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Bustnes JO, Bårdsen BJ, Herzke D, Bangjord G, Bourgeon S, Fritsch C, Eulaers I. Ecosystem specific accumulation of organohalogenated compounds: A comparison between adjacent freshwater and terrestrial avian predators. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2022; 212:113455. [PMID: 35580663 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2022.113455] [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: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Insight into processes determining the exposure of organohalogenated contaminants (OHCs) in wildlife might be gained from comparing predators in different ecosystems. This study compared two avian predator species with similar food chain lengths: the goldeneye duck (Bucephala clangula) and the tawny owl (Strix aluco) breeding in adjacent freshwater- and terrestrial ecosystems in central Norway. We measured lipophilic organochlorines (OCs) and protein-bound perfluorinated substances (PFASs) in eggs of the two species over 21 years (1999-2019). Across years, the proportional distribution of OCs (∼90% of the ΣOHC load) relative to PFASs (∼10%) was similar in the two species. Moreover, ΣOC concentrations were similar between the species, but PFAS compounds were 2-12 times higher in the goldeneyes than in tawny owls. OC-pesticides dominated in tawny owls (∼60% of ΣOC), whereas persistent polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs) congeners were the main OC components in goldeneyes (∼70% of ΣOC). The lipid-normalized concentrations of most OC-pesticides and the less persistent PCB101 declined significantly in both species. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE), and more persistent PCBs decreased in tawny owls, while they tended to increase in goldeneyes. The increase in HCB was particulary robust. Among the PFASs, contrasted temporal trends were found across the species for four out of 11 compounds: PFOS declined while most perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) increased in tawny owls. In contrast, most PFASs were stable in goldeneyes. Moreover, there was no annual covariance between the OHC exposure in the two species: i.e., high concentrations in one species in a given year did not translate into high concentrations in the other. Hence, the two avian predators in adjacent ecosystems seem to be subject to different processes determining the OHC exposure, probably related to variation in diet and climate, long-range transport of different contaminants, and emissions of pollution locally.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), The Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), The Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), The Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Sophie Bourgeon
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, University of Tromsø, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Clementine Fritsch
- Chrono-environnement UMR 6249 CNRS, University of Franche-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Igor Eulaers
- Norwegian Polar Institute, The Fram Centre, 9296, Tromsø, Norway
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Blanco G, Sergio F, Frías Ó, Salinas P, Tanferna A, Hiraldo F, Barceló D, Eljarrat E. Integrating population connectivity into pollution assessment: Overwintering mixing reveals flame retardant contamination in breeding areas in a migratory raptor. ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH 2018; 166:553-561. [PMID: 29960221 DOI: 10.1016/j.envres.2018.06.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Determining the exposure and magnitude at which various pollutants are differentially assimilated at the breeding and non-breeding grounds of migratory wildlife is challenging. Here, the possibility of applying the migratory connectivity framework to understanding contamination in birds is illustrated by considering flame retardants in inviable eggs of a migratory raptor, the black kite (Milvus migrans). The occurrence and concentration of legacy and emerging compounds in eggs from the southeastern peri-urban area of Madrid city, central Spain, were compared with those from Doñana National Park in southern Spain. A much higher occurrence and concentration of multiple polybrominated diphenyl ethers and Dechlorane 602 were found in Madrid than Doñana, but the opposite patterns were found for Dechlorane Plus. Individuals from these and other breeding areas in western Europe showed a strong intermixing pattern over widespread wintering areas in Africa, as assessed by ringing recoveries and movements tracked by satellite devices. This diffuse migratory connectivity reveals breeding areas as the main contamination grounds. High contamination burdens sequestered in eggs point to rapid assimilation of these compounds before laying, associated with important emission sources in Madrid, especially landfills of partially incinerated urban refuse, and other anthropogenic operations. Diet composition regarding aquatic vs. terrestrial prey, and bioaccumulation and biomagnification processes are suggested to explain differential assimilation of some compounds, especially Dechlorane Plus in Doñana, although a local emission source polluting this area cannot be ruled out. Insight from the migratory connectivity framework can help to disentangle large-scale patterns of contaminant uptake and refocus attention on key regions and potential causes of chemical hazards in declining migratory species and human populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Blanco
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Fabrizio Sergio
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Óscar Frías
