1
|
Li H, Wang P, Ju Y, Li W, Yang R, Li G, Ren W, Li J, Zhang Q. Occurrence and Source Identification of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins and Dibenzofurans and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Surface Sediments from Liangshui River in Beijing, China. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16465. [PMID: 36554346 PMCID: PMC9779105 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls were measured in the surface sediments of Liangshui River, the second largest drainage river in Beijing, China. The sum concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls ranged from 3.5 to 3019 (mean value: 184) pg g-1 dry weight and from 319 to 5949 (mean value: 1958) pg g-1 dry weight, and the corresponding World Health Organization toxic equivalent quantity values were 0.0011-5.1 pg TEQ g-1 dry weight and 0.0074-1.4 pg TEQ g-1 dry weight, respectively. The spatial distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls showed increasing trends from urban area and development area to suburb. Principal component analysis revealed that polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans contamination in the sediments may originate from pentachlorophenol and sodium pentachlorophenate and municipal solid waste incineration. Regarding polychlorinated biphenyls, the steel industry, combustion processes and usage of some commercial polychlorinated biphenyl products were identified as the major sources. The emission from a former steel plant could be the main contributor to polychlorinated biphenyls in urban areas. The mean value of the total toxic equivalent quantities in the sediment samples exceeded the Canadian interim sediment quality guidelines. Long-term wastewater irrigation increases the load of sediment-bound pollutants in agricultural soil and may pose potential ecological risks to crops and human health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Honghua Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Pu Wang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Fume and Dust Pollution Control, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Yongming Ju
- Laboratory of Pesticide Environmental Assessment and Pollution Control, Nanjing Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Nanjing 210042, China
- The Key Laboratory of Water and Air Pollution Control of Guangdong Province, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Ecology and Environment (MEE), Guangzhou 510655, China
| | - Wenjuan Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Industrial Fume and Dust Pollution Control, School of Environment and Health, Jianghan University, Wuhan 430056, China
| | - Ruiqiang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Gang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Wenqiang Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
| | - Qinghua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Multiannual Trend of Micro-Pollutants in Sediments and Benthic Community Response in a Mediterranean Lagoon (Sacca di Goro, Italy). WATER 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/w12041074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Long-term variations of ecological status in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Sacca di Goro, Northern Adriatic) were investigated, combining data on the concentration of surface sediment contaminants and on the structure of the macrobenthic community. The aim was to assess any amount of chemical contamination and check the response of the macrobenthic community to sediment contamination. Over the studied period, the sediments of the lagoon showed contamination by trace metals and organochlorine pesticides, with most of them exceeding the thresholds indicated by the Italian legislation in many samples. Contamination by polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) instead never exceeded the threshold. The ecological status based on the macrobenthic community, evaluated through biotic indices (AMBI and M-AMBI), fell below the Good/Moderate threshold in most samples. The results indicate a possible influence of toxic compounds in sediment on benthic organisms, but most of the variability shown by the macrobenthic community is probably due to other factors. The difficulty in establishing a cause/effect relationship was due to the co-occurrence and variability of various stressors (both natural and anthropogenic) and their interactions. The methods currently used for monitoring transitional waters thus seem insufficient to disentangle the effect of pollutants and other environmental variables on the benthos. Integrated approaches (e.g., bioaccumulation and toxicity tests) are thus needed for a more precise identification of the risk posed by a high concentration of pollutants in such environments.
