Occurrence and fate of polycyclic musks in wastewater treatment plants in Kentucky and Georgia, USA

Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are a potential of source of polycyclic musks in the aquatic environment. In this study, contamination profiles and mass flow of polycyclic musks, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[gamma]-2-benzopyran (HHCB), 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN), and HHCB-lactone (oxidation product of HHCB), in two WWTPs, one located in Kentucky (Plant A, rural area) and the other in Georgia (Plant B, urban), USA, were determined. HHCB, AHTN and HHCB-lactone were detected in the influent, effluent, and sludge samples analyzed. The concentrations in wastewater samples varied widely, from 10 to 7,030 ng/l, 13 to 5,400 ng/l, and 66 to 790 ng/l, for HHCB, AHTN, and HHCB-lactone, respectively. Sludge samples contained HHCB at <0.02-36 microg/g dry weight, AHTN at <0.02-7.2 microg/g dry weight, and HHCB-lactone at <0.05-17 microg/g dry weight. Based on the daily flow rates and mean concentrations of polycyclic musks, the estimated discharge of total polycyclic musks to the rivers was 21 g/day from Plant A and 31 g/day from Plant B. Mass balance analysis suggested that only 30% of HHCB and AHTN entering the plants was accounted for in the effluent and the sludge. Removal efficiencies of HHCB and AHTN in the two WWTPs ranged from 72% to 98%. In contrast, HHCB-lactone concentrations increased following the treatment. Concentrations of polycyclic musks in sludge were on the order of several parts per million. Incineration of sludge at one plant reduced the concentration of polycyclic musks.     

Synthetic polycyclic musks in Hong Kong sewage sludge

Synthetic polycyclic musks [Cashmeran (DPMI), Celestolide (ADBI), Phantolide (AHMI), Traseolide (ATII), Tonalide (AHTN), and Galaxolide (HHCB)] were determined in dewatered sludge samples from 10 major sewage treatment plants in Hong Kong using primary treatment (PT), secondary treatment (SecT) or chemical-enhanced primary treatment (CEPT) methods. The concentrations of HHCB, AHTN, AHMI and ADBI ranged from below detection limits to 78.6mg/kg dry weight. HHCB and AHTN were the two predominant polycyclic musks in sludge samples, suggesting the extensive use of these two polycyclic musks in Hong Kong. Polycyclic musk levels in CEPT sludge were significantly higher than those in SecT and PT sludge, suggesting that CEPT sludge has a higher ability to retain polycyclic musks. Comparisons to global concentrations revealed that HHCB and AHTN concentrations detected in Hong Kong sludge ranked first and second respectively. However, the estimated levels of HHCB and AHTN in the discharged effluent from sewage treatment plants may pose low potential risks to aquatic organisms according to the threshold effect levels derived for fish. Nevertheless, the polycyclic musks released in sewage treatment plant effluents may bioconcentrate and bioaccumulate in the marine environment in Hong Kong. Therefore, monitoring studies in marine ecosystems, particularly on the two prevailing polycyclic musks, are necessary.     

A survey of polycyclic musks in selected household commodities from the United States

Occurrence of the polycyclic musks, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronapthalene (AHTN), in wastewater influent and effluent, as well as in surface waters, has been reported. HHCB and AHTN were also reported to occur in human and wildlife tissues. The major sources for HHCB and AHTN to wastewater are thought to be consumer products such as shampoos, deodorants, laundry detergents, and household surface cleaners. However, the levels of HHCB and AHTN in consumer products are not known. For evaluation of the sources of human and environmental exposures, characterization of levels of HHCB and AHTN in consumer products is needed. In this study, we measured concentrations of HHCB (Galaxolide), AHTN (Tonalide), and HHCB-lactone (Galaxolidone) from a variety of consumer products, including perfumes, body lotions, and deodorants. Concentrations of HHCB, AHTN, and HHCB-lactone in consumer products ranged from <5 ng/g to over 4000 microg/g, <5 ng/g to 451 microg/g, and <5 ng/g to 217 microg/g, respectively. The highest concentrations were found in perfumes, body creams and lotions, and deodorants. The results suggest that a wide variety of source materials exist for HHCB and AHTN, and that these materials are used on a daily basis.     

