Organic compounds temporal trends at some invertebrate species from the Balearics, Western Mediterranean

Concentrations of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlore diphenyl trichloretane (DDT), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH or lindane) were determined in tissue of marine benthic invertebrates such as Mytilus galloprovincialis, Chamelea gallina, Venus verrucosa, Lithophaga lithophaga and Paracentrotus lividus. Species were selected due to their habitat, trophic level, feeding behaviour and their consumption. Invertebrate species were systematically sampled from December 1996 to December 2005 from several sites along the Balearic Islands. The highest concentrations of PCBs (785ng/g lipid) were found in M. galloprovincialis while the lowest concentrations were found in the sea-urchin P. lividus (193ng/g lipid). Among the 7 PCB quantified congeners the higher values are mainly obtained for CB138 and CB153. All bivalves presented higher PCBs contents than the sea-urchin P. lividus are possibly linked with the bioaccumulation process of POPs throughout the food web and to differential detoxifying mechanisms. The concentration of SigmaDDT exceeds that of HCB and gamma-HCH at all species and sampling stations. DDT concentrations ranged from 0.4ng/g ww at the bivalve C. gallina in 2002, to values of 15.8ng/g ww at the bivalve L. lithophaga in 1998. The values obtained for the organic compounds (HCH, HCB, PCBs, DDT) depend upon the place and year of sampling and are compared to values found by other authors for the mussel M. galloprovincialis in other Mediterranean areas. gamma-HCH and HCB were found in lower concentrations than the other POPs.     

Review on persistent organic pollutants in the environment of Greenland and Faroe Islands

The literature concerning persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment of Greenland and the Faroe Islands covering the period up to 1995 has been revisited. It is difficult to compare data from earlier studies with those from more recent investigations. Thus as the former quantified the content of CBs by comparison to a technical mixture of CBs (e.g. Aroclor 1254), the latter analyses typically are quantified on a single congener level. Single CB congeners have in some cases been determined, but the results were subsequently expressed as total PCB related to an Aroclor standard. For studies based on single CB congener determinations, the highest levels are reported for porpoise blubber from Greenland (700-4500 micrograms/kg wet weight), the conclusion, however being based on two determinations only. In Greenlandic seal blubber and peregrine falcon plasma equal levels of CBs (130-750 micrograms/kg ww) and of DDTs (150-860 micrograms/kg ww) were found. Levels of CBs and DDTs in fish liver were found to be around 40-75 micrograms/kg ww. In sediment samples the CBs were almost all below the detection limit (< 0.02-0.1 microgram/kg dry weight), and thereby being the matrix with the lowest CBs concentration levels. Earlier data based on Aroclor standards showed DDT levels in Greenlandic whale blubber in the range of 2700-4100 micrograms/kg ww and PCB levels of 3700 micrograms/kg-5400 micrograms/kg ww. DDT levels for seal blubber were at the same level (2700-4500 micrograms/kg ww) whereas the PCB level was lower (900-3900 micrograms/kg ww). The PCB level corresponds to the level found in human adipose tissue determined with a similar quantification technique. The lowest levels reported for mammals correspond to walrus blubber, the sum of PCBs and DDTs being in the ranges of 180-360 micrograms/kg ww and 50-90 micrograms/kg ww, respectively. The content of PCBs in scallops was found to be 3 micrograms/kg ww near the Thule Air base.     

