Levels and temporal trends of PCDD/PCDFs and non-ortho PCBs in ringed seals from East Greenland

The levels and temporal trend of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and non-ortho substituted PCBs (c-PCBs, i.e. CB77, CB126 and CB169) were determined in ringed seal blubber from central East Greenland collected in 1986, 1994, 1999 and 2003, respectively. Since 1986 the concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and c-PCBs all show a decreasing trend. The annual decreases were estimated to 5.2% and 5.3% for pg/g WHO-TEQ ww of PCDD/Fs and c-PCB, respectively. The annual median concentrations of PCDDs ranged from 5.4 to 24.4 pg/g WHO-TEQ ww and those of PCDFs from 2.5 to 5.1 pg/g WHO-TEQ ww. Compared to PCDD/Fs concentrations in ringed seals from other Arctic areas the levels of PCDD/Fs found in 1986 were the highest recorded. The annual median concentrations of c-PCBs decreased 24.2 to 9.1 pg/g WHO-TEQ ww. The levels of c-PCBs observed in 1986 are similar to levels found in ringed seals from Svalbard in 1990 and from eastern Hudson Bay in 1989–1992. The dominant and most TEQ-contributing PCDD congener was 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD. CB126 was the dominating and most TEQ-contributing c-PCB congener. The concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs and c-PCBs were highly significantly inter-correlated. Principal component analysis of the PCDD/PCDF congeners and c-PCBs was performed to analyse the pattern of compounds during time.     

Persistent organochlorine residues and toxic evaluation of polychlorinated biphenyls in sharks from the Mediterranean Sea (Italy)

Persistent organochlorines such as polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners, DDT compounds and HCB were measured in different tissues (muscle, liver and eggs) of two Mediterranean shark species: namely Centrophorus granulosus and Squalus blainvillei. The concentrations of organochlorines in the tissues and organs of both species were in the order DDTs>PCBs>HCB. The highest values of DDTs, PCBs and HCB were found in liver followed by eggs and muscle. Among DDTs the compound found in greatest concentration was p,p^′-DDE. The PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 138, 153, and 180. The isomers with higher TEQs values were non- and mono-ortho congeners than di-ortho ones in muscle, liver and eggs of both species. Among the non-ortho, PCB 126 was the major contributing individual to the total TEQs in both species.     

PCB, PCDD/F and PBDE levels and profiles in crustaceans from the coastal waters of Brittany and Normandy (France)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) were analysed in the muscle of various edible marine crustaceans (spider crab, edible crab, velvet swimming crab and Norway lobster) from the Brittany and Normandy coasts (France). The highest concentrations were measured in species collected from Antifer (Seine Bay). PCB and PBDE patterns in crustacean muscles were similar and independent of the geographical area with the predominance of the high chlorinated PCBs (CB153, 138, 118 and 180), and of a few PBDE congeners (BDE47, BDE99, BDE100 and BDE28). Oppositely, dioxin contamination differed with site. The major component in crustaceans from the Seine Bay was 2378-TCDF, whereas specimens from cleaner areas had higher relative concentrations of OCDD. Finally, the comparison of the spider crab contaminant profiles to those measured in mussel and sea bass highlighted two different trends: decapod crustaceans possess relatively strong capacity to metabolise PCBs and PBDEs; however these species might be used as bioindicators for dioxin pollution monitoring in the marine coastal environment.     

The dependence of organohalogen compound concentrations on herring age and size in the Bothnian Sea, northern Baltic

The concentrations and composition profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polychlorinated biphenyls, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated naphthalenes were determined in herring individuals collected from the commercial catches of the Bothnian Sea, northern Baltic. The median age of herring was 5.0 years and in the muscle the median toxic equivalent concentration of PCDD/Fs was 5.6 WHO(PCDD/F)-TEQ pg/g fresh weight (fw) and that of PCBs 2.7 WHO(PCB)-TEQ pg/g fw. The median sum concentration of PBDEs was 1.4 ng/g fw and that of PCNs 0.1 ng/g fw. Differences in age-dependent accumulation between the organohalogen groups and individual congeners were major. In the Bothnian Sea the content of organohalogen compounds in herring is obviously elevated due to the availability and large proportion of Mysis crustaceans in their diet. More intensive fishing could reduce the concentrations of organohalogens, including the abundant, accumulative and toxic 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF congener in the Baltic herring catch.     