Inputs and distributions of synthetic musk fragrances in an estuarine and coastal environment; a case study

Synthetic musks are ubiquitous contaminants in the environment. Compartmental distributions (dissolved, suspended particle associated and sedimentary) of the compounds throughout an axial estuarine transect and in coastal waters are reported. High concentrations of Galaxolide^® (HHCB) and Tonalide^® (AHTN) (987-2098 ng/L and 55-159 ng/L, respectively) were encountered in final effluent samples from sewage treatment plants (STPs) discharging into the Tamar and Plym Estuaries (UK), with lower concentrations of Celestolide^® (ADBI) (4-13 ng/L), Phantolide^® (AHMI) (6-9 ng/L), musk xylene (MX) (4-7 ng/L) and musk ketone (MK) (18-30 ng/L). Rapid dilution from the outfalls is demonstrated with resulting concentrations of HHCB spanning from 5 to 30 ng/L and those for AHTN from 3 to 15 ng/L. The other musks were generally not detected in the estuarine and coastal waters. The suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sedimentary profiles and compositions (HHCB:AHTN ratios) generally reflect the distribution in the water column with highest concentrations adjacent to sewage outfalls.     

Determination of polycyclic musks in sewage sludge from Guangdong, China using GC-EI-MS

Polycyclic musks [Cashmeran (DPMI), Celestolide (ADBI), Phantolide (AHMI), Traseolide (ATII), Tonalide (AHTN) and Galaxolide (HHCB)] were Soxhlet extracted, separated and analyzed in sewage sludge from six different wastewater treatment plants from Guangdong, China, using GC and GC-EI-MS. DPMI, ADBI, HHCB, AHTN were found in all samples, and ATII was not found in any sample. AHMI was detected in five out of six samples. HHCB and AHTN were the two major polycyclic musks found in highest concentrations in sludge. The sludge from municipal wastewater treatment plants contained HHCB, AHTN and DPMI at concentrations between 5.416 and 21.214, 0.715 and 6.195 and 0.599 and 2.870 mg/kg (dry), respectively. The highest concentration was found in sludge from one cosmetic plant at 703.681 mg HHCB/kg (dry). The results indicate that there are two sources of polycyclic musks: domestic sewage and industrial wastewater.     

Retention characteristics and balance assessment for two polycyclic musk fragrances (HHCB and AHTN) in a typical German sewage treatment plant

Measurements of two polycyclic musk fragrances HHCB (galaxolide) and AHTN (tonalide) were measured in wastewater and sludge of a German sewage treatment plant. The metabolite HHCB-lactone was identified and quantified in the same plant. The influent concentrations were about 1900 ng/l HHCB and 580 ng/l AHTN, while in the sludge about 3000 ng/g HHCB and 1500 ng/g AHTN were analysed. About 35% of both compounds passed through the plant unaltered and were discharged to the river. Slightly more HHCB was sorbed to the sludge than was discharged; while for AHTN about twice as much was sorbed to the sludge than was discharged. About 5-10% of the HHCB was oxidised in the plant to HHCB-lactone. The dominant processes in the STP were sorption processes, though.     

Considerations about the enantioselective transformation of polycyclic musks in wastewater, treated wastewater and sewage sludge and analysis of their fate in a sequencing batch reactor plant

The present work consists of two distinct parts: in the first part enantioselective GC was used to separate the different enantiomeric/diastereomeric polycyclic musks, PCMs (HHCB, AHTN, AHDI, ATII and DPMI) including the main transformation product of HHCB, HHCB-lactone, in wastewater and sewage sludge. After optimization all PCMs were resolved on a cyclodextrin containing Rt-BDEXcst capillary GC column. Enantiomeric ratios of PCMs in a technical mixture were determined and compared to those obtained from enantioselective separation of wastewater and sewage sludge samples. In general, enantiomeric ratios were similar for most materials in influent, effluent and stabilized sewage sludge. However, the ratios for HHCB, AHDI and particularly ATII suggest some stereospecific removal of these compounds. In the second part, a field study was conducted on a wastewater treatment plant comprising a sequencing batch reactor. Concentrations of HHCB, AHTN, ADBI, AHDI, ATII, DPMI and HHCB-lactone were determined by non-enantioselective GC in daily samples of influent, effluent and activated sludge during one week. Mean concentrations in influent were 6900 and 1520 ng/l for HHCB and AHTN, respectively. The other PCMs exhibited contents 200 ng/l. Mean percent removal was between 61% (AHDI) and 87% (HHCB) resulting in mean effluent concentrations below 860 ng/l. HHCB-lactone concentration increased during wastewater treatment with a mean in the influent of 430 ng/l and in the effluent of 900 ng/l, respectively, indicating a degradation of HHCB.     

