Persistent environmental pollutants in eggs of aplomado falcons from Northern Chihuahua, Mexico, and south Texas, USA

The northern aplomado falcon (Falco femoralis septentrionalis) disappeared from south Texas in the 1940s. Due to great success in the release of captive-reared aplomado falcons in south Texas, there are currently more than 40 established nesting pairs in the region. Addled eggs from aplomado falcons nesting in northern Chihuahua and south Texas were analyzed to determine organochlorine (OC) and inorganic element contaminant burdens and their potential association with egg failures and effects on reproduction. Among the OCs, DDE [1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene] was present at the highest concentrations (range 262-21487 ng/g wet weight) followed by polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, range 88-3274 ng/g ww). DDE was greater (P=0.03) in eggs from El Sueco (Chihuahua, Mexico) than in those from Matagorda Island (Texas, USA). DDE concentrations in eggs of aplomado falcons from El Sueco were elevated; however, reproductive success in the two Chihuahuan populations did not seem to be affected by DDE. DDE and metals in potential avian prey of the aplomado falcon from Matagorda Island were very low and below levels in the diet at which some negative effects might be expected. Except for mercury (Hg), metal concentrations in eggs were fairly low and were not different among locations in Chihuahua and south Texas. Hg was somewhat elevated and was greater (P<0.001) in Texas than in the Chihuahua locations. Periodic monitoring of Hg concentrations in addled eggs of aplomado falcons in south Texas is recommended to continue evaluating potential negative effects on their recovery.     

Assessment of arsenic and heavy metal concentrations in water and sediments of the Rio Grande at El Paso-Juarez metroplex region

The Rio Grande located along the US-Mexico border is affected by anthropogenic activities along its geographical course. Runoff and wind deposition of smelting residues may contribute to the pollution of the Rio Grande in the El Paso-Ciudad Juarez area. Few studies have addressed the presence or impacts of heavy metals or arsenic in this ecosystem. This study reports a survey of heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Cd, Ni, Pb, and Zn) and arsenic (As) in water and sediments of the Rio Grande collected from seven sites in the El Paso-Juarez region. Since water quality influences metal content in water, physical (temperature, flow and conductivity), and chemical (pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrates, alkalinity, and water hardness) parameters were measured at each site. Arsenic and heavy metal levels were determined using Inductively Couple Plasma (ICP) emission spectroscopy following EPA procedures. Zinc and lead were found as both total and dissolved metals in most of the samples, with concentrations of total recoverable metals reaching up to 105 and 70 microg/l, respectively. Most metals were found in sediment samples collected from four of seven sites. The highest Cu concentration (35 mg/l) was found at the American Dam site. Concentrations of metals found through this survey will be used as a reference for future studies in monitoring arsenic, heavy metals, and their impacts in the Rio Grande.     

Fish ingestion and congener specific polychlorinated biphenyl and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene serum concentrations in a great lakes cohort of pregnant African American women

