Organochlorine residues in finfish from Maryland waters 1976–1980

Abstract

Organochlorine pesticide and herbicide levels were monitored in samples of a variety of edible finfish harvested from the Maryland section of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries over a five‐year period (1976–80). Qualitative and quantitative information was obtained for the various polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), heptachlor, α‐BHC, chlordane, DDD, DDE, DDT, dieldrin, endrin, heptachlor‐epoxide, lindane, mirex, methoxychlor, aldrin, toxaphene, hexachlorobenzene, kepone and dacthal.

In addition to analyses of the flesh of the animals, organochlorine residue levels were determined in roe or gonad tissue of several samples. Striped bass, white perch and yellow perch samples showed significantly higher concentrations of certain of these substances in roe or gonad tissue, especially PCB's, chlordane, DDD and dieldrin. Significantly higher levels of six organochlorine residues were found in the gonad tissue of striped bass; however, similar studies on gonad tissue of American Shad, harvested from the same region, show no such enhancement. Rather, the reverse is true; levels of certain organochlorine residues are higher in flesh tissue.

All mean values, and virtually all individual values of organochlorine concentrations in the edible portion of the fish were within the U.S. Food and Drug Administration guideline, where such guidelines have been established.     

Organochlorine pesticides and hexachlorobenzene along the central coast of New South Wales: multi-scale distributions using the territorial damselfish Parma microlepis as an indicator.

Concentrations of 10 organochlorine pesticides and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were determined in the territorial damselfish Parma microlepis at three urban locations and three reference locations centred on the Sydney region. Dieldrin, HCB and DDE were the most frequently detected organochlorines, occurring in 70-100% of samples collected. Alpha and gamma chlordane were also reasonably common and occurred in more than 30% of the samples. Each organochlorine compound investigated had a distinct spatial pattern of distribution. Related chemicals such as alpha and gamma chlordane, and DDT, DDE and DDD tended to have similar patterns of distribution. There were clear differences in patterns of distribution in organochlorines between urban and reference locations shown using non-parametric multivariate techniques. Relative variability of samples from urban locations was higher than at reference locations in 1993, but there was no consistent pattern of differences in the dispersions of samples among urban and reference locations in 1994. Age and condition indices (K) showed no association with total concentrations of organochlorine residues in fish. Significant, but weak associations were found between organochlorine residues and size, gonad somatic and liver somatic indices.     

Trace metal residues in finfish from Maryland waters, 1978-1979

Levels of seven heavy metal residues, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, mercury and zinc were monitored in samples of various species of finfish harvested from the Maryland section of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries over a two year period (1978-79). Results of the analysis of the edible portions of these finfish are presented along with the species of finfish, date and location of harvest. A number of samples of finfish gonad and liver tissue were analyzed to study the relative level of preconcentration of heavy metals in these tissues compared to the edible (flesh) portion. Results of this study are consistent with other available data for Atlantic Coast finfish. Gonad tissue, when compared to flesh, show enrichment of copper and zinc and decreased mercury and cadmium levels. Liver tissue shows enrichment in copper, zinc and cadmium and generally lower levels of mercury compared to flesh.     

Concentration of organochlorine pesticides in wine corks

Wine corks were extracted and analyzed for 23 organochlorine pesticides, including alpha-, beta-, and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCH), hexachlorobenzene, DDT, DDE and DDD, chlordane, endosulfan, dieldrin, aldrin, and endrin. This was done to investigate the occurrence, concentrations, composition profiles, and possible sources of organochlorine contamination. All groups of compounds were detected in every sample investigated, with the exception of aldrin and endrin. The total concentrations of organochlorine compounds in all samples ranged from 75-120 ng/g lipid, and for most compounds, the concentrations of organochlorines in cork were consistent with published data for other plant tissues. Differences in the relative abundances of the various classes of organochlorine pesticides were substantial and were probably due to differences in the pesticide usage practices of the various regions in which the cork producing trees were grown.     

Organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues in the Atoya river basin, Chinandega, Nicaragua

The hydrographic basin of the Atoya river, located in the Department of Chinandega, one of the main cotton producing regions in Nicaragua, is intensively contaminated by pesticides. Samples of river waters and sediments, as well as strategically selected wells have been analyzed to study variations in the concentrations of organochlorine and organophosphorus pesticide residues between the dry season (November-April) and the rainy season (May-June). Generally, higher concentrations of pesticides have been detected in the river waters and sediments in the dry season. DDT, DDD, DDE compounds and toxaphene are the most frequent organochlorine residues found in the water and sediment samples, while endrin, aldrin, dieldrin and lindane are mainly found in the waters of rivers and wells. Organophosphorus compounds were rarely detected. However, residues of ethion, methyl-parathion and ethyl-parathion were found in high concentrations in some river and well water samples. Generally, organochlorine compounds tend to accumulate in the fine grain-size fractions, rich in organic matter, except DDE, which concentrates basically in the coarse grain-size fractions.     

Organochlorine compounds in bovine milk from the state of Mato Grosso do Sul – Brazil

Organochlorines are highly hydrophobic, synthetic organic pollutants that accumulate in the environment and in food webs. The primary route of human exposure to organochlorines is through food-mainly fat-rich food of animal origin such as meat, fish, and dairy products. Here we determined the presence and concentration of organochlorine residues in pasteurized milk from Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, to monitor consumer exposure to these contaminants. Organochlorine pesticides in milk samples were analyzed using solid phase extraction in octadecyl silica-prepacked columns and identified by gas chromatography using an electron capture detector. Of the 100 composite samples analyzed, more than 90% contained residues of organochlorine pesticides: aldrin was present in 44% of the samples, followed by ∑DDT (36%), mirex (34%), endosulfan (32%), chlordane (17%), dicofol (14%), heptachlor (11%) and dieldrin (11%). Compared to the values established by law, the concentration of the compounds in some samples was above the reference values. Given the importance that milk and its products have in the human diet, it is essential to know whether the levels of pesticide residues are kept well below the recommended levels to minimize the risk to human health.     

Mandibular bone fluoride levels and occurrence of fluoride induced dental lesions in populations of wild red deer (Cervus elaphus) from Central Europe

Analysis of chlordane contamination in selected finfish and shellfish species from estuarine and coastal marine waters of New Jersey, USA, indicates consistently highest organochlorine pesticide levels in samples from the north and northeast regions of the state. Gas chromatographic analysis of tissue samples from four finfish species (American eel, Anguilla rostrata; bluefish, Pomatomus saltatrix; striped bass, Morone saxatilis; and weakfish, Cynoscion regalis) and one shellfish species (blue crab, Callinectes sapidus) collected at 28 stations throughout the state during the 1986-1987 sampling period and 42 stations during the 1988-1991 sampling period revealed chlordane concentrations ranging from 5 to 2150 ppb wet weight (wet wt). Highest mean concentrations of chlordane (300 ppb wet wt) occurred in American eel from the Camden region, with secondary maxima (100 ppb wet wt) observed in the northeast region. Lower mean concentrations of chlordane (< 100 ppb wet wt) were recorded in tissue samples of other species collected elsewhere in the state. In general, the lowest levels of chlordane contamination (mean < 50 ppb wet wt) were found in samples from the south coast and Delaware regions. A major conclusion of this study is that some commercially and recreationally important finfish and shellfish species in New Jersey waters, especially those which are lipid-rich, have continued to accumulate chlordane from the environment long after restrictive regulations were first placed on its use in the US. The greatest impact of chlordane contamination is nearby metropolitan centers of the state (i.e., New York, Newark, Camden), although the total concentrations of chlordane in tissue samples from these areas are currently far less than the US Food and Drug Administration action level of 300 ppb wet wt.     

