Distributions of polyhalogenated compounds in Hudson River (New York, USA) fish in relation to human uses along the river

Hepatic Burdens of PCB and PCDD/F Congeners in Federally Endangered Shortnose Sturgeon and Atlantic Sturgeon from the Hudson River, New York, USA: Burden Patterns and Potential Consequences in Offspring

Sturgeon populations worldwide are threatened with extirpation but little is known about their tendency to bioaccumulate contaminants and their sensitivities to environmental burdens of these contaminants. Shortnose sturgeon and Atlantic sturgeon, two species that are federally endangered in the USA, co-occur in the Hudson River (HR) where high sediment levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-furans (PCDFs) occur. Previous controlled laboratory studies showed that young life-stages of both species are sensitive to toxicities at low levels of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and PCB126 exposure. The objective here was to measure congener-specific hepatic levels of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in HR specimens in order to determine if in situ bioaccumulation of these compounds is sufficiently high to have caused the early life-stage toxicities previously observed. Estimates of hepatic burdens of PCBs and PCDD/Fs were obtained from a small number of specimens of each species collected between 2014 and 2016 and specimens of shortnose sturgeon collected over 30 years earlier and archived in a museum collection. Several significant patterns emerged. Hepatic levels of legacy PCBs and PCDDs were low in specimens of both species but typically higher in shortnose than Atlantic sturgeon, a pattern consistent with their habitat use in the HR. Hepatic burdens in shortnose sturgeon tended to be higher in archived specimens than in more recently collected ones despite expected reduction in archived specimens due to preservation methods. Several inadvertent PCBs congeners were detected at high levels, including PCB11, but their toxicity to natural populations remains unknown. Levels of select PCDFs congeners, 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,4,7,8 PeCDF, were elevated in some shortnose sturgeon individuals from the HR. Using Relative Potency (ReP) factors derived from white sturgeon, the observed levels of some hepatic PCDFs in HR shortnose sturgeon may have been sufficiently high to impair recruitment of young life-stages in this ecosystem.

Functionalization of cellulosic fibers with a kaolinite-TiO2 nano-hybrid composite via a solvothermal process for flame retardant applications

Eco-responsible flame retardant treatments with some resistance to washing are of considerable interest in the sale and applications of technical garments and home textiles. Thus, in the present study, a nano-hybrid composite based on kaolinite-TiO₂ was prepared and incorporated into the fibers of cotton fabric through a more sustainable route compared to existing commercial processes. SEM analyses revealed a mineral covering of the treated cotton fibers, which do not propagate flames when exposed to fire and have a self-extinguishing behavior after the heat source removal. The method proved to be efficient in obtaining a cotton product with high fireproof performance. It was observed that after functionalization, the fabric showed a thermal degradation 41% less at 800 °C, an increase in the residue formation, and a reduction of about 85% in peak heat release measured by PCFC. Some resistance to washing was noticed, and the mechanical resistance of fibers was preserved.

Exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-paradioxin (TCDD) hampers the host defense capability of a bivalve species, Tegillarca granosa

Though increasing reports of deleterious impacts of dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on a variety of marine organisms have been described, their effects on the host defense capability of marine bivalve mollusks remain poorly understood. In the present study we used 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) as a representative of dioxins and PCBs to investigate its impacts on the host defense capability of the blood clam, Tegillarca granosa. After exposure of clams to a range (0, 0.01, 0.1, 1, and 10 μg/L) of TCDD for 96 h, the total count, cell type composition, and phagocytic rate of haemocytes were analyzed. In addition, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, cell viability, and the extent of DNA damage of haemocytes were also investigated. Our results showed that exposure to relatively high TCDD concentrations led to significant reductions in the total count and phagocytic activity of haemocytes, which could be accounted by aggravated DNA damage and reduced cell viability. In addition, the percentage of red granulocyte was significantly decreased whereas that of basophil granulocyte was significantly increased upon high doses TCDD exposure (effective concentrations are 1 μg/L and 10 μg/L for red and basophil granulocytes, respectively). Moreover, clams exposed to TCDD had a significant higher activity of ALP, may also indicate an enhanced ability to eliminate pathogens through direct dephosphorylation process whereas a suppressed inflammatory response through indirect regulating of downstream molecular cascade reaction. These findings suggest that TCDD may hamper the host defense capability and therefore render bivalve mollusks more vulnerable to pathogen infections.

