Trace Organic Contaminants in Sediment and Water from Ulsan Bay and Its Vicinity, Korea

Sediment and water samples collected from 32 locations in Ulsan Bay and adjacent inland areas were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocabons (PAHs), nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), bisphenol A (BPA), organochlorine (OC) pesticides (HCB, HCHs, CHLs, and DDTs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to characterize their spatial distribution and contamination status. PAHs were detected in nearly all sediment and water extracts from Ulsan Bay and its inland locations. The sedimentary PAH concentrations ranged from 17 to 3,100 ng/g on a dry weight basis (DW), which were predominated by two- and three-ring aromatic hydrocarbons in river and/or stream, and four- to six-ring compounds in Ulsan Bay sediment. Concentrations of PAHs in pore water samples were generally two or three orders magnitude less than those of corresponding sediment samples. Maximum concentrations of NP, OP, and BPA in sediments were 1,040, 120, and 54 ng/g DW, respectively. Concentrations of OP and BPA were, on average, 5- to 13-fold less than those of NP. PCB concentrations in sediment ranged from 1.4 to 77 ng/g DW, which were predominated by lower chlorinated congeners such as di- through pentachlorinated biphenyls. Among different OC pesticides analyzed, concentrations of DDTs were the greatest, ranging from 0.02 to 41.9 ng/g DW. NP concentrations were greater at inner locations proximal to municipal wastewater discharges into rivers and/or streams, whereas the concentrations of PCBs and PAHs were great near the sites of high industrial activities. Sediment-pore water partitioning coefficients correlated with those of reported K _oc or K _ow values for selected PAHs in Ulsan Bay, but these varied by an order of magnitude for stream and/or river sediments. Received: 11 June 2000/Accepted: 28 August 2000     

Analysis of trace organic contaminants in sediment,pore water,and water samples from Onsan Bay,Korea: instrumental analysis and in vitro gene expression assay

Persistent organic pollutants and alkylphenols (APs) were determined in sediment and water samples from Onsan Bay, Korea, by using instrumental analysis and in vitro gene expression cell bioassay. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocabons (PAHs) were the predominant compounds in sediments with concentrations as great as 573 ng/g dry weight. The PAH concentrations were elevated in sediment from inland rivers that flow through Onsan City (mean: 116 ng/g dry wt) and discharge into Onsan Bay. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments ranged from <1.00 to 56.2 ng/g dry weight. Among different organochlorine (OC) pesticides analyzed (hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexanes, chlordanes, and DDTs), DDT concentrations were the greatest, ranging from <0.01 to 7.58 ng/g dry weight. The spatial gradient of contaminant concentrations suggested that streams and rivers are the major sources of PCBs, PAHs, and APs to the bay. Maximum concentrations of nonylphenol, octylphenol, and bisphenol A in sediments were 860, 11, and 204 ng/g dry weight, respectively. Screening of Onsan Bay sediment samples for dioxinlike activity with the H4IIE-luc in vitro cell bioassay revealed that 17 of 22 samples contained significant dioxinlike activity. Further fractionation of sediment extracts indicated that mid-polar and more polar fractions were responsible for the significant dioxinlike activity. Based on a mass balance analysis, PAHs apparently accounted for only a small portion of dioxinlike responses elicited by sediment extracts. Only one raw extract of sediment elicited a significant estrogenic response by MVLN cells. The combination of instrumental analysis and in vitro bioassay was useful to assess sediment quality and characterize the causative agents or potential toxic compounds present.     

Persistent Organic Pollutants in Sediments from Sai Gon–Dong Nai River Basin,Vietnam: Levels and Temporal Trends

