Teil 2: PCDD/F,Biphenyle und Organochlorpestizide in Frauenmilch

After the discovery of high dioxin levels (>100 000 ng TE BGA/kg) in copper slag (Kieselrot) from a specific chlorinating roasting process performed in Marsberg, human milk samples from mothers living in Marsberg were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), dibenzofurans (PCDF) and other pollutants. PCDD/F levels in all samples were comparable with levels in human milk samples from other locations in the Federal Republic of Germany. An increase in congeners, especially of those predominating in ?Kieselrot“, could not be measured. Although several thousand tons of dioxin contaminated copper slag still lie on the slagheap, a higher burden in human milk from Marsberg could not be observed.     

Bestimmung der resorptionsverfügbaren PCDD/PCDF aus Kieselrot

For the estimation of intestinal absorption of polychlorianted dibenzodioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/F), ain-vitro model was developed in order to study PCDD/F mobilization by digestion of technogenic soils using ?Kieselrot” (red slag) as substrate and digestive juice model mixtures. Red slag samples were shaken successively with model mixtures of saliva, gastric juice, duodenal juice and bile. The solids were separated, the aqueous phase was extracted with hexane, the hexane extract analyzed for PCDD/F. Additionally, the PCDD/F-content of the red slag was determined. Extraction efficiency was tested with three different digestive juice model mixtures and also tap water for comparision. The percentage of PCDD/F transferred from the red slag sample into the digestive juice mixture was defined as absorption availability. In our experiments, a maximum absorption availability of 2 % was found.     

Teil 1: PCDD/F in Böden,Vegetation und Kuhmilch

Soil samples were taken from residential gardens, grasslands and forests at 22 locations in Marsberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, and analyzed for PCDD/F. Sampling was concentrated on the vicinity of a former copper smelter where copper waste material (calledKieselrot) was deposited and emissions from former stacks contaminated a large land area. Maximum PCDD/F-concentrations were 407 ng TE GBA/kg dm in garden soil (0–30 cm depth), 98 ng TE BGA/kg dm in agricultural grassland (0–10 cm depth), 227 ng TE BGA/kg dm in wasteland, and up to 8073 ng TE BGA/kg dm in forest soils. PCDD/F-levels in soil decreased with increasing distance from the former sources providing a large historic emission problem, apart from the still existing kieselrot waste site. Ash residues from former flue gas duct showed up to 2,4 mg TE BGA/kg dm. PCDD/F-concentrations in vegetable samples from highly contaminated garden soils and grass from agricultural grassland were found to be relatively low in relation to soil values. PCDD/F-levels in salad showed a mean of 2,2 ng TE BGA/kg dm while grass concentrations were <6 ng TE BGA/kg dm. Thus, no correlation was found between soil and vegetation values with the exception for carrot roots where obviously a small transfer of PCDD/F between the two media took place. PCDD/F-content in grass taken over the vegetation period showed a tendency to increase toward the end of the growing season, which is probably related to changes in the dry matter yield over the season. No correlation was found in general between soil, grass and milk PCDD/F contents when all samples were taken from the same grassland. PCDD/F-concentrations in milk ranged between 0,6 and 1,1 pg TE BGA/g milkfat and were thus in the same range as consumer milk in the Federal Republic of Germany. PCDD/F in needles from conifers showed a clear relationship with respect to distance from the former waste site. The relatively high levels in conifer needles [36 ng TE BGA/kg dm] were obviously due to sporting activities (i.e. motocross racing where contaminated material was resuspended and deposited on surrounding trees).     

Polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins, -dibenzofurans and -dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic organisms from lake Kasumigaura,Japan

Polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), -dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and -dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs) were determined in aquatic wildlife of Kasumigaura Lake (KUL), Japan from 1978 to 2001. Two plankton species elucidated several fold greater concentrations (2400–7800) than small tiger fish (310–6500), shrimp (160–1100), and three large fish namely, black bass (120–240), carp (94–120) and mullet (54) on pg/g fat. PCDD homologues were predominant accumulants with >68–<95% contribution and remaining was shared by PCDFs. Accumulation, non-ortho DLPCBs in plankton (3500–9200), shrimp (1600–8600) and small fish (2000–8800) and large fish (1300–3900) on ng/g fat basis were several orders magnitude greater than PCDD/DFs. The mono-ortho DLPCBs in large fish species were 23?000–83?000?ng/g fat and which it is accounted 94.3–95.9% the total dioxin-like PCBs accumulation. Temporal trends of PCDDs, PCDFs, non-ortho PCBs and TEQ in shrimp and small tiger fish were varied. The mullet had minimum toxic equivalency “TEQ” (14?pg?TEQ/g) followed by plankton Neomysis intermedia (25?pg?TEQ/g), small tiger fish (mean: 33, ranges 14–66?pg?TEQ/g), plankton Cyclopus vicinus (34?pg?TEQ/g), carp (mean: 35, ranges 32–38?pg?TEQ/g), shrimp (mean: 38, ranges 11–68?pg?TEQ/g) and black bass (mean: 59, ranges 38–79?pg?TEQ/g) on fat basis. In all the samples, PCDD was predominant TEQ contributor followed by PCDFs and DLPCBs. The contribution of mono-ortho DLPCBs to the total TEQ was 0.52–0.92 in large fish.     

Teil 3: PCDD/F im Blutfett ausgewählter Personen

This study was designed to assess the degree of exposure to PCDD/F in 56 selected persons living in the vicinity of a former copper smelter located in Marsberg, Germany. The copper smelter was in operation until 1945. In 1991, high levels of PCDD/F were found particularly in materials from the slag dumps (10 000 – 100 000 ng TE/kg). The levels of PCDD/F in blood fat were used as parameters for individual PCDD/F exposure. Since only limited reference data for PCDD/F in human blood were available, blood samples of a reference group were analyzed in the same way. The criteria were collected from a group matched for sex, age (±3 years) and body mass. The median NATO/CCMS-Toxicity equivalency values (NATO/CCMS-TE-values) of the Marsberg group (43,2 pg NATO/CCMS-TE/g blood fat) and the reference group (43,0 pg NATO/CCMS-TE/g blood fat) were similar, whereas the arithmetic mean of the Marsberg group (52,7 pg NATO/CCMS-TE/g blood fat) was higher than that of the reference group (44,4 pg NATO/CCMS-TE/g blood fat). The frequency distribution of the individual TE-values of the Marsberg group was slightly shifted toward higher values. The individuals of the Marsberg group had significantly higher levels of PentaCDF, HexaCDF and HeptaCDF on average than the individuals of the reference group. On the basis of TE-values, the majority of the individuals from Marsberg did not have an increased body burden of PCDD/F. However, some individuals could be identified with TE-values exceeding background levels ranging up to 231 pg NATO/CCMS-TE/g blood fat. Although it must be assumed that the unusual congener pattern found in many of the test subjects is a result of ingestion of contaminated slag material or soil, the findings of this study could not verify this fact.     

Legacies and health risks of heavy metals,polybrominated diphenyl ethers,and polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/furans at e-waste recycling sites in South China

