Specific biomagnification of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula), common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and their prey from Lake Shinji,Japan

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs) were detected in waterfowl such as common cormorants, tufted ducks, and their prey, namely fish and bivalves from Lake Shinji, Japan. The concentration of total PCDDs/DFs-TEQ was found to be higher in the muscle tissues of common cormorants than in those of tufted ducks. The results of hierarchical cluster analysis implied that the residue distribution pattern of PCDD/DF homologues was considerably different between these two species. Furthermore, biomagnification factors (BMFs) were estimated from bivalves as prey to tufted duck muscles as target organs. Despite the highest concentrations of 1,3,6,8- and 1,3,7,9-TeCDD in tufted ducks and their prey, however, the BMFs of these isomers were calculated to be lower than those of the toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs. On the other hand, log BMF of toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs were significantly higher for lower chlorinated isomers than those of the higher chlorinated isomers. The biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) of PCDDs/DFs were also estimated using shijimi clam and fish samples against sediment from Lake Shinji. The average BSAFs were estimated and ranged from 4.0×10⁻³ to 2.2×10⁻¹ and 2.0×10⁻⁴ to 2.0×10⁻¹ for bivalve and fish samples, respectively. Based on calculated BMFs and BSAFs, the total PCDD/DF-TEQ levels in the tufted duck were estimated to have been lowest (2.0 pg TEQ/g dry weight basis) in 1947 and highest (9.8 pg TEQ/g) in 1971.     

Specific biomagnification of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula), common cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) and their prey from Lake Shinji, Japan

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs) were detected in waterfowl such as common cormorants, tufted ducks, and their prey, namely fish and bivalves from Lake Shinji, Japan. The concentration of total PCDDs/DFs-TEQ was found to be higher in the muscle tissues of common cormorants than in those of tufted ducks. The results of hierarchical cluster analysis implied that the residue distribution pattern of PCDD/DF homologues was considerably different between these two species. Furthermore, biomagnification factors (BMFs) were estimated from bivalves as prey to tufted duck muscles as target organs. Despite the highest concentrations of 1,3,6,8- and 1,3,7,9-TeCDD in tufted ducks and their prey, however, the BMFs of these isomers were calculated to be lower than those of the toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs. On the other hand, log BMF of toxic 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs were significantly higher for lower chlorinated isomers than those of the higher chlorinated isomers. The biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) of PCDDs/DFs were also estimated using shijimi clam and fish samples against sediment from Lake Shinji. The average BSAFs were estimated and ranged from 4.0×10⁻³ to 2.2×10⁻¹ and 2.0×10⁻⁴ to 2.0×10⁻¹ for bivalve and fish samples, respectively. Based on calculated BMFs and BSAFs, the total PCDD/DF-TEQ levels in the tufted duck were estimated to have been lowest (2.0 pg TEQ/g dry weight basis) in 1947 and highest (9.8 pg TEQ/g) in 1971.     

Apportionment of TEQs from four major dioxin sources in Japan on the basis of five indicative congeners

The major sources of dioxins (polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs)) in the environment in Japan have been considered to be combustion by-products, pentachlorophenol (PCP) formulations, chlornitrofen (CNP, 4-nitrophenyl-2,4,6-trichlorophenyl ether) formulations, and PCB products. Data on PCDDs, PCDFs and DL-PCBs from the four sources were analyzed, and indicative congeners whose concentrations were highly correlated with WHO-2006 toxic equivalencies (TEQs) were identified for each source sample. The indicative congeners for combustion by-products, PCP formulations, and CNP formulations were 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, and 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, respectively; for PCB products, the indicative congeners were IUPAC Nos. #126- and #105-pentachlorobiphenyls. Moreover, using the data on PCDDs, PCDFs and DL-PCBs, we developed a set of equations for estimating the apportionment of TEQs from the four sources by using only the concentrations of the above-mentioned five indicative congeners. The equations were used along with the analysis results of different types of environmental samples collected from Japan, to determine the TEQ contributions of the four sources. The obtained values of TEQ contributions seemed to be reasonable. The estimation method was developed by using the data on major dioxin sources in Japan, and therefore, it is generally adaptable to environmental samples from any part of Japan. The method may be usable for regions outside Japan if source identification is carried out and the estimation equations are modified appropriately.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in rice straw smoke and their origins in Japan

