Residues of PCDD,PCDF, and PCBs in some marine organisms in Lake Temsah,Ismailia, Egypt

Residues of PCDDs/F, non-ortho, mono-ortho PCBs, and other PCBs were monitored in the tissues of mullet fish, bolti fish, bivalves and crab taken from Lake Temsah, at Ismailia, Egypt.

Results showed that 2,3,7,8 Tetra CDD and 1,2,3,7,8 Penta CDD were the most frequently detected PCDD congeners. Similarly, 2,3,7,8 Tetra CDF, 1,2,3,7,8 Penta CDF and 2,3,4,7,8 Penta CDF were the most frequently detected PCDF congeners. No relationship was apparent between the concentrations of detected PCDDs congeners and the degree of chlorination, except with crab samples in which an increase in the chlorination coincided with a decrease in the concentrations of the congeners.

In PCDF congeners, detected residues have had a reversed relationship with chlorination increase. In PCDD congeners, Octa CDD had the highest detected concentrations in the two fish species, while in the bivalves and crab, 2,3,7,8 Tetra CDD had the highest concentrations. The mullet fish had the highest total PCDDs concentration, at 0.398?pg/g fresh weight, followed by crab at 0.395?pg/g fresh weight, then bivalves and bolti fish at 0.187 and 0.062?pg/g fresh weight, respectively. In all the examined organisms, the total concentrations of PCDFs were much higher than the total concentrations of the PCDD congeners. The WHO–TEQ values were 11.92, 39.12, 25, and 3.6?pg/g fresh weight, for mullet fish, bolti fish, bivlaves and crab, respectively. The concentration of the mono-ortho congeners CB 118 was the highest detected of all non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs congeners, with values of 0.382, 0.022, 0.231 and 0.357?ng/g fresh weight, in mullet fish, bolti fish, bivalves and crab, respectively. The WHO–TEQ concentrations were 0.799, 0.003?pg/g fw, 0.05?pg/g fresh weight, 0.676?pg/g, and 0.799?pg/g fresh weight, for the same species, respectively. The total concentration of PCBs 28, 52, 95, 99, 101, 105, 110, 118, 138, 146, 149, 151, 153, 170, 177, 180, 187 were 6.86?ng/g fresh weight for mullet fish, 0.2?ng/g fresh weight, for bolti fish, 2.72?ng/g fresh weight for bivalves and 2.8?ng/g fresh weight for crab, respectively.     

PCDD/DFs and coplanar PCBs in fly ash samples from various types of incinerators in Taiwan

Polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/DFs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co‐PCBs) were determined in fly ash samples from municipal solid waste (MSW), medical waste (MW), and electricity power plant incinerators in Taiwan. The average concentrations of PCDD/DFs and Co‐PCBs are 7.02 ng‐TEQ/g and 1.06 ng‐TEQ/g, respectively. The contributions to total TEQ are 24% from PCDDs, 64% from PCDFs, and 12% from Co‐PCBs, indicating that PCDFs generate the highest environmental impact and MSW and MW incinerators are potential Co‐PCBs contaminating sources. The levels of PCDD/DFs and Co‐PCBs found in ash samples increase from petroleum‐fired, coal‐fired, large municipal solid waste, small medical waste, to small municipal solid waste incinerators, and are generally lower than those from incinerators built earlier. All fly ash samples analyzed in this study were considered hazardous materials. More research is suggested to establish the relationship between the amounts of PCDD/DFs and Co‐PCBs in fly ash and in flue gas.     