● Heavy metals and organic toxins may persist in legacy sites for a long time. ● Contaminants pose potential harms to the nearby community (HI > 1). ● PCDD/Fs had the risk of endocrine disruption and reproductive risk. ● Further intervention is needed to reduce pollution and related risks. Informal electronic-waste (e-waste) recycling sites pose substantial health risks to surrounding environments and populations, yet they are not properly regulated. In this study, the soil levels of copper, lead, cadmium, eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and 18 polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) were measured at two e-waste recycling sites in South China between 2014 and 2019. Both sites have been abandoned for natural restoration. Our results indicate that the mean Cd and PCDD/F levels at Site A in 2019 were higher than those recommended by current safety guidelines. Meanwhile, the highest exposure among children was 1.36 × 10⁻² mg/(kg·d) for Cu, followed by 5.05 × 10⁻³ mg/(kg·d) for Pb, 9.71 ng/(kg·d) for PBDEs, and 6.82 ng TEQ/(kg·d) for PCDD/Fs. Children were at elevated risk for health problem posed by Pb and Cu exposure at both sites (hazard quotient > 1) and by PCDD/Fs at Site A. Further risk assessment was conducted on the target organs and endpoints of heavy metals and PCDD/Fs. The hazard index (HI) for the target organ mixed-risk of heavy metals was high (HI = 1.27), as was that of PCDD/Fs (HI = 1.66), which can disrupt endocrine function and pose a risk of reproductive toxicity in children. Owing to incomplete cleaning, contaminants persist in soils over long periods and may harm nearby environments and communities. Our study demonstrates that heavy metal, PBDE, and PCDD/F contamination have not yet been remediated, and intervention is needed to reduce pollution and associated risks in areas affected by e-waste.     

Reviewing the relevance of dioxin and PCB sources for food from animal origin and the need for their inventory,control and management

Background

In the past, cases of PCDD/F and PCB contamination exceeding limits in food from animal origin (eggs, meat or milk) were mainly caused by industrially produced feed. But in the last decade, exceedances of EU limit values were discovered more frequently for PCDD/Fs or dioxin-like(dl)-PCBs from free range chicken, sheep, and beef, often in the absence of any known contamination source.

Results

The German Environment Agency initiated a project to elucidate the entry of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in food related to environmental contamination. This paper summarizes the most important findings. Food products from farm animals sensitive to dioxin/PCB exposure—suckling calves and laying hens housed outdoor—can exceed EU maximum levels at soil concentrations that have previously been considered as safe. Maximum permitted levels can already be exceeded in beef/veal when soil is contaminated around 5 ng PCB-TEQ/kg dry matter (dm). For eggs/broiler, this can occur at a concentration of PCDD/Fs in soil below 5 ng PCDD/F–PCB-TEQ/kg dm. Egg consumers—especially young children—can easily exceed health-based guidance values (TDI). The soil–chicken egg exposure pathway is probably the most sensitive route for human exposure to both dl-PCBs and PCDD/Fs from soil and needs to be considered for soil guidelines. The study also found that calves from suckler cow herds are most prone to the impacts of dl-PCB contamination due to the excretion/accumulation via milk. PCB (and PCDD/F) intake for free-range cattle stems from feed and soil. Daily dl-PCB intake for suckler cow herds must in average be less than 2 ng PCB-TEQ/day. This translates to a maximum concentration in grass of 0.2 ng PCB-TEQ/kg dm which is less than 1/6 of the current EU maximum permitted level. This review compiles sources for PCDD/Fs and PCBs relevant to environmental contamination in respect to food safety. It also includes considerations on assessment of emerging POPs.

Conclusions

The major sources of PCDD/F and dl-PCB contamination of food of animal origin in Germany are (1) soils contaminated from past PCB and PCDD/F releases; (2) PCBs emitted from buildings and constructions; (3) PCBs present at farms. Impacted areas need to be assessed with respect to potential contamination of food-producing animals. Livestock management techniques can reduce exposure to PCDD/Fs and PCBs. Further research and regulatory action are needed to overcome gaps. Control and reduction measures are recommended for emission sources and new listed and emerging POPs to ensure food safety.

     

Levels and congener profiles of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in Baltic wild salmon (Salmo salar)

Baltic salmons were caught from two Latvian rivers during the spawning seasons of 2010 and 2011 for the determination of seventeen 2,3,7,8-chlorine-substituted dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and 12 dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). A partially automated clean-up procedure was used for sample preparation, followed by capillary gas chromatography hyphenated to high-resolution mass spectrometry. The concentrations of PCDD/F&;PCB-TEQ ranged from 6.6 to 18.2?ng?kg^?1 fresh weight and this confirms the previous reports of relatively high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, and especially of dioxin-like PCBs in Baltic wild salmon, in most samples exceeding maximum recommended levels (MRLs) in toxicity equivalency quotients (PCDD/F-PCB-TEQ) of the World Health Organization (WHO 1998) according to EC COMMISSION REGULATION No 1881/2006. The results suggest that high consumption of Baltic wild salmon could entail the risk of exceeding the TDI for adults and teenagers. Extra care must be taken when Baltic wild salmon is included in childrens's diet to avoid exceedance of the recommended TDI of 4?pg?kg^?1 body weight for this group.     

