Distribution and possible sources of polychlorinated biphenyls in dated sediments from the Newark Bay estuary,New Jersey

Two hundred and forty-six sediment samples from Newark Bay, New Jersey and its tributaries (the Passaic River, Hackensack River, Kill van Kull, and Arthur Kill and its tributaries, the Elizabeth River and Rahway River) were assayed for commercial Aroclor^® mixtures and non-ortho and mono-ortho coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) between 1990 and 1993. In addition, chronological profiles of PCBs in sediments from pre-1940 to the present were determined using radioisotope activities of ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs. The objectives of this study were to (a) determine the spatial and temporal distributions of PCBs in sediments, (b) identify their possible sources, and (c) evaluate the potential for sediment toxicity within the Newark Bay Estuary. Aroclors^® 1248 and 1254 were detected in surface and buried sediments in each waterway. The highest concentrations occurred primarily in buried sediments from the Passaic River and Newark Bay at depths corresponding to historical deposition during the 1960s and 1970s, the peak manufacturing period for Aroclors^®. In surface sediments, the highest concentrations were measured in the Passaic River, Rahway River, Kill Van Kull, and ship berths at Port Elizabeth and Port Newark in Newark Bay. Coplanar PCBs were detected throughout the estuary at much lower concentrations than the Aroclors. Results from the Passaic River indicate that the lower reach is contaminated with relatively high levels of PCBs, in part due to a relatively high depositional environment and the accumulation of PCB-contaminated sediments from local and upstream sources. Comparisons to available benchmark sediment quality values and calculated toxicity equivalent concentrations raise a concern that Aroclors^® 1248 and 1254 and coplanar PCBs, respectively, may adversely effect aquatic organisms in the estuary.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and petroleum hydrocarbon contamination in sediment from the Newark Bay estuary,New Jersey

The presence of numerous industrial and municipal sources such as former creosote wood preserving facilities, petroleum storage and refinery facilities, paint and chemical manufacturers, combined sewer overflows, and sewage treatment facilities along the shores of Newark Bay, New Jersey and its major tributaries suggests the potential for widespread contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and petroleum hydrocarbons. In this study, the concentrations and distributions of 19 PAHs and total extractable petroleum hydrocarbon (TEPH) were determined in 213 sediment samples obtained from 58 sediment cores collected between November 1991 and March 1993 from the Arthur Kill, Elizabeth River, Hackensack River, Kill Van Kull, Newark Bay, Upper New York Bay, and Rahway River. Chronological profiles of PAH and TEPH deposition from pre-1930 to the present were determined in each sediment core using ¹³⁷Cs and ²¹⁰Pb radioisotope measurements. The concentrations of total PAHs (tPAH) and individual PAHs were compared to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) benchmark sediment effects-range median (ER-M) values. The objectives of this study were to: (a) determine the spatial and temporal distributions of PAHs in sediments; (b) identify their possible sources; and (c) assess the potential for sediment toxicity within the estuary. The results indicate elevated concentrations of PAHs and TEPH in surface and buried sediments throughout the estuary, particularly in the Elizabeth River, the Arthur Kill, and in the Passaic River above the Dundee Dam and below the Jackson Street Bridge. Sediments collected from ship berths at Port Newark and Port Elizabeth in Newark Bay were also found to contain elevated levels of PAHs and TEPH. The concentrations of PAHs and TEPH in sediment generally increase with depth throughout the estuary. Comparisons to NOAA ER-M values indicate that the concentrations of many PAHs in surface and buried sediments at several locations in the estuary pose a significant hazard to aquatic organisms. Radiodating of sediment cores reveals that the highest concentrations of PAHs, and the greatest potential hazards to aquatic biota, occur in sediments deposited during the 1950s. Although the major inputs of PAHs are probably combustion sources and urban runoff entering the estuary through combined sewer overflows and storm drains, the unusually high concentrations of PAHs and TEPH found in some sediments may be best explained by point source inputs or catastrophic oil spills.     

