Levels and congener profiles of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Zebra mussels (D. polymorpha) from Lake Maggiore (Italy)

Several congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were monitored in 14 different sampling stations of Lake Maggiore, the second largest Italian lake in regard to surface, volume and average depth, using the sentinel-organism Zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha). Results revealed a moderate contamination with summation operatorPBDE levels (BDE-17, -28, -47, -66, -71, -85, -99, -100, -138, -153, -154, -183, -190 and -209) ranging from 40 to 447ngg(-1) lipid weight which are similar to those found in environments polluted by deposition or atmospheric transport. The general order of decreasing congener contribution to the total load was BDE-47>-99>-100>-209, which closely reflected patterns observed in mussels collected in freshwater ecosystems worldwide.     

Patterns and concentration levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in placental tissue of women in Denmark

The levels and congener patterns of PBDEs were investigated in human placental samples in Denmark. The median concentrations of ∑PBDE_tri-hepta and BDE-209 in the 50 samples were 1.22 and 1.14 ng g⁻¹ lw, respectively, with the total sum ranging from 0.51 to 17.1 ng g⁻¹ lw, which is similar to previous placental studies. The PBDE content in placental tissue was dominated by BDE-209, which accounted for approximately 50% of the total amount of PBDEs. BDE-47, -99, and -153 were detected in all samples. Approximately equal amounts of BDE-47 and BDE-153 were observed in the placental tissue, which is in agreement with previous European studies of human serum. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was performed to analyze congener patterns within and between mothers. The loading plot showed groupings of the measured PBDE variables in three groups, representative of Penta-, Octa- and Deca-BDE technical mixtures. Congeners representing the individual technical mixtures were close to orthogonal or inversely correlated, indicating variation in the congener patterns of internal exposure corresponding to the patterns of technical mixtures used in products. Visualisation of the participant objects according to body mass index (BMI), revealed inherent congener patterns (19% X-variance) showing increased frequency for participants within the highest BMI group to have elevated concentrations of BDE-209 in the placental tissue.     

Bioaccumulation, maternal transfer and elimination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in wild frogs

To investigate bioaccumulation, maternal transfer and elimination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in amphibians, we collected adult frogs (Rana limnocharis) from a rice field in an e-waste recycling site in China. We found that ∑PBDEs in the whole frogs and various tissues (brain, liver, testis and egg) ranged from 17.10 to 141.11 ng g⁻¹ wet weight. Various tissues exhibited a similar PBDE congener profile, which was characterized by intermediate brominated congeners (BDE-99 and BDE-153) as the largest contributors, with less lower brominated congeners (BDE-28 and BDE-47) and higher brominated congeners (BDE-209). The maternal transfer capacity of PBDEs declined with the increase in bromine numbers of PBDE congeners. We suggest that the bromine atom number (the molecular size, to some degree) might be a determining factor for the maternal transport of a PBDE congener rather than K_ow (Octanol-Water partition coefficient), which expresses a compound’s lipophilicity. ∑PBDEs concentrations in frogs decreased over time during a depuration period of 54 days when these wild frogs were brought to the lab from the e-waste recycling site. The half-life of ∑PBDEs was 35 days, with about 14 days for BDE-47, and 36 and 81 days for BDE-99 and BDE-153, respectively. The data shows that the elimination of PBDEs has no essential difference from aquatic and terrestrial species.     

Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the surface sediments of the Taihu Lake, China

Twenty-eight sediment samples were collected from the Taihu Lake and analyzed to acquire information about the levels, distribution, possible sources, time trend and inventory of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Taihu Lake. Our results showed that the most abundant BDE congeners in surface sediments were BDE-47, 99 and 209, with a median value of 0.124, 0.279, and 22.72 ng(gdw)(-1), respectively. The levels of BDE-209 in our samples were much higher relative to those of the other BDE congeners and made up more than 80% of the PBDEs levels in almost all samples. Disregarding BDE-209, among the seven PBDEs (BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) more concerned, the most abundant ones were BDE-47 and 99, which contributed 44.65% (ranged from 29.02% to 73.11%), 24.24% (ranged from 2.27% to 39.66%) to ∑(7)PBDEs, respectively. The correlation between PBDE and TOC was poor, indicating that PBDEs concentrations in sediments of the Taihu Lake were controlled not only by TOC contents, but also by a combined effect of transport, mixing, depositional mechanisms associated with PBDEs, uncontaminated sediments, or fresh input of PBDEs. As expected, the time trend of PBDEs concentration in surface sediment from Taihu Lake were increasing, and the inventory of ∑(25)PBDEs and BDE-209 were estimated to be 3668 kg and 26296 kg.     