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pablo Salinas
- Department of Evolutionary Ecology, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales (CSIC), José Gutiérrez Abascal 2, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Alessandro Tanferna
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Fernando Hiraldo
- Department of Conservation Biology, Estacion Biologica de Doñana CSIC, C/ Americo Vespucio 26, 41092 Sevilla, Spain
| | - Damià Barceló
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ethel Eljarrat
- Water and Soil Quality Research Group, Department of Environmental Chemistry, IDAEA-CSIC, Jordi Girona, 18-26, 08034 Barcelona, Spain
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Steyn L, Bouwman H, Maina JN. Associations between DDT and egg parameters of the House Sparrow Passer domesticus from the Thohoyandou area of South Africa. CHEMOSPHERE 2018; 198:249-256. [PMID: 29421736 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.01.125] [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: 10/10/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated whether the pesticide DDT (Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and its metabolites, DDE (Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) and DDD (Dichlorobischlorophenylethane) were associated with adverse effects on multiple endpoints of the eggs of House Sparrows from the Thohoyandou area in South Africa, where DDT is used for malaria control. Eggshell thickness, pore numbers, pore shapes, and volume densities of the pores were measured to test possible adverse effects. Analysis was done using a scanning electron microscope and the concentrations of the pesticides were determined with the aid of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The highest concentrations recorded was p,p'-DDE at 0.84 μg/g wm (wet mass) in the eggs collected from Mangondi (a site last sprayed five years before sampling). Overall, the concentrations of total DDT recorded in this study were lower than reported by most other studies conducted in the same area. The association between DDT concentrations and House Sparrows eggshells were noticeable in the eggshell thicknesses, with significant differences between the eggs collected from Muledane (a site last sprayed 30 years before sampling) and Makula (a site sprayed both years of sampling) (P < 0.0022). Limited differences were found between the pore numbers and pore density of eggshells from the various sites. It may be that the limited effect on the pore numbers and volume densities of the pores are associated with low concentrations of DDT in the House Sparrow eggs.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Steyn
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa.
| | - H Bouwman
- Research Unit, Environmental Sciences and Management, North-West University, Potchefstroom 2520, South Africa.
| | - J N Maina
- Department of Zoology, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park, 2006, South Africa
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Bustnes JO, Bårdsen BJ, Moe B, Herzke D, Hanssen SA, Sagerup K, Bech C, Nordstad T, Chastel O, Tartu S, Gabrielsen GW. Temporal variation in circulating concentrations of organochlorine pollutants in a pelagic seabird breeding in the high Arctic. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND CHEMISTRY 2017; 36:442-448. [PMID: 27431537 DOI: 10.1002/etc.3560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2016] [Revised: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 07/18/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present study explored short-term temporal variations in circulating concentrations of 3 legacy organochlorines with different physicochemical properties (polychlorinated biphenyl 153 [PCB-153], p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE], and hexachlorobenzene [HCB]) in breeding kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) in a colony in Svalbard (78°N), Norwegian Arctic. Concentrations were measured in blood of a large number (n = 412-521 blood samples, depending on the data analyses) of prebreeding, incubating, and chick-rearing birds over a period of 5 yr (2007-2011). The PCB-153 concentrations were equal in male and female blood in the prebreeding period, whereas females had significantly lower concentrations during incubation and chick rearing, probably because of their ability to eliminate organochlorines through egg laying. A similar temporal pattern was observed with DDE, although the lower concentrations in incubating females were not significant. Males and females had similar concentrations of HCB over all reproductive stages. The concentrations of all 3 compounds varied greatly between years. The concentrations of PCB-153 tended to decline over the study period, whereas concentrations of HCB showed an increasing trend, especially among chick-rearing males late in the season. Concentrations of PCB-153 increased approximately 2.5 times from the prebreeding to the chick-rearing period, concurrent with mobilization of body lipids (reduced body mass). A similar, but less pronounced trend was found for HCB. For DDE, however, kittiwakes had the highest concentrations in the prebreeding period, suggesting relatively high exposure in their winter areas. The present study documented large variations in circulating concentrations of legacy organochlorines among and within breeding seasons in kittiwakes, but the alterations within seasons were relatively consistent from year to year. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:442-448. © 2016 SETAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan O Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Arctic Ecology Department, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Bård-Jørgen Bårdsen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Arctic Ecology Department, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Børge Moe
