Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) distributions in the Bay of Marmara sea: Izmit Bay

In 1999, the concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the total PAH and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in sea water, sediment and mussels collected along the coast of Izmit Bay, the most important bay of the Marmara Sea. The total-PAH concentrations, measured by Spectrofluorometry were in the range of 1.16-13.68 microg/l in sea water, in the range of 30.0 1670.0 microg/g dry weight in sediments and in the range from 5.67 to 14.81 microg/g wet weight in edible part of mussel. HPLC revealed Phenanthrene (three rings), chrysene (four rings) and benz[a]antracene (five rings) to be the dominant PAHs in sea water, while 16 different PAHs compounds were observed and measured in mussel samples. The most pollution occured at Dogu Kanali and Dil Deresi where were the main rivers containing wastes fall into the the Izmit Bay. Although the maximum mono-ortho PCB concentrations in sea water were measured in the Dil Deresi River (26.33 ng/l) and the Solventa? (22.19 ng/l) stations, maximum PCB concentrations in mussels were measured in the SEKA (28.11 microg/kg) and the Dil Deresi River (25.68 microg/kg). The dominant congeners of PCBs were from tetra to hexachlorobiphenyls. The toxicity equivalent values were very low in sea water and mussels.     

Persistent organic pollutants in Detroit River suspended sediments: polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans,dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls and polychlorinated naphthalenes

Suspended sediments from the Detroit River were collected in 1999 and 2000 using sediment traps at sites ranging from western Lake Erie to southern Lake St. Clair and analyzed to determine the spatial distributions of contaminants including polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs), dioxin-like PCBs (DLPCBs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs). Concentrations of all three contaminant classes were clearly elevated at sites in the lower reaches of the river in the Trenton Channel. The potential influence of the Trenton Channel as a source of contamination to western Lake Erie was further evidenced by PCDD/PCDF homologue profiles, which indicated a contribution from chemical manufacturing in addition to the normal background combustion profile. Toxic equivalents (TEQs) for PCDDs/PCDFs generally exceeded those for DLPCBs; combined total TEQs in July 2000 for these two compound classes ranged from 2.30 pg/g in southern Lake St. Clair to 306 pg/g at a station just downstream of the outflow of Monguagon Creek in the Trenton Channel. The spatial distribution of PCN contamination was similar to that of PCDDs/PCDFs and DLPCBs, with the highest level of total PCNs (8200 ng/g) detected at a site in the Trenton Channel near Elizabeth Park; TEQs for PCNs in the Trenton Channel ranged from 73 to 3300 pg/g. The data indicate that PCNs represent a significant contribution to dioxin-like biological activity in Detroit River suspended sediments.     

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and furans in fish downstream from a Ky-5 manufacturing

Concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were studied in seven fish species, burbot (Lota lota), pike (Esox lucius), perch (Perca fluviatilis), pikeperch (Stizopedion lucioperca), bream (Abramis brama), salmon (Salmo salar) and Baltic herring (Clupea harengus membras) in River Kymijoki and its estuary polluted by Ky-5 manufacturing. The fish were caught at 14 localities along the river and its estuary. The selected species represent different trophic levels and/or inhabit different environments. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs were low, in most samples below 1 pg g(-1) ITEQ (NATO/CCMS 1988) fresh weight (fw) in muscle, except salmon and Baltic herring. These two species graze at the open sea and consequently accumulate contaminants at a large area in the Baltic Sea. The lipid content in salmon and Baltic herring was an order of magnitude higher than in other species. PCDD/Fs in fish muscle showed only slightly elevated levels in the Kymijoki area and its estuary as compared to the levels in the same species in Finnish freshwaters and sea areas. The concentration of the main impurities of the fungicide Ky-5 was higher in the Kymijoki River downstream the Ky-5 manufacturing place compared to the up-stream locations. The PCDD/F concentrations in fish liver and spawn were 10-100 times higher than the concentration in muscle, because of the much higher lipid concentrations of these organes. Consequently, the tolerable daily intake values could be as much as 100 times smaller (M. Korhonen, M. Verta, T. Vartiainen, Organohalog. Comp. 32 (1997) 305-310; P. Mikkelson, J. Paasivirta, H. Kiviranta, Organohalog. Comp. 39 (1998) 59-62).     

