinctive microbial composition and population dynamic could be required for the enhanced degradation of highly chlorinated DD/Fs in the batch microcosm and highlight a potential of bioremediation technologies in remedying polychlorinated dioxins in the polluted sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Yu Chen
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, ROC
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
The immunotoxic effects of dual exposure to PCP and TCDD. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 206:166-74. [PMID: 24051191 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 09/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Pentachlorophenol (PCP) was a commonly used fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, and bactericide in industrial, agricultural, and domestic settings; however, it was also contaminated with polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). It has been reported that technical grade PCP had immunosuppressive effects and that the immune system was the major target of PCDD/PCDFs toxicity. Although the immune response after exposure to PCP or 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) has been studied, the toxic effects of exposure to both PCP and TCDD have not yet been reported. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects on immune cells from mice intraperitoneally immunized with OVA and subsequently treated with PCP or TCDD alone or in combination by gavage. The animals were terminated on day 7 and 14, and the spleen and plasma samples were collected for immunotoxicity evaluation. The numbers and populations of splenocytes, T cell-derived cytokines produced by splenocytes, splenocyte-generated cytotoxicity and OVA-specific antibodies in plasma were investigated. Our results indicate that the spleen/body weight ratio and splenocyte number was reduced by TCDD alone; in addition, this reduction was enhanced when TCDD was combined with PCP. Exposure to TCDD alone or in conjunction with PCP suppressed many ovalbumin (OVA)-stimulated cytokines, including IL-2, IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-5, and IL-10. Furthermore, the immunoglobulins IgG and IgM were suppressed in mice administered by PCP alone, but the suppressive effects were greater in mice treated with TCDD alone or in combination with PCP. Co-exposure to PCP and TCDD resulted in an antagonistic effect on TCDD-induced suppression of IFN-γ and IL-10. Our results demonstrate that PCP alone is immunotoxic, regardless of the presence of TCDD. PCP led to mild changes in cytokine secretion, and it compromised splenocyte-generated cytotoxicity and IgM and IgG antibody production on day 7. The finding that PCP antagonizes TCDD-induced IFN-γ suppression could be due to the competitive binding of PCP to AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor).
Collapse
|
21
|
Consonni D, Sindaco R, Bertazzi PA. Blood levels of dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and TEQs in general populations: a review, 1989-2010. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2012; 44:151-62. [PMID: 22364893 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2012.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 01/10/2012] [Accepted: 01/12/2012] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive worldwide literature review of blood levels of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in non-exposed adult general populations was performed. The studies published in 1989-2010 reporting information on polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), non-ortho-PCBs (nPCBs), mono-ortho-PCBs (mPCBs) levels and Toxic Equivalencies (TEQs, a summary weighted measure of their combined toxicity) were reviewed. TEQs were calculated using as standard the most recent WHO 2005 reevaluation of Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs). Weighted multiple regression analyses adjusted for year, subject's age, type of sample analyzed, method used for values below detection limit, and central tendency measure used were performed for each congener and standardized TEQs (log-transformed). We identified 187 studies regarding 29,687 subjects of 26 countries. Year of blood collection ranged from 1985 to 2008. The studies reporting congener levels 161. In adjusted analyses, European countries showed higher levels of most dioxin-like congeners and TEQs. A strong positive association of subjects' age with most congeners and with TEQ values was found, confirming previous findings. Significant decreases over time (1985-2008) were documented for PCCDs, PCDFs, and TEQs including their contributions. No significant decrease was found for non-ortho-PCBs, notably PCB 126. Only some mono-ortho-PCBs showed clear significant declines. Accordingly, TEQs including only PCB contribution did not decrease over time. In interpreting these findings, it should be considered that for dioxin-like PCBs the analysis period was shorter (17 years), since these compounds were first measured in 1992.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dario Consonni
- Unit of Epidemiology, Department of Preventive Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda-Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chang JW, Chen HL, Su HJ, Liao PC, Lee CC. Biochemical study of retired pentachlorophenol workers with and without following dietary exposure to PCDD/Fs. CHEMOSPHERE 2012; 88:813-819. [PMID: 22579452 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2012.03.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2011] [Revised: 03/11/2012] [Accepted: 03/31/2012] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