Occurrence of anthropogenic and naturally-produced organohalogenated compounds in tissues of Black Sea harbour porpoises

Harbour porpoises are one of the three cetacean species inhabiting the Black Sea. This is the first study to report on polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and naturally-produced compounds, methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) and polybrominated hexahydroxanthene derivatives (PBHDs), in tissues (kidney, brain, blubber, liver, muscle) of male harbour porpoises (11 adults, 9 juveniles) from the Black Sea. Lipid-normalized concentrations decreased from muscle > blubber > liver > kidney > brain for the sum of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and for the sum of PBDEs. Among the naturally-produced compounds, levels of PBHDs were higher than of MeO-PBDEs, with tri-BHD and 6-MeO-BDE 47 being the dominant compounds for both groups, respectively. Concentrations of naturally-produced compounds decreased from blubber to brain, similarly to the sum of DDT and metabolites (DDXs). Concentrations of DDXs were highest, followed by PCBs, HCB, PBHDs, PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs. Levels of PCBs and PBDEs in blubber were lower than concentrations reported for harbour porpoises from the North Sea, while concentrations of DDXs were higher.     

Organic pollutants (PAHs,PCBs) in sediments from the Mar Piccolo in Taranto (Ionian Sea,Southern Italy)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 17 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in surface sediments from nine stations in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). Total PAH concentrations ranged from 380 to 12,750 μg/kg d.w., while total PCB levels ranged from 2 to 1684 μg/kg d.w.; this values were higher than those found in others marine coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. For PAHs, low molecular weight/high molecular weight, phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene ratio were used for discriminating between pyrolitic and petroleum origin. Results showed that PAHs were mainly of pyrolitic origin. PCB and PAH levels in sediments were compared with Sediments Quality Guidelines (ERM–ERL, TEL–PEL indexes) for evaluation probable toxic effects on marine organism. Finally, ERM and PEL quotients were used to evaluate the degree to which chemicals exceed guidelines. Results suggest an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms mainly in the first inlet, where high concentrations of PCBs were found in sediments influenced by harbour activities.     

PCDD/Fs and PCBs in seafood species from Moreton Bay, Queensland, Australia

Previous studies have identified elevated levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) in sediments and megafauna (dugongs and green turtles) in the marine environment of southeast Queensland, Australia. Little information exists, however, regarding the levels of PCDDs, polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and related polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seafood from this area. This study aims to establish baseline information on PCDD/F and PCB contamination in a range of seafood species from Moreton Bay and to investigate contaminant variability due to harvesting season, size, habitat location and trophic level. In addition, different seafood extraction methods were tested to evaluate their impact on lipid yields and contaminant concentration. Overall, the median TEQ(DF&PCB) levels in seafood from Moreton Bay were elevated compared to background levels in Australian marine/estuarine and retail fish. However, TEQ(DF&PCB) levels of most seafood analysed were below the respective EU maximum limits. High inter- and intraspecies variability was observed, which could be partially attributed to differences in trophic level, season harvested and habitat location.     

PCBs and chlorinated pesticides in the atmosphere and aquatic organisms of Ross Island, Antarctica

PCBs, p,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE and lindane (γ-hexachlorocyclohexane) were monitored in the lower atmosphere of Ross Island, in Antarctica for 2 yr. Geometrical means were 15.2 pg m⁻³ for PCBs, 2.0 pg m⁻³ for p,p′-DDT, 1.0 pg m⁻³ for p,p′-DDE and 25.8 pg m⁻³ for lindane. Atmospheric levels of lindane were positively correlated with temperature, and a significant difference was found between spring-summer and summer-winter concentrations. No season related differences were found for the other chlorinated hydrocarbons, possibly owing to their lower vapour pressure and the cold climate. Periods with increased atmospheric levels of PCBs and DDT compounds were recorded. Lindane, p,p′-DDE and PCBs were present in fish and zooplankton sampled close to Ross Island. Pollutant levels in the zooplankton (on an extractable fat basis) were highest during the Antarctic spring and autumn and were inversely correlated to their fat content.     