Levels of organochlorine pesticide residues in marine-, surface-, ground- and drinking waters from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as DDT and its metabolites (DDDs and DDEs). chlordane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor and endosulfan were determined in drinking-, ground-, surface- and marine waters from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Percentage recoveries of the OCPs from spiked river water ranged from 71.03 +/- 8.15% (dieldrin) to 101.25 +/- 2.17% (alpha-BHC). The levels of OCPs ranged from 5.5 ng/L (2,4-DDD) to 160 ng/L (HCB) in the water samples. Some endocrine disrupting OCPs such as DDT, DDE, heptachlor, endosulfan and chlordane were detected.     

A ten-year study of chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues in bovine milk in Illinois, 1972 - 1981

Milk supplies in Illinois were monitored for chlorinated hydrocarbon insecticide residues from 1972 through 1981. The percentage of milk samples that were contaminated with aldrin/dieldrin, DDT and its analogs, and BHC/lindane decreased during the 10-year sampling period. The percentage of samples contaminated with aldrin/dieldrin decreased from 98.7% in 1978 to 5.9% in 1981. The amount of aldrin/dieldrin residues found in contaminated samples also decreased from an average of 0.077 ppm (1972-79) to 0.001 ppm in 1980-81. The levels of chlordane and heptachlor/heptachlor epoxide residues in milk did not decrease, but residues of BHC and DDT decreased gradually over the 10-year period. The percentage of samples that had less than 0.1 ppm of all chlorinated hydrocarbon residues combined ranged from 10.6% to 25.7% during 1972 through 1978 and increased to 36.2% in 1979, 71.1% in 1980, and 61.4% in 1981.     

Residues of organochlorine pesticides in environmental samples from the Shatt al-Arab River, Iraq

Application of high resolution gas chromatography has confirmed relatively low residue levels of sumDDT, endrin and dieldrin in the Shatt al-Arab River. Thus, average concentration of these compounds in the edible portion of the cyprinid (Barbus xanthopetrus) were 21, 4 and 2 microg kg(-1) wet weight respectively. Mean values of sumDDT, endrin and dieldrin in surface sediments were 5, 40 and 20 microg kg(-1) dry weight respectively. Shrimps sampled from the Shatt al-Arab River were found to contain residues of o, p'-DDD only (average concentration was 2 microg kg(-1) wet weight). However, comparison of these samples with those from an area affected directly by a point source of organochlorine pesticides has shown that the cyprinid of the same age group contained significantly higher residue levels (average concentrations of sumDDT, endrin and dieldrin were 166, 20 and 7 microg kg(-1) wet weight respectively). Thus, it may be concluded that there was no direct input of organochlorine pesticides to the Shatt al-Arab River, and transportation via the natural processes, such as drainage, appeared to be the sole source. Based upon the observation that the original compound (p,p'-DDT) has not been detected in this river, it has also been concluded that there was no recent contribution of DDT here. Relatively higher residue levels of sumDDT, endrin and dieldrin were encountered in the muscles of the Indian shad captured from the Shatt al-Arab River (average concentrations were 163, 80 and 28 microg kg(-1) wet weight respectively). However, these elevated values were attributed to this fish being migratory and it being exposed to these pesticides elsewhere.     

Levels of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Marine-, Surface-, Ground- and Drinking Waters from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

Persistent organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) such as DDT and its metabolites (DDDs and DDEs), chlordane, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor and endosulfan were determined in drinking-, ground-, surface- and marine waters from the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Percentage recoveries of the OCPs from spiked river water ranged from 71.03 ± 8.15% (dieldrin) to 101.25 ± 2.17% (α-BHC). The levels of OCPs ranged from 5.5 ng/L (2,4-DDD) to 160 ng/L (HCB) in the water samples. Some endocrine disrupting OCPs such as DDT, DDE, heptachlor, endosulfan and chlordane were detected.     

