PBDEs in marine and freshwater sediments from Belgium: levels, profiles and relations with biota

Sediments from the Belgian North Sea (BNS), the Western Scheldt Estuary (SE) and freshwater watercourses from the Scheldt basin were analysed for eight PBDE congeners, namely BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209. Previously analysed biological samples from the same locations in the BNS and the SE have been shown to contain large amounts of PBDEs. Surprisingly, PBDE concentrations in the sediments were below the LOQ for samples from the BNS (except BDE 209), while in those from the SE the sum of PBDEs (not including BDE 209) were higher and ranged from 0.20 to 0.41 ng g(-1) dw. BDE 209 could be detected in 83% of the samples from the BNS and in all the samples from the SE. Concentrations up to 1200 ng g(-1) were hereby measured in the SE. Compared to the marine and estuarine locations, the sediments from the freshwater watercourses were relatively more polluted with the lower brominated PBDEs (<0.20-19 ng g(-1) dw). BDE 209 concentrations up to 320 ng g(-1) dw were measured in those sediments. However, the contribution of BDE 209 to the total amount of PBDEs varied much more at the freshwater locations than in the SE, which suggests a different input of pollutants. PBDE profiles observed in biological samples do not match the profiles of the sediments. BDE 183 and 209 could not be quantified in biota, although these congeners were undoubtedly present in the sediments. This raises questions about the bioavailability of these congeners in the environment.     

Occurrence of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in Lake Maggiore (Italy and Switzerland)

Samples of air (gas and particulate phases), bulk deposition, aquatic settling material and sediments were collected in Lake Maggiore (LM) in order to determine their content of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Air (gas and particulate phases) concentrations were 0.5 pg m(-3), 80 pg m(-3), 13 pg m(-3) and 106 pg m(-3) for SigmaPCDD/Fs, SigmaPCBs, Sigma dioxin-like PCBs (DL-PCBs) and SigmaPBDEs, respectively. Deposition fluxes ranged from 0.7 ng m(-2) d(-1) for SigmaPCDD/Fs to 32 ng m(-2) d(-1) for SigmaPCBs. Aquatic settling material presented concentrations of 0.4 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw) for SigmaPCDD/Fs, 13 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPCB, 3.4 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaDL-PCBs and 5.7 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPBDEs. Mean sediment concentrations were 0.4 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPCDD/Fs, 11 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPCB, 3 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaDL-PCBs and 5.1 ng g(-1) dw for SigmaPBDEs. Similar PCDD/F and DL-PCB congener patterns in all the environmental compartments of LM point to an important, if not dominant, contribution of atmospheric deposition as source of these pollutants into LM. In contrast, PBDE congener distribution was not similar in the different environmental compartments. BDE 47 dominated air and settling material, while BDE 209 was the predominant congener in the bulk atmospheric deposition. Moreover, sediments showed two distinct PBDE congener profiles. Lower PBDE concentrated sediments were dominated by congeners 47 and 99, while BDE 209 dominated in higher PBDE concentrated samples. This suggests the influence of local sources as well as atmospheric input of PBDEs into LM.     

Analysis and occurrence of emerging chlorinated and brominated flame retardants in surficial sediment of the Dalian coastal area in China

The concentrations and distributions of some typical chlorinated flame retardants (Dechlorane or Mirex, Dechlorane 602 (Dec 602), Dechlorane 603 (Dec 603), Dechlorane 604 (Dec 604) and Dechlorane Plus (DP)) and brominated FRs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE)) were analyzed in surficial sediment collected from the Dalian coastal area in northeast China. Dec 603, Dec 604, and BTBPE were below their respective limits of detection (LOD) in all sediment samples, while Dechlorane, Dec 602, DP, Σ13BDE (tri- to hepta-BDEs), BDE 209, and PBEB were identified in the ranges <0.015-39.9 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), <0.011-0.156 ng g(-1) dw, 0.69-7.00 ng g(-1) dw, 0.017-1.33 ng g(-1) dw, 3.94-103 ng g(-1) dw, and <0.073-1.9 ng g(-1) dw, respectively. Relationships between these chlorinated and brominated FRs were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). DP, Dechlorane, Σ13BDE, and BDE 209 showed significantly positive correlation (p<0.05), and these relationships showed excellent agreement with PCA results. The spatial trends for Dechlorane, DP, BDE 209, and Σ13BDE showed that high concentrations were found in the industrial zone and lower concentrations in residential and garden zones. The results imply that these FRs are originating from a common source, and support the view that direct input from the effluent of sewage outlets is a major source of these compounds in Dalian sediment.     

