Study on polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans in rivers and estuaries in Osaka Bay in Japan

In order to search the source of polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) in blue mussel in Osaka bay, sediments from Osaka bay and from rivers running near an urban municipal incinerator were analysed for PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs. The river and estuary sediments were all found to be contaminated with PCDDs at average levels of 9.8 and 12ppb on the dry basis, PCDFs of 7.8 and 5.1 ppb, and PCBs of 1600 and 1300ppb, respectively. The two sediments contained similar profiles of specific isomers and congeners of PCDDs and PCDFs with each other. In addition, there was observed positive close correlations between PCDD and PCDF levels in the two specimens as well as fly ash from urban municipal incinerators. These allow the conclusion that the main source of the two chemicals in Osaka bay is fly ash from waste incineration.     

Detailed analysis of PCBs and PCDD/Fs impurities in a dielectric oil sample （ASKAREL Nr 1740） from an imported transformer in China

Homolog and congener profiles of polychlori- nated biphenyls （PCBs）, polychlorinated dibenzo-p- dioxins （PCDDs） and polychlorinated dibenzofurans （PCDFs） in commercial PCBs formulations are useful information for the source appointment of PCBs contam- ination as well as the risk assessment caused by potential exposure. Dielectric oil （ASKAREL Nr 1740） in an imported transformer found in China was sampled and analyzed by isotope dilution technology using high resolution gas chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry （HRGC/HRMS）. The detailed homolog and congener profiles of PCBs obtained were compared with those of known Aroclor formulations. High similarity in the homolog profile between the oil sample and Aroclor 1260was found, with the hexachlorinated and hepta- chlorinated biphenyls accounting for more than 80.2% of the total PCBs concentration. Severn indicator PCBs contribute about 30%, while 12 PCB congeners （i.e., # 153, #143, #168, #180, #149, #165, #138, #170, #190, #187, #174, #181） account for more than 50% of the total PCB concentrations. Total concentration ofPCDDs, PCDFs and dioxin-like PCBs （DL-PCBs） was found to be 740 ng TEQ/g, of which 620 ng TEQ/g came from DL-PCBs. The contribution of PCDDs to the total TEQ was neglectable. The concentration of PCDFs homologs follows the order of OCDF 〉 HxCDFs 〉 HpCDFs 〉 PeCDFs 〉 TeCDFs, which is in consistence with the previous study on Aroclor 1260. Three DL-PCBs congeners （i.e., #118, #156, #157） accounted for 77% of the total concentration of DL-PCBs, also they contribute 72% in the TEQ caused by DL-PCBs.     

PCBs,PCDDs and PCDFs in soil samples from uncontrolled burning of waste electrical material for metal reclamation

PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs have been analysed in soil samples where waste electrical equipment has been burned directly on the ground in three locations of Burgos (Spain). High levels of PCDDs, PCDFs and PCBs were detected in the centre of combustion sites. The results show PCB levels between 0.824 and 1.240 μg/g, and PCDDs and PCDFs levels between 8.73–36.37 ng/g and 12.79–50.95 ng/g. The I‐TEF values between 2.96–9.15 for dioxins and furans indicate that these soils are heavily polluted and may represent a risk for human and animal health.     

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins,polychlorinated dibenzofurans,dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment of Temsah lake,Suez Canal,Egypt