Surficial sediment samples were collected from Hochiminh City canals, the Sai Gon–Dong Nai River, and its estuary, one of the most predominant industrial areas in Hochiminh City, southern Vietnam, for determination of selected persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Contamination pattern was as follows: PCBs ≥ DDTs > HCB > CHLs > HCHs. Concentrations of PCBs and DDTs ranged from 0.50–150 ng/g and 0.15–72 ng/g dry wt, respectively. On the other hand, concentrations of CHLs, HCHs, and HCB were mostly <2 ng/g dry wt. Levels of the all organochlorines (OCs) in Hochiminh City canals were significantly higher than those in the other areas, indicating the urban areas as major pollution sources to the aquatic environment. The contamination pattern was PCBs > DDTs in the city canals but PCBs < DDTs in the downstream and the estuary, suggesting particularly high contamination by PCBs in the city. Examination of DDTs composition and their ratios demonstrated continuous input of this pesticide to the city canals. However, the combination of our data and those from available literature implies a decreasing trend of PCBs and DDTs in the environment. DDTs concentrations have been reduced 50% after approximately 5 years. Composition of CHLs in the sediment from Hochiminh City canals was comparable to those of common technical mixtures, suggesting continuous input of CHLs to the environment. CHLs might be in use for purposes like termite control, wood preservation, and protection of underground cables. Hazard assessment implies high toxic potential of DDTs for sediments from Hochiminh City canals and suggests the need for better management of municipal discharges.     

Concentrations,Sources, and Risk Assessment of Organohalogen Compounds in Soils from Kiambu to Mombasa,Kenya

Concentrations, sources, and risk assessment of 16 organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in soils from Kiambu to Mombasa in Kenya. The total concentrations of OCPs ranged between 7.62 and 76.09 ng/g, dominated by HCHs. Source identification displayed recent inputs and historical use of DDTs and lindane. The total concentrations of PCBs ranged from 9.90 to 20.8 ng/g with an average of 14.40 ng/g dominated by penta-PCBs from old transformers leakages. The total PBDEs concentrations were in the range of 1.89–38.36 ng/g and with a mean of 11.38 ng/g. Electric and electronic equipment waste and PBDE containing materials as sources of PBDE. The risk assessment of OCPs and PCBs showed low potential human health risk from OCPs, while PCBs indicated to pose a high risk.     

Distribution of Pesticides,PAHs, PCBs,and Bioavailable Metals in Depositional Sediments of the Lower Missouri River,USA

The lower Missouri River was studied to determine the distribution of selected persistent organic pollutants and bioavailable metals in depositional sediments. Nineteen sites between Omaha, Nebraska and Jefferson City, Missouri were sampled. This stretch of the river receives point-source and non-point-source inputs from industrial, urban, and agricultural activities. As part of an ecological assessment of the river, concentrations of 29 legacy organochlorine pesticides (OC pesticides), including chlordanes, DDTs, and hexachlorocyclohexanes; a select list of current-use pesticides, including trifluralin, diazinon, chlorpyrifos, and permethrin, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), divalent metals (copper, nickel, zinc, cadmium, and lead), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined. Concentrations (dry weight basis) of OC pesticides in the sediments were less than 1 ng/g, with the exception of the backwater sediment collected from the mouth of the Blue River in the Kansas City metropolitan area, which contained up to 20 ng/g total chlordane, 8.1 ng/g p,p′-DDE, 1.5 ng/g lindane, 4.8 ng/g dieldrin, and 3 ng/g endrin. Concentrations of chlorpyrifos and permethrin ranged from less than 1 ng/g to 5.5 ng/g and 44 ng/g, respectively. Concentrations of PCBs ranged from less than 11 ng/g to 250 ng/g, with the Blue River and Sibley sediments containing 100 and 250 ng/g total PCBs, respectively. Concentrations of total PAHs at 17 of the 19 sites ranged from 250 to 700 ng/g, whereas the Riverfront and Blue River sites in Kansas City contained 1100 ng/g and nearly 4000 ng/g, respectively. Concentrations of the metals did not vary significantly among most sites; however, the Blue River site contained elevated concentrations of zinc (104 μg/g), cadmium (0.7 μg/g), and lead (34 μg/g) compared to the other sites. The moderately high concentrations of acid-volatile sulfide in the sediments suggest a low potential for metal toxicity to benthic organisms along this reach of the Missouri River. The depositional area sediments contained concentrations of the targeted persistent organic chemicals and metals that were below published probable effect level concentrations.     