A cohort of low income, city dwelling, pregnant African American Women (delivered from 1994–1999) was assembled to identify factors related to organochlorine exposure through consumption of Great Lakes resources. The cohort is known as the Great Lakes Cohort of Pregnant African American Women (GLCPAAW). Pregnant women from metropolitan Chicago, IL area clinics were administered a questionnaire on diet, demographics, and health history. Weight, height, and serum lipids were measured at delivery along with serum organochlorines such as PCBs and DDE. Congener specific concentrations of PCBs and p,p'-DDE found in the maternal serum are reported. Dominant PCB congeners found in the serum of the pregnant women at delivery included PCB 101, 118, 138, 153, and 180. The high prevalence and magnitude of PCB 101 (greater than the limit of detection in > 80% of the women in the cohort) are unique characteristics of this cohort.Great Lakes fish has been identified as a source of exposure to organochlorines in several studies. Spearman correlations and robust regression models were utilized to identify the impact of Great Lakes fish ingestion on cohort serum organochlorine concentrations. Several potential confounders of the relationship between serum organochlorines and Great Lakes fish consumption were identified. Covariates related to organochlorines in correlations as well as regression models included age, body surface area, fish ingestion, lipids, parity, race and smoking. Lower chlorinated PCB congeners do not follow the same trends as the higher chlorinated congeners and DDE. The higher chlorinated PCB congeners (PCB 138, 153, and 180) and DDE were correlated with age while the lower chlorinated congeners were not. PCB 153 and 180 regression models included age as a significant covariate. None of the higher chlorinated congeners correlated to race, while both lower chlorinated congeners were correlated to race. Race was also significant in both lower chlorinated congeners' regression models. PCB 101, a lower chlorinated congener seldom found in human serum, is readily found in the cohort. Airborne PCB exposure as well as diminished metabolism of PCB 101 in African Americans may explain the increased presence of PCB 101 and it's correlation with race.High end sport fish consumers (≥ 1meal per week) carried elevated levels of DDE and higher chlorinated PCB congeners (138, 153, and 180) compared to non-sport fish eaters. Unexpectedly, DDE was correlated more consistently with fish ingestion and age (a marker of bioaccumulation) in comparison to PCBs. Small correlations were found between serum PCBs and fish ingestion (Spearman correlation = 0.19 for total PCBs and fish meals per year). Additionally, Serum PCBs in low end Great Lakes sport fish consumers were not higher than non-consumers. These findings suggest the women of the cohort are being exposed to PCBs through other routes in addition to Great lakes sport fish. One major route of exposure may be Chicago air. The observed trends amongst individual PCB congeners has important ramifications because lower chlorinated congeners or their metabolites may be mediators of toxicity. Organochlorine exposure through Great Lakes fish ingestion was clearly identified in high end fish consumers while associations with race, metabolism, and possible airborne exposures pose new questions.     

A biomonitoring plan for assessing potential radionuclide exposure using Amchitka Island in the Aleutian chain of Alaska as a case study

With the ending of the Cold War, the US and other nations were faced with a legacy of nuclear wastes. For some sites where hazardous nuclear wastes will remain in place, methods must be developed to protect human health and the environment. Biomonitoring is one method of assessing the status and trends of potential radionuclide exposure from nuclear waste sites, and of providing the public with early warning of any potential harmful exposure. Amchitka Island (51 degrees N lat, 179 degrees E long) was the site of three underground nuclear tests from 1965 to 1971. Following a substantive study of radionuclide levels in biota from the marine environment around Amchitka and a reference site, we developed a suite of bioindicators (with suggested isotopes) that can serve as a model for other sites contaminated with radionuclides. Although the species selection was site-specific, the methods can provide a framework for other sites. We selected bioindicators using five criteria: (1) occurrence at all three test shots (and reference site), (2) receptor groups (subsistence foods, commercial species, and food chain nodes), (3) species groups (plants, invertebrates, fish, and birds), (4) trophic levels, and (5) an accumulator of one or several radionuclides. Our major objective was to identify bioindicators that could serve for both human health and the ecosystem, and were abundant enough to collect adjacent to the three test sites and at the reference site. Site-specific information on both biota availability and isotope levels was essential in the final selection of bioindicators. Actinides bioaccumulated in algae and invertebrates, while radiocesium accumulated in higher trophic level birds and fish. Thus, unlike biomonitoring schemes developed for heavy metals or other contaminants, top-level predators are not sufficient to evaluate potential radionuclide exposure at Amchitka. The process described in this paper resulted in the selection of Fucus, Alaria fistulosa, blue mussel (Mytilus trossulus), dolly varden (Salvelinus malma), black rockfish (Sebastes melanops), Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus), Pacific halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), and glaucous-winged gull (Larus glaucescens) as bioindicators. This combination of species included mainly subsistence foods, commercial fish, and nodes on different food chains.     

Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS) in Swedish marine and fresh water wildlife-a screening study

Bis(4-chlorophenyl) sulfone (BCPS) is a high production volume chemical (HPVC) applied in thermostable polymers. BCPS has been detected as an environmental contaminant both in Europe and in North America but it is still not a commonly studied pollutant. In this study, three Baltic Sea fish species; herring (Clupea harengus), salmon (Salmo salar) and perch (Perca fluviatilis) from the Swedish coast, and one inland fish species, arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus), were analysed to screen for the occurrence and distribution of BCPS. Salmon and arctic char, were sampled in the early 1970s as well as the late 1990s. Fish eating grey seal (Halichoerus gryphus) and guillemot (Uria aalge) from the Baltic Sea were included to screen for whether BCPS biomagnify or not. The representativeness of the analysed samples for studying bioaccumulation of environmental pollutants was compared through analysis of two well known persistent and bioaccumulating compounds, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl (CB-153), and 4,4'-DDE. Pooled muscle and blubber samples based on 4-10 individuals were used for analysis, as well as individual samples of grey seal blubber. 2,4,4'-Trichlorodiphenyl sulfone, was synthesised and applied as an internal standard. BCPS was detected in all marine samples but in only one of the fresh water fish samples. The highest BCPS concentrations detected, 1600 and 1900 ng/g lipid weighet (l.w.), were found in muscle from Baltic guillemot. The results indicate that BCPS is bioaccumulated in both grey seal and guillemot, and that the guillemot has higher concentrations of BCPS than the grey seal (50-500 ng/g l.w.). The concentrations found in different species of fish from the Baltic Sea ranged between 15-37 ng/g l.w. and lower concentrations were found in freshwater species (n.d.-1.8 ng/g l.w.). The present study shows that BCPS is found in all investigated species of wildlife but, in most species, still at low concentrations. However, the guillemot has levels in the low ppm range indicating a considerable biomagnification of BCPS in this species.     

淀山湖水生生物中有机氯化合物的浓度与富集特征

为研究淀山湖水生生物中有机氯化合物的浓度与富集特征,测定了该湖水生生物样品(铜锈环棱螺、日本沼虾、鱼类)中滴滴涕(DDTs)、六六六(HCHs)、六氯苯(HCB)、多氯联苯(PCBs)的浓度。研究结果显示,在所有生物样品中均检测到了DDTs、HCHs、HCB,各生物体内的有机氯农药含量有很大差异。在8种生物样品中,乌鳢体内的有机氯化合物含量最高,这可能与乌鳢处于较高营养级,且为肉食性鱼类,体内脂肪较多有关。∑DDTs、∑HCHs、HCB的含量范围分别是55~1 135、0.5~24、6.9~91ng/g lw,其中DDTs为最主要的有机氯农药。4,4’-DDE和α-HCH在各自同系物中所占比例最高,说明淀山湖历史上曾经使用过有机氯农药,而近期没有新的污染源输入。以铜锈环棱螺为参照,有机氯农药的生物放大系数(BMFs)范围是1.2(泥鳅)~23(乌鳢);PCBs的生物放大系数范围是5.9(河川沙塘鳢)~55(乌鳢)。亲脂疏水性、低生化降解速率导致有机氯化合物能在生物组织中富集并通过食物链逐级放大。研究结果表明,有机氯化合物会沿着食物链积累放大,可能会对人体健康存在潜在的威胁。     

Biomarkers and bioindicators of the health condition of Ameca splendens and Goodea atripinnis (Pisces: Goodeaidae) in the Ameca River, Mexico