Contents and origin of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDE) in salmon from the Baltic Sea, Lake Saimaa and the Tenojoki river in Finland

The presence of 26 congeners of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers (PCDEs) was investigated in salmon from three locations in Finland. In addition to salmon, one chlorophenol wood preservative (Ky-5) and one fly ash sample were analyzed for PCDEs. Concentrations of PCDE congeners in salmon muscle measured by high resolution gas chromatography/low resolution mass spectrometry ranged from < 0.02 to 2.4 ng/g fresh weight. The major components of tetra- to octachlorinated PCDEs in salmon were one TeCDE (22′44′-), two PeCDEs (22′44′5- and 23′44′5-) and three HxCDEs (22′44′56′-, 22′44′55′- and 22′344′5-). The Baltic salmon caught from the Simojoki River had higher levels of PCDEs than the Atlantic salmon from the Tenojoki River or salmon from Lake Saimaa in South-Finland. Same PCDE congeners which were abundant in the wood preservative were also detected in salmon, whereas PCDE congeners in the fly ash were different from those in salmon or in Ky-5.     

Relative importance of polychlorinated naphthalenes compared to dioxins, and polychlorinated biphenyls in human serum from Korea: Contribution to TEQs and potential sources

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human have been studied extensively; however, polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) have been studied less widely. The mean concentrations of PCNs, PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs in 61 healthy human volunteers were 2170 pg/g lipid, 452 pg/g lipid, 116 pg/g lipid, and 120 ng/g lipid respectively, and the mean toxic equivalents (TEQs) contributed by PCNs, PCDDs, PCDFs, and PCBs were 5.88, 5.22, 5.48, and 5.33 pg/g lipid, respectively. PCNs contributed to 26.8% of the total TEQs. 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, PCB126, and hepta-CN-73 accounted for >62% of the total TEQs in the human serum samples. The overall serum PCN homologue profiles of all subjects were dominated by tetra- and penta-CN homologues, and the most predominant individual congener was hepta-CN-73, which contributed 17.5% of the total serum PCN concentration. Enrichment of hepta-CN-73 in the human serum samples might be due to contributors from combustion sources.     

Development and calibration of epiphytic lichens as saltfall biomonitors--dry-deposition modelling

Blubber collected from beluga whales and ringed seals during subsistence hunts in the southern Baffin Island region of the Canadian Arctic were analysed for polychlorinated naphthalenes and eight planar PCB congeners (mono-ortho PCBs: 105, 114, 118 and 156; non-ortho PCBs: 77, 81, 126, 169). SigmaPCN (3-7 Cl) concentrations in blubber ranged from 35.9-383 pg/g (lipid weight; lw) in beluga and 35.4-71.3 pg/g (lw) in ringed seal. These represent the first measurements of PCNs in marine mammals in the Canadian Arctic, mammals which are an important part of the traditional diet of the indigenous population. SigmaCoplPCB concentrations were much higher, ranging from 15.5-317 ng/g (lw) in beluga whale blubber and 16.5-40.9 ng/g (lw) in ringed seal blubber. PCNs and coplanar PCBs both exhibit dioxin-like toxicity. Although average sigmaPCN concentrations were less than 1% of sigmaCoplPCBs, PCNs contribute up to 11% of TEQ relative to the coplanar PCBs based on TEFs determined by H4IIE enzyme assays.     

Polychlorinated naphthalenes in human adipose tissue from New York, USA

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) are persistent, bioaccumulative, and toxic contaminants. Prior to this study, the occurrence of PCNs in human adipose tissues from the USA has not been analyzed. Here, we have measured concentrations of PCNs in human adipose tissue samples collected in New York City during 2003-2005. Concentrations of PCNs were in the range of 61-2500 pg/g lipid wt. in males and 21-910 pg/g lipid wt. in females. PCN congeners 52/60 (1,2,3,5,7/1,2,4,6,7) and 66/67 (1,2,3,4,6,7/1,2,3,5,6,7) were predominant, collectively accounting for 66% of the total PCN concentrations. Concentrations of PCNs in human adipose tissues were 2-3 orders of magnitude lower than the previously reported concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Concentrations of PCNs were not correlated with PCB concentrations. The contribution of PCNs to dioxin-like toxic equivalents (TEQs) in human adipose tissues was estimated to be <1% of the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/dibenzofuran (PCDD/F)-TEQs.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalents (TEQs) in sediment from the Hyeongsan River, Korea