Short-range transport of contaminants released from e-waste recycling site in South China

The transport behaviors of a suite of contaminants released from electronic waste (e-waste) recycling operations, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and heavy metals, were evaluated by analyzing the contaminant residues in surface soils sampled in the surrounding area of an e-waste recycling site in South China. Concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in the soil samples ranged from 0.565 to 2908 ng g(-1) dw and from 0.267 to 1891 ng g(-1) dw, respectively, while soil residues were 0.082-2.56, 3.22-287, and 16.3-162 μg g(-1) dw for Cd, Cu, and Pb, respectively. Concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in soil decreased with increasing distance from the source of pollution, indicating possible PBDE and PCB contamination in the surrounding areas due to the short-range transport of these compounds from the e-waste recycling site. Although no significant difference in the short-range transport potential among PBDE and PCB congeners was observed, reductions in concentrations of the highly-brominated-BDEs and highly-chlorinated-CBs were slightly quicker than those of their less-halogen-substituted counterparts. Conversely, heavy metals showed the lowest transport potential due to their low vapor pressure, and results showed metals would remain near the pollution source instead of diffusing into the surrounding areas. Finally, mass inventories in areas near the e-waste site were 0.920, 0.134, 0.860, 4.68, 757, and 673 tons for BDE209, PBDEs (excluding BDE209), PCBs, Cd, Cu, and Pb, respectively.     

Preliminary assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Scottish aquatic environment, including the Firth of Clyde

This paper presents preliminary data on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the Scottish aquatic environment. Sediment and biota (fish liver, fish muscle and mussels) from a number of locations around Scotland were analysed for PBDEs with samples being from both remote and from potentially contaminated areas such as the former sewage sludge dump site at Garroch Head in the Clyde. PBDEs were measured in both cultivated, rope grown mussels and wild mussels collected from 5 sites around Scotland in 2006. Total PBDE concentrations (sum of tri- to hepta-BDEs) ranged from 相似文献   

Occurrence, distribution, and source of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in soil and leaves from Shenzhen Special Economic Zone, China

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in soil and three plant species samples taken at different land use areas in Shenzhen China. The concentrations of ??₇BDEs (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183) and BDE-209 in the surface soils ranged from 0.23 to 271 and 8.9 to 5,956 ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. These figures are comparable to that in the soils of electronic waste dismantling sites. BDE-209 was the predominant congener (contributes 85?C99% of ??₈PBDEs (??₇PBDEs plus BDE-209)) in soils. The regression slopes of total organic carbon and individual BDE congeners were rather gentle, indicating that factors other than soil organic matter regulated the soil concentrations. Proximity to sources of deposition processes might be the major factors. In the plant leaves, ??₇BDEs and BDE-209 concentrations ranged from 1.29 to 5.91 and 5.49 to 28.2 ng/g dw, respectively. BDE-209 is also the dominant component, but the contribution was much lower compared with that in soils. Bauhinia purpurea Linn. and Michelia alba DC. show some similarities on the uptake of PBDEs, while Ficus microcarpa var. pusillifolia is different from them. The correlations between plant leaf concentrations and predicted gaseous concentrations were moderate, indicating that gaseous concentration did not influence the leaf concentration significantly.     