Organochlorine pesticides and hexachlorobenzene in tissues of fish and invertebrates caught near a sewage outfall

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were determined in 16 fish, 1 mollusc and 1 crustacean species living near a cliff-face sewage outfall. For the 15 organochlorine compounds scanned, HCB, chlordane, dieldrin and SigmaDDT were recorded in highest concentrations. There was considerable variation in concentrations between muscle and liver and between species. Livers had higher concentrations of organochlorines and a higher percentage lipid than muscle. The highest concentrations were recorded in livers of the elasmobranch and tetraodontiform fishes. Organochlorines were only recorded at low concentrations in muscle, often at or near detection limits. No organochlorines were detected in the two invertebrate species.     

Vertical distributions of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) caused from organochlorine pesticides in a sediment core taken from Ariake bay, Japan

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) of organochlorine pesticides such as dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane (DDTs) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), heptachlor, chlordane compounds (CHLs), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, mirex and isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs), were analyzed in sediment cores collected from Ariake Bay, Japan. Although Chikugo River has the largest flow in Ariake Bay, the total concentration of POPs in surface sediment was found in St.3, mouth of the Yabe River, where that level was two times higher than St.1, mouth of the Chikugo River. It could be assumed that the potential source of POPs contamination is relatively close to this study area. Relatively high residue levels of HCB, HCHs and DDTs in sediment core were found during the period from 1967 to 1970. In this layer, the HCB concentration investigated in sediment cores of Ariake Bay was maximum, 2.6 ng g(-1) dry weight and higher than that of Tokyo Bay and subsequently detected in deeper sediment cores. The ratio of (DDD+DDE)/SigmaDDTs was high in top sediments (0-2 cm). Although there was a concentration of DDTs in the top sediment, it was noticed that DDT emission did not cause direct input of DDT recently. The HCHs determined in upper sediment cores might be originated from long-range accumulation in environment after dispersing of technical-grade HCH. Moreover, the CHLs, dieldrin and heptachlor concentrations were detected and recently increased in sediment core. POPs in sediment cores of Ariake Bay based on the possibility of PCP contamination during the early 1960s were reflected.     

Immunologic effects of perinatal exposure to dioxins, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in Japanese infants

Effects of perinatal exposure to dioxins, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides on lymphocyte subsets were investigated in the peripheral blood from 101 Japanese infants with approximately 10 months of age. Perinatal exposure to these organochlorine compounds were estimated by their contamination levels in the breast milk of the mothers. Lymphocyte subsets such as CD16+, HLA-DR+, CD4+, CD4+8+, CD8+, CD3+ and CD20+ cells in peripheral venous blood were assessed in a subgroup of 92 infants. Greater exposures to HCE, chlordane and dioxins were significantly associated with the increase in the percentages of CD8+ and CD3+ T lymphocytes and CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratios, respectively. In addition, higher HCH exposure was also associated with a decrease in the percentage of HLA-DR+ T lymphocytes. Furthermore effects of dioxins, DDT and PCBs on the percentage of CD16+ T lymphocyte were more pronounced by the combined exposure of dioxins and PCBs or by the combined exposure of DDT and PCBs. Effects of HCE on the percentages of CD8+ T lymphocyte were also more pronounced by the combined exposure of HCE and chlordane. In conclusion, our study suggests that greater exposures to dioxins, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides determined in this study (except dieldrin) influence the immune system of Japanese infant, although the clinical significance of these changes is uncertain.     

Accumulation of organochlorine contaminants in double-crested cormorants

Cormorant eggs and lipid samples from juvenile Cormorants were analyzed for 14 organochlorine contaminants. Low concentrations (geometric mean < 0.05 microg/g) of hexachlorobenzene (HCB), lindane, oxy-chlordane, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin, endrin, mirex, DDD and DDT in eggs primarily reflected the wintering-ground origin of organochlorine contaminants. Overall geometric mean concentrations of DDE and PCBs in Cormorant eggs were 3.90 and 2.22 microg/g egg respectively, and would not affect reproduction or eggshell thickness. Eggshells averaged 0.44 mm in thickness and no correlation (r2 = 0.17) with log-transformed DDE residues in Cormorant eggs was evident. Only DDE and PCBs were detected in lipid samples from 5- to 8-week-old Cormorants (geometric mean approximately 1.0 microg/g lipid for each compound). The PCB: DDE ratios in Cormorant lipid from some individual colonies were 2-3.5 times greater than the ratio in eggs from the same colony, suggesting an accumulation of PCBs related to local diet. Juvenile Cormorants might serve as regional indicators of chemical residue contamination in Alberta, and provide a temporal perspective on changes in contaminant burdens in aquatic ecosystems.     