Levels and congener pattern of PCBs in arctic fox, Alopex lagopus, in Svalbard

Levels and congener pattern of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in samples of subcutaneous fat and liver from 27 polar foxes, Alopex lagopus, caught in Svalbard during the winter 1983-1984. In all the samples analysed the composition of individual PCB congeners was studied by comparison with 12 individual PCB congeners (IUPAC nos. 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 170, 180, 183, 194, 206 and 209). In addition, the PCB congeners nos. 99, 105, 114, 156 and 157 were determined in the fat samples. In both liver and fat samples the sum PCB was calculated based on the concentrations of seven selected congeners, nos. 138, 153, 170, 180, 194, 206 and 209. These congeners were the same as those used in a corresponding investigation made on arctic fox from Svalbard 10 years earlier. The present study reveals that the PCB levels in arctic fox in Svalbard are high and essentially unchanged in the period from 1973-1974 to 1983-1984. The mean sum PCB levels in fat and liver were 8.3 +/- 11 and 0.4 +/- 0.4 microg g(-1), and the extractable fat was 81.2 +/- 8.4 and 4.5 +/- 1.7% for the two tissues, respectively. In fat, sum PCB ranged from 0.5 to 41.0 microg g(-1). PCB nos. 153 and 180 accounted for approximately 65% of sum PCB. The contributions of PCB nos. 138 and 153 to the sum PCB were found to increase from 1974 to 1984. The PCB congener pattern is similar to that found in polar bears, and is dominated by a few congeners (99, 138, 153, 170, 180 and 194). No significant differences in PCB levels were found between sexes or between age groups. However, significantly higher PCB levels were found in old animals (>/= 3 years) with less than 2 cm of fat on the ramp as compared with young animals (1-2 years) with more than 2 cm of fat on the rump. Effects on vital functions from the observed levels of PCBs cannot be excluded for the most contaminated foxes.     

Congener profiles of PCBs and PCDD/Fs in Yucheng victims fifteen years after exposure to toxic rice-bran oils and their implications for epidemiologic studies

In 1978-1979, a mass poisoning occurred in central Taiwan from rice-bran oil contaminated by heat-degraded PCBs was later called the Yucheng (oil disease in Chinese). Only a few studies have so far investigated the levels of specific polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) or polychlorinated dibenzodioxin/furan (PCDD/F) congeners in the Yucheng victims. This study aimed to investigate the serum residual levels of thirty-three PCBs and seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F congeners in the Yucheng victims 15 years after the exposure. Forty-one blood samples were collected from individual Yucheng victims in 1994-1995. The mean levels of total 33 PCBs and 17 PCDD/Fs were 2468 ng/g lipid (13.3 ng/g sample) and 6550 pg/g lipid (30.9 pg/g sample) respectively. The higher levels were found in PCBs #99, #138, #153, #156, #170, #179, and #180 among 33 PCB congeners, while 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, and OCDD had the higher concentrations among 17 PCDD/F congeners. The total TEQ was contributed in decreasing order by 10 PCDFs (44%), three non-ortho-PCBs (24%), six mono-ortho-PCBs (20%), and seven PCDDs (12%). The mean total PCB levels and TEQ value of the 17 PCDD/Fs in the Yucheng victims 15 years after the toxic exposure were still 9 and 46 times higher than those in the general population in Taiwan. Principle component analysis (PCA) indicated that seven PCB congeners, PCBs #99, #138, #153, #156, #170, #179, and #180, accounted for 73% of the total variances in PCBs. On the other hand, six PCDD/F congeners, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 1,2,3,4,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDF, 1,2,3,6,7,8-HxCDD, 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-HpCDF, and OCDD, accounted for 97% of the total variances in PCDD/Fs. In addition, PCA revealed that at least three characteristic patterns of congener profiles for PCBs were observed among the Yucheng victims. Similar trend was also observed for PCDD/Fs. These patterns may reflect distinctive exposure scenarios and/or different metabolizing capabilities among the Yucheng victims. We suggest that these patterns, in contrast to total PCB and PCDD/F levels, may be valuable for the future epidemiologic studies when linking exposure with specific health effect.     

Some heavy metals, essential elements, and chlorinated hydrocarbons in polar bear (Ursus maritimus) at Svalbard

