Toxicity and Genotoxicity of Three Antimicrobials Commonly Used in Veterinary Medicine

The toxicity of chlortetracycline (CTC), oxytetracycline (OTC) and enrofloxacin (ENF) was tested on two green algal species: the international standard Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata and the native Argentine species Ankistrodesmus fusiformis. All three antibiotics inhibited the algal growth. The most sensitive species was P. subcapitata, for which the EC₅₀ for CTC, OTC and ENF were 1.19?±?0.53, 0.92?±?0.30 and 5.18?±?3.80 mg L^?1, respectively. The EC₅₀ for A. fusiformis, were 3.23?±?0.53, 7.15?±?2.69 and 10.6?±?1.28 mg L^?1, respectively. The genotoxicity of these veterinary antibiotics was also assessed using chromosome aberration (CA) and micronuclei (MN) induction in Allium cepa roots. Three concentrations were tested (0.1, 1 and 10 mg L^?1). Only ENF at 1 and 10 mg L^?1 showed any significant MN induction. These data revealed that CTC, OTC and ENF could cause toxicity on green algae, whereas ENF could cause genotoxicity on A. cepa plants.     

Heavy Metal Concentration in Largehead Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Trichiurus lepturus</Emphasis> Linneaus, 1758) and Savalai Hairtail (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lepturacanthus savala</Emphasis> (Cuvier, 1829)) Obtained from Karachi Fish Harbour,Pakistan

In this study, muscle samples gathered from Largehead hairtail (Trichiurus lepturus Linneaus, 1758) and Savali hairtail [Lepturacanthus savala (Cuvier, 1829)] from the Karachi Fish Harbour, Pakistan were analyzed to determine heavy metal concentrations (iron [Fe], zinc [Zn], copper [Cu], manganese [Mn], lead [Pb] and cadmium [Cd]) between January and December 2016. All samples were analyzed using the AAnalyst 700 Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. It was observed that the average measured level of Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd in muscle were 77.72?±?47.84 µg/g, 20.34?±?8.49 µg/g, 2.23?±?1.16 µg/g, 0.57?±?0.36 µg/g, 0.20?±?0.16 µg/g and 0.42?±?0.19 µg/g for T. lepturus, respectively. Besides, the average level of the same metal concentrations in muscle for L. savala were 85.11?±?57.64 µg/g, 16.63?±?9.25 µg/g, 2.53?±?1.90 µg/g, 0.47?±?0.27 µg/g, 0.23?±?0.18 µg/g and 0.47?±?0.20 µg/g, respectively. The correlation between size groups and metal accumulation in muscle tissues were investigated for both fish. In terms of public risk assessment, the provisional tolerable weekly intake’s of various heavy metals were compared with the consumption of both fish. As a result of the analysis, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn, Pb and Cd accumulations in muscle tissues of T. lepturus and L. savala collected from Karachi Fish Harbour Pakistan did not exceed limit values.     

Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Favor the Initial Growth of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Acacia mangium,Sorghum bicolor</Emphasis>, and <Emphasis Type="Italic">Urochloa brizantha</Emphasis> in Soil Contaminated with Zn,Cu, Pb,and Cd

This study evaluated the effect of inoculation with a mixture of spores of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) (Glomus macrocarpum, Paraglomus occultum, and Glomus sp.) on the initial establishment of Acacia mangium, Sorghum bicolor, and Urochloa brizantha in soil contaminated with heavy metals. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in plastic pots containing 1.8 kg of soil, which presented 7200, 1140, 480, and 72 mg of Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd, respectively. The chlorophyll content (SPAD index) of inoculated plants of A. mangium and U. brizantha was higher than those of non-inoculated plants (p?<?0.05). No differences were detected for the concentration of heavy metals in plant shoots, whether the plant was inoculated or not. However, inoculated plants had greater root length (S. bicolor and U. brizantha) (p?<?0.05) and greater plant height (A. mangium) (p?<?0.05). The present results demonstrate that the beneficial effects of AMF on plant growth and the alleviation of contaminants are imperative factors for the rehabilitation of soils contaminated with heavy metals.     