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.     

Evaluation and assessment of the efficacy of an abatement strategy in a former lead smelter community,Boolaroo, Australia

This study examines the recent soil Lead Abatement Strategy (LAS) in Boolaroo, New South Wales, Australia, that was designed to “achieve a reduction in human exposure to lead dust contamination in surface soils”. The abatement programme addressed legacy contamination of residential areas following closure of lead smelting operations in 2003 at the Pasminco Cockle Creek Smelter (PCCS). The principal objective of the LAS was to “cap and cover” lead-contaminated soils within the urban environment surrounding the PCCS. Soil lead concentrations of 2500–5000 mg/kg were scheduled for removal and replacement, while concentrations between 1500 and 2500 mg/kg were replaced only under limited circumstances. To date, there has been no industry, government or independent assessment of the clean-up programme that involved >2000 homes in the township of Boolaroo. Thus, by measuring post-abatement soil lead concentrations in Boolaroo, this study addresses this knowledge gap and evaluates the effectiveness of the LAS for reducing the potential for lead exposure. Soil lead concentrations above the Australian residential soil health investigation level value for residential soils (300 mg/kg) were identified at all but one of the residential properties examined (n = 19). Vacuum dust samples (n = 17) from the same homes had a mean lead concentration of 495 mg/kg (median 380 mg/kg). Bio-accessibility testing revealed that lead in household vacuum dust was readily accessible (% bio-accessible) (mean = 92 %, median = 90 %), demonstrating that the risk of exposure via this pathway remains. Assessment of a limited number of properties (n = 8) where pre-abatement soil lead levels were available for comparison showed they were not statistically different to post-abatement. Although the LAS did not include treatment of non-residential properties, sampling of community areas including public sports fields, playgrounds and schools (n = 32) was undertaken to determine the contamination legacy in these areas. Elevated mean soil lead concentrations were found across public lands: sports fields = 5130 mg/kg (median = 1275 mg/kg), playgrounds and schools = 812 mg/kg (median = 920 mg/kg) and open space = 778 mg/kg (median = 620 mg/kg). Overall, the study results show that the LAS programme that was dominated by a “cap and cover” approach to address widespread lead contamination was inadequate for mitigating current and future risk of lead exposures.     

中新生态城土壤质量现状及改良利用途径

对中新生态城区域内土壤的紧实度、有机质、碱解氮、土壤盐分、酸碱度、地表水、地下水进行了调查取样分析,结果表明该区土壤容重在1.3～1.7g/cm3,有机质含量大多为中等或低水平（5.5～19.1g/kg）,速效氮与土壤有机质含量相关性达显著水平（r=0.98）。盐分垂直分布上表现为果园、农田土壤盐分含量小于1.5g/kg,荒地和水库含量在5.0～6.4g/kg之间,垫土区、养殖池和盐场盐池土壤通体盐分含量高（大于10g/kg）,且存在表聚现象,超出了一般植物生长的极限。土壤酸碱度为7.81～9.05,水库、养殖池、盐场、荒地、沟塘水的矿化度均在10g/L以上,蓟运河水和农田沟渠为5000mg/L～8500mg/L,果园灌溉水的矿化度也在2000mg/L以上,地下水矿化度高,埋藏浅。并针对以上特点提出其土壤改良利用途径和绿化建设模式。     