Pollution of water bodies causes stress on organisms inhabiting them. Determination of biomarkers and bioindicators on fish populations reflects whether they are subject to stress. We assessed two populations of Ameca splendens and Goodea atripinnis in a reference site (spring "El Rincon") and De La Vega reservoir, which receives wastewater of a sugar industry, on Ameca River course. We analyzed level of lipid peroxidation and enzymatic activities of gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase, acetylcholinesterase and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase as biomarkers; we also studied age classes and various body indexes. Environmental factors were recorded and a water quality index was assessed. Water quality was better in the spring than in the reservoir. Organisms inhabiting the reservoir presented higher oxidative stress by the lipid peroxidation levels, and neurotoxic impacts by the acetylcholinesterase and some detoxification mechanisms were evident by the gamma-glutamyl-transpeptidase and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase activities. Integrated Biomarker Response demonstrate that De La Vega reservoir is a more stressing place to organisms living there, particularly for A. splendens. In both species, males were more affected than females. Condition and reproductive parameters in reservoir showed evidences of physiological changes due to xenobiotics exposure and suggest a tactic of the organisms to survive in this site. Both biomarkers and body indexes revealed that A. splendens is a more sensitive species than G. atripinnis to environmental stress.     

Organochlorine levels in edible fish from the Marmara Sea, Turkey

Samples of 12 edible fish species from the Marmara Sea were analyzed for organochlorines (PCBs, DDTs, HCB, HCHs, toxaphene, etc.). The results showed that the total concentrations ranged from 329.41 ng/g fat to 1453.87 ng/g fat. DDT group components made up almost half or more of organochlorine contamination. Levels in red mullet were compared with those from neighbor seas. The sum of DDTs as well as HCHs concentrations were markedly lower than in the Black Sea but higher in the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean. Thus, inflow from the Black Sea might be considered as a contamination source for DDT and HCH contamination. On the other hand, total PCB concentration (sum of congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180) detected in this study was comparable or lower than those from the Aegean Sea and Mediterranean. Toxaphene was a minor contaminant. Measured values were below maximum residue levels for human consumption.     

A comparison of concentrations of polycyclic aromatic compounds detected in dust samples from various regions of the world

Settled house dust can be a source of human exposure to toxic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) through non-dietary ingestion and dermal contact. Information regarding the concentrations of various contaminants in house dust would be useful in estimating the risk associated with exposure to these compounds. This study reports on the surface loading, variability and distribution of PAHs in settled house dust collected from homes in three locations: Sumgayit, Azerbaijan; Shanxi Province, China; and southern Texas, United States. The highest PAH floor surface loadings were observed in China, followed by Azerbaijan and Texas. Median concentrations of high molecular weight (four ring and larger) PAHs ranged from a low of 0.11 microg/m(2) in Texas, to 2.9 microg/m(2) in Azerbaijan and 162 microg/m(2) in China. These trends in total surface loading and relative carcinogenicity indicate that the risk of health effects from exposure to PAHs in house dust is highest in the Chinese population and lowest in the Texas population. As anticipated, variability among dust samples from different houses within the same region was high, with coefficients of variation greater than 100%. Alkylated PAHs comprised 30-50% of the total mass of PAHs. Based on a comparison of the composition of specific components, PAHs in China and Azerbaijan were determined to be derived mainly from combustion sources rather than from unburned fossil fuels such as petroleum. These results, coupled with ongoing investigation of appropriate PAH exposure biomarkers in humans, will guide future efforts to identify ways to reduce exposures in the study areas.     

The brominated flame retardants,PBDEs and HBCD,in Canadian human milk samples collected from 1992 to 2005; concentrations and trends

Human milk samples were collected from individuals residing in various regions across Canada mostly in the years 1992 to 2005. These included five large cities in southern Canada as well as samples from Nunavik in northern Quebec. Comparative samples were also collected from residents of Austin, Texas, USA in 2002 and 2004. More than 300 milk samples were analysed for the brominated flame retardants (BFRs), PBDEs and HBCD, by extraction, purification and quantification using either isotope dilution gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) or liquid chromatography-MS. The Canadian total PBDE values in the years 2002–2005 show median levels of about 20 μg/kg on a lipid basis; a value significantly higher than in the 1980s and 1990s. Milk samples from Inuit donors in the northern region of Nunavik were slightly lower in PBDE concentrations than those from populated regions in the south of Quebec. Milk samples from Ontario contained slightly lower amounts of PBDEs in two time periods than those from Texas. HBCD levels in most milk samples were usually less than 1 ppb milk lipid and dominated by the α-isomer. This large data set of BFRs in Canadian human milk demonstrates an increase in the last few decades in human exposure to BFRs which now appears to have stabilized.     