Retrospective monitoring of persistent organic pollutants,including PCBs,PBDEs, and polycyclic musks in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and sediments from New Bedford Harbor,Massachusetts, USA: 1991–2005

Blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and sediments collected from 1991 to 2005 from New Bedford Harbor (NBH), MA, were analyzed for two polycyclic musks (HHCB or Galaxolide® and AHTN or Tonalide®), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). HHCB and AHTN were found in mussel tissues at mean concentrations of 836 and 376 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively, which were two- to seven-fold higher than those found at a reference site. Mean concentrations of HHCB and AHTN in NBH sediments were 12 and 6.3 ng/g dry weight (dw), respectively. Four- and five-ringed PAHs, such as phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene, collectively accounted for 61 % of the ∑PAHs concentrations in mussels from NBH. Mean ΣPCB concentrations in mussels from upper and lower NBH were 942 and 182 μg/g lw, respectively, and were dominated by tetra- and penta-chlorobiphenyl congeners, collectively accounting for 61 % of the ΣPCB concentrations. The mean concentration of ∑PBDEs in mussels from NBH was 277 ng/g lw, and no significant difference existed in the concentrations between upper and lower NBH. DDTs were the major OCP found in mussels, found at a mean concentration of 778 ng/g lw. The concentrations of HHCB, AHTN, ΣPBDEs, ΣPAHs, and DDTs in mussels decreased significantly (r ²?≥?0.56, p?≤?0.052) from 1991 to 2005. The concentrations of PCBs and chlordanes did not exhibit a decreasing trend in mussel tissues (r ²?<?0.50; p?>?0.076) from 1991 to 2005. Based on the temporal trends in the concentrations of HHCB, AHTN, ∑PAHs, and ∑PBDEs found in mussels from NBH, it was estimated that between 5.5 and 12 years were required for the concentrations of these compounds to decrease by half (i.e., environmental halving time) of the levels found in 1991.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in freshwater mussels and fish from Flanders, Belgium

The levels and distribution of PBDEs in zebra mussels and several freshwater fish species (eel, carp and gibel carp) were investigated for different sites in Flanders, Belgium. In parallel, other organohalogenated contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p[prime or minute]-DDE and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were also measured and their relationship with PBDEs was investigated. At most sites, individual PBDE congeners were present at detectable levels in mussel tissue, with the mean [summation operator]PBDE concentration ranging from 0.15 to 1.8 ng g(-1) wet weight (ww). The PCB concentrations in mussels ranged from 6.2 to 102 ng g(-1) ww. HCB and p,p[prime or minute]-DDE could be measured in mussels from most sites, mean values ranging from below the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 0.58 ng g(-1) ww and from 0.66 to 6.5 ng g(-1) ww, respectively. Except for one site (Blokkersdijk, Antwerp) where PBDEs were below the LOQ in carp muscle, all fish samples from other sites contained detectable PBDE levels, with the highest concentrations (14 +/- 14 ng g(-1) ww) being measured in eel liver from Watersportbaan (Ghent). The sampled sites covered a broad concentration range of organohalogenated pollutants with the highest values being consistently measured in eel liver. With few exceptions, all correlations between PBDEs and organochlorine pollutants for each species were low (r < 0.50) and most were statistically not significant (p > 0.05). This suggests that the exposure to contaminants arises from local sources possessing different signatures of PBDEs and organochlorine pollutants.     

An assessment of persistent organic pollutants in Scottish coastal and offshore marine environments