The relation between polychlorinated biphenyls and population metrics of 4 species of fish from the upper Hudson River, New York, USA

In the upper Hudson River, New York, USA, fish were exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from the 1940s to 1977, and PCBs still persist in this environment. Yellow perch (Perca flavescens), brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and largemouth bass (M. salmoides) were collected annually from 2003 to 2009 from 1 control site upstream of the PCB discharge locations and from 2 sites downstream from where PCBs were released. Fish PCB concentrations were estimated, and 3 population metrics were examined: 1) relative abundance, 2) weight-to-length ratio, and 3) growth. Normalized lipid-based PCB concentrations at the 2 PCB exposure pools averaged approximately 100 to 600 μg/g. Estimated relative abundances with electrofishing were higher for largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and brown bullhead at PCB exposure sites compared to the control site; but yellow perch were more abundant at the control site. Weight to length ratios varied among sites and species, but no consistent pattern was evident in relation to PCBs at the population level or for individual fish. Growth rates for yellow perch and brown bullhead were similar among sites. Largemouth bass growth was slightly higher at the control site compared to the 2 PCB sites, but smallmouth bass growth was much higher at the PCB sites compared to the control site. We could not detect any relation or influence of PCBs on the 3 population metrics that we examined. the present results corroborated those of previous investigations concerning the effects of PCBs on fishes. We recommend stronger consideration of the biological impacts of PCBs at the population level when conducting risk assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2019;38:329-339. © 2018 SETAC.

Levels of regulated POPs in fish samples from the Sava River Basin. Comparison to legislated quality standard values

Fish samples of different species (i.e. rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss), barbel (Barbus barbus) and European chub (Squalius cephalus)) were collected from the Sava River Basin for a preliminary investigation of the levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, PBDEs and PFAS as a whole. Concentrations of PCDD/Fs, in terms of pg WHO-TEQ/g ww, were below the maximum limit established at the Commission Regulation (EU) No 1259/2011. On the contrary, when DL-PCBs were also included, levels increase up to 11.7 pg WHO-TEQ_{PCDD/Fs+DL-PCBs}/g ww in a particular case, with two samples out of a total of ten exceeding the maximum set at this EU Regulation and the EQS established at the European Directive regarding priority substances in the field of water policy (0.0065 ng WHO-TEQ_{PCDD/Fs+DL-PCBs}/g ww). A similar trend was also observed for NDL-PCBs, whit the same two samples, from the lower stretch of the river basin, exceeding the maximum limit allowed at the EU Regulation (125 ng/g ww). For PBDEs, levels found in all the samples exceeded the EQS (0.0085 ng/g ww) up to more than a thousand times and 40% of the samples presented PFOS values above the EQS. Data from this study were compared to values reported at the literature for fish from other geographical areas.

Temporal trends of PBDD/Fs, PCDD/Fs, PBDEs and PCBs in ringed seals from the Baltic Sea (Pusa hispida botnica) between 1974 and 2015

Temporal trends in exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were assessed in 22 pooled samples gathered from 69 individuals of Baltic ringed seal (Pusa hispida botnica) from 1974 to 2015. Samples were analysed for polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). No previous study has reported on the occurrence of PBDD/Fs in marine mammals in the Baltic Sea. Concentrations of pollutants in Baltic ringed seal, a marine mammal and top predator, can be used as an indicator of pollutants concentrations in the Baltic region. Visual inspection of data did not show any temporal trends for PBDD/Fs, while the PCDD/Fs and PCBs showed decreasing concentrations between 1974 and 2015. PBDEs increased until the end of the 1990s and then decreased until the end of the period. ∑PBDD/Fs ranged from 0.5-52.3pg/g lipid weight (l.w.) (0.08-4.8pgTEQ/g l.w.), with 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF contributing on average 61% to ∑PBDD/Fs. ∑PCDD/Fs ranged from 103 to 1480pg/g l.w. (39-784pgTEQ/g l.w.), with 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF showing the highest average concentrations. PBDD/F toxic equivalents (TEQ) contributed on average 1.1% to the total (PBDD/F+PCDD/F) TEQ. The ∑PBDEs concentration range was 18.7-503ng/g l.w., with BDE #47 the predominant congener. The concentration range for ∑PCBs was 2.8-40.1μg/g l.w., with #138 and #153 the most abundant congeners. Visual inspection of the data showed decreasing concentrations for all compound groups except PBDD/Fs. A slight increase in the PBDD/Fs concentrations was observed from 2004 onwards. This observation needs to be investigated further.