Site-specific bioaccumulation of polychlorinated dibenzo-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) in mothers and their infants living in vicinity of Bien Hoa airbase,Southern Vietnam

Bien Hoa airbase is located in Dong Nai Province (Southern Vietnam). Several sites within the airbase are highly contaminated by Agent Orange/Dioxin, and thus, they are also commonly named as an Agent Orange/Dioxin hotpot. In the present study, 36 maternal milk samples were collected from primiparas who have lived at least 5 years in four wards, Buu Long, Quang Vinh, Trung Dung and Tan Phong, which are closed to Bien Hoa airbase in order to investigate the level and distribution of Agent Orange/Dioxin exposure in different local communities. The mean concentrations of PCDD/PCDFs in four investigated wards range from 6.4 to 13.6 pgTEQ/g lipid. The highest mean TEQ of PCDD/PCDFs was observed in Buu Long ward (13.6 pgTEQ/g lipid), followed by Tan Phong ward (12.3 pgTEQ/g lipid), and the lowest value was observed in Trung Dung ward (6.4 pgTEQ/g lipid). The mean concentration of 2,3,7,8-TCDD in Buu Long (7.6 pg/g lipid) was approximately 2–6 times higher than those in Tan Phong (3.9 pg/g lipid), Quang Vinh (2.3 pg/g lipid), or Trung Dung (1.2 pg/g lipid). These results imply site-specific exposure to PCDD/PCDFs in different local communities living around Bien Hoa airbase. The mean values of daily intake of dioxin estimated for the breast fed infants living in Buu Long, Quang Vinh, Trung Dung and Tan Phong were about 80, 37.5, 31.7 and 58 pg TEQ/kg bw/day, respectively.     

The Distribution and Impacts of Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Taiwan Er-Jen River

Abstract

The distribution and impacts of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/DFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Taiwan Er-Jen River were investigated by monitoring fish distribution and measuring PCDD/DFs and PCBs levels in sediment and fish samples. Most of the fish collected are pollution-resistant species such as Oreochromis spp, Liza macrolepsis, Channa spp and Megalops cyprinoides. the most polluted river sections are in the upstream where large amount of waste effluents from households, livestock rearing and nearby dumping sites were discharged into the river, and the lower reaches of the river where metal recovery activities including open burning of waste electrical wire/scrap occurred. Sediment samples collected near the burning site show 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxicity equivalents (TEQ) ranging from 0.014 to 14.2 ng g^?1 by PCDD/DFs and from 0.015 to 1.03 ng g^?1 by coplanar PCBs (Co-PCBs). the fish samples show TEQ ranging from 0.029 to 0.615 ng g^?1 by PCDD/DFs and from 0.012 to 0.12 ng g^?1 by Co-PCBs. Possible PCDD/DFs sources are discharged PCBs, open burning of waste wire/scrap, and pentachlorophenol. the consumption of these fish will cause an average intake of 54 pg kg^?1 d^?1 TEQ. the prevention of direct discharge of livestock and the dumping of waste effuents into River Er-Jen as well as the control of metal recovery activities appears to be the first step toward the restoration of River Er-Jen.     

Abstracts to forthcoming papers

Soil and sediments collected at a former chlor‐alkali plant in coastal Georgia (United States), revealed the presence of PCDF concentrations as great as 82.3 ng/g, dry wt. PCDF congener profile in soil was typical of “chlorine pattern”; with elevated proportions of OCDF and HpCDF. Concentrations of PCDFs declined gradually by 44‐fold at a distance of about 500 m along the contamination gradient. Of PCDDs/DFs, 2,3,7,8‐substituted PCDFs accounted for 94–98% of the TCDD‐like activity, which declined by 25‐fold, corresponding with the reduction of total PCDF concentrations. Concentrations of PCDDs in sediments were as great as 17 ng/g, with an elevated contribution from OCDD. The magnitude of decline in PCDD concentrations with distance from the source was less pronounced than that for PCDFs. PBDDs and PBDFs were not detected. Polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBBE) and monobromo‐heptachloro dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PXDDs/DFs) were found, though, at low concentrations. Their spatial distribution was similar to those of PCDDs.     