Lake Temsah is one of the main wetlands in the Suez Canal region, and the main source for fish for the area. The lake is the end-point of several wastewater effluents. In the present study, residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were monitored in the sediment of the lake. Samples were collected from six different sampling stations around the lake using a box-corer sampler, then kept frozen. Samples were extracted and cleaned up before residue determination was conducted using an HRGC/HRMS. An HP 6890 plus gas chromatograph was coupled to a Micromass Autospec Ultima mass spectrometer operating in EI mode at 35 eV and with a resolution of 10.000 (5% valley). PCDDs and PCDFs were detected in all sediment samples collected from various sampling stations. Results showed some progressive increase in PCDDs concentrations relevant to increase in chlorination. In the PCDD group of congeners, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 octa-CDD had the highest detected concentrations in all samples, while 2, 3, 7, 8 tetra-CDD showed the lowest concentrations. The World Health Organization toxicity equivalents ranged from 0.387 to 11.20 ng kg^?1 d.w. For PCDD homologues, hexa-CDD was the most dominant homologue in all sediment samples analysed. Regarding dioxin-like PCBs, results showed that IUPAC No. 118 congener, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, pentachlorobiphenyl was the most concentrated of all detected congeners, with concentrations ranging between 0.039 and 43.201 µg kg^?1. For polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo(b+k+j)fluoranthene had the highest concentrations in almost all sampling stations. However, fluorene was the smallest detected concentration in almost all stations. This result would indicate that PAH contamination of the lake seems to be coming from one main source in all sampling stations. The present work is the first record of PCCDs, PCCFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in the Temsah lake. The concentrations of the contaminants monitored in this study, especially those of PAHs, are rather alarming. Efforts should be made to stop point sources that contaminate the lake.     

Distribution of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment of Temsah lake, Suez Canal, Egypt

Lake Temsah is one of the main wetlands in the Suez Canal region, and the main source for fish for the area. The lake is the end-point of several wastewater effluents. In the present study, residues of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were monitored in the sediment of the lake. Samples were collected from six different sampling stations around the lake using a box-corer sampler, then kept frozen. Samples were extracted and cleaned up before residue determination was conducted using an HRGC/HRMS. An HP 6890 plus gas chromatograph was coupled to a Micromass Autospec Ultima mass spectrometer operating in EI mode at 35 eV and with a resolution of 10.000 (5% valley). PCDDs and PCDFs were detected in all sediment samples collected from various sampling stations. Results showed some progressive increase in PCDDs concentrations relevant to increase in chlorination. In the PCDD group of congeners, 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9 octa-CDD had the highest detected concentrations in all samples, while 2, 3, 7, 8 tetra-CDD showed the lowest concentrations. The World Health Organization toxicity equivalents ranged from 0.387 to 11.20 ng kg^-1 d.w. For PCDD homologues, hexa-CDD was the most dominant homologue in all sediment samples analysed. Regarding dioxin-like PCBs, results showed that IUPAC No. 118 congener, 2, 3, 4, 4, 5, pentachlorobiphenyl was the most concentrated of all detected congeners, with concentrations ranging between 0.039 and 43.201 µg kg^-1. For polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, benzo(b+k+j)fluoranthene had the highest concentrations in almost all sampling stations. However, fluorene was the smallest detected concentration in almost all stations. This result would indicate that PAH contamination of the lake seems to be coming from one main source in all sampling stations. The present work is the first record of PCCDs, PCCFs, and dioxin-like PCBs in the Temsah lake. The concentrations of the contaminants monitored in this study, especially those of PAHs, are rather alarming. Efforts should be made to stop point sources that contaminate the lake.     