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in sediment and biota (fish liver) from around Scotland. The concentrations were investigated using assessment criteria developed by OSPAR and ICES. Organic contaminant concentrations, PAHs, PCBs and PBDEs in sediment, and PCBs and PBDEs in fish liver, were significantly higher in the Clyde compared to all other sea areas. This is mainly due to historic industrial inputs. Highest PCB and PAH concentrations were found in the strata furthest up the Clyde estuary, with concentrations of POPs in these strata being at levels such that there is an unacceptable risk of chronic effects occurring in marine species. Furthermore, for PAHs in Clyde sediment there was a significant negative gradient going from north to south towards the open sea. PAH and PCB concentrations in sediment and biota in all other Scottish sea areas (except for PCBs in sediment from East Scotland) were unlikely to give rise to pollution effects, being below relevant assessment criteria. Although no assessment criteria are available for PBDEs, the concentrations observed in Scottish sediments were low with all congeners below the limit of detection (LoD; 0.03 μg kg(-1) dry weight) in 140 out of a total of 307 samples analysed. Where PBDEs were detected, the dominant congeners were BDE47 and BDE99. PBDEs were detected in fish livers, although concentrations were less than 150 μg kg(-1) lipid weight in all sea areas except the Clyde where concentrations ranged between 8.9 and 2202 μg kg(-1) lipid weight. Few trends were detected in contaminant concentrations in biota or sediment at any Scottish site with more than five years data. Downward trends were detected in PAHs in sediment from the Clyde, Irish Sea and Minches and Malin Sea and PCBs in fish liver from the Moray Firth. Rules were developed for the aggregation of the contaminant data across a sea area. An overall assessment for each sea area was then assigned, looking at the frequency of sites or strata within each sea area that were above or below the relevant assessment criteria. Overall the status of the various sea areas, with respect to the assessed POPs, can be considered to be acceptable in that they were below concentrations likely to result in chronic effects for all sea areas except the Clyde.     

Personal air sampling and analysis of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and other bromine containing compounds at an electronic recycling facility in Sweden

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have been used extensively and are considered ubiquitous contaminants. To evaluate exposure to brominated flame retardants within an electronic recycling facility personal air monitoring was done during a two year period. A total of 22 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 2 other bromine containing organic compounds have been analysed and evaluated in 17 personal air samples. The most abundant congeners of PBDE was #209 (<0.7-61 ng m(-3)), #183 (<0.1-32 ng m(-3)) indicating the use of the commercial octaBDE mixture, followed by PBDE #99 and #47 (<1.3-25 and <0.9-16 ng m(-3), respectively). The second most abundant peak in the chromatogram from all samples was identified as 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenyxy)ethane (BTBPE) in the concentration range <0.6-39 ng m(-3) (semi-quantitatively calculated against PBDE #191). A second bromine containing compound was also detected, structurally similar to decabromodiphenyl ethane (DeBDethane), however no definite identification could be made. The air samples were also evaluated on a work exposure category basis. The workers represented three different categories: dismantlers, other workers and unexposed. There was a significant difference (p < 0.05 with the Mann-Whitney test) among the dismantlers and the unexposed categories for PBDE congeners #47, #100, #99, #154; #153, #183, #209 and BTBPE. Another observation was that the air concentrations of PBDEs and BTBPE in the breathing zone were negatively correlated (p < 0.05) to the amount of recycled material (in kg). The present work shows that the exposure to brominated flame retardants varied within the electronic facility and that further research is needed to evaluate how the exposure differs with different products being dismantled as well as how the bioavailability of the different BFRs to humans is related to particle exposure.     

Organochlorines and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in four geographically separated populations of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)

Atlantic salmon (Salmon salar) populations from four locations, two from isolated Swedish lake systems, one of the Baltic Sea and one of the North Atlantic, were analyzed to determine the concentrations and spatial variations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorines (DDT, PCB and HCH). Levels in both liver and muscle were in the same range as previously reported in Atlantic salmon, except for elevated concentrations found per lipid weight (lw) in the muscle samples of salmon from the North Atlantic ( summation PBDE 263 ng g(-1) lw, summation PCB 3262 ng g(-1) lw, summation DDT 4063 ng g(-1) lw summation HCH 131 ng g(-1)). In general, elevated concentrations in the muscles compared to the liver were observed, especially in lipid depleted migrating salmon, possibly caused by a faster lipid depletion compared with the redistribution of PBDEs, PCBs and DDTs. These findings indicated that the life stage and thereby the lipid dynamics of the fish must be considered prior to comparison based on lipid weight, especially as Atlantic salmon experience large variations in lipid content during periods of migration. The dominating PBDE congener was BDE-47, representing more than 25% in all fish. The PBDE pattern changed between locations, with a significant separation of the fish from the freshwater and marine environment when analyzed using principal component analysis.     

