Polychlorinated biphenyls and organochlorine pesticides in amniotic fluids of pregnant women in south-central Turkey†

The concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in amniotic fluid of 200 pregnant women from the Cukurova region of Turkey. The concentrations of OCPs [hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), and various metabolites], and different PCB congeners (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection as follows: HCB 6.6 ± 4.7, ΣHCH 21.6 ± 14.2, ΣDDT 12.5 ± 7.5, and ΣPCBs 74.0 ± 54 ng mL^?1. Correlations of maternal or gestational age and levels of OCPs and PCBs were not significant. The levels of these organochlorine compounds (OCs) were below detection limit for 5% of the samples, 80% contained more than one OC. This study illustrates that prenatal exposure of a fetus to OCs is prevalent in the Cukurova region.     

Accumulation of organochlorine insecticides in the blood of the general population of Nigeria

Gas Chromatographic determination of blood levels of organochlorine pesticides in people of Southern Nigeria is described. Among the compounds detected and quantified were the HCH‐isomers, DDT and its metabolites and dieldrin, the major pollutants being DDT, DDE and the HCH‐isomers. Delta‐HCH, HCB and Endrin were also detected in a few samples. Total DDT (DDT + DDE + DDD) ranged from 0.04–7.24 ppm, total HCH (alpha + beta + gamma) 0.08–5.64 ppm, and dieldrin 0.03–0.28 ppm.     

The concentration and distribution of organochlorine pesticides in the air from the karst cave, South China

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the air of Dayan Cave in Guilin were analyzed, to investigate the source and contamination levels. Generally, air outside of the cave had much higher concentrations than inside air, and both outside and inside air showed much lower contamination levels than those observed in other regions in China and abroad. The ratios of α-/γ-HCHs and the percentages of β-(or δ-)HCH implied a residue of historical local technical HCH contamination. The DDT concentrations, o,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDT, and p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT suggested fresh DDT-containing products acted as the primary source of DDT for the air in Dayan Cave. An intermediate level concentration of α-endosulfan (156.00?pg/m(3)) was observed in the outside air, implying local source was dominant. Based on the similar sources of HCH and DDT and the relationships between outside and inside air, it appeared that outside air pollutants affected on inside HCH and DDT's distribution. For other OCPs, outside air might be major contributor to inside air contamination under conditions of high concentrations in outside air compared with low levels in inside air for semi-closed karstic caves.     

Organochlorines in urban soils from Central India: probabilistic health hazard and risk implications to human population

This study presents distribution of organochlorines (OCs) including HCH, DDT and PCBs in urban soils, and their environmental and human health risk. Forty-eight soil samples were extracted using ultrasonication, cleaned with modified silica gel chromatography and analyzed by GC-ECD. The observed concentrations of ∑HCH, ∑DDT and ∑PCBs in soils ranged between?<?0.01–2.54, 1.30–27.41 and?<?0.01–62.8 µg kg^?1, respectively, which were lower than the recommended soil quality guidelines. Human health risk was estimated following recommended guidelines. Lifetime average daily dose (LADD), non-cancer risk or hazard quotient (HQ) and incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) for humans due to individual and total OCs were estimated and presented. Estimated LADD were lower than acceptable daily intake and reference dose. Human health risk estimates were lower than safe limit of non-cancer risk (HQ?<?1.0) and the acceptable distribution range of ILCR (10^?6–10^?4). Therefore, this study concluded that present levels of OCs (HCH, DDT and PCBs) in studied soils were low, and subsequently posed low health risk to human population in the study area.     

Pesticide Residues in Water From River Kaveri,South India

The residue levels of presistent chlorinated pesticides such as HCH (hexachlorocyclo-hexane) isomers and DDT (dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane) compounds were quantified in water samples collected from the River Kaveri and its distributor River Coleroon in Tamil Nadu, South India. HCH showed higher levels in River Kaveri during premonsoon (July to September) and monsoon (October to December) months, reflecting the HCH usage during that season for paddy crops. But in the case of DDT no clear trend in residue level was observed. the α-HCH was detected as the dominant isomer in all the three sampling sites. Among DDT compounds, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE showed higher percentage of the total. International comparison of residue levels revealed that the present values are comparable to the waters from Asian and South East Asian nations, but lower than some samples from other parts of India. the value of DDT is well below the EEC's maximum acceptable concentration for surface waters and lower than the recommended limit of 2000ng 1^-1 in USA water for protection of aquatic life (Water Quality Criteria, 1972).     