Occurrence of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in pilot whales (Globicephala melas) caught around the Faroe Islands

Blubber from Faroese pilot whales (Globicephala melas) was analysed for brominated dioxins PBDD/Fs, with a subset also analysed for chlorinated dioxins, PCDD/Fs. The studied individuals were restricted to juvenile male whales sampled in the Faroe Islands during the period 1997-2013. Among the PBDD/Fs, the furans were predominant, although the relative abundance of various congeners differed between samples. Furans accounted for, on average, 79% of the ∑PBDD/Fs in the samples, with 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF the most abundant congener, found in half of the analysed pilot whales. The concentration range for ∑PBDD/Fs among the samples was 0.080-71 pg/g l.w. (lipid weight), and the sum of toxic equivalents ranged from 0.0039 to 4.7 pg TEQ/g l.w. No relationship was found between PBDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs. In addition, 20 pilot whale samples from the period 2010-2013 were analysed for PBDEs. Several PBDE congeners were found in all of the sampled pilot whales, and at noticeably higher levels than PBDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs. The ∑PBDEs ranged from 140 to 1900 ng/g l.w., with BDE #47 the most abundant congener detected in the samples. Results from the present study were then compared with data from previous studies on pilot wales to investigate temporal trends between 1986 and 2013. The comparison indicated that PBDE concentrations in juvenile males have decreased from 1996 to the latest observations in 2013. No relationship between the concentration levels of PBDD/Fs and PBDEs in the sampled pilot whales could be identified, which indicates possible differences in the metabolism of, or exposure to, PBDEs and PBDD/Fs.

Occurrence of brominated dioxins in a study using various firefighting methods

The use of different firefighting methods influences how fast a fire is extinguished and how fast the temperature drops in the area affected by the fire. These differences may also influence the formation of harmful pollutants during firefighting of an accidental fire. The aim was to study occurrence of brominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PBDD/Fs) in gas and soot during five fire scenarios resembling a small apartment fire and where different firefighting methods were used. Samples of gas and soot were taken both during the buildup of the fire and during the subsequent extinguishing of the fire while using different firefighting methods (nozzle, compressed air foam system, cutting extinguisher) and an extinguishing additive. New containers equipped with identical sets of combustible material were used for the five tests. The use of different firefighting methods and extinguishing additive induced variations in concentration and congener profiles of detected PBDD/Fs. The concentration range of ∑PBDD/Fs in gas was 4020-18,700pg/m³, and in soot 76-4092pg/m². PBDFs were the predominant congeners and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpBDF was the most abundant congener. Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) were also monitored. The PBDD/Fs contributed with in average 97% to the total (PCDD/Fs plus PBDD/Fs) toxic equivalents, in soot and gas. During extinguishing, the shorter time the temperature was around 300°C, the lower occurrence of PBDD/Fs. In the study the firefighting methods showed a difference in how effectively they induced a temperature decrease below 300°C in the fire zone during quenching, where cutting extinguishing using additive and the compressed air foam system showed the fastest drop in temperature.

Histopathology of brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens) in relation to polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination in the Hudson River

