Bioaccumulation in Freshwater Crabs. Endosulfan Accumulation in Different Tissues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Zilchiopsis collastinensis</Emphasis> P. (Decapoda: Trichodactylidae)

We examined the bioaccumulation of α- and β-endosulfan and endosulfan sulfate in tissues from the crab Zilchiopsis collastinensis. There was more endosulfan accumulated in the hepatopancreas (from <2 to 467.8 ng g⁻¹) than in the gonads (from <2 to 52.1 ng g⁻¹) or muscles (<2 ng g⁻¹). The endosulfan concentrations in the hepatopancreas decreased over time and with the endosulfan dilution (p < 0.05). In the gonads there was little bioaccumulation, which did not vary over time (p > 0.05). The hepatopancreas is a dynamic organ that is able to depurate itself, whereas the gonads act as a sink for pesticides.     

Polychlorinated Biphenyl Congeners in the Aquatic Environment of the Mekong River,South of Vietnam

Polychlorinated biphenyl compounds (PCBs) were analyzed in sediments and clams’ soft tissues from sampling sites in the Mekong River delta from the border with Cambodia to the coast of South China Sea. Concentrations of 13 individual PCB congeners are reported. Median concentration of ΣPCB congeners was 0.279 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (range 0.106–2.016 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) in sediments, and 5.20 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (range 1.89–19.37 ng g⁻¹) in clams. Distribution and bioaccumulation of PCBs in the delta are discussed. It is concluded that in the Mekong River delta PCB concentrations were generally lower than in other regions of Vietnam and their likely sources have been waste discharges from repair workshops and other facilities in the delta cities.     

Organochlorine Pesticides in Green Mussel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Perna viridis,</Emphasis> from the Cienfuegos Bay,Cuba

The green mussel, Perna viridis, was used to measure bioaccumulated levels of organochlorine pesticides in the marine environment of Cuba. Samples were collected in the Cienfuegos Bay between January and December 2010. The organochlorine pesticides (i.e. DDT, Dieldrin, Chlordane, Endosulfan, HCB, Aldrin, Heptachlor and Lindane) were quantified by gas chromatography. The sum of all organochlorine pesticides in P. viridis was 6.31 ng g⁻¹. The concentration ranged from 3.53 to 4.42 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) for DDTs (i.e. sum of pp’ DDT, pp’ DDD, op’ DDE and pp’ DDE); 1.7–1.9 ng g⁻¹ dw for Dieldrin; 0.17–0.20 ng g⁻¹ dw for Chlordanes; 0.14–0.16 ng g⁻¹ dw for Endosulfan; 0.11–0.17 ng g⁻¹ dw for HCB; 0.07–0.11 ng g⁻¹ dw for Aldrin; 0.046–0.054 ng g⁻¹ dw for Heptachlor and 0.035–0.039 ng g⁻¹ dw for Lindane. These levels can be considered as low when compared to reported values from similar studies conducted elsewhere in the world. The concentrations of all organochlorines residues detected in this study fell below the EU Maximum Residue Limits.     

Persistent Organic Pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in European Conger Eel, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Conger conger</Emphasis> L., from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

The present study provides novel data regarding levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs) in muscle tissue of European conger eel (Conger conger) from Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). The mean concentration of PCBs (891 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight) was higher than those of DDTs (543 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight). PCB pattern was dominated by higher chlorinated congeners (hexa-CBs: 69.3 %, penta-CBs: 17.2 %, hepta-CBs: 13.3 %). Regarding DDT pattern, p,p′-DDE was prevalent in all samples (85.5 %), suggesting no recent DDT input. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono-and non-ortho congeners was 0.41 pg g⁻¹ wet weight (29.92 pg g⁻¹ lipid weight). The PCB and DDT levels, as well as TEQ concentrations were lower than most of the corresponding published data for fish from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions, probably reflecting a moderately contaminated area.     