Combined effects of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in rats

The objective of this work was to evaluate potential interactions between 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and polychlorinated biphenyls congeners (PCBs) in rats. Groups of five adult female rats were given 0, 2.5, 25, 250, or 1000?ng TCDD/kg body weight/day or TCDD in combination with a mixture of PCB congeners at a concentration of 2 or 20?µg?kg^?1 body weight/day by gavage for 28 days. After the 28-day treatment period, the rats were killed for the analysis of biochemical, liver enzyme activities, and hematological and pathological end points. Growth suppression, increased absolute and relative liver weights, and decreased thymic weight were observed in the 1000?ng TCDD group alone, or the groups receiving a mixture of 1000?ng TCDD and 2 and 20?µg PCBs. TCDD-increased liver and thymic weights were not altered by PCBs; however, growth suppression was more pronounced in animals receiving 1000?ng TCDD and 2?µg PCBs. Increased hepatic microsomal methoxy resorufin-O-demethylase and ethoxy resorufin-O-deethylase activities occurred in 250 and 1000?ng?kg^?1 TCDD-treated animals, which were antagonized by PCBs. Effects of 250?ng TCDD on serum cholesterol and liver uridine diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase activity were reduced by 20?µg PCBs. Treatment with 1000?ng TCDD increased serum albumin, decreased liver vitamin A, increased kidney vitamin A, and liver microsomal glutathione-S-transferase activity, which were not affected by PCBs. Decreased hemoglobin, platelet, packet cell volume, and red cell indices were observed in TCDD-treated rats, but no interactive effects were seen. Histopathological evaluation revealed that liver, thyroid, and thymus were the target organs, but the effects of co-exposure to PCBs and TCDD were variable. These results indicate that the mixture effects of PCBs and TCDD may be additive, synergistic, or antagonistic depending on the dose level and end points measured.     

Abstracts to forthcoming papers

Soil and sediments collected at a former chlor‐alkali plant in coastal Georgia (United States), revealed the presence of PCDF concentrations as great as 82.3 ng/g, dry wt. PCDF congener profile in soil was typical of “chlorine pattern”; with elevated proportions of OCDF and HpCDF. Concentrations of PCDFs declined gradually by 44‐fold at a distance of about 500 m along the contamination gradient. Of PCDDs/DFs, 2,3,7,8‐substituted PCDFs accounted for 94–98% of the TCDD‐like activity, which declined by 25‐fold, corresponding with the reduction of total PCDF concentrations. Concentrations of PCDDs in sediments were as great as 17 ng/g, with an elevated contribution from OCDD. The magnitude of decline in PCDD concentrations with distance from the source was less pronounced than that for PCDFs. PBDDs and PBDFs were not detected. Polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBBE) and monobromo‐heptachloro dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PXDDs/DFs) were found, though, at low concentrations. Their spatial distribution was similar to those of PCDDs.     

五氯酚及其钠盐中氯代二恶英类分析

采用ＨＰＬＣ和ＧＣ／ＭＳ的方法，对国产ＰＣＰ及其钠盐中的ＰＣＤＤｓ，ＰＣＤＦｓ进行了分析。测定了所有２，３，７，８－取代同系物。此外，还根据各ＣＤＤｓ，ＣＤＦｓ的毒性当量因于ＴＥＦｓ，计算了其毒性当量Ｉ－ＴＥＱｓ，分别为１４２，９２ｎｇ．ｇ＾－１。在前述基础上，仨算了由于ＰＣＰ及其钠盐的应用，引起的ＰＣＤＤｓ，ＰＣＤＦｓ环境输入。约为２４０ｋｇ／ａ。     

Clam‐sediment accumulation factors for polychlorinated biphenyl congeners at a contaminated estuarine marsh

Clam‐sediment accumulation factors for hexa‐, hepta‐ and octa‐chlorobiphenyls were estimated at an intertidal marsh that has been contaminated with Aroclor 1268. Accumulation factors for PCB congeners with K _ow > 6.5 were in the range of 0.07–0.88, indicating that their uptake was hindered by steric factors, contamination levels, non‐equilibrium conditions and stronger affinity to sediment organic carbon. Biota‐sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) were negatively correlated with log K _ow of superhydrophobic PCB congeners. BSAFs estimated based on 2,3,7,8‐TCDD equivalents of PCBs were 2‐fold greater than those derived from total PCB concentrations.     

Residues of PCDD,PCDF, and PCBs in some marine organisms in Lake Temsah,Ismailia, Egypt

Residues of PCDDs/F, non-ortho, mono-ortho PCBs, and other PCBs were monitored in the tissues of mullet fish, bolti fish, bivalves and crab taken from Lake Temsah, at Ismailia, Egypt.