Sediment, pore water and water samples from the Hyeongsan River, Korea were analyzed for several classes of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons (HAHs) and their dioxin-like activities were evaluated using the in vitro H4IIE-luc bioassay. Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in sediments from all six sampling locations with mean concentrations of 2.8 x 10(2) pg/g, 190 pg/g, and 61.4 ng/g, dw, respectively. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were predominated by 4-6 ring compounds with concentrations in the range of 5.30-7680 ng/g, dw. Chemical profiles of target analytes in sediment and water samples revealed that there was a gradient of concentrations along the river from upstream to downstream, which suggested that the primary source was a wastewater reservoir adjacent to a sewage treatment plant (STP). TEQs derived by summing the product of concentrations of individual congeners by their respective relative potencies (REPs or TEFs) ranged from 4.3 x 10(-1) to 1.1 x 10(3) pg/g, dw. Raw Soxhlet extracts from all six sampling locations induced significant dioxin-like responses in the H4IIE-luc bioassay. TCDD-EQs derived from H4IIE bioassay ranged from 7 x 10(-3) to 1.5 x 10(3) pg/g, dw, which were significantly correlated with TEQs (r2 = 0.994, p < 0.05). Among the three Florisil fractions tested, PCDD/Fs in fraction (F2) induced the greatest magnitude of response (range: 24-83%-TCDD-max.) in the H4IIE-luc assay. Comparison of the TEQ and TCDD-EQ suggested little non-additive interaction between fractions and AhR-active and inactive compounds. Concentrations of individual congeners as well as TEQs and TCDD-EQs suggest inputs from the industrial center waste stream in the Hyeongsan River.     

Tissue distribution of polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and non-ortho chlorinated biphenyls (non-ortho CBs) in harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from Swedish waters

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) and non-ortho chlorinated biphenyls (non-ortho CBs) were analysed in blubber, nuchal fat, liver, muscle, kidney and brain of three male harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the west coast of Sweden. To estimate spatial variation, PCNs and non-ortho CBs were analysed in six blubber samples collected at different anatomical sites of each animal. Highest wet weight concentrations of ΣPCNs were detected in the lipid rich tissues (blubber and nuchal fat) and liver (520–730 and 520 pg/g, respectively) and lowest in brain (22 pg/g). TetraCNs were most abundant in muscle, kidney and brain, while the hexaCNs were most abundant in the lipid rich tissues and liver. The highest lipid weight concentration recorded (11 ng/g) was for the hexaCN congeners no. 66/67 in liver. These coeluting hexaCN congeners accounted for 80–100% of total hexaCNs in all tissues examined.

Concentrations of Σnon-ortho CBs were highest in lipid rich tissues (220–280 pg/g wet weight). Non-ortho CB no. 77 and 169 constituted between 62–86% and 4.9–9.3%, respectively, of total Σnon-ortho CBs. No major variation of Σnon-ortho CB concentrations was found between the six different blubber sites but higher ΣPCN concentrations (wet weight) were found dorsally at the peduncle. Toxic equivalent concentrations (TEQs) showed that non-ortho CB no. 126 was the main contributor to total TEQs in all tissues, except liver in which hexaCN congener nos. 66/67 contributed to about 50% of total TEQs.     

Organic chlorine compounds in lake sediments. IV. Dioxins, furans and related chloroaromatic compounds

Polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychloronaphthalenes (PCNs) and coplanar PCBs were measured in surface sediments from 18 lake areas in Central Finland. Toxic 2, 3, 7, 8-substituted PCDD and PCDF congeners occurred at low levels (<20 − 230 pg/g dw). PCNs appeared at few ng/g (total PCNs) levels. Pulp mills or any other local sources could not be associated with the sedimented PCDDs, PCDFs and PCNs. Coplanar PCB congeners 77 and 105 (IUPAC Nr) were generally found at 20–550 pg/g levels. The most toxic congener 126 was measured (110 pg/g) only at one area near a local PCB leakage. Pulp mill originated aromatic chlorocompounds which coelute with PCDDs and PCDFs in clean up, probably alkyl polychlorobibenzyls (R-PCBBs) appeared at ng/g levels and showed a clear gradient dowstreams from pulp mill effluent points.     

Seasonal air-water exchange fluxes of polychlorinated biphenyls in the Hudson River Estuary

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in the air and water over the Hudson River Estuary during six intensive field campaigns from December 1999 to April 2001. Over-water gas-phase SigmaPCB concentrations averaged 1100 pg/m3 and varied with temperature. Dissolved-phase SigmaPCB concentrations averaged 1100 pg/L and displayed no seasonal trend. Uncertainty analysis of the results suggests that PCBs with 5 or fewer chlorines exhibited net volatilization. The direction of net air/water exchange could not be determined for PCBs with 6 or more chlorines. Instantaneous net fluxes of SigmaPCBs ranged from +0.2 to +630 ng m(-2) d(-1). Annual fluxes of SigmaPCBs were predicted from modeled gas-phase concentrations, measured dissolved-phase concentrations, daily surface water temperatures and wind speeds. The net volatilization flux was +62 microg m(-2) yr(-1), corresponding to an annual loss of +28 kg/yr of SigmaPCBs from the Hudson River Estuary for the year of 2000.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins,dibenzofurans and polychlorinated biphenyls in polar bear,penguin and south polar skua