Distribution,seasonal variation and inhalation risks of polychlorinated dibenzo-<Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-dioxins and dibenzofurans,polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the atmosphere of Beijing,China

Spatial distribution, seasonal variation and potential inhalation risks of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were investigated in the atmosphere of Beijing, using passive air samplers equipped with polyurethane foam disks. Concentrations of ΣPCDD/Fs, ΣPCBs and ΣPBDEs ranged from 8.4 to 179 fg WHO₂₀₀₅-TEQ/m³, 38.6–139 and 1.5–176 pg/m³, respectively. PCDFs showed higher air concentrations than those of PCDDs, indicating the influence of industrial activities and other combustion processes. The non-Aroclor congener, PCB-11, was detected in air (12.3–99.4 pg/m³) and dominated the PCB congener profiles (61.7–71.5% to ∑PCBs). The congener patterns of PBDEs showed signatures from both penta-BDE and octa-BDE products. Levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs at the industrial and residential sites were higher than those at rural site, indicating human activities in urban area as potential sources. Higher air concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs were observed in summer, which could be associated with atmospheric deposition process, re-volatilization from soil surface and volatilization from use of technical products, respectively. Results of inhalation exposure and cancer risk showed that atmospheric PCDD/Fs, dioxin-like PCBs and PBDEs did not cause high risks to the local residents of Beijing. This study provides further aid in evaluating emission sources, influencing factors and potential inhalation risks of the persistent organic pollutants to human health in mega-cities of China.     

Prevention of dioxins de novo formation by ethanolamines

Two inhibitors, triethanolamine (TEA) and monoethanolamine (MEA), were tested for their ability to prevent the de novo formation of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) on sinter plant fly ash. The amounts of both PCDDs and PCDFs, formed by thermal treatment of the fly ash, decreased when inhibitors were added. Up to 90% reduction of the PCDD/Fs formation was reached when 2 wt % monoethanolamine was mixed with fly ash. The temperatures tested, 325 and 400 °C, did not affect the inhibition activity. However, a longer reaction time, 4 h instead of 2 h, gave higher percentages of PCDD/Fs reduction. The laboratory results show that ethanolamines reduce the dioxins formation on sinter plant fly ash under various conditions of temperature and reaction time. Moreover, factory tests performed in parallel at a sinter plant are in good agreement with the laboratory experiments, thus confirming that the use of ethanolamine inhibitors is an appropriate technique for the prevention of dioxins emissions from sintering processes. Electronic Publication     

The Distribution and Impacts of Dioxins and Polychlorinated Biphenyls in the Taiwan Er-Jen River

The distribution and impacts of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/DFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Taiwan Er-Jen River were investigated by monitoring fish distribution and measuring PCDD/DFs and PCBs levels in sediment and fish samples. Most of the fish collected are pollution-resistant species such as Oreochromis spp, Liza macrolepsis, Channa spp and Megalops cyprinoides. the most polluted river sections are in the upstream where large amount of waste effluents from households, livestock rearing and nearby dumping sites were discharged into the river, and the lower reaches of the river where metal recovery activities including open burning of waste electrical wire/scrap occurred. Sediment samples collected near the burning site show 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxicity equivalents (TEQ) ranging from 0.014 to 14.2 ng g^-1 by PCDD/DFs and from 0.015 to 1.03 ng g^-1 by coplanar PCBs (Co-PCBs). the fish samples show TEQ ranging from 0.029 to 0.615 ng g^-1 by PCDD/DFs and from 0.012 to 0.12 ng g^-1 by Co-PCBs. Possible PCDD/DFs sources are discharged PCBs, open burning of waste wire/scrap, and pentachlorophenol. the consumption of these fish will cause an average intake of 54 pg kg^-1 d^-1 TEQ. the prevention of direct discharge of livestock and the dumping of waste effuents into River Er-Jen as well as the control of metal recovery activities appears to be the first step toward the restoration of River Er-Jen.     

Isomer‐specific determination and toxic evaluation of potentially hazardous coplanar PCBs,dibenzofurans and dioxins in the tissues of “Yusho” PCB poisoning victim and in the causal oil