Results showed that 2,3,7,8 Tetra CDD and 1,2,3,7,8 Penta CDD were the most frequently detected PCDD congeners. Similarly, 2,3,7,8 Tetra CDF, 1,2,3,7,8 Penta CDF and 2,3,4,7,8 Penta CDF were the most frequently detected PCDF congeners. No relationship was apparent between the concentrations of detected PCDDs congeners and the degree of chlorination, except with crab samples in which an increase in the chlorination coincided with a decrease in the concentrations of the congeners.

In PCDF congeners, detected residues have had a reversed relationship with chlorination increase. In PCDD congeners, Octa CDD had the highest detected concentrations in the two fish species, while in the bivalves and crab, 2,3,7,8 Tetra CDD had the highest concentrations. The mullet fish had the highest total PCDDs concentration, at 0.398?pg/g fresh weight, followed by crab at 0.395?pg/g fresh weight, then bivalves and bolti fish at 0.187 and 0.062?pg/g fresh weight, respectively. In all the examined organisms, the total concentrations of PCDFs were much higher than the total concentrations of the PCDD congeners. The WHO–TEQ values were 11.92, 39.12, 25, and 3.6?pg/g fresh weight, for mullet fish, bolti fish, bivlaves and crab, respectively. The concentration of the mono-ortho congeners CB 118 was the highest detected of all non-ortho and mono-ortho PCBs congeners, with values of 0.382, 0.022, 0.231 and 0.357?ng/g fresh weight, in mullet fish, bolti fish, bivalves and crab, respectively. The WHO–TEQ concentrations were 0.799, 0.003?pg/g fw, 0.05?pg/g fresh weight, 0.676?pg/g, and 0.799?pg/g fresh weight, for the same species, respectively. The total concentration of PCBs 28, 52, 95, 99, 101, 105, 110, 118, 138, 146, 149, 151, 153, 170, 177, 180, 187 were 6.86?ng/g fresh weight for mullet fish, 0.2?ng/g fresh weight, for bolti fish, 2.72?ng/g fresh weight for bivalves and 2.8?ng/g fresh weight for crab, respectively.     

Biotransfer of persistent organic pollutants from a large site in China used for the disassembly of electronic and electrical waste

Samples of groundwater, river water, river sediment, paddy soil, rice seeds, hen eggs, fish, umbilical cord blood, and newborn meconium were collected from October 2002 to October 2003 near a large site in China used for the disassembly of obsolete transformers and other electronic or electrical waste. Six indicator PCB congeners, three non-ortho dioxin-like PCB congeners, and six organochlorine pesticides were determined in the samples by GC with electron capture detector. The results demonstrated that the local environment and edible foods had been seriously polluted by toxic PCBs and organochlorine pesticides. The actual daily intakes (ADIs) of these pollutants were estimated for local residents living in the area. The intake data showed that the contents of PCBs in these local residents were substantial, as the ADI estimates greatly exceed the reference doses set by the World Health Organization and the United States Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry. The presence of the indicator PCB congeners in the cord blood and the meconium samples, as well as significant correlations (r ² > 0.80, p < 0.05) between these levels, suggests a potential biotransfer of these indicators from mothers to their newborns. This preliminary study showed that obsolete transformers and other electronic or electrical waste can be an important source for the emission of persistent organic pollutants into the local environment, such as through leakage, evaporation, runoff, and leaching. Contamination from this source appears to have reached the level considered to be a serious threat to environmental and human health around the disassembly site.     

PCDD/DFs and coplanar PCBs in fly ash samples from various types of incinerators in Taiwan

Polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/DFs) and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (Co‐PCBs) were determined in fly ash samples from municipal solid waste (MSW), medical waste (MW), and electricity power plant incinerators in Taiwan. The average concentrations of PCDD/DFs and Co‐PCBs are 7.02 ng‐TEQ/g and 1.06 ng‐TEQ/g, respectively. The contributions to total TEQ are 24% from PCDDs, 64% from PCDFs, and 12% from Co‐PCBs, indicating that PCDFs generate the highest environmental impact and MSW and MW incinerators are potential Co‐PCBs contaminating sources. The levels of PCDD/DFs and Co‐PCBs found in ash samples increase from petroleum‐fired, coal‐fired, large municipal solid waste, small medical waste, to small municipal solid waste incinerators, and are generally lower than those from incinerators built earlier. All fly ash samples analyzed in this study were considered hazardous materials. More research is suggested to establish the relationship between the amounts of PCDD/DFs and Co‐PCBs in fly ash and in flue gas.     

Polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins, -dibenzofurans and -dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic organisms from lake Kasumigaura,Japan

Polychlorinated-dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), -dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and -dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (DLPCBs) were determined in aquatic wildlife of Kasumigaura Lake (KUL), Japan from 1978 to 2001. Two plankton species elucidated several fold greater concentrations (2400–7800) than small tiger fish (310–6500), shrimp (160–1100), and three large fish namely, black bass (120–240), carp (94–120) and mullet (54) on pg/g fat. PCDD homologues were predominant accumulants with >68–<95% contribution and remaining was shared by PCDFs. Accumulation, non-ortho DLPCBs in plankton (3500–9200), shrimp (1600–8600) and small fish (2000–8800) and large fish (1300–3900) on ng/g fat basis were several orders magnitude greater than PCDD/DFs. The mono-ortho DLPCBs in large fish species were 23?000–83?000?ng/g fat and which it is accounted 94.3–95.9% the total dioxin-like PCBs accumulation. Temporal trends of PCDDs, PCDFs, non-ortho PCBs and TEQ in shrimp and small tiger fish were varied. The mullet had minimum toxic equivalency “TEQ” (14?pg?TEQ/g) followed by plankton Neomysis intermedia (25?pg?TEQ/g), small tiger fish (mean: 33, ranges 14–66?pg?TEQ/g), plankton Cyclopus vicinus (34?pg?TEQ/g), carp (mean: 35, ranges 32–38?pg?TEQ/g), shrimp (mean: 38, ranges 11–68?pg?TEQ/g) and black bass (mean: 59, ranges 38–79?pg?TEQ/g) on fat basis. In all the samples, PCDD was predominant TEQ contributor followed by PCDFs and DLPCBs. The contribution of mono-ortho DLPCBs to the total TEQ was 0.52–0.92 in large fish.     

Detection of polychlorinated biphenyls employing chemical dechlorination followed by biphenyl whole cell sensing system

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a mixture of 209 individual chlorinated compounds commonly known as PCB congeners. These compounds are hydrophobic and are persistent in the environment. Their use was banned in the US a few decades ago because of harmful health effects. Therefore, detection of PCBs in environmental samples is increasingly important. To that end, we have developed a two-step simple and sensitive method for the detection of total PCBs. Specifically, our method involves dechlorination of PCBs to biphenyl followed by detection of biphenyl using a whole cell sensing system as the detection system. The whole cell sensing system consists of cells of the strain Pseudomonas pseudoalcaligenes KF707 harboring plasmid pSD7000. Plasmid pSD7000 contains the gene of lacZ, a reporter protein under the control of the bph operon. The detection is achieved through the emission of light afforded by the expression of reporter protein triggered by the presence of biphenyl. Due to the fact that this operon is activated only by few PCB congeners, a chemical dechlorination method was employed to convert all PCBs to biphenyl, and thus all the PCBs present in a given sample are able to be detected. The results showed that PCB congeners were rapidly (30?min) and efficiently (>98.5%) dechlorinated to biphenyl using a Mg/K₂PdCl₆ catalyst, and the biphenyl could be subsequently quantified using the whole cell sensing system. This hybrid analytical method that combines classical dechlorination with novel biosensing methods may find applications in the on-site monitoring of PCBs contamination levels.     