Concentrations and Accumulation Features of Organochlorine Pesticides in the Baiyangdian Lake Freshwater Food Web of North China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), are ubiquitous anthropogenic environmental contaminants. They are persistent, broad-spectrum toxicants that accumulate in the food web with potential risks to the ecosystem and human health. HCHs were the predominant contaminants in Baiyangdian Lake, North China. Concentrations of HCHs and DDTs ranged from 58 to 563 ng/g lipid weight (lw) and 21 to 401 ng/g lw, respectively, for aquatic biota samples. The highest levels of HCHs and DDTs were observed in muscles of yellow catfish. The mean concentrations of OCPs were 4.6 ng/L for water, 95 ng/g dry weight (dw) for aquatic plants, and 14 ng/g dw for sediments. Among the isomers and metabolites, α-HCH and p,p′-1,1-di(p-chlorophenyl)-2,2-dichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE) were the predominant congeners in biota samples. Correlations between log lipid-normalized concentrations of HCHs and DDTs and trophic levels (TLs) based on analysis of stable isotopes of nitrogen confirmed that persistent organic pollutants were magnified in the Baiyangdian Lake food web. Significant positive relationships were found for α-HCH and p,p′-DDT and their trophic magnification factors, which were 1.6 and 1.7, respectively. These results provide evidence of biomagnification of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in freshwater food webs.     

Distribution of organobrominated and organochlorinated contaminants in Belgian human adipose tissue

We have measured the levels of flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), in 20 recent human adipose tissues from Belgium and compared them to other organohalogen compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1,1-trichloroethane (p,p'-DDT), and its metabolite, 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)-1,1-dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE). After Soxhlet extraction and cleanup on acidified silica solid-phase extraction cartridges, analysis was achieved by capillary gas chromatography/electron impact mass spectrometry. The method allowed the determination of 5 PBDE and 35 PCB congeners. Concentrations of PBDEs (sum of congeners IUPAC Nos. 28, 47, 99, 100, and 153) ranged between 2.2 and 11.7 ng/g lipid weight and were on the lower end of reported PBDE concentrations in European countries. The median value for the sum of PCBs (35 congeners) was 841 ng/g lipid weight and ranged from 286 to 1802 ng/g lipid weight. The median value for the sum of DDTs (calculated from p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT) was 290 ng/g lipid weight and ranged from 47 to 2802 ng/g lipid weight. The sum of PCBs showed a good correlation with the sum of DDTs (r=0.77, P<0.05), while the correlation with the sum of PBDEs was weaker (r=0.56, P<0.05). No age dependency was found for PBDEs (r=0.09), while PCBs and DDTs showed higher correlation coefficients with age (r=0.59 and 0.40, respectively, P<0.05).     

Polychlorinated naphthalenes, biphenyls, dibenzo-p-dioxins, and dibenzofurans as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and alkylphenols in sediment from the Detroit and Rouge Rivers, Michigan, USA

Sediment from the upper Detroit and lower Rouge Rivers in southeastern Michigan, USA, were analyzed to examine the distribution of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), biphenyls (PCBs), dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) as well as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and alkylphenolic compounds such as butylphenol, octylphenol, and nonylphenol (NP). Sediments from a non-point source location in Lake Michigan were also analyzed for target compounds. Concentrations of target compounds in the upper Detroit and lower Rouge Rivers varied considerably among locations, and notable spatial variation existed. Concentrations of PCNs and PCDDs/PCDFs in sediments from the upper Detroit and lower Rouge Rivers ranged from 0.08 to 187 ng/g and 69 to 1420 pg/g dry weight, respectively. Total PCBs, PAHs, and NP concentrations ranged from 8 to 25,000, 17 to 44,000, and < 10 to 60,000 ng/g dry weight, respectively. Concentrations of all target compounds except PCNs were significantly correlated with total organic carbon content of sediments. Similarly, concentrations of PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs were significantly correlated with each other. The distribution of organic contaminants in the upper reaches of the Detroit River and lower Rouge River suggested the presence of localized, but multiple, sources of contamination for each compound class. Conners Creek combined sewer overflow has been identified as one of the potential sources for the upper Detroit River, where the highest concentrations PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs were found. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and NP concentrations were consistently high in sediment from the lower Rouge River. Analysis of data from selected locations suggested that PCNs contributed a greater proportion of the dioxin-like activity than PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs contributed.     