From the 1940s through 1977, at least 590,000kg of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were released into the Hudson River from General Electric manufacturing plants located in Hudson Falls and Fort Edward, New York. In 1984, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency designated a nearly 322km reach as the Hudson River PCBs Superfund Site. Here we describe a Fish Health Assessment study, part of a Natural Resource Damage Assessment, that evaluated the prevalence of toxicopathic lesions in adult brown bullhead (Ameiurus nebulosus), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and yellow perch (Perca flavescens). In fall 2001, 29-51 fish of each species were collected in fall 2001 from highly contaminated areas below the plants (Thompson Island Pool (TIP) and Stillwater Dam Pool (STW)), an upriver reference area (Feeder Dam Pool (FDP)), and a reference lake, Oneida Lake (ODA). The focus was on histopathologic lesions and observations associated with contaminant exposure: liver-neoplasms, foci of cellular alteration, bile duct hyperplasia; testes-ovotestis (testicular oocytes), germ cell degeneration, altered developmental stage; ovaries-atresia and altered developmental stage. Lesions associated with PCB exposure were defined as those with significantly greater prevalence and/or severity in TIP and STW compared with ODA and FDP. For brown bullhead and smallmouth bass, no lesions or changes in gonadal development met those criteria. In yellow perch, ovarian atresia was the only lesion associated with PCB exposure. Prevalence was 53% in FDP, 75% in ODA, and 100% in both STW and TIP; severity increased from mostly minimal to mild-moderate. Because of the high prevalence of atresia in reference collections, it is likely that factors other than PCBs are also involved. As part of a post-dredging monitoring plan, we recommend assessing gonad structure and function in yellow perch collected at the time of spawning in locations with a range of PCB contamination.

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in adult and juvenile mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) from the Hudson River, New York, USA

The Hudson River, NY, USA is contaminated for over 300 km with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from two General Electric (GE) capacitor plants. We collected adult and juvenile mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) from four different areas of the river; an area upstream of the GE plants (n = 38), two areas directly downstream of the GE plants (n = 41, n = 38), and an area more than 100 km downstream in the freshwater tidal river (n = 20). Collections occurred during July and August (2008) when ducks were flightless to ensure ducks were "resident" and exposures were local. Fat and muscle tissue were analyzed for PCBs. PCBs were detected in all samples, and mallards below the GE plant sites on the Hudson River had orders of magnitude higher concentrations of PCBs than those above the plants. Juvenile mallards from areas directly downstream of the GE plant sites tended to have higher PCB concentrations in fat than adults. The patterns of PCB congeners and homolog groups varied across the study areas, with areas directly downstream of the GE plants dominated by tetra-chloro biphenyls whereas samples from upstream and the freshwater tidal river tended towards higher chlorinated congeners. Congener patterns between male and female and juvenile and adult mallards were generally similar within study areas, with the exception of one area downstream of the GE plants where adult birds exhibited different patterns than juveniles. Evidence of PCBs from the GE plant sites was detected in the tidal Hudson River, more than 100 km downstream of the plant sites. More than 90% of the ducks collected in areas downstream of the GE plants but above the tidally influenced river exceed the USFDA tolerance level for PCBs in poultry, which should be a concern for consumers of waterfowl taken in proximity to the upper Hudson River.

Estudo de sistemas retardantes de Chama sem Bromo para ABS

Este trabalho visa estudar e caracterizar o desempenho de aditivos retardantes de chama não bromados em copolímero de ABS. Foram estudadas combinações de retardantes de chama, como: o polifosfato de amônio (APP), a melamina, nanopartículas de dióxido de titânio e argila organicamente modificada com sal quaternário de fosfônio. Os materiais obtidos foram caracterizados por ensaios mecânicos (resistência ao impacto Izod e resistência à tração), análise termogravimétrica (TG), avaliação da morfologia e ensaio de retardância à chama. Os resultados obtidos indicaram uma redução de cerca de 48% na velocidade de propagação da chama dos compósitos com APP/melamina/TiO2/argila organofílica, em relação ao copolímero de ABS puro.

Dioxin-related compounds in breast milk of women from Vietnamese e-waste recycling sites: levels, toxic equivalents and relevance of non-dietary exposure