The valuation of forest carbon services by Mexican citizens: the case of Guadalajara city and La Primavera biosphere reserve

Adequate demand for, and recognition of, forest carbon services is critical to success of market mechanisms for forestry-based conservation and climate change mitigation. National and voluntary carbon-offsetting schemes are emerging as alternatives to international compliance markets. We developed a choice experiment to explore determinants of local forest carbon-offset valuation. A total of 963 citizens from Guadalajara in Mexico were asked to consider a purchase of voluntary offsets from the neighbouring Biosphere Reserve of La Primavera and from two alternative more distant locations: La Michilía in the state of Durango and El Cielo in Tamaulipas. Surveys were applied in market stall sessions and online using two different sampling methods: the snowball technique and via a market research company. The local La Primavera site attracted higher participation and valuation than the more distant sites. However, groups particularly interested in climate change mitigation or cost may accept cost-efficient options in the distant sites. Mean implicit carbon prices obtained ranged from $6.79 to $15.67/tCO_2eq depending on the surveying methodology and profile of respondents. Survey application mode can significantly affect outcome of the experiment. Values from the market stall sessions were higher than those from the snowball and market research samples obtained online; this may be linked to greater cooperation associated with personal interaction and collective action. In agreement with the literature, we found that valuation of forest carbon offsets is associated with cognitive, ethical, behavioural, geographical and economic factors.     

Assays with Daphnia magna and Danio rerio as alert systems in aquatic toxicology

For the evaluation and monitoring of the water quality, a series of methodologies, which have as basis an ample variety of bioindicators, may be applied. The aim of this research was to evaluate the use of ecotoxicity assays with Daphnia magna and Danio rerio as alert systems in water contaminated with toxic substances. Using two toxicity databases, the sensibility of those aquatic organisms to a wide variety of chemical products and elements and to some chemical categories was investigated. The relation between the reference dose for human oral chronic exposure (RfD) of all chemical products and the acute toxicity values for both bioindicators was also studied. Acute toxicity tests with D. magna respond to a larger variety of chemicals with a higher sensitivity than those with D. rerio. Although mammals, crustaceans and fish have different routes of exposure, target organs and toxic mechanisms, acute toxicity essays with fish and Daphnia may be used as an initial screening before mammal models are used.     

Cesium accumulation by fish following acute input to lakes: a comparison of experimental and Chernobyl-impacted systems

An uptake parameter u (L kg⁻¹ d⁻¹) and a loss rate parameter k (d⁻¹) were estimated for the patterns of accumulation and loss of ¹³³Cs by three fish species following an experimental ¹³³Cs addition into a pond in South Carolina, USA. These u and k parameters were compared to similar estimates for fish from other experimental ponds and from lakes that received ¹³⁷Cs deposition from Chernobyl. Estimates of u from ponds and lakes declined with increasing potassium concentrations in the water column. Although loss rates were greater in the experimental ponds, the times required to reach maximum Cs concentrations in fish were similar between ponds and lakes, because ponds and lakes had similar retentions of Cs in the water column. The maximum Cs concentrations in fish were largely determined by initial Cs concentrations in the water column. These maximum concentrations in fish and the times required to reach these maxima are potentially useful indicators for assessments of risks to humans from fish consumption.     