Metal Accumulation Strategies of Emergent Plants in Natural Wetland Ecosystems Contaminated with Coke-Oven Effluent

The release of industrial effluents into natural wetlands is a ubiquitous problem worldwide, and phytoremediation could be a viable option for treatment. The present study assessed metal accumulation strategies of three dominant emergent plants [Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Scirpus grossus (L.) f., and Typha latifolia L.] growing in a wetland contaminated with coke-oven effluent. Metals concentration (mg kg^?1) in wetland sediment followed the order Mn (408)?>?Cu (97)?>?Co (14.2)?>?Cr (14)?>?Cd (2.7). Plant tissues (root and shoot) showed metal-specific accumulation at different extents due to plant response against metal utility or toxicity. Bioconcentration factor (BCF) and translocation factor (TF) of metals in plants revealed Cd and Mn pollution could be remediated through phytoextraction (BCF?>?1 and TF?>?1); however, Co, Cu, and Cr pollution could be remediated through phytostabilization (BCF?>?1 and TF?<?1).     

Toxicity of Nickel on the Selected Species of Marine Diatoms and Copepods

Toxicity values for nickel on marine diatoms and copepods were derived based on bioassay tests. The 96 h IC₅₀ of nickel on diatoms, Odontella mobiliensis and Coscinodiscus centralis were 0.31?±?0.01 and 0.62?±?0.02 mg/L and LC₅₀ values on copepods, Oithona similis and Acartia danae were 2.78?±?0.14 and 2.34?±?0.32 mg/L, respectively. The species mean chronic values of nickel were 0.016, 0.17, 0.57 and 0.42 mg/L for O. mobiliensis, C. centralis, O. similis and A. danae, respectively. A hazardous concentration was derived and evaluated using the species sensitivity distribution (SSD) method. SSD indicated that 13 µg Ni/L is the maximum allowable concentration for protection of 95% plankton species in coastal and marine ecosystem of India. Diatoms are more sensitive to nickel than copepods by almost an order of magnitude. The toxicity values derived in the present study may be useful to calculate ambient water quality criteria/standard for nickel.     

Elemental Composition of Plant Species from an Abandoned Tungsten Mining Area: Are They Useful for Biogeochemical Exploration and/or Phytoremediation Purposes?

We aimed to evaluate the elemental (W, Mo, Zn, Fe, Cu, Co, Bi, Mn, Cd, Cr, As) composition of some plant species spread around the abandoned tungsten mining area of Uluda? Mountain. The plant species tested were Anthemis cretica and Trisetum flavescens which are grown in this area and they are pioneer species on these contaminated sites. W levels in soils were found up to 1378.6 ± 672.3 mg/kg dry weight in contaminated areas. The leaf W contents of the selected plant species were found 41.1 ± 24.4 and 31.1 ± 15.5 mg/kg dry weight for A. cretica and T. flavescens, respectively. Our results indicate that the elemental composition of species changed by the increased tungsten and some element concentrations in soil without detrimental effect. So, these species can be useful tungsten removal and some elements from contaminated sites.     

Effects of 12-week supplementation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Citrus bergamia</Emphasis> extracts-based formulation CitriCholess on cholesterol and body weight in older adults with dyslipidemia: a randomized,double-blind,placebo-controlled trial

Backgrounds

Recent experiments suggest that Citrus bergamia extracts could benefit people with dyslipidemia and obesity but this needs to be further validated.

Methods

A total of 98 people age-matched older adults (65 years) with elevated blood lipids were enrolled to receive 12-week supplementation of a Citrus bergamia extracts-based formulation (CitriCholess)(n?=?48) and placebo (n?=?50).