In the light of new discoveries on the extremely toxic non‐ortho coplanar 3,3’,4,4'‐tetra‐ (T₄CB), 3,3’,4,4’,5‐penta‐(P₅CB) and 3,3'4,4’,5,5'‐hexachlorobiphenyl (H₆CB) and their mono‐ and di‐ortho analogs, tissue samples of a Yusho poisoning victim and Yusho causal oils were subjected to a thorough congener/isomer‐specific investigation for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs). Among the many PCB congeners detected in Yusho oil, non‐ortho coplanar T₄CB constituted 3.1%, P₅CB‐0.17% and H₆CB‐0.0072% in total PCBs. Their concentrations in liver and adipose tissue were 130–700 (T₄CB), 54–720 (P₅CB) and 50–380 (H₆CB) pg/g on wet weight basis. The observed concentrations in adipose tissue were two to four fold higher than that detected in unexposed individuals. Among the PCDFs identified, toxic 2,3,7,8‐substituted isomers including 2,3,4,7,8‐P₅CDF were the dominant ones. Tetra‐ through hepta‐CDDs were detected in the oil, whereas octa‐CDD was the dominant isomer in the patient. A comparison with KC‐400 revealed enrichment of coplanar PCBs in Yusho oil along with toxic PCDFs. Enrichment was highest for 3,3'4,4'5,5'‐H₆CB followed by 3,3’,4,4'5‐P₅CB. A comparative toxic evaluation of these chemical groups in Yusho patient's adipose tissue based on “2,3,7,8‐T₄CDD Toxic Equivalent Analysis” revealed accountable toxic contribution from coplanar PCBs. This analysis also confirmed that 2,3,4,7,8‐P₅CDF was the principal causative agent in Yusho poisoning.     

Detailed analysis of PCBs and PCDD/Fs impurities in a dielectric oil sample （ASKAREL Nr 1740） from an imported transformer in China

Homolog and congener profiles of polychlori- nated biphenyls （PCBs）, polychlorinated dibenzo-p- dioxins （PCDDs） and polychlorinated dibenzofurans （PCDFs） in commercial PCBs formulations are useful information for the source appointment of PCBs contam- ination as well as the risk assessment caused by potential exposure. Dielectric oil （ASKAREL Nr 1740） in an imported transformer found in China was sampled and analyzed by isotope dilution technology using high resolution gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry （HRGC/HRMS）. The detailed homolog and congener profiles of PCBs obtained were compared with those of known Aroclor formulations. High similarity in the homolog profile between the oil sample and Aroclor 1260was found, with the hexachlorinated and hepta- chlorinated biphenyls accounting for more than 80.2% of the total PCBs concentration. Severn indicator PCBs contribute about 30%, while 12 PCB congeners （i.e., # 153, #143, #168, #180, #149, #165, #138, #170, #190, #187, #174, #181） account for more than 50% of the total PCB concentrations. Total concentration ofPCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs （DL-PCBs） was found to be 740 ng TEQ/g, of which 620 ng TEQ/g came from DL-PCBs. The contribution of PCDDs to the total TEQ was neglectable. The concentration of PCDFs homologs follows the order of OCDF 〉 HxCDFs 〉 HpCDFs 〉 PeCDFs 〉 TeCDFs, which is in consistence with the previous study on Aroclor 1260. Three DL-PCBs congeners （i.e., #118, #156, #157） accounted for 77% of the total concentration of DL-PCBs, also they contribute 72% in the TEQ caused by DL-PCBs.     

Study on polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans in rivers and estuaries in Osaka Bay in Japan

In order to search the source of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in blue mussel in Osaka bay, sediments from Osaka bay and from rivers running near an urban municipal incinerator were analysed for PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs. The river and estuary sediments were all found to be contaminated with PCDDs at average levels of 9.8 and 12ppb on the dry basis, PCDFs of 7.8 and 5.1 ppb, and PCBs of 1600 and 1300ppb, respectively. The two sediments contained similar profiles of specific isomers and congeners of PCDDs and PCDFs with each other. In addition, there was observed positive close correlations between PCDD and PCDF levels in the two specimens as well as fly ash from urban municipal incinerators. These allow the conclusion that the main source of the two chemicals in Osaka bay is fly ash from waste incineration.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo p-dioxins and dibenzofurans emissions in a primary copper smelter in China