During the period 1978-1989, samples of liver, kidney and subcutaneous fat from 24 polar bears, Ursus maritimus, from Svalbard were analysed for mercury, cadmium, lead, copper, zinc, selenium, arsenic, HCB, DDE, PCBs (as Aroclor 1260 or Phenoclor DP6). In a selected number of liver (seven) and fat (three) samples, the composition of individual PCB congeners was studied by comparison with 23 individual PCB congeners (IUPAC nos 28, 52, 74, 101, 99, 110, 149, 118, 114, 105, 153, 141, 138, 187, 128, 183, 156, 157, 180, 170, 194, 206 and 209). In the seven liver samples, the concentrations of o,p'- and p,p'-isomers of DDT, TDE, DDE, alpha-, beta- and gamma-HCH, oxychlordane, heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, aldrin and dieldrin were also determined. The hepatic concentrations of mercury, cadmium and lead in animals of all ages were 0.4-6.0, <0.1-1.2, and <0.5-1.6 microg g(-1), respectively. This indicates a moderate exposure. Concentrations of mercury and selenium were correlated (r=0.80). The levels of copper and zinc represented normal physiological concentrations. The concentrations of HCB, DDE and PCBs in fat were <0.05-1.5, <0.1-3.4 and 2.9-90 microg g(-1), respectively. The corresponding results for liver were <0.01-0.11, <0.1-0.5 and 0.1-78 microg g(-1), respectively. Six PCB congeners, PCB-99, -153, -138, -180, -170, and, -194 accounted for about 99 and 87% of the total PCB content (sum of the 12 congeners, nos. 28, 99, 153, 138, 128 + 187, 156, 157, 180, 170, 194, 206 and 209) in liver and fat, respectively. PCB-153 represented 37+/-3 30+/-16% of the sum PCB (sum of 12 congeners) in liver and fat, respectively. The range of the hepatic concentration of oxychlordane was 5-19 microg g(-1). Quantifiable concentrations of heptachlor, heptachlorepoxide, beta-HCH and dieldrin were also found in all the liver samples analysed. Low concentrations of p,p'- and o,p'-DDT were found in two of seven liver and two of two fat samples. Comparisons are made with investigations from Canada and Greenland. Possible effects of PCBs, especially on reproduction, cannot be excluded. Ringed seal, Foca hispida, and to some extent bearded seal, Erignathus barbatus, are the main food of the polar bear. It is therefore likely that the exposure to environmental pollutants occurs via the consumption of these two species.     

Evaluation of Organochlorine Compounds (PCDDs,PCDFs, PCBs and DDTs) in Two Raptor Species Inhabiting a Mediterranean Island in Spain (8 pp)

Background Species that are at high levels of the food web have often been used as bioindicators to evaluate the presence of persistent contaminants in ecosystems. Most of these species are long-lived, so pollutant burdens may be integrated in some complex way over time. This makes them particularly sensitive to deleterious effects of Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Birds have been suggested as useful organisms for monitoring pollutant levels. Traditionally such studies have been carried out with raptors such as osprey (Pandion haliaetus), peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus), bald eagle (Haliaetus leucocephalus), etc. In this paper we present the results of a monitoring study conducted on two raptor species, osprey (Pandion haliaetus) and red kite (Milvus milvus), inhabiting a Mediterranean island (Menorca, Spain). These two species have different feeding habits; ospreys prey on fish and red kites feed on terrestrial species. This study constitutes a good opportunity to investigate if differences in feeding habits (aquatic vs. terrestrial) influences the contaminants pattern in two species inhabiting the same area. Methods The study was conducted in a non-destructive way, using only failed eggs, to avoid the damage of the population stability. Eggs were collected during the period 1994–2000. The contaminants examined were dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs, including DDT and its main metabolite, DDE), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), including ortho PCBs (PCBs with at least one Chlorine atom in the ortho position): #28, 52, 95, 101, 123+149, 118, 114, 153, 132+105, 138, 167, 156, 157, 180, 170, 189, 194; and non ortho PCBs (PCBs with no Chlorine atom in the ortho position): #77, 126, 169 and all the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) with Chlorine atoms at the 2,3,7 and 8 position (2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs and PCDFs). The analysis of organochlorine compounds was performed using a sample treatment based on a Solid Phase Matrix Dispersion procedure. Ortho PCBs and DDTs were determined by HRGC-μECD; non ortho PCBs and PCDD/Fs were determined by HRGC-HRMS. Results and Discussion The sum of the ortho PCB congeners analysed ranged from 0.94 to 15.03 μg/g wet weight (ww) for ospreys and from 1.0 to 11.2 μg/g ww for red kites. In both species, PCB congeners #153, #138 and #180 accounted about 75% to total ortho PCB concentrations. Regarding non ortho PCBs, for ospreys, concentrations ranged from 0.16 to 1.39 ng/g wet weight (ww) and for red kites from 0.12 to 0.51 ng/g ww, being congener #126 the most abundant. Concerning DDTs, concentration for ospreys ranged from 0.07 to 1.03 μg/g ww; and for red kites ranged from 0.90 to 2.10 μg/g ww, representing DDE more than 95% of the total DDTs, which proves a past use of DDT in the study area. Differences in contaminant levels between species are probably associated to feeding habits. The fish-eating species presents the highest PCB levels, whereas the terrestrial species exhibits the highest DDT levels. PCDD/Fs in ospreys were in the range 2.6–14.2 pg/g ww, while in red kites the range was slightly wider (22.2–43.2 pg/g ww), being PCDDs the major contributors in black kites. Ospreys had PCDDs similar to PCDF concentrations. PCDD/F profiles were mostly influenced by OCDD in both species. Non ortho PCBs were the major contributors to calculated Toxic Equivalent Quantity (TEQs) in both species. Conclusion In both species studied, ortho-PCBs could represent a problem of concern since 57% of the eggs exhibited levels higher than 4 μg/g ww, reported as the level that could cause reduced hatchability, embryo mortality, and deformities in birds. Recommendations and Outlook Results found in this study suggest that a more detailed study to clear up possible deleterious effects of PCBs on the bird populations studied here should be done. Section Editor: Prof. Dr. Paola Gramatica (paola.gramatica@uninsubria.it)     