Although informal e-waste recycling sites (EWRSs) are hotspots of both polychlorinated and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs and PBDD/Fs), human exposure to the latter has not been studied in details. This study investigated the accumulation levels and profiles of dioxin-related compounds (DRCs) in breast milk samples from women living in two Vietnamese EWRSs and estimated the intake contribution from e-waste-related exposure. Screening results using Dioxin-Responsive Chemically Activated LUciferase gene eXpression assay (DR-CALUX) showed higher dioxin-like (DL) activities in samples from the EWRS Bui Dau than in those from the EWRS Trang Minh and a reference site (2.3-10 vs 1.7-4.8 and 0.60-5.7 pg CALUX-TEQ/g lipid, n=10, 6 and 9, respectively). Chemical analysis results of selected samples show that the WHO-TEQ levels of PCDD/Fs, DL-PCBs and PBDD/Fs in EWRS samples were not significantly higher than in those from the reference site (0.22-7.4 vs 1.1-3.0 pg/g lipid) and within the Vietnamese background range, but women involved in recycling accumulated higher concentrations of PCDFs (13-15 vs 2.3-8.8 pg/g lipid) and PBDFs (1.1-1.5 vs <1.1 pg/g lipid). By comparing the DRC profile in milk of these women with the reported profile in house dust from the same site, dust ingestion was estimated to contribute most of the intake for tetraBDF, 37 per cent to 55 per cent for penta-octaCDFs, but less than twenty per cent for PCDDs and DL-PCBs, and 26 per cent for total WHO-TEQs. The DL activities in some EWRS milk samples were not fully explained by chemical data, suggesting contribution from unidentified compounds. The estimated WHO-TEQ intake doses for breastfed infants (1.3-33 pg/kg/d) mostly exceeded the tolerable value, especially for those living in the EWRSs; and unidentified DRCs might increase further the dioxin-related health risk.

Induction of CYP1A and ABC transporters in European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) upon 2,3,7,8-TCDD waterborne exposure

The aim of this study was to characterize the responsiveness of CYP1A and ABC transport proteins in European Sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) waterborne exposed to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) (46 pg/L) for 24 h and 7 days. Genes modulation (abcb1, abcc1-2, cyp1a), EROD activity were investigated in liver and 2,3,7,8-TCDD bioconcentration in liver and muscle. TCDD induced significantly cyp1a gene expression and EROD activity at 24 h and 7 d. A significant up-regulation of abcb1 was also observed but only after 7 days. No modulation of abcc1 and abcc2 genes was observed. Waterborne TCDD exposure was able to induce CYP1A and abcb1 encoding for P-glycoprotein in juvenile of European sea bass.

Brominated flame-retardants in Sub-Saharan Africa: burdens in inland and coastal sediments in the eThekwini metropolitan municipality, South Africa

Brominated flame-retardant (BFR) additives are present in many polymeric consumer products at percent levels. High environmental concentrations have been observed near cities and polymer, textile, and electronics manufacturing centers. Most studies have focused on European, North American, and Asian locales. Releases are likely rising most dramatically in countries with weak environmental and human health regulation and enforcement, demand for electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) is escalating, and importation of waste EEE occurs. Several African countries meet these criteria, but little data are available on burdens or sources. To better understand the extent of BFR environmental dissemination in a southern African urban community, inland and coastal sediments were collected in the eThekwini metropolitan municipality, South Africa, and analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (TBB), 2-ethylhexyl 2,3,4,5-tretabromophalate (TBPH), 1,2-bis (2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE). BFRs were detected in all samples (n = 45). Concentration data are presented on total organic carbon (TOC) normalized basis. ΣBFR ranged from 114 to 47 100 ng g(-1). Decabromodiphenyl ether was detected in 93% of samples (mean concentration 3208 ng g(-1)) followed by TBB at 91% (mean conc. 545 ng g(-1)). Durban Bay is strongly influenced by urban runoff and tidal hydrology, and sediments therein exhibited ΣPBDE concentrations ranging from 1850 to 25 400 ng g(-1) (median conc. 3240 ng g(-1)). These levels rival those in the heavily impacted Pearl River Delta, China. BFRs likely enter the South African environment during manufacture of BFR-containing products, during and following product use (i.e., after disposal and as a result of materials recycling activities), and from nonpoint sources such as atmospheric fallout and urban runoff. These results underline the need to investigate further the environmental burdens and risks associated with BFRs in developing countries.