Metallurgical production is the largest polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/F) emission source in China. However, PCDD/F monitoring and research are rarely conducted on primary metallurgical production. In this study, a demonstration primary copper smelter in China was selected to investigate PCDD/F characteristics and control. Samples were collected from major PCDD/F release points in the smelter process (fly ashes and waste water sludge). Specific analysis of PCDD/F congeners was carried out using a high resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry method. The results showed that PCDD/Fs might be unintentionally produced in the primary copper smelter processes, with sample concentrations of 180–6110 pg/g dry wt; highly chlorinated PCDD/F homologues were predominant. The toxicity of all the samples was calculated to be 120 pg WHO TEQ/g, fly ashes from the refining process furnaces air pollution control device and sludge were hazardous waste with higher PCDD/F toxicity. Both precursor formation and de novo synthesis were found to contribute to PCDD/F formation in the smelter process. PCDD/F characteristics and formation were compared with reported secondary copper smelters. Life-cycle control of PCDD/F was proposed for retrofitting of this smelter and for similar plants in China's primary copper production sector, including control at the PCDD/F formation, removal and disposal stages.     

Levels and congener distributions of PCDDs,PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs in environmental and human samples: a review

The term “dioxins” is often used in a confusing way. In toxicological considerations—and also in the present report—the term is used to designate the PCDDs, the PCDFs and the coplanar (“dioxin-like”) PCBs, since these classes of compounds show the same type of toxicity. Because of the large number of congeners, relevant individual congeners are assigned with a toxic equivalency factor (TEF) that relate their toxicity to that of tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and are to be evaluated as dioxins. Each concentration of an individual congener in a mixture is multiplied with its TEF, and the resulting TCDD equivalents are added up and expressed as WHO-endorsed toxic equivalents (WHO-TEQ). Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) are mainly the by-products of industrial processes (such as metallurgical processing, bleaching of paper pulp, and the manufacturing of some herbicides and pesticides) but they can also result from natural processes like volcanic eruptions and forest fires. Waste incineration, particularly if combustion is incomplete, is among the largest contributors to the release of PCDDs and PCDFs into the environment. Due to their persistence, PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs are part of the so-called persistent organic pollutants group of compounds that also include some chlorinated pesticides. Since they have a high lipophilicity and resist transformation, they bio-accumulate in animal and human adipose tissues. Consumption of food is considered as the major source of non-occupational human exposure to PCDD/Fs with foodstuffs from animal origin accounting for more than 90% of the human body burden. With meat, dairy, and fish products being the main contributors. The aim of the present review was to summarize experimental data regarding dioxin emissions from contaminated and uncontaminated biological and environmental samples, from the available literature. The information will be presented chronologically with respect to distribution in human milk, serum; food, water, air, soils and sediments.     

PCBs,PCDDs and PCDFs in soil samples from uncontrolled burning of waste electrical material for metal reclamation

PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs have been analysed in soil samples where waste electrical equipment has been burned directly on the ground in three locations of Burgos (Spain). High levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs were detected in the centre of combustion sites. The results show PCB levels between 0.824 and 1.240 μg/g, and PCDDs and PCDFs levels between 8.73–36.37 ng/g and 12.79–50.95 ng/g. The I‐TEF values between 2.96–9.15 for dioxins and furans indicate that these soils are heavily polluted and may represent a risk for human and animal health.     

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins,polychlorinated dibenzofurans,dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment of Temsah lake,Suez Canal,Egypt