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sveinn A Hanssen
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Arctic Ecology Department, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kjetil Sagerup
- Akvaplan-niva, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Claus Bech
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tore Nordstad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Olivier Chastel
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers en Bois, Deux-Sevres, France
| | - Sabrina Tartu
- Centre d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Villiers en Bois, Deux-Sevres, France
- Norwegian Polar Institute, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
| | - Geir Wing Gabrielsen
- Norwegian Polar Institute, High North Research Centre on Climate and the Environment (FRAM), Tromsø, Norway
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Sletten S, Bourgeon S, Bårdsen BJ, Herzke D, Criscuolo F, Massemin S, Zahn S, Johnsen TV, Bustnes JO. Organohalogenated contaminants in white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) nestlings: An assessment of relationships to immunoglobulin levels, telomeres and oxidative stress. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2016; 539:337-349. [PMID: 26367189 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.08.123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Revised: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 08/21/2015] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
Biomagnifying organohalogenated compounds (OHCs) may have adverse effects on the health of birds, especially marine avian top predators that accumulate high OHC loads. Contaminants may impair the humoral immunity and also influence the antioxidant enzyme activity (i.e. oxidative stress). Moreover, physical conditions and oxidative stress during development may reduce telomere lengths, one of the main mechanisms explaining cell senescence. To examine the potential effects of environmental contaminants on physiological biomarkers of health, OHCs with different 'physicochemical' properties were related to immunoglobulin Y levels (IgY; humoral immunity), superoxide dismutase enzyme (SOD) activity in blood plasma, and telomere length (measured in red blood cells) in individual 7-8weeks old nestlings (n=35) of white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) in the Norwegian Sub-Arctic. Different organochlorines (OCs) and perfluoroalkylated substances (PFASs) were measured in blood plasma of nestlings, demonstrating higher concentrations of the emerging contaminants (PFASs), notably perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), compared to legacy OCs. There were no relationships between the contaminant loads and plasma IgY levels. Moreover, differences between years were found for telomere lengths, but this was not related to contaminants and more likely a result of different developmental conditions. However, there were significant and negative relationships between the OC loadings and the SOD activity. This suggests that some legacy OCs challenge the antioxidant capacity in nestlings of white-tailed eagles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silja Sletten
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway; Faculty for Biosciences, Fisheries and Economy, The Arctic University of Norway, Brevika, 9037 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Sophie Bourgeon
- The Norwegian Polar Institute, Fram Centre, 9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Dorte Herzke
- Norwegian Institute for Air Research, Fram Centre, NO-9296 Tromsø, Norway
| | - Francois Criscuolo
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology Team, Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Hubert Curien Pluridisciplinary Institute, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7178, University of Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylvie Massemin
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology Team, Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Hubert Curien Pluridisciplinary Institute, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7178, University of Strasbourg, France
| | - Sandrine Zahn
- Evolutionary Ecophysiology Team, Department of Ecology, Physiology and Ethology, Hubert Curien Pluridisciplinary Institute, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique UMR 7178, University of Strasbourg, France
| | | | - Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Fram Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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Bouwman H, Govender D, Underhill L, Polder A. Chlorinated, brominated and fluorinated organic pollutants in African Penguin eggs: 30 years since the previous assessment. CHEMOSPHERE 2015; 126:1-10. [PMID: 25613517 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2014.12.071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2014] [Revised: 12/21/2014] [Accepted: 12/23/2014] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
