Levels of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in seafood from Sydney Harbour, Australia

The effects of estuarine outflows on coastal marine ecosystems in New South Wales, Australia

In the state of New South Wales (NSW), Australia, recent legislative action has focused on identifying key threats to the marine estate. We used a systematic literature review to evaluate the knowledge status of the effects of estuarine outflows on coastal marine ecosystems, within the environmental, hydrological, and physicochemical context of NSW waters. Results focussed on studies that measured outcomes for marine biota (n = 56). Trace elements and organochlorines were the most frequently studied contaminant types, with reported biological concentrations often below guideline values but detected at the highest concentrations adjacent to urban sources. Few studies measured the impacts of legacy and emerging contaminants to animal health, or the flow on effects to marine ecosystems in NSW. Our review highlights key biological and geographical data gaps in estuarine outflow research in NSW, particularly of the impact on ecosystems of exported carbon and nutrients to the oligotrophic waters of NSW.

Polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/furans and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in fish and crustaceans of a recreationally fished estuary, following targeted remediation

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) are a suite of harmful chemicals (hereafter collectively referred to as 'dioxins'), and their emission into aquatic habitats leads to persistent contamination of sediments, aquatic food-webs, and seafoods. Quantifying contaminant levels in seafood species is important for the ongoing management of exposure risk by fishers, particularly after any remediation actions. We present dioxin concentrations in four seafood species (Yellowfin Bream Acanthopagrus australis, Sea Mullet Mugil cephalus, Eastern School Prawn Metapenaeus macleayi, and Eastern King Prawn Penaeus plebejus) in a recreationally fished estuary, in relation to a contaminated site that has undergone a remediation process, partially removing contaminated sediments (Homebush Bay, Port Jackson, New South Wales, Australia). Dioxin concentrations in these species were measured before (2005/6) and after (2015/16) remediation at a range of locations in and around the remediated site. Dioxin concentrations and congener profiles differed substantially among taxa, and concentrations were frequently higher than Australian screening criteria. The two prawn species showed evidence of a decline in dioxin concentrations after remediation, but the fish species only showed a declining dioxin concentration with distance from the contaminated site (not between periods). There were some minor changes in the congener profile for some species following remediation. While there was evidence for greatly reduced dioxin concentrations in prawn species following remediation, the complex patterns for fish were likely affected by environmental changes, species-specific and temporal changes in lipid content, and animal movement patterns. Future monitoring may aid interpretation of the patterns and modelling of exposure risk associated with seafood consumption into the future.

Perfluoroalkyl acid depuration from the edible tissues of a migratory recreationally fished species

Environmental emissions of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) impact estuarine species and the fisheries that rely on them. Migratory estuarine fishes may be captured for consumption in areas distant to known contaminant sources, but exposure risk depends on how quickly contaminants are depurated. This baseline presents the outcomes from a novel experiment simulating the migration of a popular recreational fish species (Dusky Flathead, Platycephalus fuscus) following environmental exposure to PFAAs, and assessing depuration from edible muscle tissues. Over the 33-day experiment, perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) concentrations declined slowly, with modelling suggesting that concentrations fell below the relevant screening value (5.2 μg kg-1) within ∼558 h (285-1372 h; 90 % CI). Low concentrations (<1.2 μg kg-1) of perfluorohexane sulfonate also depurated rapidly. This study provides useful information for assessing potential exposure risk posed by recreationally targeted fish migrating away from contaminated areas. The experimental design employed has a real-world context that is relevant for future studies.

Monitoring the Health of Coastal Environments in the Pacific Region-A Review

Coastal areas provide important ecological services to populations accessing, for example, tourism services, fisheries, minerals and petroleum. Coastal zones worldwide are exposed to multiple stressors that threaten the sustainability of receiving environments. Assessing the health of these valuable ecosystems remains a top priority for environmental managers to ensure the key stressor sources are identified and their impacts minimized. The objective of this review was to provide an overview of current coastal environmental monitoring frameworks in the Asia-Pacific region. This large geographical area includes many countries with a range of climate types, population densities and land uses. Traditionally, environmental monitoring frameworks have been based on chemical criteria set against guideline threshold levels. However, regulatory organizations are increasingly promoting the incorporation of biological effects-based data in their decision-making processes. Using a range of examples drawn from across the region, we provide a synthesis of the major approaches currently being applied to examine coastal health in China, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. In addition, we discuss some of the challenges and investigate potential solutions for improving traditional lines of evidence, including the coordination of regional monitoring programs, the implementation of ecosystem-based management and the inclusion of indigenous knowledge and participatory processes in decision-making.

Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans and their chlorinated analogues in sediments from a historical hotspot for both brominated flame retardants and organochlorine pesticides

Polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans (PBDD/Fs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/furans (PCDD/Fs) in the environment are closely related to their precursors, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). However, their change trends following the regulation of BFRs and OCPs remain incompletely characterized. Here, we examined PBDD/Fs and PCDD/Fs in sediments from a historical hotspot for both BFRs and OCPs, namely the Pearl River Delta (PRD), China. PBDD/Fs showed ubiquity in these samples but significantly lower concentrations than PCDD/Fs. Spatially, the occurrence of PBDD/Fs was positively correlated with local development levels and sediments from highly urbanized/industrialized areas showed higher and increasing PBDD/F concentrations. Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE)-related products/industries were the greatest PBDD/F contributors to the PRD, followed by bromo-phenol/benzene-related products/industries. PCDD/Fs in PRD sediments showed significant positive correlations with local grain planting area, yield, and pesticide consumption. The historical use of pentachlorophenol (PCP)/PCP-Na and biomass open-burning were the leading PCDD/F sources of the PRD agricultural/rural areas, where the concentrations and toxic equivalent quantities (TEQs) of PCDD/Fs in sediments changed very little over the past decade. Anthropogenic thermal processes involved in metallurgy, waste incineration, and vehicles were the greatest PCDD/F contributors in the PRD urban/industrial areas, where the PCDD/F concentrations in sediments almost doubled over the last decade. This finding indicates the increasing PCDD/F contributions of industrial and municipal activities in the PRD, despite the implementation of strict emission standards. Over sixty percent of the samples showed TEQs that surpassed the low-risk threshold specified for mammalian life by the U.S. EPA (2.5 pg TEQ g^-1) and warrant continuous attention.

A Guideline Value for Dioxin-Like Compounds in Marine Sediments

Sediments to be dredged as part of the installation of a harbor crossing in Sydney, Australia, contained measurable concentrations of dioxin-like compounds. To assess the suitability of these sediments for ocean disposal, a defensible sediment quality guideline value (SQGV) for dioxin-like compounds, expressed as pg toxic equivalent (TEQ)_fish /g dry weight, was required. There were deemed to be too many uncertainties associated with a value derived using effects data from field studies. A similar issue was associated with values based on equilibrium partitioning from sediment to pore water, largely associated with the wide range of reported sediment:water partition coefficients. Greater certainty was associated with the use of a tissue residue approach based on equilibrium partitioning between sediment and organisms determined using tissue concentrations in fish, the most sensitive aquatic biota, and biota:sediment accumulation factors. The calculation of an appropriate SQGV used data for dioxin-like compounds in both fish and sediments from Sydney Harbor. A conservative SQGV for dioxin-like compounds of 70 pg TEQ/g dry weight was deemed to be adequately protective of biota that might be exposed to these contaminants in sediments at the ocean spoil ground. The approach is transferable to similar situations internationally. Environ Toxicol Chem 2023;42:257-271. © 2022 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Harbours as unique environmental sites of multiple anthropogenic stressors on fish hormonal systems

Fish development and acclimation to environmental conditions are strongly mediated by the hormonal endocrine system. In environments contaminated by anthropogenic stressors, hormonal pathway alterations can be detrimental for growth, survival, fitness, and at a larger scale for population maintenance. In the context of increasingly contaminated marine environments worldwide, numerous laboratory studies have confirmed the effect of one or a combination of pollutants on fish hormonal systems. However, this has not been confirmed in situ. In this review, we explore the body of knowledge related to the influence of anthropogenic stressors disrupting fish endocrine systems, recent advances (focusing on thyroid hormones and stress hormones such as cortisol), and potential research perspectives. Through this review, we highlight how harbours can be used as "in situ laboratories" given the variety of anthropogenic stressors (such as plastic, chemical, sound, light pollution, and invasive species) that can be simultaneously investigated in harbours over long periods of time.