Atmospheric concentrations and phase partitioning of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Izmir, Turkey

Atmospheric concentrations of 7 PBDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154 and -209) were determined at four sites (i.e. Suburban, Urban 1, Urban 2, Industrial) in Izmir, Turkey and their gas/particle partitioning was investigated. Total PBDE ( summation operator(7)PBDE) concentrations ranged between 11 (Urban 1) and 149pgm(-3) (Industrial) in summer, while in winter, they ranged from 6 (Suburban) to 81pgm(-3) (Industrial). BDE-209 was the dominant congener at all sites, followed by BDE-99 and -47. Investigation of source profiles indicated that the air samples were dominated by congeners of the penta and deca-technical BDE mixtures. The measured PBDE particle fractions were compared to the predictions of the K(OA) (octanol-air partition coefficient)-based equilibrium partitioning model and to the dynamic uptake model developed by others for passive samplers, which was adapted to model gas-particle partitioning in this study. For BDE-28, good agreement was observed between the experimental particle fractions and those predicted by the equilibrium partitioning model. However, this model overestimated the particle fractions of other congeners. The predictions of the dynamic uptake model supported the hypothesis that the unexpectedly high partitioning of BDEs (except BDE-28) to the gas-phase is due to their departure from equilibrium partitioning. When congeners with very large octanol-air partition coefficients (i.e. BDE-100, -99, -154, -153, and -209) are emitted from their sources in the gas-phase, they may remain in that phase for several months before reaching equilibrium with atmospheric particles. This may also have important implications for the transport of atmospheric PBDEs. For example, in addition to particle-bound transport, the gas-phase transport of highly brominated congeners (i.e. BDE-209) may also be important.     

Air concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in 2002–2004 at a rural site in the Great Lakes

Atmospheric PBDEs were measured on a monthly basis in 2002–2004 at Point Petre, a rural site in the Great Lakes. Average air concentrations were 7.0 ± 13 pg m^?3 for Σ₁₄BDE (excluding BDE-209), and 1.8 ± 1.5 pg m^?3 for BDE-209. Concentrations of 3 dominant congeners (i.e., BDE-47, 99, and 209) were comparable to previous measurements at remote/rural sites around the Great Lakes, but much lower than those at urban areas. Weak temperature dependence and strong linear correlations between relatively volatile congeners suggest importance of advective inputs of gaseous species. The significant correlation between BDE-209 and 183 implies their transport inputs associated with particles. Particle-bound percentages were found greater for highly brominated congeners than less brominated ones. These percentages increase with decreasing ambient temperatures. The observed gas/particle partitioning is consistent with laboratory measurements and fits well to the Junge–Pankow model. Using air mass back-trajectories, atmospheric transport to Point Petre was estimated as 76% for BDE-47, 67% for BDE-99, and 70% for BDE-209 from west–northwest and southwest directions. During the same time period, similar congener profiles and concentration levels were found at Alert in the Canadian High Arctic. Different inter-annual variations between Point Petre and Alert indicate that emissions from other regions than North America could also contribute PBDEs in the Arctic. In contrast to weak temperature effect at Point Petre, significant temperature dependence in the summertime implies volatilization emissions of PBDEs at Alert. Meanwhile, episodic observations in the wintertime were likely associated with enhanced inputs through long-range transport during the Arctic Haze period.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in surface sediments from principal watersheds of Shanghai, China: levels, distribution, influencing factors, and risk assessment