Isomer‐specific determination and toxic evaluation of potentially hazardous coplanar PCBs,dibenzofurans and dioxins in the tissues of “Yusho” PCB poisoning victim and in the causal oil

In the light of new discoveries on the extremely toxic non‐ortho coplanar 3,3’,4,4'‐tetra‐ (T₄CB), 3,3’,4,4’,5‐penta‐(P₅CB) and 3,3'4,4’,5,5'‐hexachlorobiphenyl (H₆CB) and their mono‐ and di‐ortho analogs, tissue samples of a Yusho poisoning victim and Yusho causal oils were subjected to a thorough congener/isomer‐specific investigation for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated dibenzo‐p‐dioxins (PCDDs). Among the many PCB congeners detected in Yusho oil, non‐ortho coplanar T₄CB constituted 3.1%, P₅CB‐0.17% and H₆CB‐0.0072% in total PCBs. Their concentrations in liver and adipose tissue were 130–700 (T₄CB), 54–720 (P₅CB) and 50–380 (H₆CB) pg/g on wet weight basis. The observed concentrations in adipose tissue were two to four fold higher than that detected in unexposed individuals. Among the PCDFs identified, toxic 2,3,7,8‐substituted isomers including 2,3,4,7,8‐P₅CDF were the dominant ones. Tetra‐ through hepta‐CDDs were detected in the oil, whereas octa‐CDD was the dominant isomer in the patient. A comparison with KC‐400 revealed enrichment of coplanar PCBs in Yusho oil along with toxic PCDFs. Enrichment was highest for 3,3'4,4'5,5'‐H₆CB followed by 3,3’,4,4'5‐P₅CB. A comparative toxic evaluation of these chemical groups in Yusho patient's adipose tissue based on “2,3,7,8‐T₄CDD Toxic Equivalent Analysis” revealed accountable toxic contribution from coplanar PCBs. This analysis also confirmed that 2,3,4,7,8‐P₅CDF was the principal causative agent in Yusho poisoning.     

Extra-pair paternity in alpine marmots, <Emphasis Type="Italic">Marmota marmota</Emphasis>: genetic quality and genetic diversity effects

Assuming that a male’s genetic characteristics affect those of his offspring, extra-pair copulation has been hypothesized to increase heterozygosity of the progeny—the “genetic compatibility” hypothesis—and the genetic diversity within litters—the “genetic diversity” hypothesis. We tested these two hypotheses in the alpine marmot (Marmota marmota), a socially monogamous mammal showing a high rate of extra-pair paternity (EPP). In a first step, we tested the assumption that a male’s genetic characteristics (heterozygosity and genetic similarity to the female) affect those of his offspring. Genetic similarity between parents influenced offspring heterozygosity, offspring genetic similarity to their mother, and litter genetic diversity. The father’s heterozygosity also influenced litter genetic diversity but did not affect offspring heterozygosity. Hence, heterozygosity seems not to be heritable in the alpine marmot. In a second step, we compared genetic characteristics of extra-pair young (EPY) and within-pair young (WPY). EPY were less genetically similar to their mother but not more heterozygous than WPY. EPY siblings were also less genetically similar than their WPY half siblings. Finally, the presence of EPY promoted genetic diversity within the litter. Thus, our data support both the “genetic compatibility” and the “genetic diversity” hypotheses. We discuss further investigations needed to determine the primary causes of EPP in this species.     

六六六热解废渣中2,3,7,8—取代PCDDs和PCDFs的测定

采用ＨＰＬＣ和ＧＣ／ＭＳ法对六六六热解废渣中的ＰＣＤＤｓ和ＰＣＤＦｓ进行了测定，使用此种方法，于废渣中检出了所有２，３，７，８－取代的同系物。此外，还根据各ＣＤＤｓ，ＣＤＦｓ的毒性当量因子ＴＥＦｓ，计算了废渣的毒性当量ＴＥＱｓ，约为６１２－９２４μｇ／ｇ。分析表明，ＯＣＤＤ是含量最丰富的导构体，而１，２，３，４，６，７，８－ＨｐＣＤＤ，１，２，３，４，６，７，８－ＨｐＣＤＦ和１，２，３，４，７，８     