Preliminary study on the occurrence and distribution of polycyclic musks in a wastewater treatment plant in Guandong, China

The occurrence and distributions of six polycyclic musks were studied in influent, primary and effluent waters from a municipal wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Guangdong. Five polycyclic musk compounds, 1,2,3,5,6,7-hexahydro-1,1,2,3,3-pentamethyl-4H-inden-4-one (DPMI), 4-acetyl-1,1-dimethyl-6-tert-butylindan (ADBI), 6-acetyl-1,1,2,3,3,5-hexamethylindan (AHMI), 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN) were found in wastewater in the WWTP. DPMI, HHCB and AHTN were measured at 0.38-0.69, 11.5-146, 0.89-3.47 microg/l, respectively, in influents. Meanwhile 0.06-0.10 microg/l DPMI, 0.95-2.05 microg/l HHCB, 0.10-0.14 microg/l AHTN were detected in effluents, ADBI and AHMI were also detected in some primary waters and effluents. The results suggested that wastewater from cosmetic plants cause high loadings of polycyclic musks to this WWTP. Under the currently applied treatment technology, the removal efficiencies achieved were 61-75% for DPMI, 86-97% for HHCB and 87-96% for AHTN by transfer to sludge as the main removal route.     

The concentrations and distribution of polycyclic musks in a typical cosmetic plant

Polycyclic musks [cashmeran (DPMI), celestolide (ADBI), phantolide (AHMI), traseolide (ATII), tonalide (AHTN) and galaxolide (HHCB)] in the air, wastewater, sludge samples of a typical cosmetic plant were analyzed. DPMI, ADBI, HHCB and AHTN were found in all samples, and ATII was not found in any sample. HHCB and AHTN were the major components in all samples. The polycyclic musk concentrations were very high in the air of the cosmetic plant, and polycyclic musks were mostly contained in the gas phase at the percentage of 86.35-97.70%. Average polycyclic musk concentrations in effluent were high, and ranged from 0.62 to 32.06 microgl-1. The removal efficiency during the active sludge wastewater treatment was also high, resulting from the adsorption of those compounds into the sludge. So the polycyclic musk concentrations were very high in the primary sludge and second sludge, and ranged from 1.78 to 92.45 mgkg-1 (dry), and from 2.87 to 65.67 mgkg-1 (dry), respectively. Results suggested that the sludge needed to be further treated to make polycyclic musks less influence to the environment.     

Concentrations and specific loads of polycyclic musks in sewage sludge originating from a monitoring network in Switzerland

Polycyclic musks (HHCB, AHTN, ADBI, AHDI, ATII) and a metabolite of HHCB (HHCB-lactone) were analyzed in sewage sludge samples within the framework of a monitoring network in Switzerland. Mean values in stabilised sludge from 16 wastewater treatment plants were 20.3 mg/kg d.m. for HHCB, 7.3 mg/kg d.m. for AHTN and 1.8 mg/kg d.m. for HHCB-lactone, respectively. Contents of ADBI, AHDI and ATII were between 0.1 and 1.8 g/kg d.m. The results show that polycyclic musks origin mainly from private households and that loads from craft industry, industry and atmospheric deposition are negligible. The technology of wastewater treatment and sludge processing seems to be of minor importance for degradation processes of polycyclic musks. The calculated input in wastewater of polycyclic musks is lower by a factor of 5-7 than the estimates based on use volumes. This discrepancy might be explained by degradation processes, other emission pathways than wastewater or inappropriate estimation of production volumes.     

