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.     

Levels of synthetic musks; bromocyclene and PCBs in eel (Anguilla anguilla) and PCBs in sediment samples from some waters of Berlin/Germany.

The purpose of this study was to identify firstly the extent of contamination both of the aquatic biota and of sediments and secondly any regional differences in the concentrations of these compounds. In 1996, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, including their coplanar congeners) were measured in 58 eel and 50 sediment samples. Furthermore, the veterinary pharmacetical bromocyclene and the nitro musks were determined in 84 (1995) and 122 (1996) eel samples. Polycyclic musk fragrances were additionally determined in analyses carried out in 1996. The mean values obtained during the two measurement periods (1995 and 1996) were 24 and 12 micrograms/kg fw. for musk xylene, 41 and 39 micrograms/kg fw. for musk ketone, 14 and 7 micrograms/kg fw. for bromocyclene and, in 1996, 592 micrograms/kg fw. for HHCB (maximum: 4131 micrograms/kg fw.). Decreasing contamination levels are seen for musk xylene and bromocylene but not for musk ketone. This tendency, and the high amounts of polycyclic musk fragrances in the edible parts of eel show that these musks are widely being used in place of nitro musks and that they reach the aquatic system via waste waters, especially those of sewage treatment plants. The mean levels of PCBs in the biota samples of a highly polluted area were 1227 micrograms/kg fw. or 119 pgTEQ/g (sediment: 203 micrograms/kg dw.) and of a slightly polluted area 340 micrograms/kg fw. or 49 TEQ/g (sediment: 47 micrograms/kg dw.).     

Contamination of human milk in Middle Hesse, Germany--a cross-sectional study on the changing levels of chlorinated pesticides, PCB congeners and recent levels of nitro musks

Human milk samples from women in Middle Hesse, Germany were chemically analyzed for contamination levels of alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH, HCB, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT as well as the PCB-congeners no. 28, 31, 49, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 156, 170 and 180. Changes in concentrations of these compounds in human milk over an extended time period were studied by comparing samples from 1984/85, 1990/91 and 1995. In addition, concentrations of the nitro-aromatic compounds musk xylene and musk ketone were determined in the 1995 samples. The study showed statistically highly significant (p<0.001) reductions in levels of beta- and gamma-HCH, HCB, p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT, in human milk from 1995 compared to samples from 1984/85. A weakly significant reduction (p<0.05) of alpha-HCH was also observed. For low-chlorinated PCB congeners, on the other hand, a highly significant increase of PCB no. 28 was detected and concentrations of congeners no. 31, 49 and 52 remained unchanged. Concentrations of the high-chlorinated congeners no. 101, 138, 153 and 180 dropped (highly significant). A highly significant reduction of PCB no. 118 and 156 occurred between 1990/91 and 1995, but a highly significant increase was found for no. 170. Lower levels of hydrocarbon contamination of human milk samples from 1995 than were found in samples from 1984/85 and 1990/91 can be seen to result partially from voluntary reductions, but primarily reflect restrictive environmental legislation in the Federal Republic of Germany. Mean concentrations of musk xylene and musk ketone in samples from 1995 were 41 microg/kg and 10 microg/kg milk fat, respectively.     

The occurrence of synthetic musks in human breast milk in Sichuan, China

Human breast milk samples collected from mothers (n = 110) who lived in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, southwestern China in 2009 were analyzed to determine the concentrations of 13 musk compounds. Possible relationships between musk concentrations and some personal characteristics were also studied. Only five target analytes were detected in the milk samples analyzed, with median concentration values of 16.5, 11.5, 7.85, <1.5 and <1.4 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight for AHTN (7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene), HHCB (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[γ]-2-benzopyran), HHCB-lactone (1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta[γ]-2-benzopyran-1-one), OTNE ([1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8-octahydro-2,3,8,8-tetramethylnaphthalen-2yl]ethan-1-one) and musk ketone (4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5-dinitroacetophenone, MK), respectively. Mothers who reported high use of hand-cleaning agents, body-cleaning agents, shampoo and hair conditioners, hair dyes and hair gels had significantly elevated milk concentrations of HHCB whereas elevated milk concentrations of AHTN were observed among mothers reporting high use of body-cleaning agents, body lotions, shampoos, hair dyes and hair gels. Younger age showed a significantly positive effect on milk concentrations of both HHCB and AHTN whereas BMI after delivery, the number of children nursed and place of residence (urban or rural) had no significant effect. The estimated median daily intakes of synthetic musks for breast-fed infants were considerably lower than the current provisional tolerable daily intake amounts suggested for adults.     

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.     

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.     

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 assessment of exposure to siloxanes and synthetic musks in personal care products from China

We investigated the concentrations and profiles of 15 siloxanes (four cyclic siloxanes, D₄-D₇; 11 linear siloxanes, L₄-L₁₄), four synthetic musks (two polycyclic musks, HHCB and AHTN; two nitro musks, MX and MK), and HHCB-lactone, in 158 personal care products marketed in China. Siloxanes were detected in 88% of the samples analyzed, at concentrations as high as 52.6 mg g⁻¹; Linear siloxanes were the predominant compounds. Among synthetic musks, more than 80% of the samples contained at least one of these compounds, and their total concentrations were as high as 1.02 mg g⁻¹. HHCB was the predominant musk in all of the samples analyzed, on average, accounting for 52% of the total musk concentrations. Based on the median concentrations of siloxanes and musks and the average daily usage amounts of consumer products, dermal exposure rates in adults were calculated to be 3.69 and 3.38 mg d⁻¹ for siloxanes and musks, respectively.     

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.     