Contamination status of POPs and BFRs and relationship with parasitic infection in finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay,Japan

Contamination status of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) stranded along the coasts of Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay in Japan were investigated. Levels of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs were significantly higher than those of HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and HBCDs. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDs, as well as organochlorine compounds in males increased with body length (p < 0.05). Among 14 PBDE congeners analyzed, BDE-47 was the predominant, which is similar to those generally reported in biota. PBDEs, HBCDs and PCBs showed no obvious temporal trend in concentrations during the study period, suggesting continuous environmental release of these chemicals. On the other hand, levels of DDT, CHLs and HCHs have decreased. Concentrations of PCBs in liver trematode infected individuals were significantly higher than those in not infected individuals, implying there could be a relationship between contaminant levels and parasitic infection.     

Spatial differences in persistent organochlorine pollutant concentrations between the Bering and Chukchi Seas (1993)

During August-September 1993, a joint Russian-United States expedition to the Bering and Chukchi Seas took place. Surface water samples were collected from 21 sites and separated into dissolved (duplicates) and suspended solids; 19 sediment and 6 air samples were also collected. These samples were analysed for 19 organochlorine pesticides, 11 chlorobenzenes and 113 PCB congeners. The report provides data on selected compounds which occured in > or = 75% of the water samples. Highest water concentrations were observed for HCH in open waters north and south of the Bering Strait, both regions being similar (alpha-HCH; 2.2 ng/L and lindane: 0.35 ng/L). Air levels observed were also constant (alpha-HCH; 0.041 ng/m3, lindane: 0.0093 ng/m3). Suspended solids and air particulares contributed little to the concentrations in their respective media, an observation common to all analytes except for the PCBs and the DDT residues. The sum of PCB concentrations in water were higher in the Bering Sea area compared to the Chukchi Sea (1.0 vrs 0.67 ng/L) and lower for air (0.46 vrs 0.23 ng/m3). Sum of DDT in water was higher in the Bering Sea than in the Chukchi Sea (0.23 vrs 0.15 ng/L) while in sediments and air, the Bering Sea concentrations were lower (0.95 vrs 1.6 ng/g and 36 vrs 56 pg/m3, respectively). Other organochlorine compounds for which data are presented include: pp'-DDE, pp'-DDT, dieldrin, HCB, 3 chlorobenzenes and 3 PCB congeners. Fluxes of all these chemicals through the Berin Strait are estimated; they ranged from 57 t/a (alpha-HCH) through 26 t/a (for sum of PCBs) to 0.2 t/a (pp'-DDE, dieldrin and 1,2,3-trichlorobenzene). Fugacity ratios for the HCHs and PCBs indicate the alpha-HCH is degassing in both the Bering and Chukchi Seas and that the gamma-isomer is degassing in the Bering Sea and is close to equilibrium (weakly absorbing) in the Chuchi Sea; the sum of PCBs are strongly absorbing in both areas.     

Organochlorine pesticides and PCB residues in sediments of Alexandria Harbour,Egypt

Persistent organochlorine compound concentrations were determined for 23 surface sediment samples collected from Alexandria Harbor, Egypt. Total PCB concentrations ranged from 0.9 to 1210 ng/g with four to seven Cl-substituted biphenyls being the most prevalent PCBs congeners. Different PCB congener distribution patterns were observed, probably reflecting different inputs and attenuation at various locations. Total DDT concentrations varied from <0.25 ng/g to 885 ng/g. The ratios of DDTs (2,4^′- and 4,4^′-DDT)/total DDTs (DDTs plus metabolites) in sediment samples from certain sites were 0.86 or higher, indicating little attenuation or recent input of DDT. Total chlordane (the sum of heptachlor and its epoxide, oxy-, γ- and -chlordane and cis+trans-nonachlor) ranged from <0.25 to 44 ng/g with the highest concentration found in the Arsenal Basin. The geographic distributions of PCBs, total DDTs and total chlordane were similar. Chlorinated benzenes (CBs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, chloropyrifos, endosulfan, mirex and pentachloroanisole were below detection limits or detected at low concentrations in most of the samples. Sites that were contaminated with high concentrations of organochlorine compounds were associated with dense population and low energy environment. The contamination levels of PCBs, total DDTs and total chlordane were in high range compared to other locations worldwide.     