Concentrations of 2378-substituted polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (DFs) and non- and mono-ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (dioxin-like PCBs) were measured in livers of polar bears from the Alaskan Arctic and in eggs of Adelie penguin and south polar skua and weddell seal liver, fish and krill from Antarctica. This is one of the first reports to document the concentrations of PCDDs/DFs in polar bear livers from Alaska, and in penguin and skua eggs from Antarctica. Concentrations of total PCDD/DFs in livers of polar bears ranged from 8 to 66 (mean: 26) pg/g, on a lipid weight basis. Concentrations of total PCDD/DFs in Antarctic samples were in the increasing order on a lipid weight basis; weddell seal liver (8.9 pg/g) < fish (11-17 pg/g) < krill (27 pg/g) > penguin eggs (30 ng/g) > seal liver (57 ng/g) > fishes (6.2 ng/g) > krill (0.9 ng/g). Concentrations of 2378-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalents (TEQs) calculated based on the WHO TEFs were higher in the eggs of polar skua (mean: 344: range: 220-650 pg/g, lipid wt.) from Antarctica than in polar bear livers from Alaska (mean: 120; range: 69-192 pg/g). In general, concentrations of PCDFs were greater than those of PCDDs in polar organisms. 23478-PeCDF is one of the dominant congener found in several samples. Concentrations of TEQs in polar bear livers and skua eggs were close to those that may cause adverse health effects. Dioxin-like PCBs, particularly, non-ortho coplanar PCBs were the major contributors to TEQ concentrations in penguin and skua eggs whereas mono-ortho PCBs accounted for a major portion of TEQs in polar bear livers.     

Selected chlorobornanes, polychlorinated naphthalenes and brominated flame retardants in Bjørnøya (Bear Island) freshwater biota

Levels of selected sparsely investigated persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been measured in organisms from two Arctic lakes on Bj?rn?ya (Bear Island). Elevated levels of chlorobornanes (CHBs) (up to 46.7 ng/g wet weight=ww), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) (up to 27.2 ng/g ww), polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) (up to 1.1 ng/g ww) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs, only 4 congeners) (up to 62.7 pg/g ww), were measured in biota from Lake Ellasj?en. In Lake ?yangen, located only 5 km north of Ellasj?en, levels of these contaminants were significantly lower. delta(15)N-values were 7-10 per thousand higher in organisms from Ellasj?en as compared to ?yangen. This is attributed to biological inputs related to seabird activities. The present study illustrates that contaminants such as CHBs, brominated flame retardants and PCNs accumulate in the Ellasj?en food web in a manner similar to PCBs and conventional organochlorine pesticides. Transport mechanisms that control PCB and DDT distributions, i.e. atmospheric long-range transport and biotransport by seabirds, are also relevant for the contaminants investigated in the present study.     

Spatial distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated biphenyls in lake trout from the Laurentian Great Lakes

Concentrations of two types of brominated flame-retardants (BFRs); polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) were determined in a single age class of lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush) collected from the Laurentian Great Lakes in 1997. Mean concentrations of total PBDE were highest in samples from Lake Ontario at 95+/-22 ng/g wet weight (ww) or 434+/-100 ng/g lipid weight (lw) while the lowest concentrations were observed in Lake Erie lake trout (27+/-8.6 ng/g ww, 117+/-37 ng/g lw). In all samples, the predominant PBDE congeners were 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-99), and 2,2',4,4', 6-pentabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-100), which are the primary components of the commonly used penta-BDE formulation flame retardant. Lake trout collected from Lake Huron had the highest concentrations of PBBs (3.1+/-1.7 ng/g ww, 15+/-8.5 ng/g lw), while the lowest levels were detected in fish from Lake Superior (0.25+/-0.13 ng/g ww, 1.7+/-0.89 ng/g lw). In all lake trout samples, 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153), a major constituent of the flame-retardant FireMaster BP-6, was the predominant PBB congener.     

Levels of PBDEs, PCDDs, PCDFs, and coplanar PCBs in edible fish from California coastal waters

The levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs), coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (coPCBs), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in fish collected from San Francisco Bay in 2000 and from the California coast in 2001. The samples were composites of only the edible portions of the fish (skin on, skin off, or whole body minus head and guts) of comparable size and from distinct geographical areas. Sixty-five composite samples were analyzed for PCDD/PCDF/coPCBs, and 43 composite samples were analyzed for PBDEs. For all fish of all species from all sampling areas, the mean concentration of the sum of BDEs 47, 99, 100, 153, and 154 was 302 ng/g lipid weight, with BDE 47>100>99 approximately 154>153. For all fish of all species from all sampling areas, the mean PCDD/PCDF International Toxic Equivalent (I-TEQ) was 33.1 pg/g lipid. For the three coPCBs (77, 126, 169), the mean I-TEQ for all fish of all species from all sampling areas was 109 pg/g lipid. The highest concentrations of both PCDD/PCDF/coPCBs and PBDEs were found in the highly populated areas of San Francisco Bay, the Los Angeles area, and San Diego Bay.     

PCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs in food of animal origin (Slovakia)

The levels of 17 toxic polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and 12 non-ortho and mono-ortho polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 73 foodstuff samples of animal origin collected from shops and small farms in selected districts of Slovak Republic are presented in this paper. The concentrations expressed as WHO-TEQ in analysed samples ranged for PCDDs/PCDFs from 0.25 pg/g fat in pork to 75 pg/g fat in cod liver. The TEQ concentrations of non-ortho PCBs were between 0.007 and 181 pg/g fat and mono-ortho PCBs between 0.0083 and 66.5 pg/g fat. The mean concentrations in freshwater fish and imported species of marine fish were 0.089 pg TEQ/g fresh weight for PCDDs/PCDFs, 0.17 pg TEQ/g fresh weight for non-ortho PCBs and 0.034 pg TEQ/g fresh weight for mono-ortho PCBs. The mean total concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs in samples of infant milk formula imported from EU countries was 0.98 pg TEQ/g fat.     

Polychlorinated dibenzothlophenes in bleached pulp mill effluents

Polychlorinated dibenzothiophenes, PCDBTs, have been analysed with HRGC/HRMS from different bleached pulp mill effluents. 2,3,7,8-TeCDBT was found to be the dominating TeCDBT isomer in some samples. The estimated concentrations of the TeCDBTs in the samples were < 1 to 60 pg/L. PeCDBTs and other higher chlorinated PCDBTs were not found (< 1 pg/L).     

Monitoring of air pollution by polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans of pine needles in Korea

The atmospheric contamination levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) were evaluated from the analysis of pine needles in South Korea. Pine needles were collected from 30 sampling points at five main cities in South Korea (Busan, Daegu, Gwangju, Changwon and Jeju island). The highest concentrations of PCDDs/DFs (2.19–26.88 pg I-TEQ/g of dry weight) were measured at Busan, where is the city of the highest population density and traffic volume among five cities. The lowest concentration was detected at Jeju with 0.62 pg I-TEQ/g dry weight, suggesting Jeju could be an environmental background area in Korea. The dominant homologues of PCDDs/DFs in pine needles were the lower chlorine-substituted compounds such as tetra CDDs and CDFs, and the distribution ratios of PCDDs/DFs decreased with increase of the number of chlorine substituents. Homologue profiles of pine needle samples were similar to PCDDs/DFs profiles of the vapor phase in the ambient air, and thus the pine needles absorbed the vapor phase of PCDDs/DFs from air. Results suggested that pine needles could be used as an indicator of the atmospheric contamination for PCDDs/DFs in Korea.     

Occurrence and accumulation of organochlorine contaminants in swordfish from Mediterranean Sea: a case study

Polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners and DDT compounds were measured in the liver of a teleost species: namely, Xiphias gladius. PCB concentrations (median: 1121 ng/g lipid wt) were comparable with DDT levels (median: 1236 ng/g lipid wt). PCBs revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta- and heptachlorinated congeners. Among DDTs, the compound in the greatest concentration was p,p'-DDE, representing 70% of the total DDT burden, followed by o,p'-DDT>p,p'-DDT>p,p'-DDD=o,p'-DDD. Mean total 2,3,7,8-TCDD equivalent of five coplanar PCBs was 8.83 pg/g lipid weight. The isomers with higher TEQs values were non-ortho congeners than mono-ortho ones.     

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans and polychlorinated biphenyls in fresh fishes from Qiantangjiang River, China

Muscles of two species of fish collected in Qiangtangjiang River were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by high resolution gas chromatography/high resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). Average concentrations of total PCDD/Fs in Crucian carp and White Amur bream were 1.14-7.88 pg g(-1)ww and 1.02-8.18 pg g(-1)ww respectively. Corresponding values for PCBs were 469.36-10972 pg g(-1)ww and 364.79-4948.0 pg g(-1)ww. Average total WHO-TEQ of Crucian carp and White Amur bream from five areas ranged from 0.25 to 2.33 pg g(-1)ww and 0.30 to 1.70 pg g(-1)ww. The contamination level was compared with other studies and risk assessment was discussed.