Occurrence of PCBs,Organochlorine Insecticides, <Emphasis Type="Italic">tris</Emphasis>(4-Chlorophenyl)methane,and <Emphasis Type="Italic">tris</Emphasis>(4-Chlorophenyl)methanol in Human Breast Milk Collected from Cambodia

The present study determined the concentrations of persistent organochlorines (OCs) such as DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), chlordane compounds (CHLs), tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane (TCPMe), and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol (TCPMOH) in human breast milk from Cambodia. DDTs, PCBs, HCHs, HCB, CHLs, and TCPMe were detected in almost all the human breast milk samples analyzed, and the concentrations ranged from 310 to 11,000, 6.0 to 87, <0.12 to 21, <0.12 to 8.1, <0.12 to 5.3, and 2.9 to 70 ng/g lipid wt, respectively. TCPMOH was detected in only 10 among 36 samples. Concentrations of DDTs in human breast milk from Cambodia were notably higher than those from developed countries and comparable to those from other developing countries, where usage of DDT for agricultural and public health purposes has been suspected to be continuing still, implying the recent usage of DDT in Cambodia. On the other hand, concentrations of PCBs, HCHs, HCB, and CHLs in human breast milk from Cambodia were 1–2 orders of magnitude less than those from other countries, indicating that Cambodia is one of the less contaminated countries by these OCs. Significant correlation between concentrations of TCPMe and DDTs in human breast milk suggested that exposure to DDT is the source of TCPMe in Cambodian residents. Concentrations of OCs in human breast milk tended to decrease with an increase in the number of children, implying that the first infant would be exposed to higher levels of OCs from breast milk and might be at higher risk by these contaminants, especially DDTs in Cambodia. To our knowledge, this is the first comprehensive study on the residue levels of OCs in human breast milk from Cambodia.     

Organochlorine Pesticides, Polychlorinated Biphenyls, and Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Irrawaddy Dolphins from India

The Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris) is at risk of extinction throughout its range as a result of incidental catches, habitat degradation, and pollution. Populations of Irrawaddy dolphins are constrained by the species’ narrow habitat requirement—lagoons, estuaries, rivers, and lakes—and are therefore particularly vulnerable to the effects of human activities. In this study, for the first time, concentrations of organochlorine (OC) pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in tissues of Irrawaddy dolphins collected from Chilika Lake, India, to understand the status of contamination. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs) were the predominant contaminants found in Irrawaddy dolphins; the highest concentration found was 10,000 ng/g lipid weight in blubber. Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) were the second most prevalent contaminants in dolphin tissues. Concentrations of PCBs, chlordanes, hexachlorobenzene, tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane, and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methanol were in the ranges of few ng/g to few hundreds of ng/g on a lipid-weight basis. In general, concentrations of OC pesticides and PCBs in Irrawaddy dolphins were lower than the concentrations reported for coastal and riverine dolphins collected in Asia. PBDEs were detected in the blubber of Irrawaddy dolphins at concentrations ranging from 0.98 to 18 ng/g lipid weight. BDE congener 47 accounted for 60% to 75% of the total PBDE concentrations. Although these results establish the baseline levels of persistent organic pollutants in Irrawaddy dolphins, efforts should be made to decrease the sources of contamination by DDTs and HCHs in Chilika Lake.     

Formation of Polychlorinated Naphthalenes,Dibenzo-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-Dioxins,Dibenzofurans, Biphenyls,and Organochlorine Pesticides in Thermal Processes and Their Occurrence in Ambient Air

Mono- through octachlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were measured in start-up, steady operation, and shutdown of machinery operation flue gas and fly ash generated during different stages of MSWI and other incineration thermal processes. Besides, electroprecipitator fly ash (EP-ash) was dechlorinated using the Hagenmeier process and analyzed for congener profiles. In addition to PCNs, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and major organochlorine pesticides were determined in ambient air samples from three different sites of western Japan in the summer and winter of 1992. The PCNs from flue gas contained 15,000, 4300, and 13,000 ng/m³ during start-up, steady operation, and shutdown conditions, respectively. Whereas fly ash contained 470, 370, and 1400 ng/g PCNs under start-up, steady operation, and shutdown condition, respectively. The dechlorination process reduced PCN concentrations considerably. Concentrations of PCNs and PCDD/PCDFs in air samples collected in winter were slightly higher than in summer. PCBs, organochlorine pesticides such as chlordanes, DDTs, and HCHs were higher in summer air samples. WHO toxic equivalency (WHO-TEQ) concentrations in air samples were 0.3–0.9 pg/m³ for PCDD/DFs and 0.029–0.31 pg/m³ for dioxin-like PCBs.     