Organic pollutants (PAHs, PCBs) in sediments from the Mar Piccolo in Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy)

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 17 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in surface sediments from nine stations in the Mar Piccolo of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy). Total PAH concentrations ranged from 380 to 12,750 microg/kg d.w., while total PCB levels ranged from 2 to 1684 microg/kg d.w.; this values were higher than those found in others marine coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea. For PAHs, low molecular weight/high molecular weight, phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene ratio were used for discriminating between pyrolitic and petroleum origin. Results showed that PAHs were mainly of pyrolitic origin. PCB and PAH levels in sediments were compared with Sediments Quality Guidelines (ERM-ERL, TEL-PEL indexes) for evaluation probable toxic effects on marine organism. Finally, ERM and PEL quotients were used to evaluate the degree to which chemicals exceed guidelines. Results suggest an ecotoxicological risk for benthic organisms mainly in the first inlet, where high concentrations of PCBs were found in sediments influenced by harbour activities.     

Chlorinated hydrocarbons in marine fish and shellfish of Nigeria

The concentration ranges of chlorinated hydrocarbons in marine fish were HCB (0.03–9.5 ppb), Lindane (0.02–5.3 ppb), Endosulphan (0.21–4.9 ppb), DDT (0.50–18.6 ppb), Aldrin (0.05–54.6 ppb) and PCB (4.78–225 ppb). Fish contained higher concentrations of Aldrin, Heptachlor, HCB and Lindane than shellfish, while a reverse trend was observed for DDT and PCBs. The concentrations of residues obtained were found to be lower than those reported in literature for industrialized countries. Predator fish species were found to concentrate more residues in muscle tissue than plankton feeders. The DDT/PCB values were less than 1 indicating a predominance of industrial activities over agricultural activities as the source of contamination of the marine environment. The fish Galeoides decadactylus is a potential bio-indicator for chlorinated hydrocarbons pollution monitoring in the study area.     

Contamination status of POPs and BFRs and relationship with parasitic infection in finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) from Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay, Japan

Contamination status of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in blubber of finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) stranded along the coasts of Seto Inland Sea and Omura Bay in Japan were investigated. Levels of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs were significantly higher than those of HCHs, HCB, PBDEs and HBCDs. Concentrations of PBDEs and HBCDs, as well as organochlorine compounds in males increased with body length (p<0.05). Among 14 PBDE congeners analyzed, BDE-47 was the predominant, which is similar to those generally reported in biota. PBDEs, HBCDs and PCBs showed no obvious temporal trend in concentrations during the study period, suggesting continuous environmental release of these chemicals. On the other hand, levels of DDT, CHLs and HCHs have decreased. Concentrations of PCBs in liver trematode infected individuals were significantly higher than those in not infected individuals, implying there could be a relationship between contaminant levels and parasitic infection.     

Levels and patterns of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls in surface sediments from the western Baltic Sea (Arkona Basin) and the Oder River estuarine system

Surface sediment samples were collected from the western Baltic Sea (Arkona Basin) and the Oder River estuarine system in May and August 1995 and analysed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, dibenzofurans and biphenyls. Contents of PCDF (sum) and PCDD (sum) varied from 2.5 to 820.0 pg g⁻¹ dw and from 12.7 to 2991.0 pg g⁻¹ dw, respectively. PCB contents (sum of 23 congeners) ranged between < 130.0 and 16267.0 pg g⁻¹ dw. Only slight variations in PCDF/D and PCB contents on dry weight basis were found between the Oder River estuarine system and the open Baltic Sea. TOC-normalization of the data showed an approximately homogen PCDF/D distribution in the study area. The distribution pattern for PCDF/D and PCB may be attributed to high sediment dynamics combined with transport processes from the temporary sedimentation basin (Oderhaff) to the deeper parts of the Baltic Sea.     

Organochlorines in Hong Kong Fish

Muscle samples from 15 species of fish (n=1) purchased from markets in Hong Kong and 10 liver samples of tilapia (Tilapia mossambica) collected from the Shing Mun River were analysed for organochlorines (polychlorinated biphenyls, ΣDDTs, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexanes, chlordanes, mirex and dieldrin). Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were detected in 15 market fish samples but the levels were very low (around 1 ng g⁻¹). PCB levels in tilapia livers collected from Tai Wai (29.3–65.1 ng g⁻¹) were higher than those from Fo Tan (3.5–23.2 ng g⁻¹) suggesting that there may be some local point soucres. ΣDDTs were detected in all samples, ranging from 3.3 to 75.6 ng g⁻¹ in the market fish and from 7.1 to 88.8 ng g⁻¹ in tilapia. The DDE/DDT ratios in the market fish (0.12–0.75) showed higher variability than those of tilapia (0.30–0.46), suggesting that some of the market fish may have been collected from areas where DDT was recently used. Results of this preliminary study show that organochlorine levels in Hong Kong market fish are low and do not cause any concern for human consumption. An on-going monitoring program, however, is recommended.     