Lake Temsah is one of the main wetlands in the Suez Canal region, and the main source for fish for the area. The lake is the end-point of several wastewater effluents. In the present study, residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were monitored in the sediment of the lake. Samples were collected from six different sampling stations around the lake using a box-corer sampler, then kept frozen. Samples were extracted and cleaned up before residue determination was conducted using an HRGC/HRMS. An HP 6890 plus gas chromatograph was coupled to a Micromass Autospec Ultima mass spectrometer operating in EI mode at 35 eV and with a resolution of 10.000 (5% valley). PCDDs and PCDFs were detected in all sediment samples collected from various sampling stations. Results showed some progressive increase in PCDDs concentrations relevant to increase in chlorination. In the PCDD group of congeners, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 octa-CDD had the highest detected concentrations in all samples, while 2, 3, 7, 8 tetra-CDD showed the lowest concentrations. The World Health Organization toxicity equivalents ranged from 0.387 to 11.20 ng kg^?1 d.w. For PCDD homologues, hexa-CDD was the most dominant homologue in all sediment samples analysed. Regarding dioxin-like PCBs, results showed that IUPAC No. 118 congener, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, pentachlorobiphenyl was the most concentrated of all detected congeners, with concentrations ranging between 0.039 and 43.201 µg kg^?1. For polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo(b+k+j)fluoranthene had the highest concentrations in almost all sampling stations. However, fluorene was the smallest detected concentration in almost all stations. This result would indicate that PAH contamination of the lake seems to be coming from one main source in all sampling stations. The present work is the first record of PCCDs, PCCFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in the Temsah lake. The concentrations of the contaminants monitored in this study, especially those of PAHs, are rather alarming. Efforts should be made to stop point sources that contaminate the lake.     

Risk assessment of heavy metal contamination in shrimp farming in Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong

An ecological survey was carried out to determine the sediment concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in fish and shrimp including tilapia (Oreochromis mossambicus×O. nilotica), grey mullet (Mugil cephalus), gei wai shrimp (Metapenaeus ensis) and caridean shrimp (Macrobrachium nipponensis) in the traditional tidal shrimp ponds (gei wais) of Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. The sediments collected from the landward sites contained higher nutrient contents, as well as zinc (Zn), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni) and cadmium (Cd) than those collected from the seaward sites, but vice versa for lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg). However, the concentrations of all metals were exceptionally high in the two sites located outside the reserve, suggesting that waters from Deep Bay might be the possible source of metal contamination affecting the reserve. All metals studied seemed to accumulate in the viscera of fish. Body size was the determining factor for the accumulation of heavy metals in caridean shrimp and gei wai shrimp but not fish. Concentrations of the metals studied in tissues of grey mullet and gei wai shrimp were found to be safe for human consumption. Concentrations of Cr in tilapia whole body (0.68–1.10 mg kg⁻¹ wet weight) were close to or over the guideline value of 1 mg kg⁻¹ set by the Food Adulteration (Metallic Contamination) Regulations of Hong Kong. Tilapia flesh and small caridean shrimp collected from gei wais were contaminated by Cr and Pb but still fit for human consumption. Caution is required if large caridean shrimp is to be consumed in large amounts continuously because the concentration of Pb exceeded the maximum permitted concentration (6 mg kg⁻¹). The rather high Cr concentrations in tilapia whole body should not be overlooked as the fish will serve as a food source for migratory birds visiting the site.     

Hydrothermal treatment of MSWI fly ash for simultaneous dioxins decomposition and heavy metal stabilization

Researches on the hydrothermal treatment of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash were conducted to eliminate dioxins and stabilize heavy metals. In order to enhance decomposing polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) during hydrothermal process, a strong reductant carbohydrazide (CHZ) is introduced. A hydrothermal reactor was set up by mixing raw MSWI fly ash or the pre-treated fly ash with water and then heated to a pre-set temperature; CHZ was spiked into solution according to specially defined dosage. Experimental results showed that under the temperatures of 518 K and 533 K, the decomposition rates of PCDDs/PCDFs were over 80% and 90%, respectively, by total concentration. However, their toxic equivalent (TEQ) decreased only slightly or even increased due to the rising in concentration of congeners 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD/TCDF, which might be resulted from the highly chlorinated congeners losing their chlorine atoms and being degraded during the hydrothermal process. Better results of TEQ reduction were also obtained under the higher tested temperature of 533 K and reactor with addition of 0.1%wt CHZ was corresponded to the best results. Good stabilization of heavy metals was also obtained in the same hydrothermal process especially when ferrous sulphate was added as auxiliary agent.     