Passive sampling provides evidence for Newark Bay as a source of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans to the New York/New Jersey, USA, atmosphere

Freely dissolved and gas phase polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were measured in the water column and atmosphere at five locations within Newark Bay (New Jersey, USA) from May 2008 to August 2009 with polyethylene (PE) passive samplers. Mono- to octa-CDDs and mono- to hepta-CDFs were detected in bottom and surface waters at ≤ 20 pg/L with no clear gradient between sampling locations, suggesting freely dissolved PCDD/Fs are well mixed in Newark Bay. The most concentrated, freely dissolved gas phase congener was 2,7/2,8-dichlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,7/2,8-DiCDD), likely originating from photochemical conversion of triclosan in Newark Bay. Air-surface water gradients strongly favored net volatilization of PCDD/PCDFs from Newark Bay. Water-to-air fluxes of 2,7/2,8-DiCDD and 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD), the most concentrated and the most toxic PCDD/PCDFs, respectively, were approximately 60 ng/m(2) per month and 14 to 51 pg/m(2) per month. Significant decreases in freely dissolved 2,3,7,8-TCDD concentrations with increasing freshwater near the Passaic River and conservative behavior during the summer of 2009 suggested Passaic sediments as a likely source of 2,3,7,8-TCDD to Newark Bay. Mass balance calculations implied that almost 50% of freely dissolved 2,3,7,8-TCDD delivered to Newark Bay from the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers was lost to volatilization in the summer of 2009.     

Chemometric comparisons of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran residues in surficial sediments from Newark Bay,New Jersey and other industrialized waterways

The distributions of 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) measured in surficial sediments from the lower Passaic River and Newark Bay, New Jersey were compared to those observed in sediments from other waterways located within industrial or heavily populated areas using chemometric techniques. Comparisons were conducted using published data to determine whether the distributions of 2,3,7,8-substituted isomers in surficial sediments from industrialized waterways have similar or different fingerprint patterns. Chemometric evaluations consisted of principal components analysis and the complete linkage: farthest neighbor cluster method. The concentrations of individual isomers were normalized to the combined sum of the 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD and PCDF isomer concentrations in order to evaluate relative distribution patterns. Several of the isomeric fingerprint patterns found in sediments from the lower Passaic River and Newark Bay were similar to those found in sediments from New Bedford Harbor, MA, USA, Black Rock Harbor, CT, USA, Providence River, RI, USA, Eagle Harbor, WA, USA, the Inner Stockholm archipelago, Sweden, Hamburg Harbor, Germany, and St. Laurensharbor, The Netherlands. Pattern differences were observed in sediments from Frierfjorden, Norway, Niagara River, NY, USA, and Chemieharbor, The Netherlands. The variations among the 2,3,7,8-substituted isomer patterns observed in different sediments were largely explained by the distributions of the higher chlorinated isomers. Other differences may be attributed to environmental conditions unique to each waterway such as tidal flux, shipping traffic, urbanization, sedimentation rates, and the presence of different industrial sources. Similarities in PCDD and PCDF patterns among the waterways were related to the presence of similar municipal and industrial sources, including effluents from pentachlorophenol and polychlorinated biphenyl manufacturing facilities, pulp and paper mills, automobile and shipping traffic, and municipal solid waste and industrial incinerators. The distributions of PCDDs and PCDFs in surficial sediments from some areas of the Newark Bay estuary were representative of those found in many industrialized regions. It wsa evident from this analysis that the application of chemometric analysis can be useful in characterizing the distribution of complex multi-constituent chemical residues and identifying sources of these compounds in freshwater, estuarine, and marine sediments.     

Principal components analysis of potential sources of polychlorinated dibenzop-dioxin and dibenzofuran residues in surficial sediments from Newark Bay,New Jersey

The distributions of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) measured in surficial sediments from the lower Passaic River and Newark Bay, New Jersey, USA, were compared to those reported in various industrial process residues and effluents, contaminated soils, chemical formulations, and municipal waste disposal activities that are known or suspected to be sources of these compounds in the aquatic environment. Comparisons were conducted using data from published literature to determine whether the composition of tetra through octachlorinated congeners and 2,3,7,8-substituted residues reported in a broad range of potential environmental sources could explain the presence of these compounds in Newark Bay. Pattern similarities and differences between congener groups and isomers were obtained by principal components analysis. The congener and isomer fingerprint patterns found in surficial sediments appear to be the result of releases from several industrial and municipal sources commonly found in heavily industrialized and populated urban environments, including municipal sewage sludge, municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash, pentachlorophenol, sodium pentachlorophenate, newsprint, scrap metal reclamation incinerators, combustion engines, and pulp and paper mill black liquor recovery furnaces. The variations among the PCDD and PCDF residue and congener patterns were largely explained by the distributions of the hexa- and octachlorinated compounds and by 2,3,7,8,-TCDD, 2,3,7,8,-TCDF, and the penta-substituted isomers. Although it has been claimed that a single industrial source is responsible for the presence of these compounds in the sediments of Newark Bay, the available evidence indicates that the vast majority of the PCDDs and PCDFs are the result of contributions from several industries. There is no evidence from this analysis to indicate that a single source is responsible for the contamination.     