PCBs and PCDD/Fs in lake sediments of Grosser Arbersee, Bavarian Forest, South Germany

Despite their environmental importance, there are still relatively few historical studies of the environmental occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), especially in middle Europe. Trends in PCBs and PCDD/Fs were, therefore, assessed in lake sediments of the Grosser Arbersee over the past 130 years (1860-1990). Ballschmiter-PCB concentrations (congeners # 28, 52, 101, 138, 153, 180) increased between 1946 and 1972 from 4.2 to 32.0 microg kg(-1) dry wt, but have since decreased to 25.6 microg kg(-1) dry wt. High chlorinated PCB congeners reached their maxima earlier (1968-1972) than low chlorinated congeners (1985-1991). These trends were consistent with patterns expected from the production and use of PCBs and their precursors. PCDD/F concentrations increased between 1950 from 0.6 microg kg(-1) dry wt to 2.3 microg kg(-1) dry wt in 1977, falling to 1.7 microg kg(-1) dry wt by 1993. PCDF concentrations exceeded those of PCDD until 1968, but afterwards PCDDs (especially OCDD) were predominant. These patterns suggest that domestic heating and waste combustion were the most likely sources, but pollution from local industries, such as metal smelting and glass production, might also have been involved. The data provide a valuable case study from central Europe which confirms the overall declining trends of PCB and PCDD/F contamination shown elsewhere.     

Levels of selected individual polychlorinated biphenyls in different tissues of harbour seals (phoca vitulina) from the Southern coast of Norway

Concentrations of individual polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in blubber, liver, kidney and brain tissues of 10 male harbour seals (Phoca vitulina) of different ages. The animals were found dead or dying on the southern coast of Norway in 1988 during the morbilli virus epizootic. Twenty-three PCB congeners were investigated in all tissues by capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection and comparison with standards of the respective congeners (IUPAC numbers 28, 52, 74, 99, 101, 105, 110, 114, 118, 128, 138, 141, 149, 153, 156, 157, 170, 180, 183, 187, 194, 206 and 209). In addition, three toxic coplanar congeners (IUPAC numbers 77, 126 and 169) were investigated in the blubber samples. Total PCB (sum of the determined congeners) in kidney (12-60 nmol g(-1)), liver (12-90 nmol g(-1)) and blubber (10-79 nmol g(-1)) were similar on extractable lipid basis, while total PCB in brain lipid was about 1/10 (1.6-12 nmol g(-1)). The absolute concentrations of the individual congeners in brain lipid correlated poorly with the respective concentrations in each of the other tissues, while the individual congener concentrations in the lipid fractions of kidney, liver and blubber tended to correlate with each other. The relative concentrations of the sum of the most persistent congeners (PCB-99, -128, -138, -153, -170, -180, -187 and -194) correlated in all tissues, and an increase of the relative concentrations of these congeners, most distinct in blubber, with higher carcass weight, was shown. Also, total PCB in blubber correlated with carcass weight. When comparing the relative concentration patterns of individual congeners (per cent of total) in the four tissues, six congeners differed significantly between tissues, and the relative brain concentrations showed most deviation from the other tissues. The concentration of the coplanar PCBs was 1 : 1000-1 : 1000 of the total PCB concentration. The results demonstrate a lower accumulation together with a different concentration pattern in the brain as compared to other tissues.     