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) contained in the smoke generated from rice straw burning in post-harvest paddy fields in Japan were analyzed to determine their congener profiles. Both the apportionment of toxic equivalent (TEQ) by using indicative congeners and the comparison of the homolog profiles showed that the PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs present in the rice-straw smoke were greatly influenced by those present as impurities in pentachlorophenol (PCP) and chlornitrofen (CNP, 4-nitrophenyl-2,4,6-trichlorophenyl ether) formulations that had been widely used as herbicides in paddy fields in Japan. Further, in order to investigate the effects of paddy-field soil on the PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs present in rice-straw smoke, PCDD/PCDF/DL-PCB homolog profiles of rice straw, rice-straw smoke and paddy-field soil were compared. Rice-straw smoke was generated by burning rice straw on a stainless-steel tray in a laboratory. The results suggested that the herbicides-originated PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs and the atmospheric PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs contributed predominantly to the presence of PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs in the rice-straw smoke while the contribution of PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs formed during rice straw burning was relatively minimal. The major sources of the PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs found in the rice-straw smoke were attributed primarily to the paddy-field soil adhered to the rice straw surface and secondarily to the air taken by the rice straw. The principal component analysis supported these conclusions. It is concluded that rice straw burning at paddy fields acts as a driving force in the transfer of PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs from paddy-field soil to the atmosphere.     

Levels and congener profiles of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in blue shark (Prionace glauca) liver from the South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea (Italy)

Liver of blue shark (Prionace glauca) specimens from the South-Eastern Mediterranean Sea were analyzed for the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including coplanar congeners, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). PCBs were the dominant chemicals, followed by PCDFs and PCDDs. The pattern of PCB congener concentrations in the hepatic tissue was dominated by higher chlorinated compounds. The specific profile of toxic PCDD/F congeners was characterized mainly by 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 2,3,7,8-TCDD, followed by 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD and 2,3,4,6,7,8-HxCDF. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) was 149 pg g⁻¹ lipid wt. The profile of TEQ shows that PCDDs present the greatest risk to this species contributing to total toxicity with a percentage approximately of 60%, while the contribution of PCDFs and DL-PCBs is almost the same being 22.4% and 21.6%, respectively. Further investigations are urgently needed to characterize the PCDD/Fs contamination levels not only in elasmobranch fish but in all Mediterranean marine biota.     

Development of supercritical carbon dioxide extraction with a solid phase trap for dioxins in soils and sediments

A method involving supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) with a solid phase trap containing activated alumina was investigated for the rapid analysis of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) in soils and sediments. The samples were extracted by using supercritical carbon dioxide with water (2% versus CO(2) flow velocity) being used as an entrainer at a pressure of 30 MPa and a temperature of 130 degrees C for 50 min. The extracts were adsorbed on an activated alumina trap that was maintained at a temperature of 150 degrees C, and then, PCDD/DFs and DL-PCBs were eluted with 20 ml of hexane at 60 degrees C. After concentration, they were measured with a high-resolution gas chromatograph interfaced to a high-resolution mass spectrometric detector. The average concentrations of PCDD/DFs and DL-PCBs corresponded to the results obtained by the conventional method, and the reproducibility of this SFE method was below 21% of the relative standard deviations for all samples. The total time required for the analysis of the pretreatment of this method was only 2 h.     

Dynamics of PCDDs/DFs and coplanar-PCBs in an aquatic food chain of Tokyo Bay

Concentrations and accumulation profiles of PCDDs/DFs and coplanar-PCBs (co-PCBs) in aquatic biota (e.g., plankton, shellfish, benthic invertebrate, and fish) and sediment from Tokyo Bay were examined to elucidate the relationship between bioaccumulation and trophic level in the food web as determined by the stable nitrogen isotope analysis. Bioaccumulation patterns of PCDDs/DFs and co-PCBs varied greatly among congeners. Accumulation patterns of PCDDs/DFs and co-PCBs are not solely explained by their physicochemical properties. Biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for co-PCBs in biota from Tokyo Bay were significantly greater than those of PCDDs/DFs. Furthermore, the slopes of the plots of delta15N and BSAF values and water solubility of 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/DFs and co-PCBs were highly correlated. The results of our study would provide the valuable information to understand the accumulation properties of PCDDs/DFs and co-PCBs that can be used as a scientific basis to determine the sediment quality criteria of PCDDs/DFs and co-PCBs.     