The African Penguin population has drastically declined over the last 100 years. Changes in food availability due to over-fishing and other oceanographic changes seem to be major causes. However, it has also been 30 years since organic pollutants as a potential factor have been assessed. We analysed penguin eggs collected in 2011 and 2012 from two breeding colonies 640 km apart: Robben Island near Cape Town on the Atlantic Ocean coast, and Bird Island near Port Elizabeth on the Indian Ocean coast of South Africa. We quantified organochlorine pesticides, brominated flame retardants, and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs). Compared to 30 years ago, concentrations of ΣDDT have remained about the same or slightly lower, while ΣPCBs declined almost four-fold. The use of DDT in malaria control is unlikely to have contributed. PFCs were detected in all eggs. Indications (non-significant) of eggshell thinning associated with ΣDDT and ΣPCB was found. It seems therefore that the concentrations of measured organic pollutants the African Penguin eggs are not contributing directly to its current demise, but concerns remain about thinner shells and desiccation. Effects of combinations of compounds and newer compounds cannot be excluded, as well as more subtle effects on reproduction, development, and behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hindrik Bouwman
- Research Unit: Environmental Sciences and Development, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa.
| | - Danny Govender
- Scientific Services, SANParks, Skukuza, South Africa; Department of Paraclinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Les Underhill
- Animal Demography Unit, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch, South Africa
| | - Anuschka Polder
- Department of Food Safety and Infection Biology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway
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Klein R, Bartel-Steinbach M, Koschorreck J, Paulus M, Tarricone K, Teubner D, Wagner G, Weimann T, Veith M. Standardization of egg collection from aquatic birds for biomonitoring--a critical review. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2012; 46:5273-5284. [PMID: 22509944 DOI: 10.1021/es204314p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Collecting bird eggs is an established method of biomonitoring for specific pollution hazards. One of the most critical problems with this method is the extreme biological variability in bird eggs, but standardizing the collection and preservation of eggs can reduce these problems. Furthermore, standard practices are required so that the results can be compared among studies because mistakes cannot be corrected by laboratory analysis. Therefore, a standard procedure for collecting and preserving bird eggs may be necessary. The objective of this review is to investigate the current standard of quality assurance in the field by analyzing 86 peer-reviewed papers describing egg collection and use for aquatic birds. We show that little attention has been paid to standardizing how eggs are collected and stored in the field. Important information is often absent, including crucial aspects of sample collection and preservation, such as the freshness of the eggs, the position of the eggs in the laying sequence, the selection criteria, random sampling, and the duration and temperature of transport. Potential standards are suggested and discussed as a foundation for the development of quality assurance standards in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roland Klein
- Trier University, Department of Geography/Geosciences-Biogeography, Universitätsring 15, 54296 Trier, Germany.
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Eulaers I, Covaci A, Herzke D, Eens M, Sonne C, Moum T, Schnug L, Hanssen SA, Johnsen TV, Bustnes JO, Jaspers VLB. A first evaluation of the usefulness of feathers of nestling predatory birds for non-destructive biomonitoring of persistent organic pollutants. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2011; 37:622-630. [PMID: 21256594 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2010.12.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2010] [Revised: 11/25/2010] [Accepted: 12/20/2010] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
In previous studies, feathers of adult predatory birds have been evaluated as valid non-destructive biomonitor matrices for persistent organic pollutants (POPs). In this study, we assessed for the first time the usefulness of nestling raptor feathers for non-destructive biomonitoring of POPs. For this purpose, we collected body feathers and blood of nestlings from three avian top predators from northern Norway: northern goshawks (Accipiter gentilis), white-tailed eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla) and golden eagles (Aquila chrysaetos). We were able to detect a broad spectrum of legacy POPs in the nestling feathers of all three species (Σ PCBs: 6.78-140ng g(-1); DDE: 3.15-145ng g(-1); Σ PBDEs: 0.538-7.56ng g(-1)). However, these concentrations were lower compared to other studies on raptor species, probably due to the aspect of monitoring of nestlings instead of adults. Besides their analytical suitability, nestling feathers also appear to be biologically informative: concentrations of most POPs in nestling feathers showed strong and significant correlations with blood plasma concentrations in all species (p<0.050; 0.775<r<0.994). In addition, the reported correlations between feathers and blood plasma were much higher than those previously reported for adult individuals. Accumulation profiles and species-specific differences were in accordance with other toxicological studies on avian species and generally in agreement with the specific ecology of the studied species. In summary, our results indicate that the use of nestling feathers of northern raptors may be a valid and promising non-destructive biomonitoring strategy for POPs in their ecosystems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Eulaers
- University of Antwerp, Ethology Research Group, Department of Biology, Universiteitsplein 1, B-2610 Wilrijk, Belgium.