Persistent organic pollutants in foods, their interplay with gut microbiota and resultant toxicity

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) have become immensely prevalent in the environment as a result of their unique chemical properties (persistent, semi-volatile and bioaccumulative nature). Their occurrence in the soil, water and subsequently in food has become a matter of concern. With food being one of the major sources of exposure, the detrimental impact of these chemicals on the gut microbiome is inevitable. The gut microbiome is considered as an important integrant for human health. It participates in various physiological, biochemical and immunological activities; thus, affects the metabolism and physiology of the host. A myriad of studies have corroborated an association between POP-induced gut microbial dysbiosis and prevalence of disorders. For instance, ingestion of polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers or organochlorine pesticides influenced bile acid metabolism via alteration of bile salt hydrolase activity of Lactobacillus, Clostridium or Bacteroides genus. At the same time, some chemicals such as DDE have the potential to elevate Proteobacteria and Firmicutes/Bacteriodetes ratio influencing their metabolic activity leading to enhanced short-chain fatty acid synthesis, ensuing obesity or a pre-diabetic state. This review highlights the impact of POPs exposure on the gut microbiota composition and metabolic activity, along with an account of its corresponding consequences on the host physiology. The critical role of gut microbiota in impeding the POPs excretion out of the body resulting in their prolonged exposure and consequently, enhanced degree of toxicity is also emphasized.

Survey of legacy and emerging per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances in Mediterranean seafood from a North African ecosystem

Despite the ubiquity of per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) in all environmental compartments, little is known about the pollution they cause on the African continent, neither on levels, nor effects. Here we examined the occurrence and levels of 21 legacy and emerging PFAS in 9 marine species (3 fish, 2 crustaceans and 4 mollusks) collected from Bizerte lagoon, Northern Tunisia. Furthermore, assessment of potential human health risks through consumption of contaminated seafood was examined. This is the first study assessing PFAS in Mediterranean coastal areas of North Africa. Twelve out of the 21 targeted PFAS were detected, evidencing the occurrence of PFAS in seafood from North Africa, albeit at low levels. The Ʃ₂₁PFAS concentrations in all seafood samples ranged from 0.202 ng g^-1 dry weight (dw) to 2.89 ng g^-1 dw, with a mean value of 1.10 ± 0.89 ng g^-1 dw. The profiles of PFAS varied significantly among different species, which might be related to their different trophic level, protein content, feeding behaviour and metabolism. Generally, current exposure to PFAS through seafood consumption indicates that it should not be of concern to the local consumers, at least for those PFAS for which information is available.

The effect of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on bovine oviductal contractions and LIF synthesis during estrous cycle, in vitro studies

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of synthetic xenobiotics that have been used in many industrial applications. Currently, PCBs are among the most prominent environmental contaminants. Previously we showed that PCBs impair secretion of prostaglandins (PGs) at the oviduct. PGs are involved in the regulation of oviductal contractions and the synthesis of leukemia inhibitory factors LIF. Since oviductal contractions are crucial for gamete and embryo transport, and LIF is essential for embryo implantation, the direct effect of PCBs on oviductal motor activity and LIF mRNA expression were investigated. Oviductal strips and cells were taken from cows during the estrous cycle and were treated with PCBs at concentrations close to their environmental ranges. All the studied PCBs decreased the force of the contractions of the longitudinal and circular muscles of the isthmus. Additionally, these PCBs decreased the amplitude of the longitudinal muscle of the oviduct. Moreover, PCB-30-OH and PCB-153 increased the mRNA expression of LIF. Since PCBs inhibit the motor function of the oviduct and stimulate the synthesis of LIF, it is possible that PCBs can slow gamete or embryo transport and increase the potential for pathological embryo implantation in the oviduct.

Assessment of pops contaminated sites and the need for stringent soil standards for food safety for the protection of human health

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) including PCDD/Fs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are among the most important and hazardous pollutants of soil. Food producing animals such as chicken, beef, sheep and goats can take up soil while grazing or living outdoors (free-range) and this can result in contamination. In recent decades, large quantities of brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and per- and polyfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) have been produced and released into the environment and this has resulted in widespread contamination of soils and other environmental matrices. These POPs also bioaccumulate and can contaminate food of animal origin resulting in indirect exposure of humans. Recent assessments of chicken and beef have shown that surprisingly low concentrations of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in soil can result in exceedances of regulatory limits in food. Soil contamination limits have been established in a number of countries for PCDD/Fs but it has been shown that the contamination levels which result in regulatory limits in food (the maximum levels in the European Union) being exceeded, are below all the existing soil regulatory limits. 'Safe' soil levels are exceeded in many areas around emission sources of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. On the other hand, PCDD/F and dioxin-like PCB levels in soil in rural areas, without a contamination source, are normally safe for food producing animals housed outdoors resulting in healthy food (e.g. meat, eggs, milk). For the majority of POPs (e.g. PBDEs, PFOS, PFOA, SCCP) no regulatory limits in soils exist. There is, therefore, an urgent need to develop appropriate and protective soil standards minimising human exposure from food producing animals housed outdoors. Furthermore, there is an urgent need to eliminate POPs pollution sources for soils and to control, secure and remediate contaminated sites and reservoirs, in order to reduce exposure and guarantee food safety.