PCDD/Fs are found as impurities in commercial pesticide sodium pentachlorophenol (Na-PCP) salt. We compared, using multivariate logistic regression analysis adjusted for confounding factors, serum PCDD/F levels and biochemical examinations of retired Na-PCP workers and other inhabitants living near a closed Na-PCP plant that discharged PCP-contaminated wastewater into a nearby pond in Tainan, Taiwan. In this cross-sectional study from October 2006 through May 2009, 1167 participants were divided into groups according to their occupational (retired Na-PCP plant workers versus other residents) and dietary exposure (eating polluted fish versus not eating polluted fish) to PCDD/Fs, and a general population from a large-scale survey. Serum PCDD/F levels were significantly different between these groups (range: from 22.9±10.0pg WHO(98)-TEQ(DF) g(-1) lipid in the general population to 109.6±94.5pg WHO(98)-TEQ(DF) g(-1) lipid in retired Na-PCP workers eating polluted seafood; P(trend)<0.001). Distinct patterns of PCDD/Fs congener profiles, showing a significantly higher proportion of 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxDD, and less 2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, OCDF, were also found among workers and residents with different serum PCDD/F levels versus the general population. After adjusting for confounding factors, glucose (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 7.22 [95% CI: 4.04-12.90]), triglycerides (AOR 4.31 [95% CI: 2.57-7.22]), blood urea nitrogen (AOR 2.90 [95% CI: 1.58-5.33]), creatine (AOR 5.83 [95% CI: 1.12-30.30]) and total protein (AOR 3.74 [95% CI: 1.91-7.31]) levels in retired workers were significantly higher than in the reference group. Occupational exposure to PCDD/Fs is associated with biochemical abnormalities that may persist for years after serum PCDD/F levels have declined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J W Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chang JW, Ou HY, Chen HL, Guo HR, Liao PC, Lee CC. Interrelationship between exposure to PCDD/Fs and hypertension in metabolic syndrome in Taiwanese living near a highly contaminated area. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 81:1027-1032. [PMID: 20850865 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.08.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2010] [Revised: 08/14/2010] [Accepted: 08/27/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of a constellation of metabolic abnormalities that confer increased risk of cardiovascular disease. There is a positive correlation between exposure to persistent organic pollutants and MetS. We examine the association between PCDD/Fs and MetS components in 1490 non-diabetic persons living near a highly dioxin-contaminated area. We used factor analysis, with a set of core variables considered central features of MetS and PCDD/Fs, to group similar risk factors. Serum PCDD/Fs were positively and significantly correlated with the number of MetS components. Four risk factors-lipidemia, blood pressure, body size, and glycemia-accounted for 72.6% of the variance in the 10 core factors, and PCDD/Fs were linked to MetS through shared correlations with high blood pressure. After adjusting for confounding factors, we found that diastolic blood pressure (β=0.018; p=0.006), glucose (β=0.013; p=0.046), and waist circumference (β=0.721; p=0.042) significantly increased with increasing serum PCDD/F levels. We found significant trends for associations between metabolic syndrome and serum low-chlorinated PCDD/Fs. The highest quintiles of 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD had the top three adjusted ORs (95% CI) of 3.5 (1.9-6.3), 2.9 (1.7-4.9) and 2.8 (1.6-4.9), respectively. We also found a slight monotonic relationship between serum PCDD/Fs and the prevalence of MetS, especially when the serum dioxin level was higher than 25.4pg WHO(98)-TEQ(DF)g(-1) lipid (the fourth Quintile). We hypothesize that high-dose exposure to PCDD/Fs is a blood pressure-related factor that raises MetS risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J W Chang
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Hsu JF, Chang YC, Liao PC. Age-dependent congener profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in the general population of Taiwan. CHEMOSPHERE 2010; 81:469-477. [PMID: 20797765 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2010.07.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2010] [Revised: 06/14/2010] [Accepted: 07/18/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
A congener profile of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) could provide valuable information for identifying possible sources of exposure to these compounds. The purpose of this study is to identify factors associated with PCDD/F congener profiles in the general population of Taiwan. Serum samples from 251 subjects of the general population in Taiwan were collected, and the levels of 17 2,3,7,8-chlorinated substituted PCDD/Fs were measured. The relationships between PCDD/F congener profiles and demographic parameters were evaluated using a multivariate analysis of variance method (MANOVA). Of the five demographic factors investigated, age was found to have the greatest impact on PCDD/F congener profiles. The PCDD/F congener pattern for the group I subjects (aged 18-29) was significantly different from those for the other three older age groups (p<0.001), and 12 congeners contributed to the effects (difference index: 71%). In addition, the group I subjects did not exhibit trends parallel to those of the other groups in the relationship between age and PCDD/F levels. Age was associated with PCDD/F levels and congener profiles in the general population of Taiwan and the young subjects (aged 18-29) was quite different from the other older subjects that could be influenced by the individual differences in pharmacokinetics and/or background exposure from dietary sources. We conclude that investigators must consider subjects' age and other underlying factors that could influence PCDD/F congener profiles in humans when identifying exposure sources.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fang Hsu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hsu JF, Chen C, Liao PC. Elevated PCDD/F levels and distinctive PCDD/F congener profiles in free range eggs. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2010; 58:7708-14. [PMID: 20521816 DOI: 10.1021/jf100456b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Chicken eggs are one of the most important foods in the human diet all over the world, and the demand for eggs from free range hens has steadily increased. Congener-specific analyses of 17 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were performed on 6 free range and 12 caged chicken egg samples collected in Taiwan. The mean level of PCDD/Fs in the free range egg samples was 5.7 (1.79/0.314) times higher than those in the caged egg samples. Principle component analysis revealed that at least three characteristic patterns of PCDD/F congener were observed among the 18 egg samples. The different PCDD/F congener patterns between free range and caged egg samples may reflect distinctive exposure scenarios among the free range and caged hens. We suggest that the differences of PCDD/F levels and congener patterns between free range and caged egg samples give rise to the issues related to the safety of eating free range chicken eggs. The present data may provide useful information for further investigation of the possible PCDD/F sources in the contaminated free range eggs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fang Hsu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chang HJ, Wang S, Li HW, Lin KH, Chao CC, Lai YC. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofuran contents in fish and sediment near a pentachlorophenol contaminated site. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART A, TOXIC/HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES & ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING 2010; 45:923-931. [PMID: 20446148 DOI: 10.1080/10934521003772303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in sediment and fish of aqua farms close to a contaminated site of a pentachlorophenol production plant (CPDC-ASS) were investigated. The total PCDD/F I-TEQ level in sediment and fish ranged from 0.725 to 87.9 ng I-TEQ kg(-1)d.w.(-1) and 0.044 to 3.10 pg I-TEQ g(-1)w.w.(-1), respectively, meaning that the CPDC-ASS was a long-term exposure PCDD/F contaminated area. The four dominant congeners in sediment and fish were OCDD, OCDF, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD. The correlated coefficient of total I-TEQ PCDD/F contents between fish and sediment was 0.82 (R(2)), indicating a positive correlation between exposure to PCDD/Fs in sediment and biota. In addition, the biota-to-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) values of low chlorinated PCDD/F congeners such as those of 2,3,7,8-TeCDD for Milkfish and Tilapia were 0.00739 and 0.00593, respectively, which were much higher than those of highly chlorinated congeners. For example, the BSAFs of OCDD for Milkfish and Tilapia were 0.000207 and 0.000277, respectively. A negative relationship of log K(ow) and log BSAF for PCDD/F congeners was found, and the highest value was observed at approximately K(ow)= 7.0-7.5. The results of this study provide valuable information for establishing the PCDD/F regulated standard for the sediment of fish ponds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hwang J Chang
- Department of Environmental Engineering, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang YF, Chao HR, Wu CH, Wang LC, Chang-Chien GP, Yang HH, Lin DY, Tsou TC. Emissions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans from a heavy oil-fueled power plant in northern Taiwan. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2009; 163:266-272. [PMID: 18718717 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2008.06.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2008] [Revised: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 06/24/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
We measured the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) from the flue gas and the ambient atmosphere of a power plant fueled by heavy oil in northern Taiwan. The mean emission concentration and I-TEQ concentration of total PCDD/Fs were 0.292 ng/Nm(3) and 0.016 ng I-TEQ/Nm(3), respectively. All PCDD/F emission concentrations in the flue gas were supposed to meet the Environmental Protection Administration Executive Yuan, R.O.C. standard (1.0 ng I-TEQ/Nm(3) from 2008). Furthermore, the mean I-TEQ concentration in the ambient atmosphere was 0.011 pg I-TEQ/Nm(3), which was much lower than the environmental quality standards for dioxins in Japan (0.6 pg TEQ/Nm(3)). Also, the PCDD/F emission factor was 0.188 ng I-TEQ/L fuel, which was comparable to the data issued in US EPA [EPA, Locating and estimating air emissions from sources of dioxins and furans, Office of Air Quality Planning and Standards, Research Triangle Park, NC, DCN No. 95-298130-54-01, 1997] (0.2 ng I-TEQ/L of fuel). Also, the result of the correlations of PCDD/Fs and operational parameters illustrated that the positively significant correlation (r=0.502, p=0.048) was found only between PCDD/Fs (I-TEQ) and the flue gas emission temperature (125-157 degrees C). However, PCDD-TEQ/PCDF-TEQ ratios were statistically significantly associated with the decreased flue gas flow (r=-0.659, p=0.006), moisture (r=-0.612, p=0.012) and flue gas temperature (r=-0.503, p=0.047). For proper environmental management of dioxins, it is necessary to establish a complete emission inventory of PCDD/Fs, and, in particular, the government should pay more attention to power plants to address the information shortage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Fen Wang