Microcystin kinetics (bioaccumulation and elimination) and biochemical responses in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) exposed to toxic cyanobacterial blooms

Two species of common edible fish, common carp (Cyprinus carpio) and silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix), were exposed to a Microcystis spp.-dominated natural cyanobacterial water bloom for two months (concentrations of cyanobacterial toxin microcystin, 182-539 microg/g biomass dry wt). Toxins accumulated up to 1.4 to 29 ng/g fresh weight and 3.3 to 19 ng/g in the muscle of silver carp and common carp, respectively, as determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent immunoassay. Concentrations an order of magnitude higher were detected in hepatopancreas (up to 226 ng/g in silver carp), with a peak after the initial four weeks. Calculated bioconcentration factors ranged from 0.6 to 1.7 for muscle and from 7.3 to 13.3 for hepatopancreas. Microcystins were completely eliminated within one to two weeks from both muscle and hepatopancreas after the transfer of fish with accumulated toxins to clean water. Mean estimated elimination half-lives ranged from 0.7 d in silver carp muscle to 8.4 d in common carp liver. The present study also showed significant modulations of several biochemical markers in hepatopancreas of fish exposed to cyanobacteria. Levels of glutathione and catalytic activities of glutathione S-transferase and glutathione reductase were induced in both species, indicating oxidative stress and enhanced detoxification processes. Calculation of hazard indexes using conservative U.S. Environmental Protection Agency methodology indicated rather low risks of microcystins accumulated in edible fish, but several uncertainties should be explored.     

Current-use and Organochlorine Pesticides and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Biodegradable Fraction of Source Separated Household Waste,Compost, and Anaerobic Digestate

Several current-use (≤80 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) and organochlorine pesticides (≤15 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) and polychlorinated biphenyls (≤18 ng g⁻¹ dry weight) were found in the biodegradable fraction of source separated household waste, compost, and/or anaerobic digestate. The degradation rates of individual compounds differ depending on the treatment. Dieldrin and pentachloroaniline, e.g., degrade more rapidly than the waste is mineralized and accumulates in the products after all treatments. Many organochlorines degrade at the same rate as the waste and have the same concentrations in the waste and products. Chlorpyrifos degrades slower than the waste and accumulates in all products and ethion during anaerobic digestion. The polychlorinated biphenyls and some pesticides show different degradations rates relative the waste during different processes. Understanding the degradation of the contaminants under different conditions is necessary to develop quality criteria for the use of compost and digestate.     

Persistent Toxic Substances in Agricultural Soils of Lishui County,Jiangsu Province,China

The contamination status and distribution of PTS, including HCHs, DDTs, PCBs, and PAHs, were studied in the agricultural soil of Lishui County, one of China’s nationally designated eco-demonstration region. The PTS was analyzed by GC, GC/MS, and HPLC coupled with microwave extraction. The concentrations of the sum of HCHs, DDTs, and PCBs ranged from <0.1 ng g⁻¹ to 133 ng g⁻¹, 93.8 ng g⁻¹, and 81.0 ng g⁻¹ (dry wieght), respectively; while the contents of the sum of PAHs ranged from 3.26 ng g⁻¹ to 91.0 ng g⁻¹ (dry wieght). The soil investigation revealed that there were no recent HCHs and DDTs pollution; none of the soil PCBs concentrations suggested a serious biological threat in the investigated area; the extent of pollution of PAHs was low compared to other investigations. In summary, levels of PTS contamination in the soil of the Lishui County were relatively low, but caution should be taken in industrial zone.     

Organophosphorus Pesticides Residues in Fish Samples from the River Nile Tributaries in Egypt

The concentration of organophosphorus pesticides in fish samples from different tributaries of the Nile River in Egypt was monitored. Fish samples were collected from El Menofiya, canal water supplies (El-Sarsawia, El-Bagoria and Bahr Shebin), in addition to El-Embaby, El-Menofi and Miet Rabiha drainage canals each 2 month during periods of 16 month, June 2007–Septemper 2008. Chloropyrifos, cadusafos, diazinon, prothiphos and malathion were detected in fish tissues samples at level below the maximum residue limit. The highest average amount of chlorpyrifos (9.38 ng g⁻¹) and malathion (8.31 ng g⁻¹) were detected in El-Embaby drain. Prothiphos were found in tissues collected from El-Sarsawia canal and Miet-Rabiha drain at mean concentration of 4.91 and 6.55 ng g⁻¹, respectively. Diazinon was only found in one fish sample that collected from El-Menofi drain at the level of 9.23 ng g⁻¹.     