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River,China

Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs pollution levels were determined in sediment samples taken from three sites along the Yangtse River (Nanjing part). The concentrations of various pesticides were in the range of 1.42–8.06 ng/g (t‐HCH), and <0.01–4.12ng/g (t‐DDT), while the concentrations of PCBs were below detection limit at all three sites. The contamination by Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River was not significant when compared with that reported in the literature from some other countries’ rivers, which may be due to the high flow velocity and water amount of the Yangtse River.     

Laser-induced fluorescence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: an approach to gas standards

Rapid methods are needed to analyse air pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Reliable semi-quantitative gas standards were required for the development of a laser-induced fluorescence (LIF) method for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon analysis, based on sampling of air onto multi-channel polydimethylsiloxane rubber traps. Easily constructed diffusion tubes provided naphthalene vapour at ~2 ng s⁻¹. A gas chromatographic fraction collection method for loading less volatile PAHs onto the traps from a flame ionization detector outlet was developed and optimized. The accuracy of the method, which can be further optimized, was sufficient for initial LIF screening tests to flag samples exceeding threshold PAH levels for subsequent quantitative GC–MS analysis.     

Accumulation, distribution and transformation of DDT and PCBs by Phragmites australis and Oryza sativa L.: I. Whole plant study

Glasshouse experiments were conducted to determine the accumulation, distribution and transformation of o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT and PCBs by common reed (Phragmites australis) and rice (Oryza sativa L.) under hydroponic conditions. The culture solution was spiked with the organic pollutants and samples were collected daily. Analysis of the plants at harvest showed that both species had removed DDT and PCBs from the solution. DDT appeared to have accumulated within P. australis by both passive adsorption and active absorption. Both o,p′-DDT and p,p′-DDT were transformed within P. australis. DDD was the major metabolite and the transformation was mediated by reductive dehalogenation. Plant long-distance transportation systems may be involved in the translocation of PCBs within P. australis and the affinity of the PCBs for lipids is one of the major factors affecting their uptake and translocation within the plants. Similar but less pronounced results were found in O. sativa and suggest that these wetland plants may be used for the plant-mediated remediation of persistent organic pollutants.     

Occurrence and distribution of organochlorine residues and metals in sediment,water and fish in the catchment area of lake baiyangdian,china

The occurrence and distribution of metals (Al, Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Zn), organochlorine residues (HCH, DDT and metabolites, PCBs) and EOC1 (extractable organic bound chlorine) were monitored in 1993 and 1996 in sediment, water and fish in the catchment area of Lake Baiyangdian, China. The levels of the metals, especially Cd and Zn, were significantly higher in the sediment than those in non‐polluted areas. PCBs and chlorinated pesticides constituted only a minor part (< 8.4%) of the extractable organic bound chlorine, indicating the presence of additional, unknown, organochlorine residues. Among the pesticides, DDT was widely distributed and high levels occurred in fish despite a ban of its production and use in 1983. The low quotient of pp‐DDT/pp‐DDE in sediment and fish indicated that the input of DDT to the catchment area was not of recent origin.     

Twenty years of achievements in China’s implementation of the Stockholm Convention

● China’s implementation of the SC was systematically studied. ● Implementation process of the SC can be roughly divided into three stages. ● DDT and HCH concentrations in the air have been steadily decreasing. ● China has safely disposed of 6352.1 tons of pesticide POPs. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are extremely harmful to the environment and human health; the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants was therefore adopted by the international community in 2001 to eliminate or reduce the production, use, and emissions of POPs. China is the largest developing country that has signed the Stockholm Convention, and thus plays an important role in its implementation. This paper systematically studies the practice and achievements of China since it signed the Stockholm Convention 20 years ago. China has established an implementation guarantee system including institutions, implementation mechanisms, policies, law enforcement, and scientific and technological support. During the 20 years since the implementation of the Stockholm Convention, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) concentrations in the air have been steadily decreasing, and Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid/Perfluorooctane sulfonyl fluoride (PFOS/PFOSF) concentrations in water bodies have decreased. In the past 20 years, China has safely disposed of 6352.1 tons of pesticide persistent organic pollutants and 36998 sets of electrical equipment containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), with a disposal rate of 100%. In the future, China will further strengthen the construction of persistent organic pollutant monitoring networks, scientific research, publicity, education, and international cooperation to improve environmental quality, providing a reference for other countries to implement the Stockholm Convention.     