Dieldrin, heptachlor, and chlordane residues in soybeans in Illinois 1974, 1980

The Illinois soybean crop was monitored in 1974 and 1980 for dieldrin, heptachlor, and chlordane residues resulting from the use of these compounds for corn soil insect control in the years before extensive soybean cultivation. Residue levels were compared with past published amounts. Dieldrin residue levels in soybeans declined between 1974 and 1980. Heptachlor and heptachlor epoxide levels remained level between 1974 and 1980. Chlorinated hydrocarbon residues were lower in the southern third of Illinois than for the remainder of the state.     

Organochlorine pesticide residue and PCBs in harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) incidentally caught in Scandinavian waters

During Norwegian and Danish harbour porpoise projects 1987-1991, subcutaneous blubber samples of 34 male harbour porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) were collected. Animals from three geographical locations, ranging from 56 degrees N, 12 degrees E to 71 degrees N, 26 degrees E, were chosen in order to study the organochlorine (OC) contamination in this species inhabiting the northeastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean, the northern North Sea and Kattegat, at the locations of Tufjord, Vestlandet and Gilleleje, respectively. Analytical standards used consisted of the industrial chemicals PCBs (22 individual PCB congeners and 6 industrial mixtures which contained 104 PCB congeners or group of congeners) and HCB, and the organochlorine pesticides DDT, HCH, the cyclodienes endrin, dieldrin and the chlordane metabolites oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor, and heptachlor epoxide. A total of 16 PCB congeners or groups of congeners, all the DDT metabolites except o,p'-DDD, and all the pesticides were detected in all animals. The concentrations of sigmaPCB (sum of concentrations of 47 detected PCB congeners) and sigmaDDT (sum of concentrations of all DDT detected compounds) ranged from 3.7-65.3 and 3.2-45.0 microg g(-1) lipid weight, respectively. The range of mean concentrations of dieldrin, endrin and trans-nonachlor was 1-3 microg g(-1), while mean concentrations of HCHs, heptachlor epoxide, and HCB were <1 microg g(-1). No significant variation in PCB congener pattern was apparent between geographical areas. The major PCB congeners nos 147/123, 153, 138/163/164, 182/187 and 180 at Gilleleje, Vestlandet and Tufjord represented 53%, 45% and 44% of sigmaPCB, respectively. A significant difference was found between the number of PCB congeners in blubber of newborn and older porpoises. This might indicate the presence of a blood/placenta barrier and/or selective mammary transport of PCBs with specific structures. A significant OC accumulation with age was apparent, with the exception of HCB and HCHs. Geographical differences in the levels of OCs were apparent for all compounds except for dieldrin and heptachlor epoxide. Significantly higher levels of chlordane metabolites (trans-nonachlor and oxychlordane) and endrin were found in the group of animals from the northern location Tufjord, while sigmaDDT, p,p'-DDTs, HCHs and PCBs were highest in the group of animals from the southern location Gilleleje. Highest levels of the o,p'-substituted DDTs were found in specimens from the middle location Vestlandet. These findings indicate little or no regular migration of harbour porpoise between these three locations. No correlations were found between OC concentrations and blubber thickness. Although mean values of sigmaDDT and sigmaPCB were in the lower end of previously reported levels in harbour porpoise from adjacent waters in the eastern part of the North Atlantic Ocean and along the coasts of North America, these levels are relatively high. The organochlorine concentrations in harbour porpoises in the present study were 2-3 times higher than corresponding OC levels detected in harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) from the same areas.     