Fourteen and 17 sediment samples were collected from three main rivers of Shanghai in July and November, respectively. Eight polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183, and BDE-209) were detected in these samples to clarify the pollution status in the metropolis. Instrumental analyses showed that the concentrations of ∑₈PBDEs ranged from 10.97 to 64.05 ng/g dry weight (dw), with an average value of 29.71 ng/g dw. BDE-209 was the predominant congener accounting for more than 97 % of total PBDEs, followed by BDE-47 and BDE-99. Remarkable spatial and seasonal distributions of PBDE concentrations were observed, suggesting that local sources, seasonal climates, and hydrologic conditions might be the influencing factors. Moderate correlations (r ²?=?0.28–0.51, p?<?0.05) were found between total organic carbon and PBDEs, which indicated that organic carbon content influenced the distributions of PBDEs in sediment of Shanghai at some extent. Hazard quotients revealed PBDEs posed no potential risk to benthic organisms in the study area at present.     

Multi-year measurements of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Arctic atmosphere

Weekly high-volume air samples have been collected in the Canadian High Arctic (Alert, Nunavut) since 1992. Fifteen polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are quantified in 104 samples over the time period of 2002–2004. To our knowledge, this study reports the first continuous multi-year measurements of PBDEs in Arctic air. Average air concentrations (in pg m⁻³) were 7.7 (0.40–47) and 1.6 (0.091–9.8) for 14 PBDEs (excluding BDE-209) and BDE-209, respectively, over the entire sampling period. BDE-28/33, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 209 accounted for 90% (72–97%, n=104) of the 15 PBDEs. Occurrence of BDE-47, 99, and 209 suggests that PBDEs in Alert air were likely associated with the usage of “penta-BDE” and “deca-BDE” technical mixtures worldwide. Natural logarithm of concentrations for less brominated PBDEs correlated significantly with ambient temperatures in the summertime, suggesting importance of volatilization emissions in a local and/or regional scale. On the other hand, episodically elevated concentrations of the less brominated PBDEs in the wintertime and lack of seasonality for the non-volatile BDE-209 indicate potential inputs of particle-bound PBDEs through long-range transport (LRT), especially during the Arctic haze season. Inter-annual trend data further show that concentrations of the eight PBDEs increased inter-annually in 2002–2004 with doubling times of 2–6 years, which were similar to growth rates found in Arctic biotic samples. The results of this study and previous measurements suggest that potential sources of PBDEs in Arctic air include both volatilization emissions and LRT inputs.     

Dietary exposure of juvenile common sole (Solea solea L.) to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs): Part 1. Bioaccumulation and elimination kinetics of individual congeners and their debrominated metabolites

The uptake and elimination of six PBDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -209) were studied in juvenile common sole (Solea solea L.) exposed to spiked contaminated food over a three-month period, then depurated over a five-month period. The results show that all of the studied PBDEs accumulate in fish tissues, including the higher brominated congener BDE-209. Several additional PBDE congeners were identified in the tissues of exposed fish, revealing PBDE transformation, mainly via debromination. The identified congeners originating from PBDE debromination include BDE-49 and BDE-202 and a series of unidentified tetra-, penta-, and hepta- BDEs. Contaminant assimilation efficiencies (AEs) were related to their hydrophobicity (log K_ow) and influenced by PBDE biotransformation. Metabolism via debromination appears to be a major degradation route of PBDEs in juvenile sole in comparison to biotransformation into hydroxylated metabolites.     

A national survey of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Chinese mothers' milk

Seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) congeners (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154 and BDE-183) and six indicator polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners (CB-28, CB-52, CB-101, CB-138, CB-153 and CB-180) were measured in 24 pooled human milk samples comprised of 1237 individual samples from 12 provinces in China. The samples were taken to estimate the background body burden of general population and assess nursing infant exposure via human milk in China. The median concentrations of ∑₇PBDEs and ∑₆PCBs were 1.49 and 10.50 ng g⁻¹ lipid weight (lw), respectively. BDE-28, BDE-47 and BDE-153 were predominant PBDE congeners accounting for nearly 70% of ∑₇PBDEs. As for indicator PCBs, CB-153 was the most abundant congener, followed by CB-138. In our study, there was no significantly statistical relationship between concentrations of PBDEs in milk samples and maternal age as well as dietary habits. ∑₇PBDEs did not correlate to ∑₆PCBs in Chinese mothers’ milk. The human exposure to indicator PCBs in China was found to be significantly determined by maternal age, dietary habits and geographical factors. It is suggested that Chinese general population is probably exposed to PBDEs with multiple sources and pathways. The estimated daily intakes (EDI) of BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-153 for the Chinese nursing infant were much lower than corresponding threshold reference values suggested by USEPA.     