Chlorinated biphenyls and pesticides in migrating and resident seabirds from East and West Antarctica

The unhatched eggs of the following seabirds were analyzed to quantify PCBs, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), α-, β-, γ-, δ-hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), o,p' and p,p' isomers of DDT, DDD and DDE: resident Adèlie (Pygoscelis adèliae, ADPE) and Emperor (Aptenodytes forsteri, EMPE) penguins, migrating snow petrel (Pagodroma nivea, SNPT) and South Polar skua (Catharacta maccormicki, SPSK) from the Ross Sea (East Antarctica); and migrating Brown skua (Catharacta antartica, BRSK) and resident ADPE from the Brainsfield Strait (West Antarctica). The general aims were to evaluate the contaminant accumulation in eggs of migrating and resident species in the two study areas, and to compare levels in penguins and skuas nesting in East and West Antarctica. PCB congener and HCH and DDT isomer profiles were also assessed. Comparisons were evaluated using seven PCB congeners (IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 118+149, 138, 153, and 180), p,p'-DDE, ΣDDTs, and ΣHCHs. Higher contaminant concentrations were detected in migrating seabirds (South polar skua and brown skua)>sub-Antarctic species (snow petrel)>Antarctic species (penguins) from both the sampling sites, suggesting contamination events at lower latitudes for those birds migrating northward. HCHs showed the lowest concentrations in all species (from 0.03±0.03 ng/g wet wt in SPSK to 1.81±1.23 ng/g wet wt in ADPE from West Antarctica), and PCBs were the most abundant contaminants (from 4.34±2.15 ng/g wet wt. in EMPE to 53.41±19.61 ng/g wet wt. in brown skua). Among pesticides, it is relevant the detection of p,p'-DDT in Adèlie penguin from West Antarctica and in both species of skua; the detection of this pesticide can confirm its actual use in certain malaria-endemic countries from where it is transferred through the long range transport to the polar regions. Contaminants did not show any significant temporal trend during a ten year time span, from 1994/95 to 2004/05, in organisms collected in East Antarctica and they did not indicate any latitudinal gradient along the Ross Sea coasts.     

137Cs and 210Po dose assessment from marine food in Cienfuegos Bay (Cuba)

One part of Radiological Monitoring Programme in central Cuba (1991-1995) was dedicated to study the background levels of natural and anthropogenic radioactivity in Cienfuegos Bay in the vicinity of the first Cuban nuclear power station under construction. 210Po and 137Cs concentrations in fish, molluscs and crustaceans collected in Cienfuegos Bay were determined and the committed effective doses (CED) were calculated for two population groups inhabiting this region. The highest values of 210Po concentrations were found in crustaceans, but significant accumulation was also observed in fish and molluscs. The mean 137Cs concentrations in organisms are several times lower with respect to 210Po, a situation that characterises the regions affected by the global fallout only. Values of CED from the consumption of crustaceans and molluscs are very low both from 210Po and 137Cs. The mean individual dose from 210Po in the seafood consumed varies from 39 microSv for general populations to 2802 microSv for the "critical group" consuming 320 kg of fish per year. The dose from 137Cs is negligible.     

Levels and trends of persistent organic pollutants in ringed seals (Phoca hispida) from Central West Greenland, with particular focus on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and the organochlorine compounds polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDTs, HCB, chlordane-related pesticides, HCH and toxaphene were analysed in blubber of juvenile ringed seals from Central West Greenland collected between 1982 and 2006. The longest time series could be established for PBDEs, partly based on archived material, while PCBs and DDTs covered a study period from 1994-2006. All organochlorines showed decreasing trends, most pronounced for DDT and HCH with an annual change of 8%. BDE-47 had a significantly increasing trend of 5% annually. It was the only BDE congener consistently above the detection limit, with annual median concentrations between 0.78 ng/g lw to 3.54 ng/g lw, i.e. about 10 times lower than values from East Greenland observed in a similar time trend study on ringed seal blubber [Rigét F, Vorkamp K, Dietz R, Rastogi SC. Temporal trend studies on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in ringed seals from East Greenland. J Environ Monit 2006; 8: 1000-5]. A clear East>West difference was also found for PCBs and DDTs, but not for chlordanes, toxaphene or HCHs. Sigma 10-PCB, Sigma DDT and Sigma Chlordanes had similar annual median concentrations, typically exceeding SigmaPBDE by two orders of magnitude. The concentrations of HCH and toxaphene were in an intermediate group, with highest annual median concentrations of 135 ng/g lw and 20 ng/g lw, respectively. For most compound groups, the circumpolar trend previously established under for example the Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme was confirmed, but apparently, more data are needed for chlordane-related compounds and toxaphene. Statistical analyses of the compound patterns in the ringed seal samples revealed significantly greater differences between seals from East and West than between different sampling years. Higher proportions of PCBs and DDTs and lower proportions of chlordanes and HCHs were found in seals from East Greenland than in those from West Greenland. Based on principal component analysis of individual congener and compounds, seals from East Greenland were found to contain higher proportions of the higher chlorinated CB congeners. Varying patterns between sampling locations may be caused by different exposure situations related to contaminant emissions and transport, but different feeding habits may also affect the contaminant composition.     