Results

No group differences were found in baseline bodyweight, body mass index (BMI), blood cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and glucose levels. CitriCholess supplementation resulted in lower levels than placebo in TG (1.83?±?0.92 vs. 1.95?±?1.34 mmol/L, P?=?0.612), TC (5.14?±?0.98 vs. 5.44?±?0.77 mmol/L, P?=?0.097), and LDL-C (3.13?±?0.74 vs. 3.43?±?0.62 mmol/L, P?=?0.032). Compared to placebo, CitriCholess also resulted in greater reductions in body weight (?0.604?±?0.939 vs. 0.06?±?0.74 kg, P?<?0.01), waist circumferences (?0.60?±?1.349 cm vs. -0.16?±?1.503 cm, P?<?0.01) and BMI (?0.207?±?0.357 vs. 0.025?±?0.274, P?<?0.01). Additionally, females had a significantly higher level of HDL-C than males. TC was significantly correlated with LDL-C, and to a less degree, with TG. TG was inversely correlated with HDL-C. Body weight and waist circumference were negatively correlated with HDL-C and positively correlated with glucose.

Conclusion

12-week supplementation of CitriCholess could benefit lipid metabolism and weight management in old adults with dyslipidemia.

     

Effects of Different Soil Amendments on Mixed Heavy Metals Contamination in Vetiver Grass

Three different types of low cost soil amendments, namely, EDTA, elemental S and N-fertilizer, were investigated with Vetiver grass, Vetiveria zizanioides (Linn.) Nash growing under highly mixed Cd–Pb contamination conditions. A significant increase (p?<?0.05) in Cd and Pb accumulation were recorded in the shoots of all EDTA and N-fertilizer assisted treatments. The accumulation of Cd in 25 mmol EDTA/kg soil and 300 mmol N/kg soil showed relatively higher translocation factor (1.72 and 2.15) and percentage metal efficacy (63.25?% and 68.22?%), respectively, compared to other treatments. However, it was observed that the increased application of elemental S may inhibit the availability of Pb translocation from soil-to-root and root-to-shoot. The study suggests that viable application of 25 mmol EDTA/kg, 300 mmol N/kg and 20 mmol S/kg soil have the potential to be used for soil amendment with Vetiver grass growing under contaminated mixed Cd–Pb soil conditions.     

Lead Tolerance and its Accumulation by a Tree Legume: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Dalbergia sissoo</Emphasis> DC

Dalbergia sissoo DC, a leguminous tropical timber tree has been investigated against the Pb toxicity; under the Pb-stress, plant’s morphology, biochemical parameters and genomic template stability (GTS) screened in vitro. At the optimum Pb tolerance level (150 mg L^?1), plant’s defense mechanism—superoxide dismutase, catalase, ascorbate peroxidases and proline could trigger to achieve optimum vegetative growth with minimum fluctuations of the GTS. Further, D. sissoo roots could accumulate 2399.8?±?16 mg kg^?1 Pb. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer analysis also revealed the deposition of Pb in root tissues. In a 1 year pot experiment with Pb-contaminated soil, the plants exhibited normal growth, and Pb accumulation significantly enhanced by the amalgamation of citric acid in the soil. Thus, the tree may prove as a potential candidate for Pb phytostabilization.     

Effects of 12-week supplementation of marine Omega-3 PUFA-based formulation Omega3Q10 in older adults with prehypertension and/or elevated blood cholesterol

Backgrounds

To study the effects of supplementation of a marine omega-3 poly-unsaturated fatty acids (n3-PUFA) formulation (Omega3Q10) in older adults with hypertension and/or hypercholesterolemia.

Methods

A total of 97 people were enrolled to receive 12-week supplementation of either Omega3Q10 (n?=?48) or soybean oil (n?=?49). Total cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and hypertension-related symptoms were determined before and after the supplementation.

Results

There were no baseline differences between the two groups. Omega3Q10 supplementation significantly reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) (from 81.6?±?5.3 mmHg to 79.3?±?5.2 mmHg, P?<?0.05). Blood concentrations of TC and LDL-C decreased significantly and blood HDL-C level increased significantly after 12 weeks of Omega3Q10 (5.5?±?0.7 vs. 5.3?±?0.5, P?<?0.05; 3.7?±?0.8 vs. 3.3?±?0.6, P?<?0.05; 1.2?±?0.6 vs. 1.3?±?0.5, P?<?0.05, respectively) and soybean oil supplementation (5.7?±?0.8 vs. 5.6?±?0.7, P?<?0.05; 3.6?±?0.7 vs. 3.4?±?0.8, P?<?0.05; 1.0?±?0.8 vs. 1.2?±?0.7, P?<?0.05, respectively) but no group differences were found. A significantly greater proportion of the people in the Omega3Q10 group became free from headache and palpitations & chest tightness symptoms after the 12-week supplementation compared to that of the soybean oil group (95.5% vs. 71.4%, P?<?0.01; 95.8 vs. 75.5%, P?<?0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

12-week supplementation of Fish oil-based PUFA appear to be more effective in improving DBP and hypertension-related symptoms than soybean oil in old adults with hypertension and hypercholesterolemia although both supplementation improved TC, LDL-C and HDL-C concentrations.