Levels and congener profiles of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in primipara breast milk from Shenzhen and exposure risk for breast-fed infants

This study aimed at revealing the levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk from primipara in Shenzhen (China), and estimating daily intake of PBDEs for breast-fed infants. Concentrations of 7 PBDEs were measured in 60 breast milk samples by isotope dilution HRGC/HRMS (high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry). The intake of PBDEs for breast-fed infants was estimated based on the infant's daily milk consumption. The range of total concentration of 7 PBDEs congeners in samples was 2.6-188.6 ng g(-1) lipid (mean: 14.8 ng g(-1) lipid; median: 7.2 ng g(-1) lipid). The mean estimated daily intake of PBDEs by breast-fed infants ranged from 9.9 to 335.9 ng kg(-1) body weight (bw) per day (mean: 52.5 ng kg(-1) bw per day; median: 28.6 ng kg(-1) bw per day). The levels of PBDEs body burden in the recruited mothers of Shenzhen were higher than those reported previously for the general population from other areas in China. No significant correlations were found between the body burden of PBDEs and the mothers' age, pre-pregnancy BMI, dietary habits, duration of residence in Shenzhen, weight and length of the newborns. BDE-47 and BDE-153 were major PBDE congeners in milk samples, while the congeners of BDE-183 and BDE-28 were also high in Shenzhen. The situation may be attributed to the special economic pattern including electronic production in Shenzhen in the past three decades. Continuous surveillance on PBDEs levels in human milk is needed in order to accurately evaluate the environmental impact of PBDEs to human health in Shenzhen.     

PBDE,HBCD, and novel brominated flame retardant contamination in sediments from Lake Maggiore (Northern Italy)

The reduction in the use of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) has opened the way for the introduction of novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) in place of the banned formulations. Important representatives of this group are decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), hexabromobenzene (HBB), and pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB). In this study, the contamination due to NBRFs was investigated for the first time in Italy in the sediments of Lake Maggiore. The aim of the research was to characterize in detail the possible presence of temporal trends and/or to identify potential sources of contamination. The study also considered the PBDE and HBCD lake sediment’s current contamination. The analytical results showed that sediments in Lake Maggiore and its tributary rivers had weak concentrations of PBEB, HBB, and BTBPE, but they did not have a negligible/insignificant contamination of HBCD (up to 23.7 ng/g dry weight (d.w.)). The determination of PBDEs in sediments showed that BDE-209 was the predominant congener (up to 217 and 28 ng/g d.w. in river and lake sediments, respectively). DBDPE was detected in the sediments with relevant concentrations (up to 280 ng/g d.w in the River Boesio sediments). The positive correlation of DBDPE with BDE-209 confirmed the wide and important use of this compound in the Lake Maggiore basin and the hypothesis that this compound will soon become one of the most important NBFRs used in Northern Italy. The contamination of Lake Maggiore sediments due to PBDEs, HBCD, and NBFRs were comparable to other worldwide situations.     

A national probabilistic study of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish from US lakes and reservoirs

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic chemicals that are present in air, water, soil, sediment, and biota (including fish). Most previous studies of PBDEs in fish were spatially focused on targeted waterbodies. National estimates were developed for PBDEs in fish from lakes and reservoirs of the conterminous US (excluding the Laurentian Great Lakes) using an unequal probability design. Predator (fillet) and bottom-dweller (whole-body) composites were collected during 2003 from 166 lakes selected randomly from the target population of 147,343 lakes. Both composite types comprised nationally representative samples that were extrapolated to the sampled population of 76,559 and 46,190 lakes for predators and bottom dwellers, respectively. Fish were analyzed for 34 individual PBDE congeners and six co-eluting congener pairs representing a total of 46 PBDEs. All samples contained detectable levels of PBDEs, and BDE-47 predominated. The maximum aggregated sums of congeners ranged from 38.3 ng/g (predators) to 125 ng/g (bottom dwellers). Maximum concentrations in fish from this national probabilistic study exceeded those reported from recent targeted studies of US inland lakes, but were lower than those from Great Lakes studies. The probabilistic design allowed the development of cumulative distribution functions to quantify PBDE concentrations versus the cumulative number of US lakes from the sampled population.     