Collapse
|
3
|
Pitacco V, Mistri M, Ferrari CR, Munari C. Heavy metals, OCPs, PAHs, and PCDD/Fs contamination in surface sediments of a coastal lagoon (Valli di Comacchio, NW Adriatic, Italy): Long term trend (2002-2013) and effect on benthic community. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 135:1221-1229. [PMID: 30301021 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2018.08.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 08/22/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Surface sediments contamination (heavy metals, organochlorine pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans) and benthic community of the Valli di Comacchio, were analysed from 2002 to 2013. Along the studied period, most of analysed pollutants did not exceed thresholds for Good chemical status of sediments. In 2008, a peak of contamination was observed, with total PAHs and OCPs exceeding their threshold. Considering metals, Ni and Cr exceeded their thresholds, but not the background levels for the area, suggesting natural enrichment; conversely Pb exceeded background levels for the area in many samples, but it exceeded its sediment quality thresholds only in few samples (2006, 2009, 2011). Conversely, the ecological status evaluated though AMBI and M-AMBI, was below the Good/Moderated thresholds established by WFD in most of the studied years. In the 11 yrs-study period, the benthic community showed a very weak response to chemical contamination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Pitacco
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Michele Mistri
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Carla Rita Ferrari
- ARPAE, Struttura Oceanografica Daphne, Viale Vespucci 2, 47042 Cesenatico (FC), Italy
| | - Cristina Munari
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Fossato di Mortara 17, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Neira C, Vales M, Mendoza G, Hoh E, Levin LA. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in recreational marina sediments of San Diego Bay, southern California. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2018; 126:204-214. [PMID: 29421090 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2017.10.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations were determined in surface sediments from three recreational marinas in San Diego Bay, California. Total PCB concentrations ranged from 23 to 153, 31-294, and 151-1387ngg-1 for Shelter Island Yacht Basin (SIYB), Harbor Island West (HW) and Harbor Island East (HE), respectively. PCB concentrations were significantly higher in HE and PCB group composition differed relative to HW and SIYB, which were not significantly different from each other in concentration or group composition. In marina sediments there was a predominance (82-85%) of heavier molecular weight PCBs with homologous groups (6CL-7CL) comprising 59% of the total. In HE 75% of the sites exceeded the effect range median (ERM), and toxicity equivalence (TEQ dioxin-like PCBs) values were higher relative to those of HW and SIYB, suggesting a potential ecotoxicological risk.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Neira
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - Melissa Vales
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Guillermo Mendoza
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eunha Hoh
- Graduate School of Public Health, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Lisa A Levin
- Integrative Oceanography Division, Center for Marine Biodiversity and Conservation, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tappin AD, Millward GE. The English Channel: Contamination status of its transitional and coastal waters. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2015; 95:529-550. [PMID: 25649837 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2014] [Revised: 11/24/2014] [Accepted: 12/03/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The chemical contamination (organic compounds, metals, radionuclides, microplastics, nutrients) of English Channel waters has been reviewed, focussing on the sources, concentrations and impacts. River loads were only reliable for Pb, whereas atmospheric loads appeared robust for Cd, Pb, Hg, PCB-153 and γ-HCH. Temporal trends in atmospheric inputs were decreasing. Contaminant concentrations in biota were relatively constant or decreasing, but not for Cd, Hg and HBCDD, and deleterious impacts on fish and copepods were reported. However, data on ecotoxicological effects were generally sparse for legacy and emerging contaminants. Intercomparison of activity concentrations of artificial radionuclides in sediments and biota on both Channel coasts was hindered by differences in methodological approaches. Riverine phosphate loads decreased with time, while nitrate loads remained uniform. Increased biomass of algae, attributable to terrestrial inputs of nutrients, has affected benthic production and shellfisheries. A strategic approach to the identification of contaminant impacts on marine biota is recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A D Tappin
- School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK; Marine Institute, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| | - G E Millward
- Marine Institute, Plymouth University, Drake Circus, Plymouth PL4 8AA, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Guerra R, Pasteris A, Lee SH, Park NJ, Ok G. Spatial patterns of metals, PCDDs/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs and chemical status of sediments from a coastal lagoon (Pialassa Baiona, NW Adriatic, Italy). MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2014; 89:407-416. [PMID: 25455378 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2014.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 10/02/2014] [Accepted: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
The European Water Framework Directive (WFD) establishes a framework for the protection and improvement of all water bodies including transitional waters; its final objective is to achieve at least 'good status' by 2015. In the present work, a hierarchical sampling design was applied to analyze the influence of anthropogenic inputs on the spatial distribution of metals, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediment at four areas in Pialassa Baiona coastal lagoon. In order to assess the chemical status, levels of priority substances and other pollutants were compared with the recently developed national Environmental Quality Standards (EQS) and site specific background levels for metals. Levels of mercury and PCBs were particularly high and exceeded their national EQS values at all sampled areas, thus not contributing to the achievement of a good chemical status of this transitional water body according to the WFD classification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Guerra
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (C.I.R.S.A.), University of Bologna, Italy; Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Italy.