     

Maximal tachycardia and high cardiac strain during night shifts of emergency physicians

Purpose

To compare tachycardia and cardiac strain between 24-hour shifts (24hS) and 14-hour night shifts (14hS) in emergency physicians (EPs), and to investigate key factors influencing tachycardia and cardiac strain.

Methods

We monitored heart rate (HR) with Holter-ECG in a shift-randomized trial comparing a 24hS, a 14hS, and a control day, within a potential for 19 EPs. We also measured 24-h HR the third day (D3) after both shifts. We measured perceived stress by visual analog scale and the number of life-and-death emergencies.

Results

The 17 EPs completing the whole protocol reached maximal HR (180.9?±?6.9 bpm) during both shifts. Minutes of tachycardia?>100 bpm were higher in 24hS (208.3?±?63.8) than in any other days (14hS: 142.3?±?36.9; D3/14hS: 64.8?±?31.4; D3/24hS: 57.6?±?19.1; control day: 39.2?±?11.6 min, p?<?.05). Shifts induced a cardiac strain twice higher than in days not involving patients contact. Each life-and-death emergency enhanced 26 min of tachycardia?≥100 bpm (p?<?.001), 7 min?≥?110 bpm (p?<?.001), 2 min?≥?120 bpm (p?<?.001) and 19 min of cardiac strain?≥30% (p?=?.014). Stress was associated with greater duration of tachycardia?≥100, 110 and 120 bpm, and of cardiac strain?≥30% (p?<?.001).

Conclusion

We demonstrated several incidences of maximal HR during shifts combined with a high cardiac strain. Duration of tachycardia were the highest in 24hS and lasted several hours. Such values are comparable to those of workers exposed to high physical demanding tasks or heat. Therefore, we suggest that EPs limit their exposure to 24hS. We, furthermore, demonstrated benefits of HR monitoring for identifying stressful events. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT01874704.

     

Assessment of Cadmium Scavenging Potential of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Canna indica</Emphasis> L.

The aquatic plant, Canna indica L. (Indian shoot) of Cannaceae family was investigated to assess cadmium scavenging potential at 5, 10, 25, 50, 100 and 150 mg Cd L^?1 exposers. The results showed that Canna has considerable potential of cadmium accumulation, which was up to 58.69 and 10.13 mg Cd kg^?1 dry weight in root and shoot of Canna, respectively. The effects of different cadmium levels on biomass production of plant tissues were significantly (p?=?0.05) showed negative relation due to cadmium toxicity. The root concentration factor was higher than the bioconcentration factor which indicated the lower translocation factor of Canna. Considering the high root concentration factor, average bioconcentration factor, rapid growth and optimum adaptive properties up to 100 mg Cd L^?1 level, the Canna could be employed as an eco-friendly and efficient aquatic plant for cadmium scavenging. This study plays a potential role in remediation of cadmium contaminated wastewater.     

Effects of Cadmium Exposure on Metal Accumulation and Energy Metabolism of Silver Carp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hypophthalmichthys molitrix</Emphasis>)

Effects of cadmium (Cd) exposure on metal accumulation and energy metabolism of silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) were studied during 14 days. The results showed that Cd accumulated in tissues of silver carp significantly with time and Cd concentration, as the order: liver?>?kidney?>?gill?>?muscle. The levels of muscle glycogen, triglyceride, and plasma triglyceride decreased significantly (p?<?0.05). The levels of muscle protein, plasma glucose and lactate significantly increased during the first 8 days, and then all significantly decreased (p?<?0.05). No significant alternations were observed in muscle cortisol, ATP and plasma protein (p?>?0.05). The results indicate that the tissues’ Cd concentrations and energy metabolism were altered by the presence of waterborne Cd, and silver carp mobilizes the muscle energy stores to cope with the increased energy demands for detoxication and repair mechanism induced by the exposure to waterborne Cd.     