Tissue concentrations, bioaccumulation, and biomagnification of synthetic musks in freshwater fish from Taihu Lake, China

Synthetic musks are ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic environments. As hydrophobic chemicals, they can accumulate in terrestrial and aquatic organisms. Investigations into the bioaccumulation of these chemicals in aquatic ecosystem have, however, been limited, and previous results were inconsistent among species and ecosystem. Studies on this topic have been carried out in European countries, the USA, and Japan, but very few are known of the situation in China. The aim of this study was to investigate contaminant levels of musks in fish from Taihu Lake, the second largest freshwater lake in China, as well as bioaccumulation and biomagnification of the pollutants in the freshwater food chain. Five polycyclic musks and two nitro musks were determined in 24 fish species and nine surface sediment samples from Taihu Lake. HHCB (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[γ]-2-benzopyran) and AHTN (7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene) were the predominant contaminants in the fish samples, with concentrations ranging from below the limit of detection (LOD) to 52.9 and from <LOD to 7.5 ng/g lipid weight, respectively. Other contaminants were at low detection frequencies. The results indicated low concentrations of musks yet widespread occurrence of these contaminants in fish from Taihu Lake. Species-specific and lipid-related bioaccumulation characteristics were suggested, but no significant region-specific differences were observed. Normalized biota-sediment accumulation factors for HHCB and AHTN were noted to increase with trophic levels in fish. Trophic magnification factors were estimated at 1.12 for HHCB and 0.74 for AHTN. A biomagnification for HHCB, and probably biodilution for AHTN, in the freshwater food chain are indicated, when trophic magnification factors were concerned. However, the correlations between logarithmic concentrations of the chemicals and trophic levels were not statistically significant. Further study using long food chains in this lake is still needed.     

Polycyclic musk compounds in higher trophic level aquatic organisms and humans from the United States

Polycyclic musks, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN), are used as fragrance ingredients in numerous consumer products such as cleaning agents and personal care products. Studies have reported the widespread occurrence of these musks in surface waters and fish from western European countries. Nevertheless, little is known about their accumulation in humans and wildlife in the United States. In this study, we measured concentrations of HHCB and AHTN in human adipose fat collected from New York City. Furthermore, tissues from marine mammals, water birds, and fish collected from US waters were analyzed to determine the concentrations of HHCB and AHTN. Concentrations of HHCB and AHTN in human adipose fat samples ranged from 12 to 798 and from <5 to 134 ng/g, on a lipid weight basis, respectively. A significant correlation existed between the concentrations of HHCB and AHTN in human adipose fat. Concentrations of HHCB and AHTN were not positively correlated with age or gender of the donors. HHCB was found in tissues of several wildlife species, but not in the livers of polar bear from the Alaskan Arctic. Among wildlife species analyzed, spinner and bottlenose dolphins collected from Florida coastal waters contained measurable concentrations of HHCB.     

Occurrence of polycyclic musks in wastewater and receiving water bodies and fate during wastewater treatment

The occurrence of cashmerane (DPMI), celestolide, phantolide, traesolide (ATII), galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) in sewage and surface waters and their fate during wastewater treatment and anaerobic sludge digestion is investigated. AHTN and HHCB are the most important representatives and influent concentrations of 0.41-1.8 and 0.9-13 μg L⁻¹ are observed. DPMI is detected in influent and effluent samples but in notably lower concentrations than AHTN and HHCB. Major sources of polycyclic musks are households, whereas industrial emitters seem to be of minor importance. This conclusion is supported by the analysis of selected industrial wastewaters (metal, textile and paper industry). Specific emissions of 0.36 ± 0.19 and 1.6 ± 1.0 mg cap⁻¹ d⁻¹ for AHTN and HHCB are calculated. Overall removal efficiencies between approx 50% and more than 95% are observed during biological wastewater treatment and removal with the excess sludge is the major removal pathway. Log K_D values of 3.73-4.3 for AHTN, 3.87-4.34 for HHCB and 2.42-3.22 for DPMI are observed in secondary sludge. During sludge digestion no or only slight removal occurred. Mean polycyclic musk concentrations in digested sludge amounted to 1.9 ± 0.9 (AHTN), 14.2 ± 5.8 (HHCB), 0.8 ± 0.4 (ATII) and 0.2 ± 0.09 (DPMI) mg kg⁻¹ dry matter. In the receiving water systems a comparable distribution as during wastewater treatment is observed. AHTN, HHCB and DPMI are detected in surface waters (ND (not detected) - < 0.04, ND - 0.32 and ND - 0.02 μg L⁻¹) as well as AHTN and HHCB in sediments (ND - 20, ND - 120 μg kg⁻¹). For HHCB an apparent K_OC value of 4.1-4.4 is calculated for sediments. Major source for polycyclic musks in surface waters are discharges from wastewater treatment plants. For HHCB and DPMI 100% of the load observed in the sampled surface waters derive from discharges of treated wastewater.     