| | - Andrea Pasteris
- Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca per le Scienze Ambientali (C.I.R.S.A.), University of Bologna, Italy
| | - Seok-Hyung Lee
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Bologna, Italy
| | - No-Jin Park
- Department of Environment Atmospheric Science, and Dioxin Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| | - Gon Ok
- Department of Environment Atmospheric Science, and Dioxin Research Center, Pukyong National University, Busan, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Nunes M, Vernisseau A, Marchand P, Le Bizec B, Ramos F, Pardal MA. Occurrence of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in superficial sediment of Portuguese estuaries. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2014; 21:9396-9407. [PMID: 24756686 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-014-2891-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Superficial sediments collected from seven estuarine systems located along the Portuguese coast were analyzed for 7 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), 10 polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs). Total PCDD/F concentration ranged from 4.6 to 464 pg g(-1) dry weight (dw), while that of dl-PCBs varied from 26.6 to 8,693 pg g(-1) dw. In general, the highest PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations were associated with densely populated and industrially impacted areas. Additionally, PCDD/F revealed a predominance of octachlorodibenzodioxin (OCDD) to total PCDD/Fs, while PCB 118 was the major contributor to total dl-PCBs. This study provided a global perspective of the contamination status of Portuguese estuaries by dioxin-like compounds and allowed a comparison between the investigated systems and other systems worldwide. PCDD/F and dl-PCB levels found in the collected sediments were lower than those of highly impacted areas from different parts of the globe. Nevertheless, comparison with guidelines and quality standards from other countries indicated that some Portuguese estuarine areas with a high industrialization level present PCDD/F and dl-PCB concentrations in superficial sediment that may constitute a risk to aquatic organisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margarida Nunes
- CFE-Centre for Functional Ecology, Department of Life Sciences, University of Coimbra, Apartado 3046, 3001-401, Coimbra, Portugal,
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Guidotti M, Protano C, Dominici C, Chiavarini S, Cimino N, Vitali M. Determination of selected polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans in marine sediments by the application of gas-chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2013; 90:525-530. [PMID: 23314116 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-012-0956-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 12/27/2012] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Selected polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were detected by gas-chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS) in marine sediments collected in central Italy. Total PCDD/Fs concentrations ranged from 11.58 to 193.29 pg/g d.w., with PCDFs as the major contributors in most cases. The congener profiles were characterized by high OCDD (70.7%-91.4%). The PCDD/Fs values are within or close to the Environmental Canada sediment reference values (0.85 pg TEQ/g d.w.). GC-QqQ-MS/MS can be a suitable alternative to standard methods for PCDD/Fs determination in environmental samples. The measured PCDD/Fs amounts could be considered as a basis for future monitoring programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Guidotti
- Arpa Lazio, Regional Agency for Environmental Protection, via Salaria per L'Aquila 88, 02100 Rieti, Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Piazza R, Giuliani S, Bellucci LG, Mugnai C, Cu NH, Nhon DH, Vecchiato M, Romano S, Frignani M. PCDD/Fs in sediments of Central Vietnam coastal lagoons: in search of TCDD. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2010; 60:2303-2310. [PMID: 20952038 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2010.09.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2010] [Revised: 09/07/2010] [Accepted: 09/10/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Samples from nine Central Vietnam coastal lagoons, together with three soils and sediments collected in two freshwater reservoirs of the Thua Thien-Hué province, were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Total concentrations are low, from 192 to 2912 pg g(-1) and depth profiles in Tam Giang-Cau Hai (TG-CH) sediment cores show only minor changes over time in PCDD/F input and composition. Octachloro dibenzo-p-dioxin (OCDD) is the prevailing congener (approximately 90%), indicating combustion as the main PCDD/F source to these coastal systems, whereas natural formation might be partly responsible for the presence at depth. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro dibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), largely sprayed together with Agent Orange over the study areas during the war (1961-1971), is absent or very low. This result supports the hypothesis of strong degradation soon after spraying. Multivariate statistical analyses account for the presence of local, short-range sources as observed in the northern part of the TG-CH lagoon.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rossano Piazza