Lactational transfer of mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls in polar bears

We examined concentrations of total mercury (tHg, inorganic and methylated forms) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blood and milk from free-ranging Southern Beaufort-Chukchi Sea polar bears (Ursus maritimus) to assess maternal transfer of contaminants during lactation and the potential health risk to nursing young. Concentrations of contaminants in the blood of dependent and juvenile animals (ages 1-5 years) ranged from 35.9 to 52.2 μg kg(-1) ww for tHg and 13.9 to 52.2 μg kg(-1) ww (3255.81-11067.79 μg kg(-1) lw) for ΣPCB(7)s, similar to those of adult females, but greater than adult males. Contaminant concentrations in milk ranged from 5.7 to 71.8 μg tHg kg(-1)ww and 160 to 690 μg ΣPCB(11)s kg(-1) ww (547-5190 μg kg(-1) lw). The daily intake levels for tHg by milk consumption estimated for dependent young were below the tolerable daily intake level (TDIL) of tHg established for adult humans. Although the daily intake levels of PCBs through milk consumption for cubs of the year exceeded the TDIL thresholds, calculated dioxin equivalents for PCBs in milk were below adverse physiological thresholds for aquatic mammals. Relatively high concentrations of non-dioxin like PCBs in polar bear milk and blood could impact endocrine function of Southern Beaufort-Chukchi Sea polar bears, but this is uncertain. Transfer of contaminants during mid to late lactation likely limits bioaccumulation of dietary contaminants in female polar bears during spring. As polar bears respond to changes in their arctic sea ice habitat, the adverse health impacts associated with nutritional stress may be exacerbated by tHg and PCBs exposure, especially in ecologically and toxicologically sensitive polar bear cohorts such as reproductive females and young.     

Comparison of organohalogen compounds in a white-tailed sea eagle egg laid in 1941 with five eggs from 1996 to 2001

Eggs laid by white-tailed sea eagles (Haliaeetus albicilla), one in 1941 and five eggs between 1996 and 2001, all from the same geographical region of the Baltic Sea, were screened for organohalogen substances. The 1941 egg contained hexachlorobenzene (HCB), but did not contain either of the pesticides hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) or p,p′-DDT, nor any metabolites of the latter. In contrast, the more recent eggs (REs) contained all of these compounds. Of the seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) analyzed (CB28, −52, −101, −118, −138/−163, −153 and 180), only the more highly chlorinated congeners were detected in the 1941 sample, with CB153 followed by CB180 showing the highest concentrations. All eggs demonstrated the same congener pattern with respect to the more highly chlorinated PCBs, but concentrations were approximately 70-230 times higher in the REs. All of the polychlorinated-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran (PCDD/Fs) congeners analyzed were detected in the eggs, with the dominant congener being 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF (1250 pg/g l.w. in 1941 and 1540 pg/g l.w. (GM) for the REs, respectively). None of the other congeners exceeded 400 pg/g l.w., and the concentrations of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 2,3,7,8-TCDF and 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDF were all lower in the REs. None of five congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) found in the REs was detected in the egg from 1941. The three methoxylated brominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-BDEs) analyzed were found at similar levels and with a similar congener pattern in REs as in the egg from 1941.In conclusion, this study has shown the absence of DDE and PBDE and the presence of HCB and PCBs in a white-tailed sea eagle egg laid in 1941, and a strong increase of PCBs, DDE and PBDE in white-tailed sea eagle eggs from the same area in 1996-2001. The MeO-BDEs were found in similar concentrations in the analyzed eggs. The 1941 sample shows substantial concentrations of PCDD/Fs, noteworthy in the same magnitude as in the recent samples, illustrating the historical and recent exposure of these compounds.     