PCDD/PCDF-Bodengehalte im Umfeld von Verbrennungsanlagen

In connection with law-imposed waste disposal regulations concerning the modernisation of the incineration ?Munich-North“, local authorities and residents raised objections. Based on an immission calculation using a numerical model concerning the impact of PCDD/PCDF on the soil (study I), conclusions were drawn that the former immissions were so high that further impact on the soil by a new combustion plant was no longer tolerable. The results of study I were controlled using a different numerical model calculation (study II). The simulation results varied vastly because of the differences in preliminary input parameters. In order to verify the simulations, soil samples were taken and the content of PCDD/PCDF was determined. Predicted soil-contents of study II were in the same range as the analyzed samples, whereas the values of study I were higher. With one exception, the soil contents were less than 5 ng TEQ-BGA kg^?1 m_T, a value below the BGA limits. Calculations by numerical modelling, compared to the measurement of PCDD/PCDF soil contents, are therefore no reliable basis for predicting PCDD/PCDF concentrations in soils which has been induced by incineration emission.     

Assessment of regional capabilities for agricultural coexistence with genetically modified maize

Background

The coexistence of agricultural production with and without the use of genetically modified (GV) crops is supposed to be made possible in Germany by regulations, which include minimal distances of GV-fields to potentially susceptible crop fields and habitats. To explore the impact of these regulations on region specific coexistence potentials, we broadened the applicability of an existing method for the simulation of the spatial distribution of arable fields cropped with conventional, organic and GV-maize. We used simulations which combine a variety of minimum distances of GV-maize fields to assess regional specific options and limitations for coexistence.

Results

An existing method was extended to be applicable for different spatial scales, from the large (e.g. Federal State) to small (e.g. municipality). Input data consisted of cropping statistics, geometry of arable fields and protected areas. Scenarios of cropping situations included various minimal distances between GV-maize fields and protected areas and various proportions of maize within the areas. The results of the simulations represent possible distribution patterns of non-GV and GV-maize fields as well as the size of the remaining area in which additional GV-maize can be grown without violating the minimal distance rules. As suspected, increasing proportions of GV-maize and increasing minimal distances lower the areas suitable for additional GV-maize. However, the relation between the area of GV-maize grown and those suitable for GV-maize cultivation varied between the scenarios. Moreover, the variability between the municipalities was even more evident, due to varying landscape structure (proportion of maize, the ratio total arable land to maize, proportion of protected areas). Areas with high proportions of GV-maize, of protected areas and of maize could be problematical for coexistence. We discuss these parameters with regard to other coexistence studies.

Conclusions

Our method is suitable to simulate the spatial distribution of fields cultivated with GV-crops and non-GV-crops on various scales. Simulations on the scale of a Federal State reveals those areas, in which coexistence could be problematical. Simulations on a county scale, however, allow more insight into options and restrictions for coexistence in relation to landscape structural characteristics, which also can be transferred to larger scales. On the scale of municipalities simulations can help to analyse the limits of coexistence in areas of high conflict potential, moreover this level is more realistic with regard to practical agricultural decisions on the farm level.

Zusammenfassung

Hintergrund

Die Koexistenz verschiedener landwirtschaftlicher Produktionsformen ?C mit und ohne Anbau von gentechnisch ver?nderten Pflanzen (GVO) ?C soll durch gesetzlich fixierte Regeln erm?glicht werden, die unter anderem die Mindestabst?nde von GVO-Anbaufl?chen zu potenziell empfindlichen anderen Ackerfl?chen und Biotopen festlegen. Hier wurde eine Methode weiterentwickelt zur Simulation der r?umlichen Verteilung der Anbaufl?chen von konventionellem, ?kologischem und GV-Mais um regionsspezifische Koexistenzpotenziale von gentechnisch ver?ndertem Mais, sowie potenzielle Konfliktgebiete zu identifizieren.