Accumulation, distribution and transformation of DDT and PCBs by Phragmites australis and Oryza sativa L.: II. Enzyme study

Two wetland plant species, Phragmites australis and Oryza sativa, were grown in a glasshouse under hydroponics conditions. Enzyme extracts from different parts of the plants were used to determine the transformation rate of o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDT and PCBs. The organic pollutants were directly spiked into the enzyme extracts, and samples were collected every 30 min and analyzed with a GC-ECD. Root extracts of P. australis readily degraded and transformed DDT and some PCB congeners with a low degree of chlorination. In contrast, crude extracts of O. sativa showed no appreciable degradation or transformation of DDT or PCBs. Inhibition studies indicated that the degradation and transformation of both DDT and PCBs by P. australis enzymes were partly mediated by peroxidase and the plant P-450 system. PCBs with a high degree of chlorination were highly resistant to transformation or degradation by plant enzymes. Both wetland plant species accumulated substantial quantities of the persistent organic chemicals but had different degradation capacities. The enzyme systems in P. australis were much more effective that those in rice in the degradation and transformation of the organic pollutants.     

Spatial variability and temporal trends of HCH and DDT in soils around Beijing Guanting Reservoir,China

Spatial variability and temporal trends in concentrations of the organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), in surface soils around Beijing Guanting Reservoir (GTR) were studied in 2003 and 2007. Concentrations of the two OCPs in soils around GTR were generally less than reference values set by the Chinese government for the protection of agricultural production and human health. Among the OCPs, β-HCH and p, p′-DDE were the two predominant compounds. This result indicates that the HCH and DDT residues in soils were primarily from historical use. Based on kriging, a spatial distribution of HCH and DDT around the GTR was observed. Spatial variability indicated how HCH and DDT had been applied and been distributed in the past. Between 2003 and 2007, concentrations of HCH and DDT decreased more rapidly in orchard soils than those in fallow soils.     

Investigation on sampling artifacts of particle associated PAHs using ozone denuder systems

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons （PAHs） are complex organic compounds which are identified as significant carcinogenic to human health. PAHs （mainly in particle phase） are susceptible to atmospheric oxidant gases, especially ozone, nitrogen oxides （NOx）, hydroxyl radical （OH）, and could be degraded on filters during sampling process, leading to an underestimation of ambient PAH concentrations. The goal of this work was to investigate particle associated PAHs sampling artifacts caused by ozone in summer of Beijing. Comparative sampling systems were operated simultaneously during the whole campaign, one with activated carbon ozone denuder, the other being set as conventional sampling system. Activated carbon denuder was testified to be highly efficient to eliminate ozone from air stream. In general, nine particle-bound PAHs observed from conventional sampler were all lower than those from ozone denuder system. The total PAHs （particle phase） concentration was averagely underestimated by 35.9% in conventional sampling procedure. Benzo[a]pyrene （BaP） had the highest percentage of mass loss. founded to have influences Ambient temperature was on PAHs sampling artifacts. High temperature can increase loss of particle associated PAHs during sampling.     

Distribution and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides along the Black Sea coast

Sediment, mussel, and seawater samples were collected three times during 2001–2003 at nine sampling stations along the mid-Black Sea coast of Turkey. The samples were analyzed with GC-ECD for contents of various organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the environment. DDT and its metabolites were detected at concentrations significantly above the detection limits. The highest concentrations of DDT metabolites measured in the sediment and mussel samples were 35.9 and 14.0 ng/g wet weight respectively. Considerable levels of aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor epoxide, lindane, endosulfan sulphate, and HCB were also detected in the sediment, mussel, or seawater samples. Although these persistent toxic compounds have been banned for some years in Turkey, they may still be used illegally in some regions, contributing to their significant levels in the environment. The biota–sediment accumulation factor (BSAF) estimated for DDT and its metabolites in mussels was 2.9, which is nearly two times higher than the benchmark of 1.7. In spite of such high BSAF values observed for these toxic compounds, their levels in mussels were significantly below the international legal limits recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. Edible biota from the waterbodies examined may thus still be considered safe for human consumption at this time. However, as pollutants can biomagnify through the food chain over time, further routine sampling and analysis of biota along the Black Sea coast are warranted in order to better assess the threat of OCPs to public health in the region.     