Toxic equivalency factor approach for risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The toxic equivalency factor (TEF) method has been developed to evaluate structurally related compounds, sharing a common mechanism of action. Because certain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) appear to fit this requirement and are ubiquitous environmental contaminants, these compounds are TEF candidates. Toxicity is often expressed relative to benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), the reference standard (e.g., TEF = EC50_BaP/EC50_PAH). BaP‐like toxicity or toxic equivalents (TEQs) can then be calculated: TEQ = S(PAH _i × TEF _i ), where PAH _i and TEF _i are the concentration and TEF, respectively, for individual PAH congeners. Representative TEFs for PAHs were compiled from studies measuring carcinogenic potency and surrogate biomarkers. This review examines the application of TEFs to PAHs with established criteria (i.e., demonstrated need, defined chemical grouping, broad toxicological database, endpoint consistency, additivity, common mechanism of action, consensus). Although all criteria are not satisfied (e.g., endpoint inconsistency, nonadditivity) and more rigorous validation studies are needed, the TEF method is useful when limitations are recognized. Refinements of the method might include incorporation of pharmacokinetic factors and segregation of TEFs derived from mammalian vs. nonmammalian systems to increase endopoint consistency. Probabilistic analysis may also prove useful to assess the range of TEF values reported both within and between human health and ecological risk assessments.     

Hydrothermal treatment of MSWI fly ash for simultaneous dioxins decomposition and heavy metal stabilization

Researches on the hydrothermal treatment of municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash were conducted to eliminate dioxins and stabilize heavy metals. In order to enhance decomposing polychlorinated dibenzodioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-furans (PCDFs) during hydrothermal process, a strong reductant carbohydrazide (CHZ) is introduced. A hydrothermal reactor was set up by mixing raw MSWI fly ash or the pre-treated fly ash with water and then heated to a pre-set temperature; CHZ was spiked into solution according to specially defined dosage. Experimental results showed that under the temperatures of 518 K and 533 K, the decomposition rates of PCDDs/PCDFs were over 80% and 90%, respectively, by total concentration. However, their toxic equivalent (TEQ) decreased only slightly or even increased due to the rising in concentration of congeners 2, 3, 7, 8-TCDD/TCDF, which might be resulted from the highly chlorinated congeners losing their chlorine atoms and being degraded during the hydrothermal process. Better results of TEQ reduction were also obtained under the higher tested temperature of 533 K and reactor with addition of 0.1%wt CHZ was corresponded to the best results. Good stabilization of heavy metals was also obtained in the same hydrothermal process especially when ferrous sulphate was added as auxiliary agent.     

Who’s what? Prompt recognition of social status in crayfish

Crayfish are excellent model organisms to study the proximate mechanisms underlying the maintenance of dominance hierarchies in invertebrates. Our aim here was to investigate whether Procambarus clarkii males use social eavesdropping to discriminate dominant from subordinate crayfish. To this end, we conducted an experiment composed of a “passive” and an “active” phase. In the passive phase, “focal” individuals were allowed (treatment 1) or not (treatment 2) to see and smell two size-matched crayfish fighting while, in the subsequent active phase, they were allowed to freely interact with the fighting dyad. None of the recorded variables showed any significant difference between the two treatments, but, invariably, focal individuals were able to promptly discriminate dominant from subordinate crayfish. This study provides evidence that male crayfish recognize the social status of a conspecific without the need of direct or indirect experience with it and avoid dominants—and thus dangerous opponents—by means of a badge of status. A form of “winner and loser effects” could also contribute to the structuring of dominance/subordinate relationships. The implication of these results in understanding the maintenance of dominance hierarchies in invertebrates are discussed and compared with findings previously achieved in the context of mate choice by P. clarkii females, who do appear to use eavesdropping to identify dominants and subordinates.