DDT,DDD, and DDE contamination of sediment in the Newark Bay estuary,New Jersey

Two hundred and forty-six surface and buried sediment samples from Newark Bay, New Jersey, and its major tributaries (Passaic River, Hackensack River, Newark Bay, Arthur Kill, Elizabeth River, and Kill Van Kull) were assayed for p,p-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p-DDT), p,p-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p-DDD), and p,p-dichlorodiphenylchloroethylene (p,p-DDE) between February 1990 and March 1993. Chronological profiles in sediments from pre-1940 to the present were determined by radioisotope activities of ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs. The concentrations of these chemicals were compared to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) benchmark sediment values (Long and Morgan 1991). The objectives were to (a) determine the spatial and temporal distributions of DDT compounds in sediments, (b) identify possible sources, and (c) assess the potential for sediment toxicity within the estuary. Mean concentrations in surface sediments in individual waterways ranged from 5 to 473 g/kg for p,p-DDT, 18 to 429 g/kg for p,p-DDD, and 5 to 111 g/kg for p,p-DDE. A regional background mean concentration of approximately 100–300 g/kg p,p-DDT (sum of p,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, and p,p-DDE) was measured in surface sediments throughout the estuary, with the exception of the Arthur Kill, where mean concentrations exceeded 700 g/kg. The elevated concentrations found in recently deposited surface sediments in the Arthur Kill may be due to the presence of ongoing sources. The highest concentrations in buried sediments occurred in the lower Passaic River at depths corresponding to historical deposits from 1940 to 1970, the peak time period for production and usage of DDT in the United States. Comparisons to NOAA benchmark sediment toxicity values indicate that p,p-DDT, p,p-DDD, and p,p-DDE concentrations in surface sediments may pose a potential hazard to fish, shellfish, and other benthic and demersal organisms in some portions of the estuary, particularly in the upper and lower Arthur Kill.     

Potential sources of 1,2,8,9-tetrachlorodibenzo-P-dioxin in the aquatic environment.

A recent study reported elevated levels of 1,2,8,9-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (1,2,8,9-TCDD) in crustaceans and finfish collected from Newark Bay, New Jersey (Rappe et al., 1989). The authors suggested that the presence of this compound in biota was due to operations at a former 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxy acetic acid (2,4,5-T) manufacturing facility located on the lower Passaic River. Since 1,2,8,9-TCDD had been identified in two soil samples claimed to be associated with the site, it was concluded that the former manufacturing plant was the source of this compound. A review of the scientific literature was conducted to evaluate whether this isomer is associated with the formulation of 2,4,5-T and to determine whether 1,2,8,9-TCDD is commonly found in the aquatic environment. Measurements and chromatographic data from known sources of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins indicate that incinerator fly ash, soot from wood-burning chimneys, and the combustion of polychlorinated biphenyls and some chlorophenoxy herbicides are sources of 1,2,8,9-TCDD. This isomer has never been found in samples of 2,4,5-T. We conclude, therefore, that the presence of 1,2,8,9-TCDD in Newark Bay biota is not associated with 2,4,5-T manufacturers but, rather, the result of various commercial, residential, municipal, and industrial combustion processes.     

Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Dibenzofurans in Storm Water Outfalls Adjacent to Urban Areas and Petroleum Refineries in San Francisco Bay, California