Predictors of PCP,OH-PCBs,PCBs and chlorinated pesticides in a general female Norwegian population

The aims of the current study were to assess plasma concentrations and predictors of halogenated phenolic compounds (HPCs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides in a representative group of postmenopausal Norwegian women (n = 311, mean age: 56 years). In addition to delivering a blood sample, the participants had also filled out a detailed questionnaire regarding their current health status, use of medication and dietary habits, etc. The association between a large number of dietary variables, lifestyle factors and plasma concentration of organic pollutants were investigated using multivariate statistics.Within the current study group, p,p′-DDE (median: 903 ng/L w.w.) and pentachlorophenol (PCP, median: 711 ng/L w.w.) were the dominating compounds on a wet weight basis and were present in considerable higher concentrations than the PCBs, the hydroxylated PCBs (OH-PCBs) and the remaining chlorinated pesticides. Of the PCBs, PCB 153 was detected in highest concentrations, whereas 4-OH-PCB187 was present in highest concentration of the selected OH-PCBs. The ratio of ΣOH-PCB to ΣPCB varied between 0.06 and 0.77 ng/L and were significantly lower in individuals with higher ΣPCB concentration. PCP did not co-vary with the other contaminants, indicating a different route of exposure. No clear food cluster was positively associated with PCP exposure; however intake of marine food was negatively linked to PCP concentration and age and being a non-smoker were positive predictors of PCP. The other investigated contaminants co-varied and were positively associated with age, plasma concentrations of marine derived omega-3 fatty acids and a traditional Norwegian fish and bread based diet. The difference in contaminant concentration between high, medium and low consumers of total marine food were however marginal for the dominating PCBs and chlorinated pesticides. The current results indicate however that marine food in itself could be a source of some of the OH-PCBs, regardless of their PCB precursors.As PCP is one of the dominating organic contaminants within the general female Norwegian population, future research on human concentrations, exposure routes and potential health effects of PCP is encouraged. Continued monitoring of human OH-PCB levels should also be performed as they could be present at levels almost as high as the PCBs and they are expected to be more toxic than their mother substances.     

Changes in concentrations of hydrophilic organic contaminants and of endocrine-disrupting potential downstream of small communities located adjacent to headwaters