Monitoring of Organochlorine Pesticide Residue Levels in Adipose Tissue of Veracruz,Mexico Inhabitants

The concentrations of 20 Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in 12 superficial sediments collected from The Ghar El Melh lagoon. Sediment samples were extracted by Soxhlet and analyzed by Gas chromatography with electron capture detector. The concentrations of PCBs, as sum of the 20 congeners, ranged from not detected to 3.987 ng/g on a dry weight basis, with a predominance of highly chlorinated (penta- and hepta-chlorobiphenyls) congeners. No significant correlation was found between the total PCB concentrations and organic carbon content suggesting that sediment organic carbon content did not play an important role in controlling the PCBs levels in the sediments. PCB levels in sediments were compared with Sediments Quality Guidelines (ERM–ERL indexes) for evaluation probable toxic effects on marine organism. The PCBs concentrations were lower than ERM and ERL values for all the collected samples.     

Vertical Fluxes and Accumulation of Organochlorine Pesticides in Sediments of Haihe River,Tianjin, China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) concentrations in sediments and sediment trap fluxes of particulate organic carbon and OCPs were measured from October 2006 to May 2008 in the urban reach of Haihe River, Tianjin, China, in order to investigate vertical fluxes and accumulation of OCPs in sediments. The concentrations of OCPs in sediments (dry weight basis) were in the range of 2.08–10.07 ng/g (mean 4.70 ng/g) for HCHs (α-, β-, γ-, δ-HCH), 5.82–43.39 ng/g (mean 17.43 ng/g) for DDTs (p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT). Compared with data reported in Haihe River 2003, the levels of OCPs showed a significant decrease between 2003 and 2008. This is mainly attributed to significant decrease of production and usage of HCHs and DDTs and biodegradation of HCHs and DDTs in sediment. Concentrations of HCHs and DDTs in sediments were well correlated with sediment organic carbon contents. Concentrations of OCPs in settling particles (dry weight basis) ranged from 21.2 to 138.4 ng/g (mean 52.6 ng/g) for HCHs, 30.0–245.7 ng/g (mean 87.1 ng/g) for DDTs, which were 2.2–48.2-fold higher than those associated with sediments. β-HCH was the dominant HCH isomer in both sediments and settling particles. Among DDTs, p,p′-DDE was found to be dominant in sediments, while p,p′-DDT was the predominant form in settling particles. This suggests that further biodegradation of OCPs occurred during the course of sedimentation and burial. The annual sediment trap flux of OCPs in Haihe River in the urban area of Tianjin was 177–211 μg/m² yr for HCHs and 213–341 μg/m² yr for DDTs, respectively.     

Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins, Dibenzofurans, and Dioxin-Like Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Sediment and Mussel Samples from Kentucky Lake, USA

Sediment and mussel tissues from the Kentucky Dam Tailwater (KDTW) and Ledbetter Embayment (LE) of Kentucky Lake, Kentucky, USA, were analyzed to examine the presence of 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and non-, mono-, and di-ortho-chlorine-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls. Concentrations of target compounds varied with locations and sample matrices. In general, KDTW sediment samples contained slightly higher amounts of PCDD/DFs (average: 1100, range: 120-2400) than the LE sediments (average: 920, range: 580-1300) on a pg/g dry wt (dw) basis. Dioxin-like PCBs in KDTW were (average: 550, range: 70–2,000) higher than in LE (average: 320, range: 44-1000) on a ng/g dw basis. In contrast, mussel tissues had greater concentrations of PCDD/DFs in LE (average: 6500, range: 2200–13,000) than in KDTW (average: 3500, range: 2500-4800). Dioxin-like PCBs were slightly higher in KDTW (average: 76, range: 18–100) than in LE (average: 49, range: 24–96) on a ng/g fat wt basis. Biota sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) were calculated using tissue concentrations and sediment concentrations based on dry weight. PCDD/DFs BSAF was in the range of 0.21-25 in LE and 0.093-13 in KDTW. 1,2,3,7,8,9-HxCDF in LE and 2,3,7,8-TCDF in KDTW had a greater BSAF, while BSAF for dioxin-like PCBs ranged from 0.84 to 13 in LE and from 2.3 to 12 in KDTW in which PCB-169 had the greatest BSAF in LE and PCB-167 in KDTW. Toxic equivalency (TEQ) was greatest in mussel from LE (mean: 193 pgTEQ/g fat wt) followed by mussel from KDTW (32 pgTEQ/g fat wt), sediment in KDTW (13 pgTEQ/g dry wt), and sediment in LE (7.6 pgTEQ/g dry wt). In general, PCDD/DF had a greater contribution to toxicity in mussels, while dioxin-like PCBs had a greater contribution to toxicity in sediment at both locations.     