- Department of Bioenvironmental Engineering, Chung Yuan Christian University, Chung-Li 320, Taiwan.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Hsu JF, Lee CC, Su HJ, Chen HL, Yang SY, Liao PC. Evaluation of background persistent organic pollutant levels in human from Taiwan: polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and biphenyls. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2009; 35:33-42. [PMID: 18678409 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2008.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2008] [Revised: 06/24/2008] [Accepted: 06/26/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This study was intended to determine the background levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs in the Taiwanese population and to investigate factors potentially related to PCDD/PCDF and PCB levels. The levels of seventeen PCDD/PCDFs in the 251 serum samples collected from the general population in Taiwan ranged from 4.92 to 26.7 pg WHO(1998)-TEQ/g lipid (median: 11.5) and those of the twelve dioxin-like PCBs ranged between 1.74 and 21.6 pg WHO(1998)-TEQ/g lipid (median: 6.14). Five factors, age, gender, region of residence, dietary status, and smoking status, showed statistically significant association with the TEQ level of PCDD/PCDFs. The TEQ level of PCBs was statistically associated with age only, but not with the other four factors. The trends observed between age and the levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs were not parallel in young subjects (<30 years old) and old subjects (>30 years old). The levels of PCDD/PCDFs and PCBs increased by 0.16 and 0.03 WHO(1998)-TEQ/g lipid per year for subjects above the age of 30, but there was no evidence of any association between age and the levels for subjects below the age of 30 years. These factors should be considered when investigating relationships between background serum levels of persistent organic pollutants and parameters associated with exposure sources or health outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Fang Hsu
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Zheng GJ, Leung AOW, Jiao LP, Wong MH. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans pollution in China: sources, environmental levels and potential human health impacts. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2008; 34:1050-1061. [PMID: 18440070 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2008.02.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2007] [Revised: 01/31/2008] [Accepted: 02/20/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
This review represents an assessment of the pollution status of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in China (the mainland, Hong Kong and Taiwan). During the past decades, seven PCDD/Fs pollution hotspots have been found: (a). Ya-er Lake, Hubei Province, with 'total PCDD/Fs' level reaching 177,427 pg g(-1) (dry weight) in lake sediments; (b). Chinese Schistosomiasis affected areas of Jiangxi Province with 33,660 pg g(-1) in soil; (c). e-waste recycling area of Yangtze River Delta, with 2726 pg g(-1) in paddy soil; (d). e-waste recycling area of Guiyu (eastern part of Guangdong Province), with 967,500 pg g(-1) in mixture of burnt residue and soil (the highest level among all hotspots); (e). Pearl River Delta with 2630 pg g(-1) in coastal sediment. (f). Kwun Tong, Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong with 10,999 pg g(-1) in coastal sediment; and (g). southern Taiwan with 606,000 pg g(-1) in soil near the vicinity of a pentachlorophenol manufacturing factory. The main sources of PCDD/Fs in China were formed from impurities during the production of polychlorophenol, hexachlorobenzene, polychlorinated biphenyls, organic chlorinated pesticide and triclosan. In addition, sources of PCDD/Fs included municipal waste incineration, mineral fuel usage, open burning of electronic waste and crop residues, industrial waste discharge and vehicle exhaust emission. Due to potential human health risks from long-term exposure to PCDD/Fs at these hotspots, body loadings of these contaminants should be monitored.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gene J Zheng
- Croucher Institute for Environmental Sciences, and Department of Biology, Hong Kong Baptist University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cai QY, Mo CH, Wu QT, Katsoyiannis A, Zeng QY. The status of soil contamination by semivolatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) in China: a review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2008; 389:209-24. [PMID: 17936334 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2007.08.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 196] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2007] [Revised: 08/14/2007] [Accepted: 08/17/2007] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
This paper summarizes the published scientific data on the soil contamination by semivolatile organic chemicals (SVOCs) in China. Data has been found for more than 150 organic compounds which were grouped into six classes, namely, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and phthalic acid esters (PAEs). An overview of data collected from the literature is presented in this paper. The Chinese regulation and/or other maximum acceptable values for SVOCs were used for the characterization of soils. In general, the compounds that are mostly studied in Chinese soils are OCPs, PAHs and PCBs. According to the studies reviewed here, the most abundant compounds were PAEs and PAHs (up to 46 and 28 mg kg(-1) dry weight, respectively); PCBs and OCPs occurred generally at concentrations lower than 100 microg kg(-1) dry weight. Nevertheless, quite high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs were observed in contaminated sites (e.g., the sites affected by electronic waste activities). The average concentrations of PAHs and OCPs in soils of North China were higher than those in South China. The principal component analysis demonstrated different distribution patterns for PAH, PCB and PCDD/F congeners and for the various sites/regions examined. The isomer ratios of DDTs and hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) indicated different sources and residue levels in soils. Finally, this review has highlighted several areas where further research is considered necessary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Ying Cai
- College of Resources and Environment, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou 510642, China.
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|