Ergebnisse

Eine für Brandenburg entwickelte GIS-Simulationsmethode wurde durch die Verwendung fl?chendeckend vorhandener Daten so erweitert, dass sie bundesweit übertragbar ist und auf unterschiedlichen r?umlichen Skalenebenen angewandt werden kann, von gro?r?umig (Bundesland) bis lokal (Gemeinde). Als Eingangsdaten wurden Anbaustatistiken sowie Geometrien der Ackerfl?chen und von FFH- und Naturschutzgebieten verwendet. In den Szenarien wurden Abstandsregelungen zwischen Maisanbaufl?chen und zu Schutzgebieten und der GV-Maisanteil variiert. Die Ergebnisse der Simulation sind m?gliche r?umliche Verteilungen von Nicht-GV-Mais und GV-Mais sowie die potenziell für den Anbau von GV-Mais zur Verfügung stehende Fl?che. Mit zunehmendem GV-Maisanteil und Mindestabst?nden zu Schutzgebieten wird die für den GV-Mais zur Verfügung stehende Fl?che st?rker ausgesch?pft. Der Anteil des GV-Mais an der potenziell für den Anbau von GV-Mais zur Verfügung stehenden Fl?che variierte zwischen den Szenarien, und noch st?rker jedoch regional zwischen den Landkreisen, verursacht durch deren verschiedene agrar- und landschaftsstrukturelle Ausstattung (Maisanbauanteil, Verh?ltnis Ackerlandsanteil/Maisanbauanteil, Schutzgebietsanteil). Ein r?umliches Konfliktpotenzial bei der Umsetzung der Koexistenz ist in Gebieten hohen Nutzungsdrucks zu erwarten, d.h. in denen sowohl der Maisanbauanteil an der Ackerfl?che und der Anbauanteil von GV-Mais, als auch der Schutzgebietsanteil hoch sind. Diese Faktoren werden diskutiert in Bezug zu Ergebnissen weiterer Koexistenzstudien.

Schlussfolgerungen

Die vorgestellte Methode ist geeignet, die r?umliche Verteilung des Anbaus von Nicht-GV-Mais und GV-Mais auf unterschiedlichen Skalenebenen zu simulieren: Die Ebene eines Bundeslandes liefert Hinweise auf Gebiete, in denen die Koexistenz problematisch sein k?nnte und kann als Grundlage weiterer Berechnungen, wie zum Beispiel der Modellierung von Genflüssen auf Landesebene dienen. Die Simulation auf der Ebene eines Landkreises oder einer Gemeinde erm?glicht genauere Aussagen über die M?glichkeiten und Grenzen der Koexistenz. Auf der Ebene der Landkreise k?nnen z.B. unterschiedliche agrar- und landschaftsstrukturelle Situationen untersucht und für eine nachfolgende Regionalisierung angewandt werden. Die Ebene der Gemeinden erlaubt die Analyse der Grenzen der Koexistenz für Gebiete mit h?herem r?umlichen Konfliktpotenzial. Simulationen auf lokaler Ebene erscheinen darüber hinaus n?her an den Entscheidungsm?glichkeiten der landwirtschaftlichen Praxis.     

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.     

Pollution characteristics and potential health risk of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in soil/sediment from Baiyin City, North West, China

In order to better understand the environmental behaviors of persistent organic pollutants, the characteristics of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were investigated in twenty-three soil/sediment samples from Baiying City, Northwest China, in 2008. The possible sources and potential health risk of PCDD/Fs were also discussed. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in nineteen soil samples varied between 20.13 and 496.26 pg/g dry weight (dw.), with an average value of 125.59 pg/g dw. The highest International Toxic Equivalent (I-TEQ) of PCDD/Fs (8.34 pg/g dw.) in soil was found at sample S1 collected from proximity to a copper metallurgy plant. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs in four sediment samples ranged from 37.69 to 491.49 pg/g dw., with an average value of 169.95 pg/g dw. The highest I-TEQ of PCDD/Fs (8.56 pg/g dw.) in sediment was found at sample S12 collected from the East big ditch with waste water discharged into the Yellow River. The results indicated that PCDD/Fs contamination of soil/sediment is originated from three sources: chlorine-containing chemicals, non-ferrous metal industrial PCDD/Fs emission and coal burning. The health risk exposure to PCDD/Fs through soil, dust ingestion and dermal absorption ranged from 0.0006 to 0.0134 pg/kg/day Word Health Organization’s toxic equivalent in 1998 (WHO₁₉₉₈-TEQ) with mean values 0.0032 pg WHO₁₉₉₈-TEQ for adults and varied between 0.0012 and 0.0256 pg/kg/day WHO₁₉₉₈-TEQ with mean values 0.006 pg/kg/day WHO₁₉₉₈-TEQ for children, respectively. These results indicated that health risk of PCDD/Fs for children should be paid more attention.     