Dietary patterns and blood levels of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in 1656 Japanese individuals

The association between dietary patterns and blood dioxin levels has not been fully investigated. The present study population consisted of 755 men and 901 women (aged 15-73 years) living in 90 different areas of 30 prefectures of Japan. Dietary habits were assessed by inquiring about the consumption frequency of 28 foods, food groups and beverages. In addition, the blood levels of 29 polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (DL-PCBs) congeners were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The median total toxicity equivalent (TEQ) in the blood, which was calculated on the basis of the toxicity equivalency factors of WHO (2005), was 16 pg TEQ g⁻¹ lipid. Principal component analysis identified five dietary patterns: Healthy diet (high intake of vegetables and fruits); Meat/High fat intake (high intake of meat, meat products, and eggs); Seafood and Alcohol (high intake of fish, shellfish, and alcoholic beverages); Miscellaneous; and Milk products and Alcohol intake (high intake of milk, Milk products, and alcoholic beverages). After adjusting for sex, age, body mass index, and smoking habits, the Seafood and Alcohol pattern scores were significantly related to higher blood levels of total TEQ and PCDDs/PCDFs/DL-PCBs, and the Milk products and Alcohol pattern scores were correlated with higher blood levels of DL-PCBs. More detailed analysis showed that the intake frequencies for alcoholic beverages and seafood were independently and positively associated with total TEQ and the TEQ of PCDFs and DL-PCBs. The association between alcoholic beverage intake and PCDDs was also significant. Analysis of dietary patterns may be useful for identifying the dietary characteristics of individuals with a high dioxin body burden.     

PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs concentrations in breast milk from two areas in Korea: body burden of mothers and implications for feeding infants

We determined breast milk concentration of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs)/polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 24 mothers living in Korea, and assessed the maternal body burden based on PCDDs/PCDFs and PCBs concentrations in breast milk and an infant intake rate through breast-feeding based on their concentration in breast milk. PCDDs/PCDFs and PCBs levels in breast milk from primipara mothers were found to be higher than those from multipara mothers. For total PCDDs/PCDFs TEQ level, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDD was the predominant congener, and the proportion of 2,3,7,8-TCDD was less than 3% of total PCDDs/PCDFs TEQ level. For PCBs TEQ level, PCB-126 was the predominant congener. Maternal body burden levels of PCDDs/PCDFs and PCBs based on their concentrations in breast milk were 268-622 TEQ ng. The daily dioxin intakes of mothers were predicted to be 0.78-2.18 TEQ pg/kg/day for PCDDs/PCDFs and 0.34-0.66 TEQ pg/kg/ day for PCBs. For the first year, the body burden of an infant was predicted to be 212 TEQ ng and the daily intake of an infant was predicted to be 85 TEQ pg/kg/day, assuming the mean dioxin-related compounds concentration (27.54 TEQ pg/g fat).     

Examination of dioxin fluxes recorded in dated aquatic-sediment cores in the Kanto region of Japan using multivariate data analysis

Past dioxin (coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (Co-PCB), 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF)) fluxes recorded in dated aquatic-sediment cores were analyzed using principal component analysis (PCA). The data set consisted of samples from four cores collected from the Kanto region of Japan. Time trends and spatial differences in the dioxin flux were examined, and the potential relationship to emission sources was investigated. Twenty-five compounds and 58 core slices, corresponding to the later half of the 20th century, were subjected to the analysis. The PCA of both log-transformed and maximum-value-standardized data successfully divided the dioxin compounds into a small number of groups, and three similar clusters of Co-PCBs, PCDDs and penta- to hepta-CDFs were identified. PCB formulations used in the past are judged to have been responsible for the major part of the Co-PCB flux recorded in the sediment cores. However, the relationship to emission sources needs further investigation. It is suggested that most 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs are different from Co-PCBs in their emission sources or movements in the environment. The subcore clusters obtained from the PCA of log-transformed data show that the cores from different sampling areas exhibited distinct dioxin fluxes and compositions. Common time trends among the cores were more effectively summarized by the PCA of maximum-value-standardized data focusing on relative time trends. PC scores show that recently the flux of each dioxin compound in the four cores has been generally declining after having reached a peak.     