Occurrence and level of emerging organic contaminant in fish and mollusk from Klang River estuary, Malaysia and assessment on human health risk

The occurrence, level, and distribution of multiclass emerging organic contaminants (EOCs) in fish and mollusks from the Klang River estuary were examined. The targeted EOCs for this assessment were phenolic endocrine disrupting compounds (bisphenol A, 4-OP, and 4-NP), organophosphorous pesticides (quinalphos, chlorpyrifos, and diazinon), estrogenic hormones (E2, E1, and EE2), and pharmaceutically active chemicals (primidone, sulfamethoxazole, dexamethasone, diclofenac, amoxicillin, progesterone, and testosterone). Results from this study showed that the prevalent contamination of the Klang River estuary by EOCs with diclofenac, bisphenol A, progesterone, and amoxicillin were predominantly detected in fish and mollusks. Among the EOCs, diclofenac and progesterone had the highest concentrations in fish and mollusk samples, respectively. The concentrations of diclofenac and progesterone in fish and mollusk samples range from 1.42 ng/g to 10.76 ng/g and from 0.73 ng/g to 9.57 ng/g, respectively. Bisphenol A should also be highlighted because of its significant presence in both fish and mollusks. The concentration of bisphenol A in both matrices range from 0.92 ng/g to 5.79 ng/g. The calculated hazard quotient (HQ) for diclofenac, bisphenol A, and progesterone without consideration to their degradation byproduct were less than one, thus suggesting that the consumption of fish and mollusks from the Klang River estuary will unlikely pose any health risk to consumers on the basis of the current assessment. Nonetheless, this preliminary result is an important finding for pollution studies in Malaysian tropical coastal ecosystems, particularly for organic micropollutant EOCs, and can serve as a baseline database for future reference.

Abundance of diet-derived polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans in the bodies and nests of the yellow-legged hornet Vespa velutina nigrithorax and risks to human health in South Korea

Detecting polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in an organism's environment is ecologically significant. In particular, the detection of PCDD/Fs in organisms consumed as food suggests the possibility of human health risks. In South Korea, there is a unique custom in which social wasps, such as hornets, have been used as ingredients in traditional liquor. Thus, we investigated the concentrations and patterns of PCDD/Fs for the most common social wasps, the yellow-legged hornet (Vespa velutina nigrithorax), and estimated human health risks based on potential dietary exposure in traditional liquor made from the polluted wasps and their nests. The mean concentration of ∑₁₇ PCDD/Fs in the wasps and nests of V. v. nigrithorax was 33.59 pg/g (median 25.31 pg/g), corresponding to 0.65 pg World Health Organization - Toxic equivalency factor (WHO-TEQ/g) (median 0.49 pg WHO-TEQ/g). The levels of ∑₁₇ PCDD/Fs from the nests of V. v. nigrithorax were higher than those in the adults and larvae. As a result of this risk assessment, the daily intake of traditional liquor made with these wasps and their nests was found to be below safety levels; however, there could still be a possibility for health risks due to the detection of PCDD/Fs from organism. Therefore, continuous monitoring of environmental contaminants, including PCDD/Fs in wasps and nests, is required in order to evaluate human health risks associated with the consumption of traditional liquor made with these biological substances. In addition, the results of this study can be used to calculate dietary exposure to PCDD/Fs and the extent of risk to food in which the organism is consumed.