Translocation of aged cyclodiene insecticide residues from soil into forage crops and pastures at various growth stages under field conditions

Abstract

Field trials were conducted to measure translocation of pesticides by summer and winter forage/pasture species from soil containing aged residues of heptachlor and, to a lesser extent, dieldrin. Substantial amounts of heptachlor epoxide, and lesser amounts of y‐chlordane were translocated to plants from contaminated soil. Residue levels varied with crop species and stage of plant development. In summer crops residues were higher in soybean> cowpeas>lab‐lab>Sorghum>millet>sweet saccaline at the grazing and mature stages.

Compared to glasshouse studies undertaken previously, residues in crops grown under field conditions were much lower, this apparently reflects the lower soil moisture levels and the reduced rates of translocation.

Heptachlor residues in winter crops were highest in Saia oats > Berseem clover > Haifa clover > Cassia oats > Tetila ryegrass > Schooner barley > Shaftal clover > Hunter river lucerne at the grazing stage. There were no detectable levels in barley and oats at the mature stage. No dieldrin residues were translocated into the various crop species.     

Persistent organochlorines in beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) from the St Lawrence River estuary--II. Temporal trends, 1982-1994

Blubber samples from 16 dead beluga whales (Delphinapterus leucas) collected during 1993-1994 in the St Lawrence River estuary were analysed for PCB congeners and other persistent organochlorines (DDT-group, chlorinated bornanes (toxaphene, CHB), chlordane SigmaCHL), hexachloro-cyclohexanes (SigmaHCH), chlorobenzenes (SigmaCBz), tris(p-chlorophenyl methane (TPMe) and mirex). Concentrations and relative proportions of major individual organochlorine components were within the same range as previous results for this population. Temporal trends were studied by combining the results with data from the analysis of 44 samples (1986-1990) and (for DDT and Aroclor PCBs only) with 20 samples (1982-1985) reported by Martineau et al., 1987. Results were lipid normalized and then age-adjusted by an ANCOVA model. Significant relationships between age and concentrations of most organochlorine groups were found for females but not for males. Significant declines were observed in SigmaDDT, and Aroclor PCBs (1.5- and 1.9-fold, respectively) in males between the 1982-1985 and 1993-1994 collection periods. Significant declines were also observed for SigmaHCH and SigmaCBz in males between 1986-1988 and 1993-1994. Mean concentrations of CHBs were significantly higher in 1993-1994 than in earlier years while dieldrin, SigmaCHL, mirex, and TPMe showed no trend. Declines in concentrations of major organochlorine groups were not observed in females possibly because of higher year to year, and within year, variation. The temporal trend in DDT and PCB concentrations in male beluga blubber paralleled trends in seals, eels, and seabirds in the St Lawrence estuary observed during the 1980s.     

Long-term trends and sources of organochlorine contamination in Canadian tundra Peregrine Falcons, Falco peregrinus tundrius

Levels of eggshell thinning, and organochlorine residues in egg contents, blood plasma of adults and juveniles, tissue samples, and prey species were determined for a population of migratory Peregrine Falcons (Falco peregrinus tundrius) breeding in the Canadian Arctic. Temporal trends were assessed by comparing data collected during 1991-1994, with data from 1982-1986, for the same population. Shells (n=54) from 1991-1994 averaged 15% thinner than eggs produced prior to the introduction of DDT. No improvement in shell thickness was detected between decades. Mean DDE residue levels in eggs showed a decline from 7.6 mg kg (1982-1986) to 4.5 mg kg (1991-1994), but there was no significant change in SigmaPCB residues. Moreover, the proportion of clutches with eggs exceeding critical SigmaPCB, DDE, and dieldrin residue levels (10%) did not change between decades. Relative to Greenland and Alaskan populations, F. p. tundrius at Rankin Inlet show high levels of organochlorine contamination and little reduction in residues over the last decade. These Tundra Peregrines continue to be exposed to organochlorines in Latin America; however, results also link relatively high levels in the study population with waterfowl species that do not leave Canada in winter.