GC/MS analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish collected from the Inland Sea of Seto, Japan

Development of an analytical method for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in fish and their concentration in Japanese marine fish were investigated. Fish homogenate was extracted with diethyl ether/hexane (1 + 3). The extract was cleaned up by automated gel permeation chromatography (GPC) and then by mini-column chromatography, which consisted of three layers of silica gel and sulfuric acid-impregnated silica gel. The PBDE fraction was concentrated and injected into a GC/MS with negative chemical ionization (NCl). Recoveries of the 15 individual PBDEs (BDE-15, 28, 37, 47, 66, 71, 75, 77, 85, 99, 100, 119, 153, 154, and 209) each at a fortification level of 4 ng/g lipid were in the range of 88-128% and the relative standard deviations (RSD) were 0.43-7.6% (n = 4). Seven species of marine fish (conger eel, flounder, gray mullet, horse mackerel, red sea bream, sea bass, and yellowtail) were collected from the Inland Sea of Seto, and were analyzed with the developed method. Seven PBDEs (BDE-28, 47, 66, 99, 100, 153, and 154) were detected in all the samples. The most abundant PBDE congener was BDE-47 found in all the samples. Relatively high levels of PBDEs were found in the gray mullets and yellowtails.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in cord blood from women in Poland

The purpose of this study was to assess human exposure in the prenatal period to selected PBDEs (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-153) and PCBs (CB-77, CB-101, CB-118, CB-126, CB-138, CB-153, CB-170, CB-180) basing on the analysis of these compounds in cord blood. The experimental material consisted of 89 cord blood samples taken from women resident in Warsaw and its vicinity. In over 90% of all tested samples the presence of congeners CB-153, CB-138, CB-180 and BDE-47 was identified. The least frequently found were CB-126 and BDE-153, which were present at relatively low concentration levels. Among all analysed PCBs, the highest average concentrations were found in the case of congeners CB-138 (11.8 ng/g of fat) and CB-153 (43.4 ng/g of fat), whereas the lowest was in the case of CB-170 (0.4 ng/g of fat) and CB-126 (0.1 ng/g of fat). In the case of PBDEs the greatest share in the total concentration was that of the congeners BDE-47 and BDE-99, whereas the smallest share was that of the higher brominated congener BDE-153. These results suggest that human exposure to the examined compounds begins already in the period of intrauterine life. The comparison of our own results with the findings of other authors indicates that the PCBs and PBDEs levels in cord blood of women living in Poland do not differ from the respective concentrations in cord blood of other female inhabitants of Europe.     

Distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in breast milk from North China: Implication of exposure pathways

The breast milk concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; sum of eight congeners: BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209) were determined (by high resolution gas chromatographic high resolution mass spectrometry) in samples from primiparous women collected in 2006 in Tianjin, China. Dietary and lifestyle habits of the participants were obtained by questionnaires. The median total PBDE concentration (including BDE-28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183) was 2500 pg g⁻¹ lipid weight, ranging from 1700 to 4500 pg g⁻¹ lipid weight. These levels were in the same range as those from Europe and Japan but much lower than those from North America. The congener profile in China was also different from other countries. The contribution of BDE-28 was around 15%, much higher than any other country, implying that a different Penta-BDE formulation might be used in the Chinese market. The lower ratio of the sum of BDE-47, 99, and 100 to the sum of BDE-153 and 154 suggested that Octa-products were in more demand in China. A significant correlation was found between a woman’s PBDE concentration and the time she used electronic appliances (h/d). This implies that electronics are a potential source of PBDEs to people. Inhalation or ingestion of particulate matter (such as dust) may also be an important exposure pathway. There was no significant correlation between the PBDE concentration and the consumption of meat, fish, and milk. Further research is needed to determine the specific contribution of each exposure route and their health effects.     