Survey design for quantifying perfluoroalkyl acid concentrations in fish, prawns and crabs to assess human health risks

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are emerging contaminants that have potential implications for human health. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) are perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) that commonly bioaccumulate in aquatic species exposed to PFAS contaminant sources. Sampling programs aimed at measuring PFAA concentrations in free ranging aquatic animals to assess human health risk are not yet supported by any quantitative analyses to refine sampling effort required to provide a reasonable estimate of summary statistics for a species in a particular area. Here, an extensive, multi-species PFOS and PFHxS data set measured in free-ranging fish and crustaceans is employed to examine the effect of sample size on summary statistics estimated from sample data which are commonly employed in dietary exposure assessments. A unifying, cross-species model suggested that sample sizes between 20 and 40 individuals per species per location should provide a reasonable estimate of mean PFOS concentrations in free-ranging fish or crustaceans, but slightly larger sample sizes (30-50 individuals) may be required if sample medians are to be used in dietary exposure assessments. PFHxS concentrations were highly variable, so larger sample sizes should also be considered if this contaminant is of interest. The results are discussed in light of the levels of sampling effort reported in recent manuscripts, and other important considerations for designing sampling programs.

Bioaccumulation of organochlorine compounds in large, threatened elasmobranchs off northern New South Wales, Australia

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), which are resistant to biodegradation and therefore accumulate in the marine environment. In Australia, POPs occur in high concentrations primarily in costal water near farming regions and urban centres. From contaminated sediments and biota, POPs are transferred and biomagnified in larger marine organisms. We quantified POPs concentrations in 57 individuals from ten species of sharks and rays caught in bather-protection gillnets deployed off northern New South Wales, Australia. Polychlorinated biphenyls, DDTs and HCB were detected in all species. For some individuals, concentrations were at levels known to have deleterious sub-lethal effects. Overall, the POP concentrations analysed in this study were comparable to those in similar species from more polluted regions, and may have negative impacts on longer-term health. Future research is warranted to investigate spatio-temporal patterns of species-specific contaminant loads and their implications.

Dioxins levels in human blood after implementation of measures against dioxin exposure in Japan

Background

Over the past few decades, the Japanese Ministry of the Environment has been biomonitoring dioxins in the general Japanese population and, in response to public concerns, has taken measures to reduce dioxin exposure. The objectives of this study were to assess the current dioxin dietary intake and corresponding body burden in the Japanese and compare Japanese dioxin data from 2011 to 2016 and 2002–2010 surveys. We also examined the relationship between blood dioxins and health parameters/clinical biomarkers.

Methods

From 2011 to 2016, cross-sectional dioxin surveys were conducted on 490 Japanese (242 males and 248 females, aged 49.9 ± 7.6 years) from 15 Japanese prefectures. Blood (n = 490) and food samples (n = 90) were measured for 29 dioxin congeners including polychlorinated dibenzo-para-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co-PCBs) using gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Using the 2006 World Health Organization toxic equivalence factors, the toxic equivalents (TEQs) were calculated. Clinical biomarkers and anthropometric parameters were also measured and information on lifestyle behaviours collected. Data imputations were applied to account for blood dioxins below the detection limit.

Results

The median (95% confidence interval or CI) blood levels and dioxin dietary intake was respectively 9.4 (8.8–9.9) pg TEQ/g lipid and 0.3 (0.2–0.4) pg TEQ/kg body weight/day. The median blood dioxin level in the 2011–2016 survey was found to have decreased by 41.3% compared to the 2002–2010 surveys. Participants who were older were found to be more likely to have higher dioxin levels. Blood dioxins were also significantly associated with body mass index, triglycerides, docosahexaenoic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid, and dihomo-gamma-linoleic acid levels in blood. Furthermore, associations between blood dioxin and dietary dioxin intake were evident in the unadjusted models. However, after adjusting for confounders, blood dioxins were not found to be associated with dietary dioxin intake.

Conclusions

Blood dioxin levels declined over the past decade. This study showed that the measures and actions undertaken in Japan have possibly contributed to these reductions in the body burden of dioxins in the Japanese population.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12199-018-0755-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Fatty acids, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in paired muscle and skin from fish from the Bohai coast, China: Benefits and risks associated with fish consumption