Endocrine-disruptive potential and concentrations of polar organic contaminants were measured in seven headwaters flowing through relatively unpolluted areas of the Czech Republic. Towns with Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) discharges were the first known sources of anthropogenic pollution in the areas. River water was sampled several kilometers upstream (US) and several tens of meters downstream (DS) of the WWTP discharges, by use of Pesticide and Pharmaceutical Polar Organic Integrative Samplers (POCIS-Pest, POCIS-Pharm). Extracts of passive samplers were tested by use of a battery of in vitro bioassays to determine overall non-specific cytotoxicity, endocrine-disruptive (ED) potential and dioxin-like toxicity. The extracts were also used for quantification of polar organics. There was little toxicity to cells caused by most extracts of POCIS. Estrogenicity was detected in all types of samples even though US locations are considered to be background. At US locations, concentrations of estrogen equivalents (EEq) ranged from less than the detection limits (LOD) to 0.5 ng EEq/POCIS. Downstream concentrations of EEqs ranged from less than LOD to 4.8 ng EEq/POCIS. Concentrations of EEq in POCIS extracts from all DS locations were 1 to 14 times greater than those at US locations. Concentrations of EEq measured in extracts of POCIS-Pest and POCIS-Pharm were in a good agreement. Neither antiestrogenic nor anti/androgenic activities were detected. Concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents (TEq_bio) were detected in both types of POCIS at concentrations ranging from less than the LOD to 0.39 ng TEq_bio/POCIS. Nearly all extracts of POCIS-Pharm contained greater concentrations of TEq_bio activity than extracts of POCIS-Pest. Concentrations of pesticides and pharmaceuticals in extracts of POCIS were generally small at all sampling sites, but levels of some pharmaceuticals were significantly greater in both types of POCIS from DS locations. Chemical analyses along with the results of bioassays documented impacts of small towns with WWTPs on headwaters.     

香溪河流域不同介质中碳、氮、磷的分布特征及相关性研究

为了解香溪河流域碳、氮、磷的分布情况及水、陆生态系统中这些生源要素间的相互关系,对流域内河岸带土壤、河流水体及沉积物中总有机碳(TOC)、总氮(TN)、总磷(TP)含量进行调查,分析它们在流域内的分布特点,探讨各要素在3种介质间的相关性及随河流级别的变化规律。研究发现,超过60%的样点土壤中TOC、TN含量处于"较丰富"或"丰富"等级,耕地附近样点的TOC、TN和磷矿区附近样点的TP普遍偏高。河流水体及沉积物中各要素的含量都与土壤中的含量紧密相关,但水、陆介质间TP的相关性较TOC、TN强。低级别河流样点土壤中TOC、TN、C/P、N/P值和沉积物中C/P及N/P值整体较高级别河流样点高。结果表明:以磷矿开发和农业施肥为代表的人类活动,对香溪河流域内生源要素的含量及分布产生了显著影响;水体中P元素含量与陆源关系最强,在水体污染控制中应予以重视。     

Occurrence, distribution and possible sources of organochlorine pesticide residues in tropical coastal environment of India: an overview

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are an important potential component of chemical pollutants used extensively for agriculture and sanitation purposes in India as these are comparatively cheap and effective. These persistent organic compounds such as HCH isomers, DDT and its metabolites are the predominant chemical contaminants found along the Indian coast and thus constitute both alluring and grave areas of scientific research. Our objective in the paper is to provide a comprehensive account of the distribution of organochlorine pesticides in biotic and abiotic compartments of the Indian coastal environment, make some comments on their environmental sources, their movement through the food chain and possible ecotoxicological risk of health in biota including humans. The prevalent HCH, DDT and HCB concentrations differ markedly in eastern and western coast of India reflecting differing agricultural and other usage and their ultimate input into the coastal environment by several rivers and the bioturbation activities of macrozoobenthos (bivalve mollusks, polychaetous annelids, etc.). In several cases, the DDT levels exceeded the effects range-low (ER-L) and could thus cause acute biological impairments, in comparison with the sediment quality guidelines. Contributions of DDT metabolites (DDT, DDD and DDE residues) vary in different Indian coastal regions predominated by pp'-DDT and pp'-DDD. Measured concentrations of HCHs were lower than DDTs that might be due to higher water solubility, vapor pressure and biodegradability of the latter. HCH and DDT residues in fish in India were lower than those in the temperate countries indicating a lower accumulation in tropical fish, which might be related to rapid volatilization of this insecticide in the tropical environment. The concentrations of other chlorinated pesticides (aldrin, dieldrin, eldrin, methoxychlor, endosulfan sulphate) were lower and not generally of great concern.