Contamination Profile of DDTs in the Shark <Emphasis Type="Italic">Somniosus microcephalus</Emphasis> from Greenland Seawaters

DDT isomers were detected in all the liver and muscle samples of Greenland sharks Somniosus microcephalus (n?=?15) caught in Greenland seawaters. The mean concentrations of ΣDDTs (sum of o,p’ and p,p’ DDT, DDD, and DDE isomers) were 1094?±?818 ng/g lipid weight (lw) in the muscle and 761?±?416 ng/g lw in the liver. The p,p’-DDE accounted for 48%?±?41% and 53%?±?54% of the total DDT residue in the white muscle and liver, respectively. The lipid content was 48%?±?10% in the muscle and 43%?±?17% in the liver. Female sharks showed the highest concentrations of ΣDDTs. The youngest shark showed higher concentrations of ΣDDTs in the liver than the older sharks. To our knowledge, this is one of the few investigations on DDT levels in S. microcephalus where concentrations were correlated to lipid content and sex/size.     

Concentrations of Cadmium,Copper, and Zinc in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Macrobrachium rosenbergii</Emphasis> (Giant Freshwater Prawn) from Natural Environment

This study analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) by the flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer (FAAS), in the muscle tissues, exoskeletons, and gills from freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) (n?=?20) harvested from natural habitat in Kerang River, Malaysia on 25th November 2015. Significant increase of the metals level in muscle tissue and gill (r?>?0.70, p?<?0.05) were observed with increase in length except for Cu in gills. No relationship was found between metals level in exoskeleton and length. The concentrations of Cd, Cu and Zn were significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in males (muscle tissues and exoskeleton) except for Cd in exoskeleton. In gills, only Cu was significantly higher (p?<?0.05) in female than male. All samples contained metals below the permissible limit for human consumption (i.e., Cd?<?2.00 mg/kg; Cu?<?30.00 mg/kg; Zn?<?150 mg/kg). Annual metals monitoring in prawn and environmental samples is recommended to evaluate changes of metals bioaccumulation and cycling in the system, which is useful for resources management.     

Effects of Water pH on Life History Parameters of a New Bosminid Cladocera: <Emphasis Type="Italic">Bosmina (Bosmina) Tripurae</Emphasis> (Korinek,Saha and Bhattachaya, 1999) in Laboratory Condition

The effects of water pH on life history parameters of Bosmina tripurae have been studied to determine the most suitable water pH desired for the maximum growth and development of this newly discovered cladoceran species. The study was carried out under the laboratory condition at 20?±?2°C. Five pH ranges 5.0?±?0.2, 6.0?±?0.2, 7.0?±?0.2, 8.0?±?0.2 and 9.0?±?0.2 with six replicates for each pH consisting of one animal in each Petri dish (80?×?15 mm) were used for the study. 20 mL of respective test medium was maintained with Chlorella sp. (2?×?10⁴?±?0.03 cells mL^?1) in each Petri dish throughout the experiment. Thirty (30) animals were observed daily to investigate different life history parameters like total life span, age at maturity, number of eggs, neonates and egg batches etc. at different condition. From the study it was found that acidic water (pH 5?±?0.2) is more suitable for the culture of Bosmina tripurae in laboratory condition.     

