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Environmental Science â€ș Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Works Count: 74804

Description

This cluster of papers focuses on the impact of persistent organic pollutants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), brominated flame retardants, and dioxins, on the environment and human health. It covers their sources, distribution, bioaccumulation, and potential toxic effects, highlighting the need for regulation and remediation measures to mitigate their adverse impacts.

Keywords

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; Brominated Flame Retardants; Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor; Organophosphorus Flame Retardants; Dioxins and Dioxin-Like Compounds; Bioaccumulation; Environmental Exposure; Toxicity; Human Health Effects; Global Distribution

Metabolism of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Aquatic Environment

2024-12-12
Usha Varanasi
Bioavailability of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Aquatic Environment. Microbial Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the Aquatic Environment. Biotransformation and Disposition of Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Aquatic Invertebrates. 
 Bioavailability of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Aquatic Environment. Microbial Degradation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in the Aquatic Environment. Biotransformation and Disposition of Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Aquatic Invertebrates. Biotransformation and Disposition of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Fish. Enzymes involved in Metabolism of PAH by Fishes and Other Aquatic Animals: Oxidative Enzymes (or Phase I Enzymes). Enzymes involved in Metabolism of PAH by Fishes and Other Aquatic Animals: Hydrolysis and Conjugation Enzymes (or Phase II Enzymes). Metabolic Activation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Subcellular Fractions and Cell Cultures from Aquatic and Terrestrial Species. Factors Influencing Experimental Carcinogenesis in Laboratory Fish Models. PAH, Metabolites, and Neoplasia in Feral Fish Population. Hydrocarbons in Marine Mollusks: Biological Effects and Ecological Consequences. Index.

Benzo[alpha]pyrene metabolism, activation and carcinogenesis: role and regulation of mixed-function oxidases and related enzymes.

1980-10-01
H V Gelboin

Quantification of the Dilute Sedimentary Soot Phase: Implications for PAH Speciation and Bioavailability

1996-12-30
Örjan Gustafsson , Farnaz Haghseta , Charmaine Chan +2 more
Existing field data indicate that soot may significantly affect the environmental speciation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To expand hydrophobic partition models to include soot partitioning, we need to quantify 
 Existing field data indicate that soot may significantly affect the environmental speciation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To expand hydrophobic partition models to include soot partitioning, we need to quantify fsc, the soot fraction of the solid matrix, and Ksc, the soot-carbon-normalized partition coefficient. To this end, we have developed a method that allows quantification of soot carbon in dilute and complex sedimentary matrices. Non-soot organic carbon is removed by thermal oxidation, and inorganic carbonates are removed by acidification, fol lowed by CHN elemental analysis of the residual soot carbon. The selectivity of the soot carbon method was confirmed in tests with matrices of known compostion. The soot quantification technique was applied to two sets of natural sediments, both previously analyzed for PAHs. The input histories of PAHs and soot recorded in a lacustrine sediment core followed the same general trends, and we thus infer a coupling between the two. Our measures of fsc and calculations of Ksc, approximated from studies of PAH sorption onto activated carbon, were applied to rationalize previously generated in situ Kocvalues. Intriguingly, we find that the elevated PAH Kd values of two marine sediment−porewater systems are now quantitatively explain able through the extended, soot-partioning inclusive, distribution model. The importance of the soot phase for PAHs in the environment has implications for how we perceive (and should test) in situ bioavailability and, consequently, also for the development of sediment quality criteria.

Redox Properties of Plant Biomass-Derived Black Carbon (Biochar)

2014-04-21
Laura KlĂŒpfel , Marco Keiluweit , Markus Kleber +1 more
Soils and sediments worldwide contain appreciable amounts of thermally altered organic matter (chars). Chars contain electroactive quinoid functional groups and polycondensed aromatic sheets that were recently shown to be of 
 Soils and sediments worldwide contain appreciable amounts of thermally altered organic matter (chars). Chars contain electroactive quinoid functional groups and polycondensed aromatic sheets that were recently shown to be of biogeochemical and envirotechnical relevance. However, so far no systematic investigation of the redox properties of chars formed under different pyrolysis conditions has been performed. Here, using mediated electrochemical analysis, we show that chars made from different feedstock and over a range of pyrolysis conditions are redox-active and reversibly accept and donate up to 2 mmol electrons per gram of char. The analysis of two thermosequences revealed that chars produced at intermediate to high heat treatment temperatures (HTTs) (400-700 °C) show the highest capacities to accept and donate electrons. Combined electrochemical, elemental, and spectroscopic analyses of the thermosequence chars provide evidence that the pool of redox-active moieties is dominated by electron-donating, phenolic moieties in the low-HTT chars, by newly formed electron accepting quinone moieties in intermediate-HTT chars, and by electron accepting quinones and possibly condensed aromatics in the high-HTT chars. We propose to consider chars in environmental engineering applications that require controlled electron transfer reactions. Electroactive char components may also contribute to the redox properties of traditionally defined "humic substances".

Source Apportionment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Urban Atmosphere: A Comparison of Three Methods

2003-03-22
Randolph K. Larsen , Joel E. Baker
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants in urban atmospheres. Several PAHs are known carcinogens or are the precursors to carcinogenic daughter compounds. Understanding the contributions of the various emission 
 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous pollutants in urban atmospheres. Several PAHs are known carcinogens or are the precursors to carcinogenic daughter compounds. Understanding the contributions of the various emission sources is critical to appropriately managing PAH levels in the environment. The sources of PAHs to ambient air in Baltimore, MD, were determined by using three source apportionment methods, principal component analysis with multiple linear regression, UNMIX, and positive matrix factorization. Determining the source apportionment through multiple techniques mitigates weaknesses in individual methods and strengthens the overlapping conclusions. Overall source contributions compare well among methods. Vehicles, both diesel and gasoline, contribute on average 16-26%, coal 28-36%, oil 15-23%, and wood/other having the greatest disparity of 23-35% of the total (gas- plus particle-phase) PAHs. Seasonal trends were found for both coal and oil. Coal was the dominate PAH source during the summer while oil dominated during the winter. Positive matrix factorization was the only method to segregate diesel from gasoline sources. These methods indicate the number and relative strength of PAH sources to the ambient urban atmosphere. As with all source apportionment techniques, these methods require the user to objectively interpret the resulting source profiles.