Comparative Study of Mercury Accumulation in Two Fish Species, (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Cyprinus carpio</Emphasis> and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Sander lucioperca</Emphasis>) from Anzali and Gomishan Wetlands in the Southern Coast of the Caspian Sea

Anzali and Gomishan wetlands are considered as two of the most important wetlands in southern coast of Caspian Sea. To investigate mercury accumulation in these ecosystems, total mercury concentrations were measured in the muscle tissue of two fish species. Higher mercury concentrations were detected in C. carpio, an omnivorous benthic/pelagic species (Anzali wetland: 0.2 μg g⁻¹ wet weight; Gomishan wetland: 0.2 μg g⁻¹ wet weight), than in S. lucioperca, a carnivorous pelagic species (Anzali: 0.06 μg g⁻¹ wet weight; Gomishan: 0.15 μg g⁻¹ wet weight).     

Is the Cry1Ab Protein from Bacillusthuringiensis (Bt) Taken Up by Plants from Soils Previously Planted with Bt Corn and by Carrot from Hydroponic Culture?

The uptake of the insecticidal Cry1Ab protein from Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) by various crops from soils on which Bt corn had previously grown was determined. In 2005, the Cry1Ab protein was detected by Western blot in tissues (leaves plus stems) of basil, carrot, kale, lettuce, okra, parsnip, radish, snap bean, and soybean but not in tissues of beet and spinach and was estimated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to be 0.05 ± 0.003 ng g⁻¹ of fresh plant tissue in basil, 0.02 ± 0.014 ng g⁻¹ in okra, and 0.34 ± 0.176 ng g⁻¹ in snap bean. However, the protein was not detected by ELISA in carrot, kale, lettuce, parsnip, radish, and soybean or in the soils by Western blot. In 2006, the Cry1Ab protein was detected by Western blot in tissues of basil, carrot, kale, radish, snap bean, and soybean from soils on which Bt corn had been grown the previous year and was estimated by ELISA to be 0.02 ± 0.014 ng g⁻¹ of fresh plant tissue in basil, 0.19 ± 0.060 ng g⁻¹ in carrot, 0.05 ± 0.018 ng g⁻¹ in kale, 0.04 ± 0.022 ng g⁻¹ in radish, 0.53 ± 0.170 ng g⁻¹ in snap bean, and 0.15 ± 0.071 ng g⁻¹ in soybean. The Cry1Ab protein was also detected by Western blot in tissues of basil, carrot, kale, radish, and snap bean but not of soybean grown in soil on which Bt corn had not been grown since 2002; the concentration was estimated by ELISA to be 0.03 ± 0.021 ng g⁻¹ in basil, 0.02 ± 0.008 ng g⁻¹ in carrot, 0.04 ± 0.017 ng g⁻¹ in kale, 0.02 ± 0.012 ng g⁻¹ in radish, 0.05 ± 0.004 ng g⁻¹ in snap bean, and 0.09 ± 0.015 ng g⁻¹ in soybean. The protein was detected by Western blot in 2006 in most soils on which Bt corn had or had not been grown since 2002. The Cry1Ab protein was detected by Western blot in leaves plus stems and in roots of carrot after 56 days of growth in sterile hydroponic culture to which purified Cry1Ab protein had been added and was estimated by ELISA to be 0.08 ± 0.021 and 0.60 ± 0.148 ng g⁻¹ of fresh leaves plus stems and roots, respectively. No Cry1Ab protein was detected in the tissues of carrot grown in hydroponic culture to which no Cry1Ab protein had been added. Because of the different results obtained with different commercial Western blot (i.e., from Envirologix and Agdia) and ELISA kits (i.e., from Envirologix, Agdia, and Abraxis), it is not clear whether the presence of the Cry1Ab protein in the tissues of some plants under field condition and in carrot in sterile hydroponic culture was the result of the uptake of the protein by the plants or of the accuracy and sensitivity of the different commercial kits used. More detailed studies with additional techniques are obviously needed to confirm the uptake of Cry proteins from soil by plants subsequently planted after a Bt crop.     

Organochlorine Compounds in Pine Needles from Croatia

Levels of seven organochlorine pesticides and 17 congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed in pine needles collected at eight sites along eastern Adriatic coast (Croatia). The concentration of organochlorine pesticides and PCBs ranged between 0 (below determination limit) and 7.44 ng g⁻¹ in 1-year-old needles and between 0 (below determination limit) and 15.57 ng g⁻¹ dry weight in 2-year-old needles. Organochlorine levels were compared with those found in urban and mountain areas.     