Human blood monitoring program in Japan: contamination and bioaccumulation of persistent organochlorines in Japanese residents

Concentrations of persistent organochlorines (OCs)—such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorobenzene, and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane [TCPMe]—were determined in plasma samples from residents of three sub-metropolitan locations in Japan (Miyako, Saku, and Tottori) for the purpose of studying the geographic variation and specific accumulation of OCs. Residue concentrations of PCBs and DDTs were the highest in samples collected in Saku (400 and 370 ng/g lipid wt, respectively) whereas samples from Miyako contained greater CHL residues (70 ng/g lipid wt) than those from the other two locations. This contamination pattern reflects the historic use of OCs in each area. For the first time, tris (4-chlorophenyl) methane (TCPMe) concentrations were detected in most of the plasma sample analyzed. Concentrations of TCPMe which ranged from <0.1 to 8.1 ng/g lipid wt eight, were lower than those previouly reported in other human tissue. Larger geographic differences in OC accumulation were observed for PCBs and CHLs, whereas DDTs and HCHs exhibited little variability. PCB concentrations in samples from Saku residents were higher than those from residents of countries in the circumpolar Arctic region but lower than those reported for some populations in the United States and Western European countries. Interestingly, CHL residue concentrations in human blood from Japan are among the highest values reported for the countries examined, suggesting continued increased exposure to CHLs of the Japanese population. Time-trend analysis of CHLs in human blood samples from Miyako (Okinawa prefecture) showed that CHL residues have decreased substantially during the last decade, indicating the effect of the official ban of CHLs in 1986 in Japan. Isomer-specific analysis of PCBs revealed lower proportions of higher chlorinated congeners such as hepta- and octachlorobiphenyls in women than in men, suggesting the possibility of preferential elimination of higher chlorinated biphenyls in women. The difference in sex-dependent accumulation of OC compounds in healthy and ill persons was suggested. To our knowledge, this is the first report on the specific accumulation of persistent QCs, including TCPMe, in human blood samples from Japan.     

Environmental impact of some chemical pollutants on Lake Manzala

Environmental pollution problems in Lake Manzala and its main drains evaluated by measuring the levels of some chemical pollutants in terms of organochlorine insecticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, petroleum hydrocarbons and some trace metals in fish and sediment samples. Lindane, HCB, DDT and its metabolites were detected in all fish samples. The highest concentration of DDTs was 101.45 ng/g wet weight. PCBs as Aroclor 1254 were found in the range between 3.58 and 43.38 ng/g wet weight. Results of this study demonstrated that fish samples collected from Lake Manzala are contaminated with low levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons, the percentage of FAO/WHO acceptable daily intake (ADI) is below 1% and that public is not at risk from fish consumption, even if totally dependent upon fish as a protein source. Petroleum hydrocarbons and some trace metals (TMs) were detected in Clarius angullaris (catfish), Tilapia (bolta) and A. angilla (eelfish) species. The total hydrocarbons concentration ranged between 15.6 and 146.7 mug/g wet weight. Residue levels of TMs are relatively low except Zn and Cu were found at highest values of 97 and 28.8 mug/g wet weight, respectively. According to the present study the major environmental impacts on Lake Manzala are due to direct discharge of untreated wastewater, discharge of irrigation water from drainage canals and land reclamation. These problems have contributed to a significant deterioration of water quality and disappearance of several important species of fish.     

Organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyl residues in foodstuffs and human tissues from china: status of contamination,historical trend,and human dietary exposure