Fish consumption benefits early cognitive development and cardiovascular health because of the n-3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in the fish, but toxic pollutants in fish, like dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (dl-PCBs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), may decrease or counteract these benefits. In this study, the fatty acids, dl-PCBs, and PCDD/Fs were analyzed in paired muscle and skin from 13 fish and one squid species from the Bohai coast, which have been influenced by serious dioxin pollution from the Bohai Rim Region. The total fatty acid concentrations in the muscle and skin were 2.6-87 and 3.6-156 mg/g wet weight (ww), respectively. The total polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations were higher in skin than muscle for almost half of the species. The total PCDD/F and dl-PCB toxic equivalents in the muscle and skin were 0.055-0.68 and 0.0099-0.43 pg/g ww, respectively, and were up to five times higher in the muscle than in the skin for eight species. Few benefit-risk studies for fish consumption with and without skin have been performed, so benefit-risk quotients (BRQs) for eating only muscle, only skin, and eating both were calculated. To achieve the recommended 250 mg of EPA + DHA intake, eating only muscle, only skin, and eating both from seven species with BRQs < 1 would cause no significant risk. Removing skin before eating is not necessary for these species. Three fish species had BRQs < 1 for muscle only but BRQs > 1 for skin only. Removing skin before eating would be better for these species. The other four fish species had BRQs > 1 for eating only muscle, only skin, and eating both, indicating the potential risk caused by PCDD/F and dl-PCB. Amounts of the four fish species consumed should be decreased, and other sources of EPA and DHA should be selected.

Applying acoustic telemetry to understand contaminant exposure and bioaccumulation patterns in mobile fishes

Contamination in urbanised estuaries presents a risk to human health, and to the viability of populations of exploited species. Assessing animal movements in relation to contaminated areas may help to explain patterns in bioaccumulation, and assist in the effective management of health risks associated with consumption of exploited species. Using polychlorinated dibenzodioxin and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) contamination in Sydney Harbour estuary as a case study, we present a study that links movement patterns resolved using acoustic telemetry to the accumulation of contaminants in mobile fish on a multi-species basis. Fifty-four individuals across six exploited species (Sea Mullet Mugil cephalus; Luderick Girella tricuspidata; Yellowfin Bream Acanthopagrus australis; Silver Trevally Pseudocaranx georgianus; Mulloway Argyrosomus japonicus; Yellowtail Kingfish Seriola lalandi) were tagged with acoustic transmitters, and their movements tracked for up to 3years. There was substantial inter-specific variation in fish distribution along the estuary. The proportion of distribution that overlapped with contaminated areas explained 84-98% of the inter-specific variation in lipid-standardised biota PCDD/F concentration. There was some seasonal variation in distribution along the estuary, but movement patterns indicated that Sea Mullet, Yellowfin Bream, Silver Trevally, and Mulloway were likely to be exposed to contaminated areas during the period of gonadal maturation. Acoustic telemetry allows examination of spatial and temporal patterns in exposure to contamination. When used alongside biota sampling and testing, this offers a powerful approach to assess exposure, bioaccumulation, and potential risks faced by different species, as well as human health risks associated with their consumption.

Bioaccumulation of perfluoroalkyl substances in exploited fish and crustaceans: Spatial trends across two estuarine systems

Spatial patterns in perfluoroalkyl substances were quantified for exploited fish and crustaceans across two contrasting Australian estuaries (Port Stephens and Hunter River). Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) was detected in 77% of composites from Port Stephens and 100% of composites from Hunter River. Most species from Port Stephens showed a clear trend with distance to source. In contrast, only a subset of species showed this trend in the Hunter River, potentially due to species movement patterns and differing hydrology. Spatial modelling showed that PFOS concentrations were expected to exceed the relevant trigger value up to ~13,500 m from the main point source for Port Stephens and ~9000 m for the Hunter River. These results represent the first major investigation of bioaccumulation of PFASs in exploited species in Australian estuaries, and highlight various factors that can contribute to spatial patterns in bioaccumulation.

Childhood Ingestions of Environmental Toxins: What Are the Risks?

Infants and children are at higher risk than adolescents and adults for exposure to environmental toxins via ingestion for a number of reasons: their smaller size (and proportionately larger dose of ingested toxins), their closer proximity to the ground, dirt, and indoor dust, their boundless curiosity and oral exploratory behaviors, pica habits that may persist into school-age for children with autism or other developmental delays, their proportionately larger daily water and milk intake, and food preferences that differ markedly from adolescents and adults. Children depend on adults to protect them and keep their home environment safe. Pediatric care providers can integrate environmental health topics into their well-child care practices, offering guidance and resources to parents concerned with reducing the risks to their children posed by hazards in their homes, daycare centers, preschools, schools, and the other environments in which they spend time. [Pediatr Ann. 2017;46(12):e466-e471.].