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.     

PBDEs and PCDD/Fs in surface soil taken from the Taizhou e-waste recycling area,China

The emerging issue of electronic wastes (e-waste) and the associated environmental problems has gained considerable attention from the scientific community in recent decades. In the present study, the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the surface soil obtained from the Taizhou e-waste recycling area of China were investigated. Also the correlation among these chemicals and previously published data of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and polychlorinated biphenyls was analysed. We determined that the pollution levels of eight PBDEs congeners were serious, ranging from 27.9 to 3128.4 μg/kg. The concentration of PCDD/Fs was in the range of 218.3–3122.2 pg/g with a mean value of 659.5 pg/g. The PBDEs were not well-correlated with organic pollutants (PAHs and PCBs) in soil, whereas PCDD/Fs exhibited a significant positive correlation with the PCBs. The higher levels of persistent organic pollutants may pose potential adverse effects to soil quality and human beings and needs to be properly managed and remediated.     

Current state of heavy metal contents in Vienna soils

This study presents the current state of heavy metal contents in both urban and forest soils within the city area of Vienna, Austria. Based on a systematic survey of urban soils and on targeted sampling in forest areas, local and regional anomaly thresholds are derived using statistical methods and considering regional distribution patterns. For urban soils, local anomaly thresholds of elements Cu (60?mg/kg), Hg (0.5?mg/kg), Pb (100?mg/kg) and Zn (200?mg/kg) exceed national guideline values for uncontaminated urban soils and according to Austrian legislation fall into the category “anthropogenic contamination present but no damage to plants, animals or humans detectable”. In forest soils within the city, thresholds are very similar to reference values for similar geological settings outside the city, apart from higher concentrations of elements Cr and Ni (threshold values of 107 and 64?mg/kg, respectively). Grouping urban soils according to land use reveals that Cd contents are 25?% higher, Pb contents 36?% higher, in traffic and industrial areas than in parks and like Cu, Hg and Zn, these elements can be shown to be at least partly caused by anthropogenic contamination. A dependency between heavy metal concentrations in soils and underlying geological units is shown within the flysch zone at the western city margin where the contents of elements Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and V are controlled by geology and reveal distinct differences between geological units. In built-up areas, no clear dependency between heavy metal contents in soils and geology is evident as urban soils represent accumulations by anthropogenic activity rather than in situ weathering products of underlying sediments.     

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.     

Improvement of sampling and analytical methods for polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans in environmental samples and its quantitative evaluation

Sampling of PCDDs/Fs in flue gas from a MSW incinerator was conducted using a modified apparatus of the 5 train method, which has been widely used for the sampling of PCDDs/Fs emission. In the atmosphere a high volume air sampler with special packings was used. Collection efficiencies of PCDDs/Fs were more than 98% for both samplers, using ¹³C₁₂—PCDD reference standard isomers. It was suggested that these sampling methods were adaptable for the measurements of PCDDs/Fs at sources and in the environment. To validate the applicability of existing methodologies on the PCDD/F determination, interlaboratory comparisons were undertaken. From high resolution GC/MS analysis, 2,3,7,8‐TCDD concentrations in reference ash samples were 0.052±0.013 ng/g as comparable results between the laboratories. In addition, the daily intakes of PCDDs/Fs for exposed persons in the MSW incineration facilities in Japan were estimated ranging of 0.053 to 0.28 pg/kg/day by the international toxic equivalent calculations.