Characterization and risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls in soils and vegetations near an electronic waste recycling site, South China

This study aimed at identifying the levels of PCBs generated from e-waste recycling, and their potential impacts on the soils and vegetations as well. The ΣPCBs concentrations in soil and plant samples ranged from 7.4 to 4000 ng g(-1) and from 6.7 to 1500 ng g(-1), respectively. For the plant samples, Chrysanthemum coronarium L. from vegetable field and the wild plant Bidens pilosa L. from the burning site showed relatively higher PCB concentrations than other species. For the soil samples, the e-waste burning site had relatively higher PCB concentrations than the adjacent areas, and vegetable soils had higher PCB concentrations than paddy soils. The PCB concentrations showed a clear decreasing trend with the increasing distance from the e-waste recycling site. PCB 28, 99, 101, 138, 153, and 180 were the predominant congeners. Principal component analysis results showed a potential fractionation of PCB compositions from the burning site to the surroundings. The PCB congener pattern at the burning site was similar to Arochlor 1260, pointing to an input of non-domestic e-waste. Similar PCB congeners were found in soils and related vegetables, indicating they derived from the same source. The consumption of vegetables grown in soils near e-waste recycling sites should be strictly avoided due to the high PCBs in the plant tissues.     

Organochlorinated contaminants in decapod crustaceans from the coasts of Brittany and Normandy (France)

The contamination and distribution of organochlorinated compounds were considered in three crustacean species (edible crab, Cancer pagurus; spider crab, Maja brachydactyla; velvet swimming crab, Necora puber) from five sites along the coasts of Brittany and Normandy (Western and North-Western France). PCBs (16 single congeners), pp'-DDE and HCB were measured in hepatopancreas, gonads and muscle: in all, 175 samples were analysed. The spider crab was the only species found in the five sampling sites, thus enabling comparison between areas. Specimens from Antifer were much more contaminated (summation operator 16 PCBs in hepatopancreas=2000-4000 ng g(-1) dry weight) than those from other sites (50-1000 ng g(-1) d.w.). Among all the three species, the spider crab appeared more contaminated by PCBs than the edible crab, by a factor 2-3, probably in relation with specific differences in their life cycle. There was no difference due to the gender of the species. Within the different analysed tissues, contamination levels increased from muscle to gonads and hepatopancreas in relation with the fat content. A very similar PCB composition was observed in all samples, PCB fingerprints being characterised by the relative importance of the more persistent PCB congeners: CB153, 138, 180, 187, and 118. Finally, these results were compared to recent food regulations first of maximum marker PCB intake and secondly of maximum dioxin-like PCB intake. By considering the muscle, all samples were far below the regulatory limits; for hepatopancreas and gonads, however, some samples were unfit for human consumption.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in cord blood from women in Poland

The purpose of this study was to assess human exposure in the prenatal period to selected PBDEs (BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-153) and PCBs (CB-77, CB-101, CB-118, CB-126, CB-138, CB-153, CB-170, CB-180) basing on the analysis of these compounds in cord blood. The experimental material consisted of 89 cord blood samples taken from women resident in Warsaw and its vicinity. In over 90% of all tested samples the presence of congeners CB-153, CB-138, CB-180 and BDE-47 was identified. The least frequently found were CB-126 and BDE-153, which were present at relatively low concentration levels. Among all analysed PCBs, the highest average concentrations were found in the case of congeners CB-138 (11.8 ng/g of fat) and CB-153 (43.4 ng/g of fat), whereas the lowest was in the case of CB-170 (0.4 ng/g of fat) and CB-126 (0.1 ng/g of fat). In the case of PBDEs the greatest share in the total concentration was that of the congeners BDE-47 and BDE-99, whereas the smallest share was that of the higher brominated congener BDE-153. These results suggest that human exposure to the examined compounds begins already in the period of intrauterine life. The comparison of our own results with the findings of other authors indicates that the PCBs and PBDEs levels in cord blood of women living in Poland do not differ from the respective concentrations in cord blood of other female inhabitants of Europe.     