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Nizzetto L, Macleod M, Borgå K, Cabrerizo A, Dachs J, Di Guardo A, Ghirardello D, Hansen KM, Jarvis A, Lindroth A, Ludwig B, Monteith D, Perlinger JA, Scheringer M, Schwendenmann L, Semple KT, Wick LY, Zhang G, Jones KC. Past, present, and future controls on levels of persistent organic pollutants in the global environment. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY 2010; 44:6526-31. [PMID: 20604560 DOI: 10.1021/es100178f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the legacy of persistent organic pollutants requires studying the transition from primary to secondary source control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Nizzetto
- Norwegian Institute for Water Research, Oslo, Norway.
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Diao J, Li Y, Shi S, Sun Y, Sun Y. QSAR models for predicting toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans using quantum chemical descriptors. BULLETIN OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2010; 85:109-115. [PMID: 20628729 DOI: 10.1007/s00128-010-0065-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
By partial least square regression, simple quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were developed for the toxicity of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs). Quantum chemical descriptors computed by semi-empirical PM3 method were used as predictor variables. Three optimal QSAR models are developed for 25 PCDDs, 35 PCDFs, 25 PCDDs and 35 PCDFs together, respectively. The cross-validated Q (cum) (2) values for the three QSAR models of 25 PCDDs, 35 PCDFs, 25 PCDDs and 35 PCDFs together are 0.816, 0.629 and 0.603, respectively, indicating good predictive capabilities for the biological toxicity of these PCDD/Fs. The present study suggests that quantum chemical descriptors of POPs indeed govern the binding affinity of these chemicals for aryl hydrocarbon receptors. Moreover, different models contain different molecular descriptors to define respective equation, which suggests that the relationship between molecular structure and the binding affinity of these chemicals for aryl hydrocarbon receptors is complex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianxiong Diao
- Department of Chemistry, China Agricultural University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
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Letcher RJ, Bustnes JO, Dietz R, Jenssen BM, Jørgensen EH, Sonne C, Verreault J, Vijayan MM, Gabrielsen GW. Exposure and effects assessment of persistent organohalogen contaminants in arctic wildlife and fish. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2010; 408:2995-3043. [PMID: 19910021 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2009.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 477] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2009] [Revised: 10/08/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) encompass an array of anthropogenic organic and elemental substances and their degradation and metabolic byproducts that have been found in the tissues of exposed animals, especially POPs categorized as organohalogen contaminants (OHCs). OHCs have been of concern in the circumpolar arctic for decades. For example, as a consequence of bioaccumulation and in some cases biomagnification of legacy (e.g., chlorinated PCBs, DDTs and CHLs) and emerging (e.g., brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and in particular polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) found in Arctic biota and humans. Of high concern are the potential biological effects of these contaminants in exposed Arctic wildlife and fish. As concluded in the last review in 2004 for the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program (AMAP) on the effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife, prior to 1997, biological effects data were minimal and insufficient at any level of biological organization. The present review summarizes recent studies on biological effects in relation to OHC exposure, and attempts to assess known tissue/body compartment concentration data in the context of possible threshold levels of effects to evaluate the risks. This review concentrates mainly on post-2002, new OHC effects data in Arctic wildlife and fish, and is largely based on recently available effects data for populations of several top trophic level species, including seabirds (e.g., glaucous gull (Larus hyperboreus)), polar bears (Ursus maritimus), polar (Arctic) fox (Vulpes lagopus), and Arctic charr (Salvelinus alpinus), as well as semi-captive studies