Survival,Growth, and Body Residues of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Hyalella azteca</Emphasis> (Saussure) Exposed to Fipronil Contaminated Sediments from Non-Vegetated and Vegetated Microcosms

We assessed chronic effects of fipronil and metabolite contaminated sediments from non-vegetated and Thallia dealbata vegetated wetland microcosms on Hyalella azteca during wet and dry exposures. Mean sediment concentrations (ng g⁻¹) ranged from 0.72–1.26, 0.01–0.69, 0.07–0.23, and 0.49–7.87 for fipronil, fipronil-sulfide, fipronil-sulfone, and fipronil-desulfinyl, respectively. No significant differences in animal survival or growth were observed between non-vegetated and vegetated microcosms during wet or dry exposures. Mean animal body residue concentrations (ng g⁻¹) ranged from 28.4–77.6, 0–30.7, and 8.3–43.8 for fipronil, fipronil-sulfide, and fipronil-sulfone. Fipronil-desulfinyl was not detected in any animal samples.     

Concentrations of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Sediments from Jukskei River,Gauteng, South Africa

This study determined concentration levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sediment samples collected from Jukskei River in South Africa. Final extracts, after concentration and dilution to 200 μL were analyzed by injecting 1 μL in the GC–ECD and GC–MS. Results obtained showed good recoveries (73%–114%, with RSD < 17%). The concentrations of ∑PBDEs in sediment for the seven sampling sites ranged from 0.92 to 6.76 ng g⁻¹ dry weight and total PBDEs with a total BDE sum of 23.85 ng g⁻¹ dry weights. Concentrations of PBDEs obtained in the present study are significantly lower than the values reported from developed countries.     

Spatial Distribution and Temporal Trend in Concentration of Carbofuran,Diazinon and Chlorpyrifos Ethyl Residues in Sediment and Water in Lake Naivasha,Kenya

Chlorpyrifos ethyl was found to be widely distributed in water and sediment in Lake Naivasha. Higher levels were reported in sediment (11.2–30.0 ng g⁻¹ dry weight (dw) in wet season than in dry season (4.7–17.4 ng g⁻¹ dw). The mean concentration of chlorpyrifos ethyl in water in wet season ranged between 8.8 and 26.6 μg L⁻¹ and decreased to between below detection limit to 14.0 μg L⁻¹ in dry season. On average, higher concentrations of chlorpyrifos ethyl were observed in sediment than water samples. Statistical analysis revealed a significant difference in concentration between the seasons, and a significant interaction between seasons and mean concentrations at p ≤ 0.05. However, levels of diazinon and carbofuran were below the detection limit in all the samples analyzed. Notably, levels of chlorpyrifos ethyl were higher than the maximum allowable limits (0.1 μg L⁻¹) recommended by European Union for drinking water and general water quality criterion for protection of freshwater water organisms (0.083 μg L⁻¹).     

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Three Commercially Important Fish from the Northwestern Arabian Gulf: Occurrence,Concentration, and Profiles

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in three species of fish (yellowfin seabream [Acanthopagrus latus, a predatory fish]; Klunzinger’s mullet [Liza klunzingeri, a pelagic fish]; and large-scaled tonguesole [Cynoglossus arel, a demersal fish]) collected from two sites in the northwestern part of the Arabian Gulf, a marginal sea of the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean. Concentrations of ΣPBDEs ranged from 11 to 57 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw) for mullet, 5.0–38 ng g⁻¹ lw for tonguesole, and 2.8–48 ng g⁻¹ lw for seabream in Kuwait Bay, whereas in the open gulf, concentrations ranged from 6.0 to 160 lw for mullet, 8.3–190 lw for tonguesole, and 7.1–62 for lw for seabream. The congener composition in all species from both sites was dominated by BDEs 47, 99, and 100, which together constituted approximately 90% of the congeners detected. Although no statistically significant intersite differences were found, ΣPBDEs concentrations in mullet were significantly higher than those in seabream (p = 0.01). However, no significant differences existed between mullet and tonguesole (p = 0.28) or between tonguesole and seabream (p = 0.06). ΣPBDE concentrations were negatively correlated with fish mass for all species; however, the correlations were statistically insignificant, suggesting a growth dilution effect.     