Polychlorinated biphenyls in adult black bass and yellow perch were not associated with their reproductive success in the upper Hudson River, New York, USA

Although production and use of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ceased nearly 35 yr ago, questions still remain concerning the potential chronic effects these compounds may have on wild fish, including their reproductive success. In the upper Hudson River, New York, USA, fish were exposed to PCBs primarily from 2 manufacturing plants located approximately 320 km upstream of New York City, New York, from the 1940s to 1977. The authors collected yellow perch (Perca flavescens), smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), and largemouth bass (M. salmoides) using electrofishing, measured PCBs in these adults, and estimated abundance and size of their offspring at age 1 yr (age-1 fish). Fish were collected annually from 2004 to 2009 from 1 control site upstream of the PCB discharge sites and from 2 sites downstream from where PCBs were released. These sites (pools) are separated by a series of dams, locks, and canals. Muscle tissue wet weight PCB and lipid-based PCB concentrations in adults in the 2 PCB exposure pools averaged approximately 1 to 3 µg/g and 100 to 500 µg/g, respectively. Age-1 abundances were not related to adult PCB concentrations but were inversely related to river flow. Size of age-1 fish was slightly greater at the PCB-exposure sites. Levels of PCBs in yellow perch, largemouth bass, and smallmouth bass in the upper Hudson River did not impair or reduce recruitment or reproductive success.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in surface sediments from principal watersheds of Shanghai, China: levels, distribution, influencing factors, and risk assessment

Fourteen and 17 sediment samples were collected from three main rivers of Shanghai in July and November, respectively. Eight polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183, and BDE-209) were detected in these samples to clarify the pollution status in the metropolis. Instrumental analyses showed that the concentrations of ∑8PBDEs ranged from 10.97 to 64.05 ng/g dry weight (dw), with an average value of 29.71 ng/g dw. BDE-209 was the predominant congener accounting for more than 97% of total PBDEs, followed by BDE-47 and BDE-99. Remarkable spatial and seasonal distributions of PBDE concentrations were observed, suggesting that local sources, seasonal climates, and hydrologic conditions might be the influencing factors. Moderate correlations (r (2) = 0.28-0.51, p < 0.05) were found between total organic carbon and PBDEs, which indicated that organic carbon content influenced the distributions of PBDEs in sediment of Shanghai at some extent. Hazard quotients revealed PBDEs posed no potential risk to benthic organisms in the study area at present.

Primary investigation on contamination pattern of legacy and emerging halogenated organic pollutions in freshwater fish from Liaohe River, Northeast China

Legacy halogenated compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and emerging organo-halogen pollutants such as Dechlorane Plus (DP), were detected in fish from an old industrial region in Northeast China. PCBs and PBDEs were detected in all of the samples, with concentrations ranging from 38.15 to 170.51 ng/g lipid weight, and 9.40-39.69 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. DP was detected in more than 90% of the samples with concentrations ranging from not detected (ND) to 470 pg g/g lipid weight. Compared with similar data in other areas of the world, PCBs, PBDEs and DP in fish from Liaohe River were at medium or low level. An unusually high percentage of PCB-209 was first reported in the fish samples collected from China. Other halogenated pollutions, such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, octachlorostyrene, chlorinated anisole, chlorinated thioanisole, triclosan-methyl, and other pesticides, have also been identified in the fish samples.

Environmental and human exposure to soil chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an urbanized region

Nine chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (Cl/BrPAHs) and five parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in urban surface soil and fly ash samples collected from Shenzhen, south China in winter 2010. The concentrations of total Cl/BrPAHs and PAHs in soil ranged from below the reporting limit to 142 ng/g and from 4.34 to 158 µg/g, respectively, and in fly ash they ranged from 17.7 to 19.5 ng/g and 26.1 to 28.3 µg/g, respectively. Concentrations of Cl/BrPAHs and parent PAHs were not significantly correlated with each other in soil or in fly ash, suggesting that Cl/BrPAHs were formed mainly by mechanisms other than direct halogenation of parent PAHs. Estimated mass inventories of 2-BrFlu varied from 68.1 kg in commercial land to 669 kg in countryside land, the highest among all Cl/BrPAHs. Loss fluxes via soil erosion accounted for only small proportions of total soil mass inventories of Cl/BrPAHs. Average daily human intake via soil ingestion decreased with increasing age, with 2-BrFlu as the main contributor. Children of 0 to 8 years old were the most sensitive subgroup (13.7 pg/kg body wt/d for total Cl/BrPAHs), and females were more sensitive than males in the same age group. The mean dioxin-like toxic equivalency quotient (TEQ) concentration of total Cl/BrPAHs (0.008 ng-TEQ/g) was lower in soil than in fly ash (0.06 ng-TEQ/g). Conversely, the mean TEQ concentration of total parent PAHs (2.23 ng-TEQ/g) was higher in soil than in fly ash.