Blood concentrations of polycyclic musks in healthy young adults

Knowledge on the concentration of polycyclic musk fragrance compounds in human blood is sparse. This study examined the concentrations of six polycyclic musks in blood samples from healthy volunteers. Blood was taken from hundred healthy students of the Medical University of Vienna. The lipophilic fraction was extracted and after purification analyzed by GC-MS. Study participants also completed a questionnaire on the use of cosmetics, about nutrition and other life-style aspects. Two compounds -- galaxolide and tonalide -- were identified in higher percentages of the blood plasma samples. Maximum plasma levels over 100 ng/l were also only found for galaxolide (4100 ng/l) and tonalide (800 ng/l). Women showed significantly higher levels than men. In a statistical multivariate approach only use of body lotion and age were predictive of positive galaxolide concentrations. For tonalide no significant predictor could be found. The findings mirror the replacement of nitro musk fragrances by polycyclic musks, mainly galaxolide. The high concentrations of galaxolide in human blood raise concern since few toxicological data are available.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

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.     

Synthetic musks in the aquatic environment and personal care products in Shanghai, China

The concentrations and distributions of six polycyclic musks and two nitro musks in Suzhou Creek, influent/effluent of a sewage treatment plant (STP), and household commodities were investigated and discussed in this study. The levels of 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexa-methylcyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN) in Suzhou Creek were 3-78 ng g(-1) (dry weight) and 2-31 ng g(-1) (dry weight) in sediments, while 20-93 ng l(-1) and 8-20 ng l(-1) in surface waters. The results indicated a low proportion of wastewater burden in this river. The concentrations of HHCB and AHTN in the effluent of the STP were 5- to 6-fold higher than those in Suzhou Creek. The amounts discharged into the aquatic environment from sewage in Shanghai are 1.26 t (HHCB) and 0.38 t (AHTN) in 2007, and the input into the STPs is estimated to be HHCB 0.2 g y(-1) and AHTN 0.06 g y(-1) per inhabitant, respectively. A broad concentration range of HHCB and AHTN could be observed in household commodities. The distributions are in accordance with the profiles of musks in aquatic environment, with HHCB and AHTN being the major components.     

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.     

Occurrence and accumulation patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and synthetic musk compounds in adipose tissues of Korean females

Very few studies have reported on the occurrence and accumulation profiles of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) in human adipose tissue. In this study, concentrations of PAHs and SMCs in adipose tissues collected from Korean women in 2007 and 2008 were determined. Total concentrations of PAHs and SMCs in adipose tissues ranged from 15 to 361 (mean: 119) ng g^-1 lipid weight and from 38 to 253 (mean: 106) ng g^-1 lipid weight, respectively. Concentrations of SMCs in Korean adipose tissues were lower than those reported for European countries and the United States. Naphthalene was the most predominant PAH and HHCB was the dominant SMC found in adipose tissues. The concentrations of PAHs and SMCs were not correlated with each other, suggesting that the sources of human exposure to these two classes of compounds are different. No correlation was found between donor’s age and residue levels of PAHs and SMCs. The results of this study provide baseline information on exposure of PAHs and SMCs to the general population in Korea.     

Feeding trial on rainbow trout: comparison of dry fish feed and Baltic herring as a source of PCDD/Fs and PCBs

Fish is an important source of dietary intake of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). To assess bioaccumulation of PCDD/Fs and PCBs in farm-raised fish, rainbow trout were fed with either Baltic herring or dry fish feed. Baltic herring feed had a PCDD/F sum concentration of 125 ng kg(-1) dry weight (d.w.), and dry fish feed contained 18.2 ng kg(-1) d.w. of PCDD/Fs. The PCB concentrations of Baltic herring and dry fish feed were 188 and 48.7 microg kg(-1) d.w., respectively. After feeding with Baltic herring for 4 months, the PCDD/F concentration of the rainbow trout fillet was 27.3 ng kg(-1) fresh weight (f.w.), which was 7.0-fold higher than the initial concentration. The PCDD/F concentration and congener profile in rainbow trout had become almost the same as in Baltic herring. PCDD/Fs were accumulated in the fillet with an efficiency of 21%. Feeding of rainbow trout with dry fish feed resulted in a PCDD/F concentration of 8.08 ng kg(-1) f.w., denoting a 2.1-fold increase from the initial level. The accumulation efficiency was 29%. Time trends in PCB concentrations followed those of PCDD/Fs. After 4 months, the PCB sum concentration in herring-fed rainbow trout was 94.4 pg kg(-1) f.w., whereas in dry fish feed-fed rainbow trout it was 38.6 microg kg(-1) f.w. Accumulation efficiencies of PCBs were higher than those of PCDD/Fs. Based on the accumulated PCDD/F and PCB concentrations, it was estimated that frequent consumption of rainbow trout fed with Baltic herring could lead to a human daily intake that exceeds the recommendation of WHO.     

Organochlorine compounds in Baltic salmon and trout. I. Chlorinated hydrocarbons and chlorophenols 1982

Polychlorinated hydrocarbons and chlorophenol compounds were analyzed in three populations of Baltic salmon (Salmo salar) and one population of Bothnian Bay trout (Salmo trutta). Muscles, livers and unfertilized eggs were studied and the analysis results treated by standard statistical methods. PCB, DDT residues, HCB and lindan were detected in most, 2,3,6-t-richlorocymene in some samples at levels which are near to the global baseline. Ten chlorophenol compounds were detected, 34DCC at 0–1000 ug/kg the others 0–100 ug/kg (fresh weight) levels. Chlorohydrocarbons showed some significant positive correlations with weight, and fat contents of the fish. Significances of the differences between populations and tissues were low or neglible except that the chlorophenols in liver were at clearly higher level than in muscle or eggs.     

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.