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were analyzed in storm water collected from 15 outfalls in San Francisco Bay, California, considered representative of areas located adjacent to petroleum refineries and mixed urban/commercial/residential land uses. Storm water sampling was conducted hourly over a 12-h period at two outfalls located near the city of Oakland and the suburban community of Benicia, which represent urban and mixed urban/light industrial land uses, respectively. Sampling was conducted hourly to determine temporal changes in the concentrations and distributions of PCDD/Fs during the first major rainstorm event of the 1995/96 winter season. In addition, storm water sampling was conducted in December 1995 and February/April 1996 at six publicly owned treatment work (POTW) outfalls located adjacent to developed, undeveloped, mixed residential/commercial, and industrial lands. Storm water sampling also was conducted at five outfalls located adjacent to petroleum refineries. The sampling results were used to examine changes in PCDD/F loadings to San Francisco Bay at the onset and midway through the winter rainy season and to characterize differences in PCDD/F concentrations, if any, between refinery and nonrefinery areas. The concentrations of tetra- through octa-chlorinated homologues and 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners were assayed in filtered storm water samples according to US EPA Method 1613A. Principal components analysis (PCA) was used as an exploratory technique to examine the similarities and differences in the distributions of PCDD/Fs in storm water from different outfalls. The sampling results showed few significant differences between storm water discharged from outfalls located in mixed urban/commercial/residential areas and outfalls located adjacent to petroleum refineries. The concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD were below the analytical limits of detection in all storm water samples, with the exception of samples collected after the sixth hour of sampling at the Oakland outfall. Fingerprint patterns were generally dominated by the higher chlorinated PCDD/F congeners including OCDD, OCDF, and 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDD. Total TEQs were generally below US EPA ambient water quality criteria and aquatic ecotoxicology guideline values. The results of this study strongly suggest that discrete sampling of storm water outfalls is insufficient to characterize the concentrations and distributions of persistent hydrophobic contaminants such as PCDD/Fs. In addition to surface water runoff from the city of Oakland, other nonindustrialized urban locations may represent important sources of PCDD/Fs to San Francisco Bay. Received: 15 July 1998/Accepted: 19 April 1999     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a highly industrialized urban estuary: inventories and trends

The abundance and composition of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of the main stem and southern branch of the Elizabeth River (VA, USA), a highly industrialized urban estuary in the Chesapeake Bay (USA) watershed, were examined relative to historical and toxic effects levels. Total PAH concentrations in Elizabeth River sediments exceeded those observed in Baltimore Harbor and the Anacostia River, two other regions of concern in the Chesapeake Bay. The sigmaPAH concentrations from samples collected in the vicinity of two former wood-treatment facilities in the Elizabeth River had the highest sigmaPAH when compared to coastal and estuarine systems around the world. Using a linearized diffusion model equation, as much as 69% of the variability in channel sediment sigmaPAH distribution could be ascribed to inputs associated with former wood-treatment facilities along the southern branch of the Elizabeth River. Comparison of PAH levels measured in channel samples to data collected during the early 1980s demonstrated a general trend toward reduction in contaminant concentrations for most regions of the Elizabeth River channel; however, steady-state and increased sediment PAH concentrations in the vicinity of the former wood-treatment facilities were observed. Based on examination of the contaminant levels in Elizabeth River sediments using established sediment-quality criteria, the southern branch of the river remains a clear hazard to benthic and pelagic organisms.     

PBDD/Fs in Surface Sediments from the East River,China

The contamination status of polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/Fs) was preliminarily investigated in surface sediments from the East River. The concentrations of eight 2,3,7,8-substituted tetra- to hexa- PBDD/Fs were found to be in the range of 0.32–110 (mean 13) pg g⁻¹ and the corresponding TEQ concentrations were 0.087–18 (mean 2) pg I-TEQ g⁻¹. All sediments were characterized by the dominant PBDFs. 2,3,4,7,8-PeBDF was the most important TEQ contributor, accounting for 47%–77% of the total I-TEQ of PBDD/Fs. PCDD/Fs contributed dominantly to the total TEQs of PCDD/Fs, PBDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in most samples except of the sediment from the Shima River. The higher PBDD/F concentrations in the Shima River may be attributed to the use of BFRs in the electrical and electronics industries, which posed a potential risk of dioxins on ecological system.     