New evidences in the complexity of contamination of the lagoon of Venice: polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) pollution

This study presents the first evaluation of the current pollution by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) of surface sediments from the Lagoon of Venice. We focused the research on tri-to hepta-BDEs, the main components of penta- and octa-mixtures, which are considered to be the most toxic for the biocoenosis. The results pointed out a quite homogeneous contamination of this keystone European transitional environment, with ∑ ₁₃PBDEs values ra nging from 0.39 to 6.78 ng/g dry weight; these values reflect low to moderate pollution levels, which is in conformity to other coastal European ecosystems. The average PBDE profile of the lagoon sediments follows this decreasing trend of congeners: BDE-47>BDE-99> >BDE-190>BDE-28>BDE-153>BDE-154>BDE-138, BDE-183, and BDE-17, which is similar to the worldwide distribution pattern. BDE-47 and BDE-99 revealed a recent use of a penta-BDE mixture, while the presence of hepta-BDEs (BDE-183 and BDE-190) in all of the sites can indicate the actual use of a deca-BDE formulation, because these congeners are considered to be debrominated byproducts of BDE-209 degradation.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153) in landfill leachate in Cape Town, South Africa

An assessment of the concentrations of selected polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners as well as BB 153 in leachate samples collected from three landfill sites within the city of Cape Town was conducted. A liquid–liquid extraction technique was employed for the isolation of all the target compounds from the leachate samples. Extracts obtained were further subjected to multi-layer column chromatography employing different forms of silica gel. The prepared samples were analysed using a high capillary gas chromatograph equipped with a micro-electron capture detector (GC-μECD). The overall mean concentrations of the total PBDEs, including BDE 209 ranged between 5.65 and 2,240, 0.28–20.5 and 1.66–1,170 ng/l for Bellville, Coastal Park, and Vissershok landfill sites, respectively. The mean concentrations of BB 153, which were generally low in most of the samples analysed, were 70.4, 7.14 and 8.16 ng/l for Bellville, Coastal Park and Vissershok sites, respectively. The influence of precipitation on the characteristics and quantity of leachate produced from the landfill sites investigated was most pronounced during the August/September sampling regime. Generally, the trend observed in this study clearly indicated a wide variation in the levels of these contaminants in all the landfill sites studied from one sampling period to the other. However, the principal component analysis revealed that the release of these contaminants might be associated with two or three possible sources. This study further confirmed the relevance of landfill leachate as an important source of PBDE contamination of the environment, especially the groundwater and surface water sources.     

Temporal trend studies on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in ringed seals from east Greenland

The concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) 17, 28, 47, 49, 66, 85, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 183 were determined in ringed seal blubber from central East Greenland collected in 1986, 1994, 1999 and during the period 2001 to 2004. The trend of PBDEs was compared with the trends of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) 28, 31, 52, 101, 105, 118, 138, 153, 156, and 180 during the same period. The levels of sigmaPBDE in East Greenland ringed seals ranged from 21.8 ng g(-1) lipid weight (1w) in 1986 to 39.3 ng g(-1) lw in 2001 and are among the highest observed in ringed seal from the Arctic. The dominating congeners were BDE-47 (75.4%) and BDE-99 (9.7%). The concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs increased with the age of the seals, and therefore only young seals < or =4 years old) were included in the temporal trend analyses. No significant trend (p > 0.14) was observed in sigmaPBDE or the congeners BDE 28, 47 and, 99 during the period while sigmaPCB decreased significantly (p = 0.004) over the period from 1986 to 2004 with an estimated annual rate of 4.3%.     