Concentrations of synthetic musk compounds in personal care and sanitation products and human exposure profiles through dermal application

Synthetic musks, such as 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN) and 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta-gamma-2-benzopyran (HHCB), musk ketone (MK) and musk xylene (MX), are used as an alternative for natural musk. Due to their widespread use, these synthetic compounds turned up in different environmental compartments, such as wastewater, human and animal tissues. Yet, little is known about their distribution and occurrence in personal care and household products, information needed in order to evaluate the different human exposure routes. This paper gives an overview of the synthetic musk levels in six different product categories: body lotions, perfumes, deodorants, hair care products, shower products and sanitation products. Especially body lotions, perfumes and deodorants contained high levels of synthetic musks. Maximum concentrations of HHCB, AHTN, MX and MK were 22 mg g(-1), 8 mg g(-1), 26 microg g(-1) and 0.5 microg g(-1), respectively. By combining these results with the average usage of consumer products, low-, medium- and high-exposure profiles through dermal application could be estimated. HHCB was the highest contributor to the total amount of synthetic musks in every exposure profile (18-23 700 microg d(-1)). Exposure to MK and MX did not increase substantially (10-20-fold) between low- and high-exposure profiles, indicating that these compounds cover a less broad range. In comparison, exposure to HHCB and AHTN increased up to 10 000 fold between low- and high-exposure.     

Nitro musks, nitro musk amino metabolites and polycyclic musks in sewage sludges. Quantitative determination by HRGC-ion-trap-MS/MS and mass spectral characterization of the amino metabolites

Nitro- and polycyclic musks were quantified in sewage sludge samples from different catchment areas using high-resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) and ion-trap MS/MS. Collision induced dissociation (CID) turned out to be a useful tool for quantification of the analytes. Negative chemical ionization (NCI) quadrupole MS in the selected ion mode (SIM) showed similar sensitivities compared to ion trap MS/MS. Among the nitro musks, musk ketone (MK) and musk xylene (MX) were the main compounds in predominantly domestic sewage sludges, found at low microgram/kg dry matter (d.m.) whereas polycyclic musks were present in domestic as well as in industrial sludges up to 12 mg/kg d.m. Galaxolide (HHCB) and Tonalide (AHTN) were the major polycyclic musks found in the sludges. Amino metabolites of the nitro musks, amino musk xylene (AMA), amino musk moskene (AMM) and amino musk ketone (AMK) were detected for the first time in sewage sludges, and reached partly higher concentrations compared to the parent compounds.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated naphthalenes and polycyclic musks in human fat from Italy: Comparison to polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides

Prior to this study, reports of occurrence of polycyclic musks and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in human tissues from Italy were not available. In this study, concentrations of PCNs and polycyclic musks were determined in human adipose tissue from Italy collected during 2005-2006; for comparison, legacy organohalogen pollutants such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined. ΣPCN concentrations ranged from 0.5 to 14 ng/g lipid wt (lw). Polycyclic musks such as HHCB and AHTN were found in 92% and 83% of the human samples, respectively. Concentrations of PBDEs in Italian adipose tissue ranged between 3.2 and 35.6 ng/g lw.     

Occurrences and potential risks of 16 fragrances in five German sewage treatment plants and their receiving waters

Fragrances are used in a wide array of everyday products and enter the aquatic environment via wastewater. While several musk compounds have been studied in detail, little is known about the occurrence and fate of other fragrances. We selected 16 fragrance compounds and scrutinized their presence in Bavarian sewage treatment plants (STP) influents and effluents and discussed their ecological risks for the receiving surface waters. Moreover, we followed their concentrations along the path in one STP by corresponding time-related water sampling and derived the respective elimination rates in the purification process. Six fragrance substances (OTNE, HHCB, lilial, acetyl cedrene, menthol, and, in some grab samples, also methyl-dihydrojasmonate) could be detected in the effluents of the investigated sewage treatment plants. The other fragrances under scrutiny were only found in the inflow and were eliminated in the purification process. Only OTNE and HHCB were found in the receiving surface waters of the STP in congruent concentrations, which exceeded the preliminary derived environmental thresholds by a factor of 1.15 and 1.12, respectively, indicating potential risks. OTNE was also detected in similar concentration ranges as HHCB in muscles and livers of fish from surface waters and from ponds that are supplied with purified wastewater. The findings show that some fragrance compounds undergo high elimination rates, whereas others—not only musks—are present in receiving surface water and biota and may present a risk to local aquatic biota. Hence, our results suggest that the fate and potential effects of fragrance compounds in the aquatic environment deserve more attention.     