Sources and distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in sediments from Masan Bay, Korea

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs) were measured in sediments collected from Masan Bay, Korea. Almost all tetra- through octachlorinated PCDDs/DFs were identified, including the 17 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs. Total concentrations of PCDDs/DFs in sediments ranged from 102 to 6,493 pg/g dry weight. Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (TeCDD) equivalents (TEQs) in sediments estimated based on I-TEFs were in the range of 1 to 76 pg/g dry weight. Total concentrations of PCDDs/DFs in Masan Bay sediments were comparable to those reported for the Rhine and Humber Rivers on the North Sea, the Housatonic River in the United States, and some rivers and lakes in Japan and the United Kingdom. A spatial gradient of total concentrations of PCDDs/DFs decreased toward the open sea. Two of the 11 sampling sites near the coastal zone contained relatively great concentrations, suggesting the presence of point sources. The homologue composition of PCDFs in sediments from two highly contaminated locations in Masan Bay was correlated with that of commercial polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) preparations, such as Kanechlors 300, 400, or 500. The wide range of PCDD isomers and greater concentrations of PCDDs than of PCDFs at certain locations suggest that, in addition to technical PCB preparations such as Kanechlors, other sources, like solid waste incineration, uncontrolled trash burning, and pentachlorophenol, have contributed to the contamination.     

Dioxin-Like Toxicity in the Saginaw River Watershed: Polychlorinated Dibenzo-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Dioxins,Dibenzofurans, and Biphenyls in Sediments and Floodplain Soils from the Saginaw and Shiawassee Rivers and Saginaw Bay,Michigan, USA

Sediment and floodplain soils in the Saginaw River Watershed, Michigan, USA, have been demonstrated to be contaminated with a variety of organic compounds, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Existing data indicate that, at some locations, the contamination exceeds human health risk-based regulatory levels and ecological risk-based screening levels. In this study, concentrations of PCBs including non-ortho coplanar congeners, PCDDs, and PCDFs were measured in more than 120 sediment and floodplain soil samples collected from the Shiawassee River (a tributary of the Saginaw River), the Saginaw River, and Saginaw Bay, to determine the sources and magnitude of contamination, and to elucidate the contributions from individual contaminant groups to the overall 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibezo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQs). Sediment and soil extracts were also analyzed for total dioxin-like activity by means of the H4IIE-luc cell bioassay. Elevated concentrations of PCBs (>1000 ng/g, dry weight) were found in surface sediment and floodplain soil samples collected from the Shiawassee River near Chase Lake, from Middleground Island in the Saginaw River, and from subsurface sediments in Saginaw Bay. Concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in sediment and floodplain soils from the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay were 2 to 3 orders of magnitude higher than concentrations in the samples from the Shiawassee River. The highest PCDD/F concentration (55,200 pg/g, dry weight in a subsurface layer) was found in sediment collected at the mouth of the Saginaw River. Concentrations of PCDFs were greater than the concentrations of PCDDs in sediment from the Saginaw River. 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF, and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF were the major PCDF congeners found in sediments from the Saginaw River. The elevated concentrations of PCDFs, and the predominance of the less highly chlorinated PCDF congeners, in sediments from the Saginaw River were similar to previously determined characteristics of the PCDF contamination of the Tittabawassee River, another tributary of the Saginaw River. These results suggest the existence of a major source of PCDFs within the watershed. A few localized areas of high PCDD/F and PCB concentrations, with unique congener compositions, in the Saginaw River indicated the presence of other minor sources, such as wastewater treatment plants. PCDFs were the major contributors to TEQs in sediment and soils from the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. Approximately 30% of the samples analyzed in this study had values exceeding the screening level of 50 pg TEQ/g, dry wt, suggested for soils by the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry.     

Integrated assessment of contaminated sediments in the lower Fox River and Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Samples of sediment and biota were collected from sites in the lower Fox River and southern Green Bay to determine existing or potential impacts of sediment-associated contaminants on different ecosystem components of this Great Lakes area of concern. Evaluation of benthos revealed a relatively depauperate community, particularly at the lower Fox River sites. Sediment pore water and bulk sediments from several lower Fox River sites were toxic to a number of test species including Pimephales promelas, Ceriodaphnia dubia, Hexagenia limbata, Selenastrum capricornutum, and Photobacterium phosphorum. An important component of the observed toxicity appeared to be due to ammonia. Evaluation of three bullhead (Ictalurus) species from the lower Fox River revealed an absence of preneoplastic or neoplastic liver lesions, and the Salmonella typhimurium bioassay indicated relatively little mutagenicity in sediment extracts. Apparent adverse reproductive effects were noted in two species of birds nesting along the lower Fox River and on a confined disposal facility for sediments near the mouth of the river, and there were measurable concentrations of potentially toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and planar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) both in the birds and in sediments from several of the study sites. Based on toxic equivalency factors and the results of an in vitro bioassay with H4IIE rat hepatoma cells, it appeared that the majority of potential toxicity of the PCB/PCDF/PCDD mixture in biota from the lower Fox River/Green Bay system was due to the planar PCBs. The results of these studies are discussed in terms of an integrated assessment focused on providing data for remedial action planning.     