on sled dogs (Canis familiaris). Regardless, there remains a dearth of data on true contaminant exposure, cause-effect relationships with respect to these contaminant exposures in Arctic wildlife and fish. Indications of exposure effects are largely based on correlations between biomarker endpoints (e.g., biochemical processes related to the immune and endocrine system, pathological changes in tissues and reproduction and development) and tissue residue levels of OHCs (e.g., PCBs, DDTs, CHLs, PBDEs and in a few cases perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and perfluorinated sulfonates (PFSAs)). Some exceptions include semi-field studies on comparative contaminant effects of control and exposed cohorts of captive Greenland sled dogs, and performance studies mimicking environmentally relevant PCB concentrations in Arctic charr. Recent tissue concentrations in several arctic marine mammal species and populations exceed a general threshold level of concern of 1 part-per-million (ppm), but a clear evidence of a POP/OHC-related stress in these populations remains to be confirmed. There remains minimal evidence that OHCs are having widespread effects on the health of Arctic organisms, with the possible exception of East Greenland and Svalbard polar bears and Svalbard glaucous gulls. However, the true (if any real) effects of POPs in Arctic wildlife have to be put into the context of other environmental, ecological and physiological stressors (both anthropogenic and natural) that render an overall complex picture. For instance, seasonal changes in food intake and corresponding cycles of fattening and emaciation seen in Arctic animals can modify contaminant tissue distribution and toxicokinetics (contaminant deposition, metabolism and depuration). Also, other factors, including impact of climate change (seasonal ice and temperature changes, and connection to food web changes, nutrition, etc. in exposed biota), disease, species invasion and the connection to disease resistance will impact toxicant exposure. Overall, further research and better understanding of POP/OHC impact on animal performance in Arctic biota are recommended. Regardless, it could be argued that Arctic wildlife and fish at the highest potential risk of POP/OHC exposure and mediated effects are East Greenland, Svalbard and (West and South) Hudson Bay polar bears, Alaskan and Northern Norway killer whales, several species of gulls and other seabirds from the Svalbard area, Northern Norway, East Greenland, the Kara Sea and/or the Canadian central high Arctic, East Greenland ringed seal and a few populations of Arctic charr and Greenland shark.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Letcher
- Wildlife and Landscape Science Directorate, Science and Technology, Branch, Environment Canada, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
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Bustnes JO, Erikstad KE, Lorentsen SH, Herzke D. Perfluorinated and chlorinated pollutants as predictors of demographic parameters in an endangered seabird. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2008; 156:417-424. [PMID: 18329768 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.01.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2007] [Revised: 01/15/2008] [Accepted: 01/24/2008] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Despite global occurrence of several perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) the potential ecological effects of such substances on natural populations are not known. In endangered lesser black-backed gulls (Larus fuscus fuscus) on the Norwegian Coast, the blood concentrations of PFCs were as high as legacy organochlorines (OCs), and here we examined whether PFCs show associations similar to those of OCs to factors potentially affecting population growth, by evaluating relationships between contaminant concentrations and demographic parameters (reproductive performance and the probability of adults returning between breeding seasons). PFCs were not adversely associated with demographic parameters, while the most persistent OCs; notably PCB and p,p'-DDE, were adversely associated with early chick survival, and adult return rate. This study thus suggests that when the concentrations of PFCs and OCs are of similar magnitude in a gull population, OCs are more likely to cause adverse ecological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Ove Bustnes
- Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, Department of Arctic Ecology, The Polar Environmental Centre, N-9296 Tromsø, Norway.
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