Persistent organic pollutants in sediment from the southern Baltic: risk assessment

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides, PCBs, and PCDD/Fs were measured in sediment samples collected from the Gulf of Gdańsk, the Gdańsk Deep, the Vistula Lagoon and the off-shore waters in the southern Baltic Sea. The determinations were conducted in the fraction <63 μm. The highest levels of pollutants were found in sediments from the Gulf of Gdańsk and the Gdańsk Deep. In these sediments, concentrations of pp'-DDT and its metabolites (pp'-DDE and pp'-DDD) ranged from 2 to 11 μg kg(-1) dw. Concentrations of HCB were between 0.1 and 1.0 μg kg(-1) dw. Concentrations of the sum of α-, β-, γ-HCH were between 0.3 and 2.58 μg kg(-1) dw. Concentrations of marker PCBs ranged from about 2 to 11 μg kg(-1) dry weight. Total TEQ PCDD/F/dl-PCB values in the studied samples varied between 1 and 18 ng kg(-1) dw. The data were evaluated in terms of ecotoxicological criteria based on the environmental impact of the pollutant effects. Our research indicated that in the sediment from the southern Baltic Sea, the PCDD/F and PCBs occurred at concentrations which could be dangerous to marine organisms.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and organochlorine pesticides in human breast milk from Massachusetts, USA

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs; DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB) were measured in human breast milk samples collected across Massachusetts, USA, in 2004. Seventeen PBDE congeners were found in the samples, ranging in concentration from 0.06 to 1910 ng g(-1) lipid wt. BDE-47 (2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE), BDE-99 (2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE), and BDE-100 (2,2',4,4',6-pentaBDE) were the major congeners detected in breast milk samples. Overall mean (+/-SD) concentrations of DDTs, HCHs, CHLs, and HCB were 64.5 +/- 75, 18.9 +/- 19, 32.4 +/- 36, and 2.3 +/- 2.2 ng g(-1) lipid wt, respectively. Concentrations of PBDEs were strongly correlated with concentrations of OCPs in the samples. Based on the concentrations of organohalogens and the intake rates of breast milk by infants in the United States, daily ingestion rates of contaminants were calculated. The median ingestion rates for PBDEs, HCHs, DDTs, CHLs, and HCB were 4.0, 212, 141, 44, and 5.79 ng kg(-1) body wt day(-1), respectively. The estimated daily intake of organohalogens by infants was compared with threshold reference values suggested by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), for calculation of hazard quotients (HQs). HQs for individual organohalogens and the sum of HQ for all organohalogens were calculated as HQ indices (HQI). The results suggest that one or more of the contaminants analyzed in this study exceeded the threshold reference values in at least 26% of the breast milk samples.     

加速溶剂同时萃取和净化-气相色谱-三重四极杆串联质谱测定土壤和沉积物中8种多溴联苯醚

建立了土壤和沉积物中8种多溴联苯醚(PBDEs,BDE-28、BDE-47、BDE-99、BDE-100、BDE-153、BDE-154、BDE-183和BDE-209)加速溶剂同时萃取和净化-气相色谱-三重四极杆串联质谱(ASE-GC-MS-MS)的分析方法。通过优化加速溶剂萃取与弗罗里硅土在线净化和串联质谱多反应监测模式的条件,较好地去除基质干扰,并提高了三重四极杆串联质谱定性的准确性及定量的灵敏性。该方法采用改进的色谱柱能同时分析包括高溴代联苯醚BDE-209在内的8种PBDEs,其浓度范围为1～100 ng/mL(BDE-209为10～1 000 ng/mL),线性良好,线性回归系数均大于0.997。方法检出限为0.004～0.1 ng/g,方法回收率为75%～110%,方法精密度为2.4%～15.6%。适于批量处理土壤和沉积物中含有多组分痕量PBDEs的样品。