Fish (Fundulus heteroclitus) populations with different exposure histories differ in tolerance of creosote-contaminated sediments

Prior studies suggest that field-collected fish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from a creosote-contaminated Superfund site (Atlantic Wood Industries site, Elizabeth River, VA, USA) have enhanced tolerance to local, contaminated sediments. This study was designed to test whether other populations in the Elizabeth River at less contaminated sites also show similar tolerance and whether this tolerance is heritable. To test this, F. heteroclitus populations were sampled from four sites within the Elizabeth River with varying sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations (3.9-264 ng PAH/g dry wt 10(3)) and one reference site in a nearby, uncontaminated estuary (York River, VA, USA; 0.27 ng PAH/g dry wt x 10(3)). Embryo assays were performed to quantify population differences in teratogenic effects during contaminated sediment exposure. Atlantic Wood sediment was mixed with reference sediment to achieve a range of sediment concentrations. Minimal differences were observed in teratogenic effects among fish taken from sites within the Elizabeth River; however, embryos of fish collected from a nearby, uncontaminated York River site and exposed to contaminated sediments had a significantly higher proportion of embryos with cardiac abnormalities than those from the Elizabeth River sites. Embryos from wild-caught and laboratory-reared Elizabeth River F. heteroclitus were simultaneously exposed to contaminated sediments, and no significant tolerance differences were found between embryos from fish taken directly from the field and those reared for a generation in the lab. Differences between fish populations from the two estuaries were larger than differences within the Elizabeth River, and these differences in tolerance were heritable.     

Fast Cleanup System Combined with a Dioxin-responsive Element-driven Luciferase Bioassay for Analysis of Polychlorinated Dibenzo-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-dioxins/furans in Sediments and Soils

A green technique was designed for assessing toxic equivalence (TEQ) levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) in sediments and soil from dioxin-contaminated areas. This technique combines a fast cleanup system with a dioxin-responsive-element (DRE)-driven luciferase bioassay. Samples from sediment (n = 10) and soil (n = 11) were analyzed with the technique; levels of PCDD/Fs ranged from 75.1 to 2,670 ng DRE-driven luciferase activity (DL)-TEQ/kg dry weight (d.w.). Significant correlations were found between DL-TEQs (by the bioassay) and PCDD/F WHO-TEQs (by HRGC/HRMS). DL-TEQs is significantly correlated with WHO-TEQs of 2,3,7,8-TCDD and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD using a multiple stepwise linear regression model (adjusted R² = 0.962, p < 0.001).     

Reproductive toxicity in female mice of dioxin-contaminated soils from a 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid manufacturing site

Reproduction in female C57B/6 mice treated with contaminated soils from a 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) manufacturing site and a metal scrap yard in Newark, New Jersey was studied. Soils contained a wide variety of contaminants, including halogenated dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans, benzene, alkylbenzenes, chlorobenzenes, polyaromatic hydrocarbons, phenolics, phenoxy acids and other compounds. Acute and reproductive toxicity (primarily fewer live pups born and fewer pups surviving until weaning) was observed from the manufacturing site soil (soil A; with 2,050 g 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD)/kg soil and 18 mg total dibenzodioxins and dibenzofurans/kg soil); the scrap yard soil (soil B; with 230 (g 2,3,7,8-TCDD/kg soil) had no observable effect. Soil recontaminated with 2,3,7,8-TCDD, or 2,3,7,8-TCDD in corn oil interfered with estrus cycling and completely prevented reproduction. If 2,3,7,8-TCDD treatment was terminated, estrus cycling resumed within four weeks, but reproduction was still unsuccessful for these mice. The results suggest that 1) the manufacturing site soil (soil A) is toxic but the signs of toxicity cannot be solely attributed to the 2,3,7,8-TCDD content; 2) even though the bioavailability of 2,3,7,8-TCDD from this soil is low (Umbreitet al. 1986), other reproductive toxins are bioavailable or the low doses of 2,3,7,8-TCDD that are bioavailable may be sufficient to be reproductive toxins; 3) 2,3,7,8-TCDD blocks estrus in mice and (as previously reported) interferes with reproduction; and 4) after cessation of dosing, thein situ concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD that block estrus are decreased below an effective level within four weeks.     