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in fish samples from rivers and estuaries in Taiwan

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used extensively over the past two decades as flame retardants in many types of polymers, and have been found to be a class of contaminants of concern. Measurements of PBDEs in various environmental matrices from Sweden, Holland, Japan, North America, and elsewhere have been reported. We report data of PBDEs in fish samples taken from six rivers and three estuaries in Taiwan. Seven PBDE congeners were observed in all sixty samples. BDE-47 was found to be the dominant congener in all waters, and BDE-154 contributed more than BDE-99 and BDE-100. Nonetheless, BDE-154 and BDE-183 were the predominant congeners in some species studied. These results are somewhat different from those from other countries, where the pattern is typically BDE-47 > 99 >100 >154, 153, and is postulated to be due to the extensive use of octa-BDE rather than penta-BDE in Taiwan. The average concentration distribution across all samples of the sum of PBDE congeners ranged from 30.6 ng/g lipid to 281 ng/g lipid. The concentrations of PBDEs in fishes reported here are higher than those reported from European countries, but lower than those from the United States.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soils of the modern Yellow River Delta, China: occurrence, distribution and inventory

The Yellow River is the second largest river in China. In this study, the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the modern Yellow River Delta (mYRD) were firstly reported. Twenty PBDE congeners in soil/sediment samples from mYRD were measured. The total PBDE concentrations ranged from non-detectable to 18 257 ng kg⁻¹ with a mean value of 836 ng kg⁻¹. BDE-209 was the dominant congener, accounting for ∼86.1-99.5% of the total PBDEs. The congener profiles of PBDEs with higher abundances of BDE-153 and BDE-183 were similar to those in sediment of the Bohai Sea, indicating that they shared similar sources. The concentrations and congener patterns varied among different regions. Higher levels of PBDEs were found in the middle area (MA), and more complicated congener compositions were also observed in the MA, whereas lower levels of PBDEs were found in the modern course (MC) and the old course (OC). Much more PBDEs were detected in the top layer (TL) soil where more congeners were also held compared to lower soil layers, implying that more PBDEs were emitted into this area in recent years/decades. Organic matter controlled the PBDE distribution in the soil. Soil in this area might be a source of BDE209 for the Bohai Sea.     

Effect of sewage sludges contaminated with polybrominated diphenylethers on agricultural soils

The fate of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in sewage sludge after agricultural application was analysed. This study was based on the analysis of sewage sludge and sludge amended soil samples collected during 2005. PBDE concentrations in sewage sludge ranged from 197 to 1185ng/g dry weight (dw), being deca-BDE-209 the predominant congener. PBDE levels in soils ranged between 21 and 690ng/g dw, being BDE-209 also the predominant congener in all soil samples. Sewage-sludge amendment at the research stations increased concentrations of all BDE congeners 1.2- to 45-fold, with the highest increases for BDE-209. Results obtained evidenced the cumulative effect of the sludge application rates. Moreover, high levels found at soils four years after the last sludge application indicate persistence of PBDEs in soils, including deca-BDE-209.     

Contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers of sediments from the Lake Maggiore basin (Italy and Switzerland)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are characterized by chemical properties and toxicological profiles similar to other POPs (persistent organic pollutants) included in the EU Priority Pollutant List (2455/01/CE). However, limited data have been available for these compounds thus far for Italian freshwater abiotic matrices. Lake Maggiore basin, a heavily industrialized and densely populated area, was selected for studying PBDE contamination in Italy. PBDEs and OCs (organochlorine compounds) in the basin were quantified by analysing both sediment cores collected in 2005 from the lake and grab samples from the main tributaries and the emissary. Fourteen PBDEs, from tri-BDE to hepta-BDE congeners and BDE209, were compared with some organochlorine POPs (PCBs and DDTs) characterizing Lake Maggiore basin contamination. Analyses of tri-to hepta-BDEs, PCBs and DDTs were undertaken by GC-MS/MS, while BDE-209 was analysed by GC/ECD. Results showed a dominant presence of BDE-209 (>95% of SigmaBDE) and limited amounts of BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153 and BDE-154. Lake core profiles highlighted a decreasing trend in PCB concentrations starting from the year 2000, while PBDEs showed greater concentrations after the beginning of the 1990s (up to 30 ng g(-1)d.w.). Among the tributaries, the Bardello and Boesio rivers were the most PBDE-contaminated (up to 290 ng g(-1)d.w.).     