Surface water concentrations of the fragrance compound OTNE in Germany--a comparison between data from measurements and models

Emissions of the fragrance compound OTNE (Iso-E-Super) to surface waters have been investigated by means of a combined analytical (measurements) and modeling approach. The compound is an ingredient in many household products and is emitted into surface waters almost exclusively via the wastewater pathway. Measured concentrations of OTNE in surface waters of the Ruhr river catchment basin ranged from 30 to 100 ng L(-1), and were thus in the same order of magnitude as the polycyclic musks AHTN and HHCB. The geo-referenced exposure model GREAT-ER (Geo-referenced Regional Exposure Assessment Tool for European Rivers) was used to simulate OTNE concentrations in the Ruhr river basin. Model results could plausibly explain monitoring data at all sampling sites when considering the discharge conditions during the sampling period and specific local characteristics. According to the model, approximately half of the total OTNE emissions into the Ruhr river basin are transferred from surface water into the atmosphere and the sediment. Volatilization from lakes was identified as the major removal process of the fragrance compound OTNE. To identify possible regional differences, samples from the Danube in Hungary were also analysed. The OTNE concentrations were in the same order of magnitude (29-810 ng L(-1)) as in the Ruhr catchment, but exhibited higher spatial variability.     

Occupational exposure to synthetic musks in barbershops,compared with the common exposure in the dormitories and households

Synthetic musks (SMs) have been widely used as fragrance ingredients in personal care and sanitary commodities. Due to their high volatility and particle-binding affinity, the indoor dust is a major reservoir of SMs, and dust ingestion could be an important exposure way to special populations, such as hairdressers. In spite of the known toxicity of SMs, there is no information regarding the occurrence of SMs in barbershop dusts and the exposure of hairdressers through indoor dust ingestion. In the present study, the levels of two nitro musks and five polycyclic musks were measured from indoor dust samples collected from barbershops, and some other indoor dust samples were also collected from dormitories, bathhouses and households for comparison. The concentrations of ∑SMs in barbershop dusts were 10–100 times higher than those from the other three indoor microenvironments. Polycyclic musks accounted for 89.4% of ∑SMs on average in all samples, of which two compounds, HHCB and AHTN jointly dominated 97.9% of polycyclic musks. The levels of HHCB and AHTN varied from 12.2 to 8.39 × 10⁵ and from 13.2 to 3.49 × 10⁵ ng g⁻¹, respectively. The daily intakes (DIs) of ∑SMs through house dust ingestion were estimated using the model of high dust ingestion and worst-case exposure (P95), and the corresponding exposure rates were 2791, 135 and 727 ng d⁻¹ for the hairdressers, general population and toddlers. SMs were also detected in blood samples collected from the hairdressers and normal adults (n = 50 and 10, respectively). There was no significant difference between these two groups. Despite the absence of higher SM concentrations in hairdresser’s blood, we should not overlook the potential occupational health risks due to their high SMs ingestion rate.     

Reprint of: Concentrations, distribution, and bioaccumulation of synthetic musks in the Haihe River of China

Seven typical synthetic musks (SMs) in the samples from the surface water, sediment and fish of the Haihe River were measured. The SM concentrations in the sediment and surface water of the Haihe River were significantly lower than those in the Dagu Drainage River and Chentaizi Drainage River (p < 0.05). Along the flow direction, the SM concentrations in surface water and sediment tended to increase from the upstream to the downstream of Dagu Drainage River. The Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) of galaxolide (HHCB) and tonalide (AHTN) were calculated at high levels in the muscles of crucian carp, common carp, and silver carp. Most of the biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for HHCB and AHTN were higher than 1.7, suggesting magnification possibly exist in the musk bioaccumulations of the three fishes in the Haihe River. No significant differences in HHCB/AHTN ratios were observed among the water, fish, and sediment samples (p > 0.05). However, the HHCB/AHTN values in the Haihe River were much lower than those in the Dagu Drainage River and Chentaizi Drainage River (p < 0.05). Compared with several typical persistent organic pollutants (POPs), the musk concentrations were higher or comparable in the Haihe River.