Accumulation profiles of persistent organochlorines in waterbirds from an estuary in Korea

Persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine (OC) pesticides such as DDTs (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane), HCHs (hexachlorocyclohexane isomers), CHLs (chlordane compounds) and HCB (hexachlorobenzene), were measured in subcutaneous fat of resident and migratory birds collected from the Nakdong River estuary (NRE) in Korea. Black-tailed gull, a resident bird from the NRE, contained greater concentrations of PCDD/Fs and PCBs than the migratory birds collected in the estuary. For example, mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs in black-tailed gull (395.5 pg/g fat weight) were higher than those in migratory birds, such as greenshank (198.3 pg/g fat weight), common gull (90.9 pg/g fat weight) black-headed gull (84.2 pg/g fat weight), and common tern (47.1 pg/g fat weight). However, concentrations of DDTs and/or HCHs were great in some migratory species, such as little tern (mean DDT 6,200 ng/g fat weight) and black-necked grebe (HCHs 475 ng/g fat weight). This suggested that contamination of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in resident gulls are due to intake of locally contaminated fish near the NRE. Elevated OC pesticide levels in migratory birds indicated that these birds have been exposed to DDTs and HCHs during their migration in Southeast Asian countries where chlorinated pesticides are still used. 2,3,7,8-Tetrachloro dibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQs) were calculated using the toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) reported by World Health Organization in 1998. Four of the 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners of PCDD/Fs contributed over 90% of the TEQs. Received: 27 October 2000/Accepted: 15 April 2001     

PCDD/Fs and Dioxin-Like PCBs in Sediments from Yellow Estuary and Yangtze Estuary, China

Twenty one surface sediments were analyzed for PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs by HRGC-HRMS in Yellow Estuary and Yangtze Estuary in China. The concentration ranges of 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and WHO-TEQ were 2.33–253, 0.04–139 and 0.11–1.01 pg/g dw respectively in sediment from two estuaries. For PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs, OCDD, CB77, CB105 and CB118 were found to be dominant. The pollution levels in two estuaries were lower compared with that in other locations reported by previous studies.     

Evaluation of potential relationships between chemical contaminants in sediments and aquatic organisms from the lower Passaic River, New Jersey, USA

The lower Passaic River, New Jersey, USA, a tidal tributary to Newark Bay and part of the New York and New Jersey Harbor Estuary, is contaminated with a variety of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) due to nearly two centuries of heavy industrialization and urbanization. Resident aquatic organisms are exposed to, and can bioaccumulate, a variety of chemical contaminants from sediments, water and other organisms. In the present study, the relationships between selected POPs detected in both surface sediments and aquatic organisms are examined statistically along with the efficacy of using empirical biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) to describe such relationships. Regression analyses were conducted on synoptic surface sediment POP data (0 to 15 cm in depth) and whole-body tissue POP data for three prominent organisms that reside in the river and which are important components of the food web: mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus), blue crab (Callinectes sapidus), and white perch (Morone americana). Per the equilibrium partitioning theory on which the BSAF model is based, surface sediment data were normalized to total organic carbon and tissue data were normalized to lipid content for each organism. Normalized surface sediment concentrations were generally poorly correlated with normalized biota tissue concentrations. The BSAF model was not found to be a reliable means to predict concentrations of POPs in select lower Passaic River organisms, using surface sediment chemistry data.     

Reproductive studies of C57B/6 male mice treated with TCDD-contaminated soils from a 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid manufacturing site

Reproduction was studied in male C57B/6 mice treated with contaminated soils from a 2,4,5-trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) manufacturing site in Newark, New Jersey, and a metal scrap yard where equipment from the manufacturing site was recycled. The soils contained a wide variety of contaminants including 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD). Treated males were mated to females given decontaminated soil. No acute toxicity was observed in treated males. 2,3,7,8-TCDD (up to 90 g/kg) or 2,3,7,8-TCDD from the contaminated soils (up to 288 g/kg) had no adverse effect on reproduction when the male mouse was treated. However, treatment of males with soil from the 2,4,5-T manufacturing site was associated with a marked decrease in viable litters at whelping and a decrease in pup survival. This toxicity may be associated with TCDD in combination with other toxic compounds that are present on the soil.