Seasonal variations of hydrophobic organic contaminant concentrations in the water-column of the Seine Estuary and their transfer to a planktonic species Eurytemora affinis (Calanoïda, copepoda). Part 1: PCBs and PAHs

Hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOC) (i.e. PAHs and PCBs) were measured in the water column and in Eurytemora affinis samples from the Seine Estuary collected from November 2002 to February 2005. Results showed seasonal variations of both total PCB and PAH levels in the suspended particulate matter (SPM) and in the copepods with maximum levels during winter times. PAH and PCB concentrations in the SPM ranged from 499 to 5819ngg(-1) and from 58 to 463ngg(-1), respectively. Phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo[b+j+k]fluoranthene (B[b+j+k]F) were the predominant PAH compounds in the water column, while CB 101, 118, 153 and 138 were the most abundant PCB congeners. PCBs and PAHs bioaccumulated by E. affinis (EA) varied between 383 and 1785ngg(-1) and 165-3866ngg(-1). CB101, 153, 138 and B[b+j+k] were, respectively, the major compounds of PCB and PAH fingerprints in EA. Thereby, the copepods could reach high accumulation factor (ACF) (91000 for PCBs and 17000 for PAHs). The principal component analyses of contaminant concentrations and environmental parameter datasets distinguished two groups of copepods. The winter time cluster, with high percentage of adult copepods, which bioaccumulated the highest PCB and PAH body-burdens, and the second cluster with juveniles showing the lowest HOC concentrations. Thus, PAH and PCB concentrations in EA exhibited significant correlations with the percentage of adults making up the samples.     

Increased levels of polychlorobiphenyls in Italian women with endometriosis

Endometriosis has been hypothesised to be linked to persistent and toxic organochlorinated chemicals. Dioxins and dioxin-like compounds have in particular been associated with the disease, mainly on the basis of experimental studies. Data in women are conflicting. A case-control study on 80 Italian nulliparous women of reproductive age was carried out to assess whether there is a correlation between the presence of endometriosis and blood levels of polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), a family of ubiquitary environmental pollutants which comprises congeners with dioxin-like activity. Higher levels of PCBs were found in women with endometriosis. A mean cumulative value of 410 ng g(-1), lipid base, was found in cases versus the value of 250 ng g(-1) observed in the control group (odds ratio for upper tertile 4.0, CI 95% 1.3-13; p = 0.0003). PCB increase involved both dioxin-like (PCBs 105, 118, 156, and 167) and non-dioxin-like congeners (PCBs 101, 138, 153, 170, 180).     

Distribution characteristics of polychlorinated biphenyls in crucian carp (Carassius auratus) from major rivers in Korea

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) levels in crucian carp were determined at 20 locations along four major river systems, several small-scale rivers and a wetland in Korea. Twenty-eight congeners, ranging from tri- to hepta-CBs were detected. A gas chromatograph with a mass selective detector was used to quantify the individual PCB congeners. The objectives of this study were to investigate the levels of contamination of PCBs in freshwater fish and to observe the pattern of their distribution. The sampling locations were chosen among 31 sampling sites that are currently used as environmental residue checkpoints by the Korean Ministry of Environment. Concentrations of individual congeners ranged from not detectable (n.d.) to 0.75 ng g(-1) on a wet weight basis. The total concentrations of PCBs at each site ranged from n.d. to 5.41 ng g(-1) of wet weight. The most heavily contaminated site was the Nakdong estuary located near the Shinpyung-Janglim factory district. The PCB 153 and 138 were the principal congeners and penta- and hexa-chlorinated biphenyls comprised the main congener groups.     

Patterns of contamination by organochlorines and mercury in the eggs of two river passerines in Britain and Ireland with reference to individual PCB congeners