Residue,Temporal Trend and Half-Life Time of Selected Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) in Surface Soils from Bacninh,Vietnam

Selected organochlorine pesticides (p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD, α,β,γ,δ-HCH) were analyzed in the surface soils of Bacninh, Viet Nam. Forty representative soil samples were collected from Bacninh town and three surrounding districts. ΣDDT concentrations ranged from <0.02 to 160.86 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, whereas ΣHCH concentrations ranged from <0.05 to 9.54 ng g⁻¹ dry weight. The half-life times of ΣDDT and ΣHCH are 6.7 and 4.9 years, respectively. The decreasing trends of ΣDDT and ΣHCH levels during the period from 1992 to 2006 are observed. There is no recent input of DDT and HCH in the study area.     

Concentration, Distribution and Sources of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons in Soils from the Karst Tiankengs, South China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the surface soils from Dashiwei and Datuo Karst tiankengs, Guangxi Province, South China. Concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 16.93 ng g⁻¹ to 190 ng g⁻¹ with a mean of 58.29 ng g⁻¹. In Dashiwei more PAHs were concentrated than in Datuo (mean 74.42 ng g⁻¹ > 42.15 ng g⁻¹). Dashiwei and Datuo accounted for the majority of all PAHs concentrated in the lower location through increased rates (58% and 37%) from the upper to lower geographical levels, respectively. Dashiwei presented the stronger trapping ability for heavier molecular weights on the tiankeng floor with a concentration increase rate of 167% when compared to that of the lighter molecular weights (which had a concentration increase of rate 6%), which was in contrast to the Datuo with a concentration increase rate of 37% for lighter molecular weights and 31% for heavier molecular weights. In Dashiwei, it was found that the ratio of heavier PAH compound molecular weight resulted in its higher precipitation recording on the tiankeng floor. The differentia between two tiankengs, therefore, are related to their environmental characteristics and the PAHs physiochemical properties. The analytical result from the PAHs indicators suggest that a petrogenic source was dominant in the area studied. Therefore, the karst tiankeng has the potential to act as a geophysical well for PAHs deposition, especially for the heavier molecular weighted PAH.     

Levels of Organochlorine Compounds in the Mediterranean Blue Mussel from the Adriatic Sea

The distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was investigated in Mediterranean blue mussel collected at four locations in Mali Ston Bay few times a year in 2005–2007. OCPs were found in all samples and levels ranged between 0.07 and 7.58 ng g⁻¹ dry wt. Levels of PCBs ranged between 0 (below detection limit) and 21.55 ng g⁻¹ dry wt. For most analyzed compounds there were no significant level changes between the 3 years. Exceptions are decreased levels of β-HCH, DDD, and PCB-138 and increased levels of γ-HCH and DDT in 2007. However, mussels from this area are applicable for human diet.     

Multi-medium Distributions of HCHs,DDTs, and PCBs in Typical Petrochemical Industrial Area and Surrounding Regions of Jilin Province,Northeast China

The levels of DDTs, HCHs and PCBs in topsoil, cereal and irrigation water from typical industrial and agricultural areas of Jilin Province in Northeastern China were evaluated by using gas chromatography coupled with an electron capture detector. The amount of ∑OCPs and ∑⁷PCBs found in topsoils ranged from 24.7 to 98.0 and 17.2 to 98.7 ng g⁻¹, respectively. The geometric means of ∑HCHs, ∑DDTs and ∑⁷PCBs in rice stem samples were 28.9, 32.4 and 49.0 ng g⁻¹, respectively. The average level of total OCPs concentration in rice field water in Meihekou area (0.849 ng g⁻¹) is higher than that in Jilin area (0.178 ng g⁻¹) and all OCPs concentrations in rice field water met the water quality standards for Grade I regulated by China’s national environmental quality standard of surface water.     

Mercury in Wetland Birds of Iran and Iraq: Contrasting Resident Moorhen, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Gallinula chloropus,</Emphasis> and Migratory Common Teal, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Anas crecca,</Emphasis> Life Strategies

We document mercury distribution in tissues of two waterfowls; moorhen (Gallinula chloropus; n = 6), and Common Teal (Anas crecca; n = 6) from Shadegan wetlands in Southwestern Iran. Mean value of mercury in moorhen liver was (0.36 Hg μg g⁻¹ dry weight), Common Teal had (4.34 Hg μg g⁻¹ dry weight) mercury. In all tissues, Common Teals had significantly higher mercury concentrations than moorhens (U test, p ≤ 0.05). Mercury was 12, 9, 8, and 6 times higher in liver, muscle, kidney, and feather of Common Teals. These birds have comparable diets but Common Teals are migratory and moorhens are residents of Shadegan wetlands.