Polychlorierte Dibenzo-p-dioxine, -furane (PCDD/F) und Analoga in Oberflächensedimenten und datierten aquatischen Sedimentkernen

Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-dioxins, -furans (PCDD/F) and Analogues in Surface Sediments and Dated Aquatic Sediment Cores Aquatic sediments are the final sinks of unintentionally formed PCDD/Fs. Still not known are the conditions of formation of PCDD/Fs in the 8120 years old sediments in Japan and in 350 to 400 years old sediments in the Baltic. Sediments are means of source identification if transformation processes are taken into consideration in view of hydrological conditions. PCDD/Fs have been analysed 30 km from the source in sediments and over a distance of 50 km in benthos indicating a remarkable bioaccumulation potential. Elaborated data of the PCDD/F sediment contamination are missing as well as information on internal diagenetic processes, interactions at the sediment/water interface, and on the aerobic and anaerobic biodegradation and bioavailability of PCDD/Fs in sediments. Quality criteria for sediments and aquatic ecosystems remain to be elaborated.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorines in small cetaceans from Hong Kong waters: levels, profiles and distribution

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine compounds (OCs) were determined in the blubber, liver and kidney of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and finless porpoises (Neophocaena phocaenoides) stranded in Hong Kong coastal waters during 1995–2001. Among the organohalogen compounds analyzed, DDTs were the most dominant contaminants with concentrations ranging from 9.9 to 470 μg/g lipid wt. PBDEs in Hong Kong cetaceans, which are reported for the first time, were detected in all the samples with values ranging from 0.23 to 6.0 μg/g lipid wt., with a predominance of BDE-47. Results from this study suggest PBDEs should be classified as priority pollutants in Asia. Higher concentrations were found in humpback dolphins than in finless porpoises, and this was attributed mainly to differences in habitat. Elevated residues of PCBs and DDTs in some cetaceans suggest these species may be at risk.     

PCBs in fish from the southern Baltic Sea: levels, bioaccumulation features, and temporal trends during the period from 1997 to 2006

Levels of seven marker polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) have been determined in five species of Baltic fish collected during 1997-2006. Downward time trends in the concentrations of heavier congeners of PCBs in different Baltic fish, with the exception of cod, have been observed between 1997 and 2001. In case of sprat and herring samples, the statistical significance of the time trends of the PCBs: 101, 118, 153, 138 and 180 concentrations has been proved. Species-specific bioaccumulation of PCBs has been indicated, and the lowest and highest levels of PCBs (expressed on the basis of lipid weight) have been observed in sprat and salmon samples, respectively. PCB profiles have been found to be similar in all the fish species tested. Sampling location has not been a crucial factor for the observed levels of various PCBs. In some fish species, PCB concentrations are negatively correlated with the fat content but have no relation with the fish length.     

Levels and profiles of PCBs and OCPs in marine benthic species from the Belgian North Sea and the Western Scheldt Estuary

Various benthic invertebrates (flying crab, common shrimp, and red starfish), small fish (sand goby), benthic flatfish (dab, plaice, and sole) and gadoids (bib and whiting) were collected in the Belgian North Sea and along the Scheldt Estuary, both representing areas impacted by various contaminants to different degrees. The levels of 25 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), which included penta- and hexachlorobenzene, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, chlordanes, and DDT and metabolites, were determined. Sum of PCBs and OCPs in benthic invertebrates and goby ranged from 1.5 to 280 ng/g wet weight (ww) and from 0.27 to 23 ng/g ww, respectively. The fish livers revealed total PCB and OCP levels ranging from 20 to 3200 ng/g ww and from 6.0 to 410 ng/g ww, respectively. Levels of both contaminant groups were significantly higher in samples from the Scheldt Estuary compared to the Belgian North Sea. For most species a highly inverse correlation was found between the concentration of contaminants and the distance to Antwerp (r between 0.812 and 0.901, p < 0.05), pointing to a higher degree of exposure further upstream. PCB and OCP exposures are highly correlated (r between 0.836 and 1.000, p < 0.05), which suggests that the pollution can be classified as historical. However, because urban and industrial centres may still be emitting these compounds, more recent point and non-point sources cannot be ruled out.