Unhatched eggs were collected in 1988 and 1990 from nests of the Eurasian Dipper Cinclus cinclus and the Grey Wagtail Motacilla cinerea in Wales, eastern Scotland and south-western Ireland. Mercury concentrations in Dipper eggs (geometric means 0.45-0.91 ppm (microg g(-1)) dry mass) were significantly lower in eastern Scotland than in either south-western Ireland or Wales, where the incidence of detectable residues increased markedly between 1988 (2% of eggs) and 1990 (69%). By contrast, DDE (geometric means 0.63-3.54 ppm in lipid), TDE (<0.01-1.80 ppm), DDT (<0.01-0.65 ppm), total PCBs (3.99-10.47 ppm), HEOD (0.39-0.61 ppm) and HCB (0.02-0.13 ppm) were all significantly higher in Scottish eggs than others. Around 33-46% of the total PCB burden in Dipper and Grey Wagtail eggs could be accounted for by six congeners (IUPAC numbers 118, 180, 101, 153, 138 and 170). Amongst these attributable PCBs, Dipper eggs from eastern Scotland were dominated by congener 153 (2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl), whilst Welsh and Irish eggs were dominated by congener 118 (2,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl). With the latter exception, all the individual congeners were found at significantly higher concentrations in Scottish eggs than others. Grey Wagtail eggs were dominated by congeners 118 and 101 (2,2,4,5,5'-pentachlorobiphenyl). In general, these congeners are common, widespread, and dominant components in the eggs of other wild birds for which data are available. Consistent with the low to medium levels of contaminants found in Dipper eggs, there was only slight evidence of any toxic effects. These included moderate shell thinning in relation to increasing DDE, and some evidence that contaminants had contributed to egg failure.     

Occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Soulou stream in the power generation area of Eordea, northwestern Greece

The occurrence of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was investigated in the Soulou stream in the area of Eordea, northwestern Greece, receiving the effluents of two lignite burning power plants. The study was carried out after an accidental fire in one of the power plants during which losses of an amount of Aroclor 1232 were recorded. PCBs were determined in water and sediment samples collected from the wastewater treatment unit of the power plant and various points across the stream. Concentrations of PCBs were in the same order of magnitude as in other surface waters and sediments previously found in the Greek territory. The sum concentrations of seven PCBs (#28, #52, #101, #118, #138, #153, #180) varied between 94 and 206 ngl(-1) in waters, and between 67 and 500 ngg(-1) in sediments. Profile analysis of PCB congeners revealed large differences between waters and sediments, showing also significant dissimilarity with the profile of Aroclor 1232.     

Congener-specific approach to human PCB concentrations by serum analysis

The objective of this study was to evaluate all congeners of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in human serum samples. Concentrations of all PCB congeners in the serum of 87 volunteers were determined by high-resolution gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS). The participants consisted of 47 males and 40 females, including 25 men working at municipal solid waste incinerators (MSWIs). The mean concentrations of total PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs were 242.77ng/g lipid (median: 180.17ng/g lipid) and 18.57ng/g lipid (median: 15.34ng/g lipid), respectively. Penta-, hexa-, and heptachlorinated biphenyls contributed more than 80% of the total PCBs detected in human serum. Congener-specific analysis indicated that PCB153, PCB138, PCB180, PCB187, and PCB118 contributed 57.3% of the total PCBs detected in human serum samples. A statistical analysis was performed to determine whether there were significant correlations between PCB concentrations and specific variables such as age, gender, smoking habits, occupation, and body mass index (BMI). However, serum PCB concentrations correlated only with age. In addition, we found that total PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs highly correlated with PCB153 (correlation coefficient r=0.93, p<0.01) and PCB118 (correlation coefficient r=0.98, p<0.01), respectively. Thus these two congeners could be satisfactory indicators for total PCBs and dioxin-like PCBs in human serum.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorinated pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the cerebral cortex of wild river otters (Lontra canadensis)

We measured the levels of ortho-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), organochlorinated pesticides (OCP), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) in the cerebral cortex of river otters (Lontra canadensis) trapped from Ontario and Nova Scotia between 2002 and 2004. The mean concentration of total PCBs was 70.9+/-12.1 ng/g l.w., and congeners 153, 180 and 138 accounted for nearly 60% of the sum. The mean concentration of total OCPs was 21.2+/-3.7 ng/g l.w., and hexachlorobenzene (32.6% of total) and DDE (28.1%) accounted for the majority. The mean concentration of total PBDEs was 3.2+/-0.6 ng/g l.w., and congeners 99 (44.9%), 153 (30.5%), and 100 (24.7%) were measured at the indicated percentages. There was no relationship between these residue data and concentrations of brain mercury or neurochemical receptors and enzymes as determined in earlier studies on these same animals.