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment of Temsah lake, Suez Canal, Egypt

Lake Temsah is one of the main wetlands in the Suez Canal region, and the main source for fish for the area. The lake is the end-point of several wastewater effluents. In the present study, residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were monitored in the sediment of the lake. Samples were collected from six different sampling stations around the lake using a box-corer sampler, then kept frozen. Samples were extracted and cleaned up before residue determination was conducted using an HRGC/HRMS. An HP 6890 plus gas chromatograph was coupled to a Micromass Autospec Ultima mass spectrometer operating in EI mode at 35 eV and with a resolution of 10.000 (5% valley). PCDDs and PCDFs were detected in all sediment samples collected from various sampling stations. Results showed some progressive increase in PCDDs concentrations relevant to increase in chlorination. In the PCDD group of congeners, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 octa-CDD had the highest detected concentrations in all samples, while 2, 3, 7, 8 tetra-CDD showed the lowest concentrations. The World Health Organization toxicity equivalents ranged from 0.387 to 11.20 ng kg^-1 d.w. For PCDD homologues, hexa-CDD was the most dominant homologue in all sediment samples analysed. Regarding dioxin-like PCBs, results showed that IUPAC No. 118 congener, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, pentachlorobiphenyl was the most concentrated of all detected congeners, with concentrations ranging between 0.039 and 43.201 µg kg^-1. For polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo(b+k+j)fluoranthene had the highest concentrations in almost all sampling stations. However, fluorene was the smallest detected concentration in almost all stations. This result would indicate that PAH contamination of the lake seems to be coming from one main source in all sampling stations. The present work is the first record of PCCDs, PCCFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in the Temsah lake. The concentrations of the contaminants monitored in this study, especially those of PAHs, are rather alarming. Efforts should be made to stop point sources that contaminate the lake.     

The distribution,metabolism and toxicity of 14c-DDT in model aquarium tanks with fish and sediment simulating a tropical marine environment

Studies conducted on the distribution, fate and metabolism of DDT in a model ecosystem simulating a tropical marine environment of fish, Gobious nudiceps, Lethrinus harak, Gobious keinesis, Gobious nebulosis and white shrimp (Panaeus setiferus), show that DDT concentration in the water decreases rapidly within the first 24?h. Rapid accumulation of the pesticide in the biota also reaches a maximum level in 24?h before gradually declining. The bioaccumulation factors calculated for the fish species (G. keinesis) and white shrimp (P. Setiferus) were 270 and 351, respectively, after 24?h. There was a steady build up of DDT residues in the sediment during the first 24?h which continued to a maximum concentration of 6.66?ng/g in the seawater/fish/sediment ecosystem after 3 weeks and 5.27?ng/g in the seawater/shrimps/sediment ecosystem after 2.7 days. The depuration of the accumulated pesticide was slow with only 54% lost in G. nudiceps within 3 days of exposure in fresh sea water. By contrast, depuration was fast in the white shrimp, which lost 97% of the accumulated pesticide under the same conditions. DDT was found to be toxic to two of the fish species (G. nebulosis and L. harak) and to white shrimp, and the degree of toxicity was dependent on the particular species. The 24?h LC₅₀ at room temperature for the fish species G. nebulosis and white shrimp was found to be 0.011 and 0.116?mg/kg, respectively. These levels are comparable to the ones recorded for the temperate organisms. Degradation of DDT to its primary metabolites, DDE and DDD, was found in all the compartments of the ecosystem with DDE being the major metabolite in the fish, shrimps and sediment, while in seawater, DDD dominated as the major metabolite.     

Mechanistic aspects of the thermal formation of halogenated organic compounds including polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins. Part V†: Hypotheses and summary

The hypotheses on the de novo syntheses of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs), based on known literature, are presented. Polychlorinated benzenes and polychlorinated phenols are probably key intermediates.

In the present article, hypotheses that may account for the presence of polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) in the effluents from municipal and industrial incinerators are put forward. These hypotheses are based on the previously surveyed literature (Ref. 203–206) and experimental results on laboratory scale and thermodynamic calculations are considered. The interconnections of various reaction steps are speculative and no technological information was added to account for conditions in real incinerators. Conclusion of the discussions on the related subject matter, presented in the Parts I‐IV (Ref. 203–206), are also described in this paper.