Organochlorverbindungen in Eiern von Wanderfalken und anderen wild lebenden Vogelarten in Baden-Württemberg

Goal and Scope

Organochlorine pollutants such as some pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins and furans (PCDD/F) are highly persistent compounds in the environment. As synthetic, man-made products they are not encountered in natural ecosystems. Due to their high lipid solubility these compounds can accumulate in animals and humans, where they may exert chronically toxic and carcinogenic effects or disrupt endocrine functions and/or interfere with reproduction. Sound environmental stewardship demands continuous monitoring of such substances, assessment of their ecotoxicological risk, and reduction of excessive risk by setting appropriate standards.

Methods

The analysis of birds’ eggs is one method for the detection of organochlorine pollutants in ecosystems. In the German state of Baden-Wuerttemberg eggs of some bird species, especially Peregrine falcons, have been collected and analysed for selected persistent organic pollutants [total DDT (dichlorodiphenyl-trichloroethane), HCB (hexachlorobenzene), HCEP (heptachloroepoxide), HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), PCBs] since the 1970s. Long-term continuous investigations yield data concerning temporal changes and regional differences in the pollution of the bio-indicators.

Results and Conclusion

Dioxin-like PCBs and total DDT were the most prominent pollutants. The Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) was the most polluted bird species within the project. During the 1970s and 1980s all of the mentioned substances showed an encouraging decrease, undoubtedly because their use was banned in Germany. Analyses for PCDD/F in a small number of Peregrine falcon eggs from the period of 2000 to 2003 revealed the high level of pollution of these samples with dioxin toxicity equivalents (WHO-TEQ) from PCB and PCDD/F, which in all eggs reached the no observed effect level (NOEL) determined in osprey chicks and surpassed this threshold fivefold in the most polluted one.. Because of their great variability the pollutant concentrations in the eggs were difficult to interprete in some cases. Based on the results for the Peregrine falcon eggs of the years 2001 to 2003 a statement concerning the regional distribution of DDT and PCBs in Baden-Wuerttemberg could be made and depicted on the map. Because of their high lipid content, birds’ eggs are generally well suited as bio-indicators for the accumulation of persistent and lipophilic compounds.

Recommendations and Perspective

In spite of the significant decline of the organochlorine concentrations in the eggs of the birds investigated, the present situation is still alarming. Too many of the analytical data continue to exceed the respective national and EU-wide limit values for food and feed, and in the case of dioxin equivalents even lie above the assumed action threshold in the indicator organism. Therefore it is necessary to continue the bio-monitoring in Baden-Wuerttemberg in order to be able to recommend reduction measures where appropriate.     

Distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between plant and soil system

This paper reports a study of the distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between rice plants and the soil system by spraying before the heading stage at four different dosage levels--control, normal dosage (15 kg ha(-1) of 6% HCH and 7.5 kg ha(-1) of 25% DDT), double dosage and four times dosage. Soil and plant samples were taken respectively at the 1st h, 3rd, 10th, 20th, and 40th day after spraying and at the harvest time. The results indicate that less than 5% of HCH and 15% of DDT were absorbed by the surface of rice leaves for normal dosage. Most of both pesticides moved into the soil in solution after spraying. Compared with DDT, HCH was degraded and run off more easily. HCH residues in the surface soil layer (1-3 cm) were already below 6.4 microg kg(-1) at the mature stage, lower than Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Agricultural Soils: HCH < 0.05 mg kg(-1). However DDT residues in the surface soil layer remained 172 microg kg(-1), higher than the national standard: DDT < 0.05 mg kg(-1). According to the test f OCP residues in rice seeds, it can be concluded that the OCP sprayed onto the surface of rice leaves can move into rice plants and accumulate in the seeds at the mature stage. HCH residues in rice seeds of the double and four times dosage treatments, and DDT residues in all treatments, exceeded the Chinese National Food Standard (HCH < 0.10 mg kg(-1), DDT < 0.20 mg kg(-1)).     