Levels, compositions, and inventory of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sewage sludge of Guangdong Province, South China

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in sewage sludge samples collected from major wastewater treatment plants in Guangdong Province, South China. Concentrations of ∑₃₉PBDE (all 39 compounds including tri- to hepta- PBDE congeners except for BDE-209) ranged from 3.6 to 428 ng/g dw with a mean value of 67.4 ng/g dw and a median value of 25.9 ng/g dw, and those of BDE-209 ranged from 9.9 to 5,010 ng/g dw (mean 1,024 ng/g dw and median 824 ng/g dw). The PBDE mixtures detected were mainly comprised of penta-, octa-, and deca-BDEs, with deca-BDE as the dominant constituent. The most abundant congeners, excluding BDE-209, were BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-183. Good correlations were found among the concentrations of BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-138, and BDE-154 (r?>?0.8). However, poor correlations were found between the concentrations of BDE-209 and all other congeners (r?<?0.3). This fact suggests that most tri- to hepta-BDEs detected did not originate from decomposition of deca-BDE. The estimated annual emission of ∑_allPBDEs, ∑₃₉PBDEs, penta-BDE, octa-BDE, and deca-BDE to the Pearl River Delta environment (PRD), based on the sludge samples analyzed, amounts to 232, 20.2, 5.5, 1.7, and 212 kg per year, implicating sewage sludge as a significant source of PBDEs to the PRD environment.     

Levels and trends of brominated flame retardants in the Arctic

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) containing two to seven bromines are ubiquitous in Arctic biotic and abiotic samples (from zooplankton to polar bears (Ursus maritimus) and humans; air, soil, sediments). The fully brominated decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are also present in biotic and abiotic samples. Spatial trends of PBDEs and HBCD in top predators are similar to those seen for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and indicate western Europe and eastern North America as source regions. Concentrations of tetra- to heptaBDEs have increased significantly in North American and Greenlandic Arctic biota and in Greenland freshwater sediments paralleling trends seen further south. For BDE-209, increasing concentrations in Greenlandic peregrine falcons (Falco peregrinus) and in dated lake sediment cores in the Canadian Arctic have been seen during the 1990s. BDE-47, -99, -100 and -153 are observed to biomagnify in Arctic food webs. summation operatorPBDE concentrations in Arctic samples are lower than in similar sample types from more southerly regions and are one or more orders of magnitude lower than summation operatorPCB concentrations except for some levels for air. Air and harbor sediment results for PBDEs indicate that there are local sources near highly populated areas within the Arctic. Findings of PBBs on moss and TBBPA on an air filter, and that both are found in biota at high trophic levels indicates that these compounds may also reach the Arctic by long-range atmospheric transport. Based on the evidence of their presence in the Arctic and indications that most if not all are undergoing long-range transport, these brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have characteristics that qualify them as POPs according to the Stockholm Convention.     

Carbonaceous matter and PBDEs on indoor/outdoor glass window surfaces in Guangzhou and Hong Kong,South China

Organic films, collected from indoor and outdoor window surfaces in Guangzhou and Hong Kong of South China, were analyzed to quantify their organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) content. The highest concentrations of OC, EC, and BDE-209 were found in Guangzhou with values of 10 000 μg m^?2, 2200 μg m^?2, and 4000 ng m^?2, respectively, and the highest concentration of Σ₇PBDE (sum of BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154 and -183) was found in Hong Kong with a value of 25 ng m^?2. In most cases, the concentrations of PBDEs were higher in the exterior films than those in the interior films with BDE-209 as the predominant congener in both cities, suggesting that PBDEs mainly come from ambient environment, and deca-BDE accounts for major PBDE consumption. The growth rates of organic film on window surfaces were fast at the beginning, and reached a consistent level afterwards. The evolution rates ranged from 2.6 to 11 nm day^?1 for “bulk film”, while from 0.06 to 0.92 nm day^?1 for “pure film”. The concentrations of PBDEs on the window surfaces did not increase with the growth time, suggesting that the window surface may provide a good place for photo-degradation of PBDEs.