Heavy Metals in the Blue Crab (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Callinectes sapidus</Emphasis>) in Mersin Bay,Turkey

The concentrations of four metals (copper, cadmium, zinc and lead) were quantified in blue crabs (Callinectes sapidus) tissues collected in January, April, June and September at two stations in Mersin Bay, northeastern Mediterranean Sea, using ICP-MS. The metal concentrations in crabs from the two stations differed significantly. The hepatopancreas was the major organ accumulating metals, followed by gill and muscle tissues. Except for lead, the highest concentrations of metals were measured in the hepatopancreas. The hepatopancreas had higher concentrations of all heavy metals (Cu 321.1?±?4.30; Zn 182.2?±?3.40; Cd 48.2?±?2.00) compared to gill (Cu 90.2?±?1.35; Zn 104.3?±?2.30; Cd 22.3?±?3.40) and muscle (Cu 19.1?±?1.10; Zn 55.1?±?3.25; Cd 2.5?±?0.20). Among the metals analyzed, Cu, Zn and Pb were the most abundant in the different tissues while Cd was the least abundant in C. sapidus. Seasonality in the levels of the four metals was determined.The highest concentrations of all metals were observed in the June (Zn 55.1?±?3.25; Cu 19.1?±?1.10; Cd 2.5?±?0.20; Pb 5.1?±?0.18) compared to all other months (Zn 34.1?±?3.23; Cu 11.1?±?1.15; Cd 0.9?±?0.20; Pb 3.1?±?0.21).     

Toxicity of Inorganic Mercury to Native Australian Grass Grown in Three Different Soils

In this study, three native Australian grasses namely Iseilema membranaceum (Barcoo), Dichanthium sericeum (Queensland Blue) and Sporobolus africanus (Tussock) were grown in three different soils spiked with different concentrations of inorganic mercury and the root elongation was monitored up to 28 days following the germination. Results showed that mercury at certain concentrations significantly inhibited the root growth of all three tested native grasses grown in three soils, however, the toxicity was less in the soil with high organic carbon content and acidic pH. The calculated EC₅₀ values ranged from 10 to 224 mg/kg total Hg in soil. However, the EC₁₀ values indicated that existing guideline values for mercury may be of protective to the native Australian vegetation. Considering their tolerance to soil mercury, these grass species have the potential for their use in rehabilitation of mercury contaminated sites.     

Occurrence and Biological Effects of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals in the Yellow River (Zhengzhou Section)

Estrogenic activities of river water from four representative cross-sections of the Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) and their effects on reproduction and development of fish were assessed. MVLN assay showed estradiol equivalents of river water from Yiluohe, Xinmanghe, Qinhe and Huayuankou cross-sections were 1.09?±?0.11, 0.72?±?0.01, 1.19?±?0.19 and 0.80?±?0.04 ng/L, respectively. Significant vitellogenin (VTG) inductions were observed in adult male Japanese madaka (Oryzias latipes) after 30 days of exposure to river water from Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections (p?<?0.05). Hepatic-somatic index was significantly elevated in fish exposed to water from Qinhe cross-section (p?<?0.05). A significant delay in time to hatching was observed in embryos treated by water from Xinmanghe cross-section (p?<?0.05). Significant lower survivals were observed in fish treated by water from Yiluohe and Xinmanghe cross-sections after a full life cycle exposure (p?<?0.05). Exposure of water from Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections induced significantly elevated VTG levels in the first sexually mature male fish (p?<?0.05). Both the in vitro and in vivo bioassay demonstrate endocrine disrupting chemicals exist in the Yellow River (Zhengzhou section) and fish in Yiluohe and Qinhe cross-sections can be at a risk of reproductive and developmental impairment.     

Persistent Organochlorine Contaminant Residues in Tissues of Hedgehogs from Turkey

The residues of persistent organochlorinated pollutants (POPs), namely polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) (HCHs, CHLs, HCCPs, DDTs, and dicofol congeners) were investigated in the hair and muscle of road-killed Erinaceus roumanicus and E. concolor in Turkey. Mean residue levels were as follows: in hair, PCBs?=?7.43?±?4.88 ng/g and OCPs?=?9.21?±?1.27 ng/g; in muscle, PCBs?=?30.73?±?2.51 ng/g and OCPs?=?145.04?±?16.59 ng/g. There was no significant difference between species and sex, while there was significant difference between habitats and regions in terms of either total PCB and OCP levels, or POP levels (p?<?0.05). Age was a determinative factor for the bio-accumulation of POPs. The contaminant levels were high in the species, sample areas, and habitats. The data also showed that tissues of hedgehogs are suitable for monitoring and evaluating the bioaccumulation of POP levels in Turkey.