PCDDs/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs: recent body burden levels and their determinants among general inhabitants in Japan

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to grasp the recent body burden levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) and to investigate their determinants among general inhabitants in Japan. METHODS: This study was performed on 1374 participants aged 15-73 years, who were not occupational exposure to PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs, living widely in 75 different residential areas of 25 prefectures in Japan. Seven PCDDs, ten PCDFs, twelve DL-PCBs, which are assigned a toxicity equivalent factor, and biochemical factors were determined in fasting blood. A questionnaire survey on life-style was also performed. RESULTS: The median of total toxicity equivalent (TEQ) was 20pgTEQ/g lipid. The TEQs of PCDDs/PCDFs, DL-PCBs and total TEQ increased with age. The intake frequency of fish-and-shellfish was positively associated with the TEQ of DL-PCBs in both sexes. Current smoking was negatively related to the TEQ of DL-PCBs in male subjects but not in female subjects. Feeding status was significantly related to the TEQs of PCDDs/PCDFs, DL-PCBs and total TEQ, being lowest in breast feeding and highest in never and bottle feeding. According to the results of subgroup analysis, parity was not associated with the TEQs. CONCLUSIONS: The fish-and-shellfish consumption may contribute to the accumulation of DL-PCBs, and smoking may induce some biological action for the elimination of DL-PCBs from the human body. Breast feeding is considered to be one of the major excretory pathways of PCDDs/PCDFs and DL-PCBs in women, while parity may not largely contribute to the elimination of these pollutants.     

Serum levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs in non-occupationally exposed population groups living near two incineration plants in Tuscany, Italy

A pilot study was carried out in Tuscany, Italy, to provide preliminary information on the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorobiphenyls (DL-PCBs), and selected non-dioxin-like PCBs (NDL-PCBs) in groups of subjects living in the vicinity of two incineration plants. Seventy-four volunteers were enrolled from areas identified as under a potential impact from incinerator emissions and from not exposed areas. No significant differences were observed between subjects living in the two types of areas. Total concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and DL-PCBs resulted to be in the range 23-30 pg WHO-TEQ g(-1), lipid base, for subjects in the 27-54 year age groups, while concentrations increased to 40-44 pgTEQ g(-1) for the two 55-67 year age groups. The levels of PCDDs and PCDFs were in good agreement with those observed for unexposed population groups in Italy, while the contribution to total TEQ from DL-PCBs was appreciably higher than those currently observed in the general population in Italy and other countries. As to NDL-PCBs, serum levels of the six "indicator" congeners were in the range 240-300 ng g(-1), lipid base, for subjects in the 27-54 year age groups. A raise in NDL-PCB body burden (430-470 ng g(-1), lipid base) was observed for the two 55+ year age groups, in agreement with the expected age-dependent increase. The findings from this study do not show an incremental exposure to PCDDs and PCDFs in the samples from subjects living around the two incineration plants, whereas PCB congener profiles in all samples suggest a possible impact on the area of interest of industrial activities from near industrial settlements.     