Concentrations of persistent organochlorine pesticides such as DDTs, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were determined in a wide variety of foodstuffs and human tissues collected from Shanghai and its vicinity in China in 2000–2001. Among the organochlorines analyzed, DDT and its metabolites were prominent compounds in most of the foodstuffs. In particular, mussels contained noticeable residues of DDTs (34,000 ng/g lipid weight), which are one to three orders greater than those reported levels in bivalves from other Asian countries. Concentrations of HCHs, CHLs, HCB, and PCBs in foodstuffs were generally low, suggesting small amounts of inputs into the environment. Temporal trends examined by comparing the results of previous studies of organochlorine levels in Chinese foodstuffs in 1970s and 1992 revealed a greater amounts of declines of DDTs and HCHs residues and the average daily intakes during the past 30 years. In contrast, very high concentrations of DDTs and HCHs were detected in human tissues from Shanghai, with the maximum values as high as 19,000 ng/g lipid weight (mean: 7,600 ng/g) and 17,000 ng/g (mean: 7,400 ng/g), respectively. Considering that foodstuffs are a main source of human exposure to contaminants, the greater concentrations of DDTs and HCHs in Chinese people might be due to past extensive usage of these compounds as agricultural pesticides. Continuous monitoring and epidemiological studies of organochlorine pesticides in humans are warranted in China. To our knowledge, this is the first report to present the residue levels of persistent organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in human tissues of China. Received: 19 December 2001/Accepted: 3 May 2002     

DDTs and PCB isomers and congeners in antarctic fish

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and DDTs (p,p′-DDE +p,p′-DDT) were quantitated in four species of antarctic fish collected around the Japanese Antarctic Research Station during January to December 1981. PCBs ranged between 0.08 and 0.77 ng/g and DDTs from 0.3 to 1.9 ng/g, wet weight basis in whole body homogenates. InPagothenia borchgrevinki, the largest sample (N=21), both classes of chlorinated hydrocarbons increased linearly with body weight. Analysis of PCB isomers and congeners by mass fragmentography showed greater retention of the more highly chlorinated biphenyls in larger specimens. The bottom dwellingTrematomus bernacchii andT. hansoni revealed greater concentrations of highly chlorinated biphenyls than the surface dwellingP. borchgrevinki. In general, the concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in antarctic fish were very low compared to other open ocean water fish reported in the literature; this agreed with atmospheric and hydrospheric concentrations of PCBs and DDTs in antarctic regions where low levels were reported.     

Concentrations and risks of organic and metal contaminants in Eurasian caviar

Caviar (fish roe of sturgeon) may contain high levels of contaminants. Concentrations of organic contaminants, including DDT, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), brominated flame retardants (polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)), and 23 metals were measured in three species of caviar (Acipenser Huso huso, Acipenser gueldenstaedti, and Acipenser stellatus) imported from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Iran, and Russia just prior to the 2006 export ban. PCB concentrations averaged 15.4+/-25.8 ng/g wet weight basis (wwt), DDT averaged 79+/-139 ng/g wwt, arsenic (As) averaged 960+/-486 ng/g, and PBDEs were detected in all samples. Cluster analyses grouped most of the Huso huso samples together, while most of the remaining clusters were grouped by origin. Trends of contaminant concentrations, estimated by incorporating data from earlier studies, show that PCB and DDT levels have been declining since 1978, and HCH levels since 2000. The maximum allowable daily consumption rate of caviar is limited by PCBs, DDTs and As. While the health risks are uncertain since consumption rates are unknown, declining concentrations and low consumption rates suggest that health advisories for caviar are unwarranted.     

Residues of Organochlorines in Sediments and Tilapia Collected from Inland Water Systems of Hong Kong

The levels and patterns of organochlorines including DDTs, HCHs, and PCBs were investigated in sediments and tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) collected from inland water systems [Tai Wai (S1), Fo Tan (S2), Siu Lek Yuen (S3), Tai Po (S4), and Tai Wo (S5)] in the New Territories of Hong Kong. Sediment and tilapia samples were also collected from two fish ponds for comparison. The ranges of DDTs, HCHs, and PCBs in river sediments were 2.82–8.63 ng/g (DW), 0.05–2.07 ng/g (DW), and 43–461 ng/g (DW), respectively. All these values were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the pond sediments. Low chlorinated congeners (especially mono-, tri-, and tetrachlorobiphenyls) were enriched in sediment samples accounting for 70–80% of total PCBs.  The ranges of DDTs, HCHs, and PCBs in tilapia muscle collected from Fo Tan and Tai Wai were 28.2–40.1 ng/g (DW), 2.04–3.76 ng/g (DW) and 267–310 ng/g (DW), respectively. These values were also significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those collected from the fish ponds. Higher chlorinated PCBs (tetra-, penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorobiphenyls) were commonly found in tilapia accounting for almost 60% of the total PCBs. The effect of lipid contents in organochlorines accumulation was not significant (p < 0.05) in general. Received: 24 July 1998/Accepted: 18 November 1998