- University Ca' Foscari, Dorsoduro 2137, 30123 Venice, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mohammed A, Orazio C, Peterman P, Echols K, Feltz K, Manoo A, Maraj D, Agard J. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in harbor sediments from Sea Lots, Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2009; 58:928-934. [PMID: 19394658 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2009.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2009] [Revised: 03/19/2009] [Accepted: 03/25/2009] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Azad Mohammed
- Department of Life Sciences, The University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Castro-Jiménez J, Deviller G, Ghiani M, Loos R, Mariani G, Skejo H, Umlauf G, Wollgast J, Laugier T, Héas-Moisan K, Léauté F, Munschy C, Tixier C, Tronczyński J. PCDD/F and PCB multi-media ambient concentrations, congener patterns and occurrence in a Mediterranean coastal lagoon (Etang de Thau, France). ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 156:123-135. [PMID: 18243453 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2007.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2007] [Revised: 12/13/2007] [Accepted: 12/15/2007] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Ambient concentrations, congener patterns and multi-media distribution of PCDD/Fs and PCBs were determined in air, water, sediment and mussels in a semi-enclosed marine ecosystem (Thau lagoon, France). Sigma2,3,7,8-PCDD/F and sigma7ICES PCB air concentrations (0.2-1.4 and 31-57 pg m(-3), respectively) were typical of rural areas. Concentrations in the water column were very low for PCDD/Fs (163-476 fg L(-1)) and low for PCBs (138-708 pg L(-1)). PCDD/F and PCB concentrations found in surface sediment (0.15-1.6 and 2.5-33 ng g(-1) d.w., respectively) and mussel (13-21 pg g(-1) d.w. and 10-39 ng g(-1) d.w., respectively) were medium levels. PCDD/F congener patterns observed in air, water particulate phase and sediments were similar suggesting direct coupling among these compartments and atmospheric inputs of PCDD/Fs into the lagoon. Conversely, for the same set of samples, similar patterns were not observed for PCBs in the mentioned compartments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Castro-Jiménez
- European Commission-DG Joint Research Centre, Institute for Environment and Sustainability, TP 290, Via Enrico Fermi, 1. 21020 Ispra (VA), Italy.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu RSS, Chan AKY, Richardson BJ, Au DWT, Fang JKH, Lam PKS, Giesy JP. Measuring and monitoring persistent organic pollutants in the context of risk assessment. MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN 2008; 57:236-44. [PMID: 18522862 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2008.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2007] [Revised: 03/04/2008] [Accepted: 03/09/2008] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Due to growing concerns regarding persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment, extensive studies and monitoring programs have been carried out in the last two decades to determine their concentrations in water, sediment, and more recently, in biota. An extensive review and analysis of the existing literature shows that whilst the vast majority of these efforts either attempt to compare (a) spatial changes (to identify "hot spots"), or (b) temporal changes to detect deterioration/improvement occurring in the environment, most studies could not provide sufficient statistical power to estimate concentrations of POPs in the environment and detect spatial and temporal changes. Despite various national POPs standards having been established, there has been a surprising paucity of emphasis in establishing accurate threshold concentrations that indicate potential significant threats to ecosystems and public health. Although most monitoring programs attempt to check compliance through reference to certain "environmental quality objectives", it should be pointed out that many of these established standards are typically associated with a large degree of uncertainty and rely on a large number of assumptions, some of which may be arbitrary. Non-compliance should trigger concern, so that the problem can be tracked down and rectified, but non-compliance must not be interpreted in a simplistic and mechanical way. Contaminants occurring in the physical environment may not necessarily be biologically available, and even when they are bioavailable, they may not necessarily elicit adverse biological effects at the individual or population levels. As such, we here argue that routine monitoring and reporting of abiotic and biotic POPs concentrations could be of limited use, unless such data can be related directly to the assessment of public health and ecological risks. Risk can be inferred from the ratio of predicted environmental concentration (PEC) and the predicted no effect concentration (PNEC). Currently, the paucity of data does not allow accurate estimation of PNEC, and future endeavors should therefore, be devoted to determine the threshold concentrations of POPs that can cause undesirable biological effects on sensitive receivers and important biological components in the receiving environment (e.g. keystone species, populations with high energy flow values, etc.), to enable derivation of PNECs based on solid scientific evidence and reduce uncertainty. Using the threshold body burden of POPs required to elicit damages of lysosomal integrity in the green mussel (Perna virvidis) as an example, we illustrate how measurement of POPs in body tissue could be used in predicting environmental risk in a meaningful way.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rudolf S S Wu
- Department of Biology and Chemistry, Research Centre for Coastal Pollution and Conservation, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|