Dietary intake of PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs, due to the consumption of various marine organisms from Korea

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DL-PCBs) residues were measured in 70 marine organisms (40 species) from Korean coastal waters. The PCDD/Fs residues in the organisms varied from 0.02 to 4.39 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight and the DL-PCBs residues varied from 0.008 to 6.0 pg WHO-TEQ/g wet weight. The levels in fish from Korean coastal waters were comparable to those found in other countries. Comparing organism groups, the highest PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs residues were recorded in crustaceans, followed by fish, cephalopods, bivalves and gastropods. Although the congener distributions of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in the organism groups were different, the dominant contributors to the total TEQ concentrations in all groups were 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorinated dibenzofuran (PeCDF), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PeCDD) and PCB 126. The dietary intake of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs from the consumption of marine organisms in Korea was estimated to be 0.68 pg WHO-TEQ/kg bodyweight/day. The contribution of DL-PCBs to the total dietary intake from all organisms groups averaged 60%. The relative contribution of each organism group to the total dietary intake was, in descending order: fish, crustaceans, cephalopods, bivalves and gastropods. The current dietary intake was lower than those in countries with a similar dietary pattern to Korea, but higher than those in countries with smaller quantities of seafood consumption.     

Chemical contaminants in fish feeds used in federal salmonid hatcheries in the USA

Recent studies have demonstrated that fish feeds contain significant concentrations of contaminants, many of which can bioaccumulate and bioconcentrate in fish. Organochlorine (OC) contaminants are present in the fish oils and fish meals used in feed manufacture, and some researchers speculate that all fish feeds contain measurable levels of some contaminants. To determine the concentration of contaminants in feeds used in US Fish and Wildlife Service's National Fish Hatcheries, we systematically collected samples of feed from 11 cold-water fish hatcheries. All samples (collected from October 2001 to October 2003) contained at least one polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD), polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener, or dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) metabolite. Of the 55 samples in which they were analyzed 39 contained PCDDs, 24 contained PCDFs and 24 contained DDT or its metabolites. There were 10- to 150-fold differences in concentrations of total PCBs, PCDDs, PCDFs and DDT. Although PCBs were the most commonly detected contaminant in our study, concentrations (range: 0.07-10.46 ng g(-1) wet weight) were low compared to those reported previously. In general, we also found lower levels of OCs than reported previously in fish feed. Perhaps most notable was the near absence of OC pesticides - except for DDT or its metabolites, and two samples containing hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH). While contaminant concentrations were generally low, the ecological impacts can not be determined without a measure of the bioaccumulation of these compounds in the fish and the fate of these compounds after the fish are released.     

Study on PCBs,PCDD/Fs,organochlorine pesticides,heavy metals and arsenic content in freshwater fish species from the River Turia (Spain)

In this study samples of common trout, European eel and barbel have been analysed for the levels of heavy metals such as lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and the metalloid arsenic (As). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including three non-ortho substituted PCBs, 2,3,7,8-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and DDT and its two main metabolites were also analysed in some selected samples, in order to evaluate the extent of contamination of the River Turia basin. All samples presented detectable levels of the elements analysed, presenting zinc the highest concentrations. European eel was the species found to highly accumulate these contaminants. Regarding organochlorinated compounds, seven samples exhibited detectable levels of the most toxic PCDD/Fs congener, the 2,3,7,8-TCDD. Non-ortho PCBs were not detected or not quantified in almost all samples and the sum of the individual PCB congeners determined were low compared to other aquatic ecosystems with similar fish species.     

Atmospheric deposition of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in urban and suburban areas of Korea

Bulk atmospheric samples (wet and dry) were collected monthly throughout a year at urban and suburban areas of Korea to assess the deposition flux and seasonal variations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). The PCDDs/DFs deposition fluxes ranged from 1.0 to 3.7 ng TEQ/m²/year in the urban area and from 0.5 to 4.6 ng TEQ/m²/year in the suburban area. The deposition fluxes of PCDDs/DFs in this study were comparable to or lower than those previously reported at different locations. The atmospheric deposition fluxes of particles and PCDDs/DFs in winter tended to be higher than those in summer. However, monthly variations between particle and PCDDs/DFs deposition fluxes were small, and the correlation coefficients between the deposition fluxes of air particles and each homologue group of PCDDs/DFs varied according to the degree of chlorination of the homologue group. The deposition velocity of PCDDs/DFs in the urban area was estimated at 0.04 cm/s, which is a lower value than those found in other studies. The two most likely factors affecting the monthly variation of deposition fluxes are the ambient temperature and the amount of precipitation. In particular, the ambient temperature had an influence on the lower chlorinated homologues of PCDDs/DFs while precipitation had an influence on the higher chlorinated PCDDs/DFs. The PCDDs/DFs profiles in atmospheric deposition bulk samples showed a similar pattern at the urban and suburban sites. The possibility of the loading of PCDDs/DFs by Asian dust events could be partly confirmed by investigation of homologue profiles.     