Occurrence of PCBs and PAHs in an urban soil of Madrid (Spain)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed in surface soil samples collected in 2001–2002 at an open urban area of Madrid. In order to obtain representative samples, three collection points at the site were chosen. The most abundant PAHs and PCBs were phenanthrene, fluorene, pyrene, chrysene and benzo[a]pyrene and hexa- and heptachlorinated PCBs, respectively. The sum of selected PAHs (13 compounds) and PCBs (15 congeners) averaged 1 and 0.1?µg?g^?1, respectively. PCB levels in winter were 2–10 times higher than summer ones, while seasonal variation for most of PAHs were not observed. Good correlations among all PCBs were found. Five PAHs were also well correlated.     

Organochlorine pesticide residues in fodder from rural areas of Haryana,India

Residues of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) namely 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCH-isomers), 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) and its metabolites, and endosulfan stereoisomers were analyzed in dry and green fodder samples from rural areas of Ambala, Gurgaon, and Hisar districts of Haryana, India during winter, summer, and post-monsoon seasons. The HCH isomers γ-HCH and β-HCH, and DDT and its metabolites p,p′-DDD, p,p′-DDE, and p,p′-DDT had more traceability in test samples as compared to other isomers and metabolites studied. Total OCPs (ΣOCPs), i.e., ΣHCH, ΣDDT, and Σendosulfan were found to be the highest in wheat straw (1.1–1.2?mg?kg^?1) from Ambala and Gurgaon, followed by that in sorghum straw (0.46?mg?kg^?1) from Hisar. Dry fodder samples were found to have relatively higher residue levels than green fodders. In case of green fodder samples, maximum ΣOCP residues of 0.44?mg?kg^?1 were found in whole plant samples of sorghum from Gurgaon district followed by that in pearl millet (0.40?mg?kg^?1) from Ambala. The findings indicate highly significant differences (p?>?0.0001) in ΣOCPs and ΣDDT in wheat straw between different districts and reveal the persistence of OCP residues in both dry and green fodder samples in the study area.     

Distribution of Organo-Chlorine Pesticides (DDT and HCH) Between Plant and Soil System

This paper reports a study of the distribution of organo-chlorine pesticides (DDT and HCH) between rice plants and the soil system by spraying before the heading stage at four different dosage levels – control, normal dosage (15 kg ha^–1 of 6% HCH and 7.5 kg ha^–1 of 25% DDT), double dosage and four times dosage. Soil and plant samples were taken respectively at the 1st h, 3rd, 10th, 20th, and 40th day after spraying and at the harvest time. The results indicate that less than 5% of HCH and 15% of DDT were absorbed by the surface of rice leaves for normal dosage. Most of both pesticides moved into the soil in solution after spraying. Compared with DDT, HCH was degraded and run off more easily. HCH residues in the surface soil layer (1–3 cm) were already below 6.4 g kg^–1 at the mature stage, lower than Chinese Environmental Quality Standard for Agricultural Soils: HCH <0.05 mg kg^–1. However DDT residues in the surface soil layer remained 172 g kg^–1, higher than the national standard: DDT <0.05 mg kg^–1. According to the test f OCP residues in rice seeds, it can be concluded that the OCP sprayed onto the surface of rice leaves can move into rice plants and accumulate in the seeds at the mature stage. HCH residues in rice seeds of the double and four times dosage treatments, and DDT residues in all treatments, exceeded the Chinese National Food Standard (HCH <0.10 mg kg^–1, DDT <0.20 mg kg^–1).     

大气中持久性有机污染物的采样技术进展

大气是全球持久性有机污染物(persistent organic polutants,POPs)监测的重要环境介质,大气中POPs的采样技术是准确表征大气中POPs赋存水平的关键所在。近年来大气中POPs的采样技术发展很快。本文介绍了大气中POPs的两类采样方法:主动采样法(active air sampling,AAS)和被动采样法(passive air sampling,PAS),总结了新型吸附材料和新型采样器研发的成果,讨论了不同类型的采样方法的特点,对比分析了不同采样方法获得的POPs监测数据,并提出今后应用不同POPs大气采样技术在监测数据可对比性研究方面值得关注的问题。