PCDDs/DFs emissions from crematories in Japan

Concentrations of PCDDs and PCDFs in emission gases from 10 crematories were measured. The relationship between PCDDs/DFs and several factors such as structure, equipment and operational state of the crematory is discussed. Furthermore, emission of PCDDs/DFs from all crematories in Japan is estimated. The following results are obtained: (1) total concentration of PCDDs/DFs was 2.2-290 ng/N m3, whose TEQ concentration was 0.0099-6.5 ng TEQ/N m3; (2) total concentration of PCDFs was higher than that of PCDDs; (3) T4CDFs was the highest in the homologue pattern and 2,3,7,8-T4CDF was the highest in the isomer pattern; (4) emission of PCDDs/DFs was the largest in the first 20 min of cremation; (5) concentration of PCDDs/DFs was related to the existence of a secondary combustion chamber and a dust collector, and the ratio of the numbers of main and secondary combustion chambers; (6) total emission of PCDDs/DFs from crematories in Japan was estimated to be 8.9 g TEQ/yr.     

Temporal trends and sources of PCDD/Fs, pentachlorophenol and chlornitrofen in paddy field soils along the Yoneshiro River basin, Japan

In order to understand the long-term behaviors of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), pentachlorophenol (PCP), and 2,4,6-trichlorophenyl-4′-nitrophenyl ether (chlornitrofen, CNP) in paddy soil, we measured their concentrations in paddy soil samples collected in 1982 and 1984 (1980s) and in 2000 and 2002 (2000s) from the Yoneshiro River basin, Japan. The concentrations of PCP and CNP decreased from the 1980s to the 2000s, whereas the concentrations of PCDD/Fs and their toxic equivalency (WHO2006-TEQ) remained. The major sources of PCDD/Fs in the paddy soil samples were attributed to impurities in PCP and CNP as a result of comparisons of homologue and congener profiles and principal component analysis. Based on the results of comparison of total input and remaining amount, it is estimated that more than 99% of PCP and CNP applied to the paddy fields had disappeared, whereas most of the applied PCDD/Fs and TEQ remained.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans in Great Barrier Reef (Australia) dugongs (Dugong dugon)

Fat tissue samples from dugong (Dugong dugon) carcasses stranded at three sites along the Great Barrier Reef were analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Relatively high levels of PCDDs were determined in all three dugongs. In particular OCDD, the PCDD/F congener that is usually considered the least bioavailable of all 2,3,7,8 substituted congeners, was found at levels higher than reported for other marine mammals. Tissue accumulation of PCDDs by dugongs may be a consequence of sediment and/or seagrass ingestion during feeding, microbial biotransformation of PCDD precursors in the animal's hindgut or, alternatively, the possession of a selective degradation capability for PCDFs.     

Health risk assessment for polychlorinated biphenyls, polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, and polychlorinated naphthalenes in seafood from Guangzhou and Zhoushan, China

This study determined the concentrations of organochlorine contaminants in common seafood in two Chinese coastal cities (Guangzhou and Zhoushan), and assessed the health risk due to the daily consumption of contaminated seafood. Twenty-six pooled samples, belonging to five food categories (fish, bivalves, shrimp, crab, and cephalopods), were purchased from local markets in Guangzhou and Zhoushan in 2003 and 2004. These samples were analyzed for total polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), non- and mono-ortho-PCBs (coplanar PCBs), polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs), and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/DFs). The concentrations of total PCBs and coplanar PCBs in fish samples were higher in Guangzhou than in Zhoushan, while the levels of PCNs and PCDDs/DFs were comparable between the two cities. The total daily intake values of dioxin-like compounds were 1.05 and 0.86pg WHO-TEQ/kg body weight in Guangzhou and Zhoushan, respectively. Hazard ratios of non-cancer risk in the two cities were all less than unity.