Evaluation of sediment contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Gironde estuary

1997-10-01
HĂ©lĂšne Budzinski , J. Iwan Jones , J. Bellocq +2 more

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs): state of the science

1999-01-01
Kevin C. Jones , Pim de Voogt

A review of atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Sources, fate and behavior

1991-12-01
Sung‐Ok Baek , R. A. Field , M.E. Goldstone +3 more

Detailed Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Congener Composition of the Widely Used Penta-, Octa-, and Deca-PBDE Technical Flame-retardant Mixtures

2006-09-16
Mark J. La Guardia , Robert C. Hale , Ellen Harvey
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used to flame-retard products common in homes and the workplace, and subsequently, they have become widely dispersed in the environment. Detailed compositional knowledge 
 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used to flame-retard products common in homes and the workplace, and subsequently, they have become widely dispersed in the environment. Detailed compositional knowledge of these complex PBDE mixtures is crucial to a fuller understanding of their toxicological potencies and environmental fate due to selective congener biomagnification, degradation, and transport. Utilizing recent technical enhancements and newly available commercial standards, we developed a method capable of analyzing a larger suite of mono- through deca-BDEs. We then characterized the congener composition of six common technical flame-retardant mixtures: two penta-BDE products (DE-71 and Bromkal 70-5DE) two octa-BDE products (DE-79 and Bromkal 79-8DE) and two deca-BDE products (Saytex 102E and Bromkal 82-0DE). PBDEs were analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Structural conformations based on fragmentation patterns and molecular ions were established by electron-capture negative ionization (ECNI) and electron ionization (EI). Sixty-four commercially available PBDE standards were chromatographed on two GC columns (DB-1HT and DB-5HT) and relative retention indexes (RRI) calculated. Thirty-nine PBDEs were identified in these products, 29 at concentrations >0.02% by weight. Of these, 12 previously unreported congeners have been confirmed as commercial mixture components. Four of these congeners were detected >0.02% w/w (BDE-144, -171, -180, and −201) and three (BDE-75, -184, and -194) at <0.02%. Five other congeners (four <0.02% by weight) were tentatively identified based on their molecular ion and ECNI fragmentation in the absence of corresponding analytical standards.

Aging, Bioavailability, and Overestimation of Risk from Environmental Pollutants

2000-09-08
Martin Alexander
As they persist, or age, in soil, organic compounds become progressively less available for uptake by organisms, for exerting toxic effects, and for biodegradation and bioremediation by microorganisms. This declining 
 As they persist, or age, in soil, organic compounds become progressively less available for uptake by organisms, for exerting toxic effects, and for biodegradation and bioremediation by microorganisms. This declining bioavailability is not reflected by currently used methods for the chemical analysis of soils for determining concentrations of organic pollutants. As a result, such methods overestimate exposure, and thus risk, from toxic chemicals in contaminated sites.

Transitional Adsorption and Partition of Nonpolar and Polar Aromatic Contaminants by Biochars of Pine Needles with Different Pyrolytic Temperatures

2008-06-11
Baoliang Chen , Dandan Zhou , Li Zhu
The combined adsorption and partition effects of biochars with varying fractions of noncarbonized organic matter have not been clearly defined. Biochars, produced by pyrolysis of pine needles at different temperatures 
 The combined adsorption and partition effects of biochars with varying fractions of noncarbonized organic matter have not been clearly defined. Biochars, produced by pyrolysis of pine needles at different temperatures (100−700 °C, referred as P100−P700), were characterized by elemental analysis, BET-N2 surface areas and FTIR. Sorption isotherms of naphthalene, nitrobenzene, and m-dinitrobenzene from water to the biochars were compared. Sorption parameters (N and logKf) are linearly related to sorbent aromaticities, which increase with the pyrolytic temperature. Sorption mechanisms of biochars are evolved from partitioning-dominant at low pyrolytic temperatures to adsorption-dominant at higher pyrolytic temperatures. The quantitative contributions of adsorption and partition are determined by the relative carbonized and noncarbonized fractions and their surface and bulk properties. The partition of P100−P300 biochars originates from an amorphous aliphatic fraction, which is enhanced with a reduction of the substrate polarity; for P400−P600, the partition occurs with a condensed aromatic core that diminishes with a further reduction of the polarity. Simultaneously, the adsorption component exhibits a transition from a polarity-selective (P200−P400) to a porosity-selective (P500−P600) process, and displays no selectivity with P700 and AC in which the adsorptive saturation capacities are comparable to predicted values based on the monolayer surface coverage of molecule.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers: occurrence, dietary exposure, and toxicology.

2001-03-01
Per Ola Darnerud , Gunnar SundstĂžl Eriksen , T. JĂłhannesson +2 more
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in plastics (concentration, 5--30%) and in textile coatings. Commercial products consist predominantly of penta-, octa-, and decabromodiphenyl ether mixtures, and global 
 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in plastics (concentration, 5--30%) and in textile coatings. Commercial products consist predominantly of penta-, octa-, and decabromodiphenyl ether mixtures, and global PBDE production is about 40,000 tons per year. PBDEs are bioaccumulated and biomagnified in the environment, and comparatively high levels are often found in aquatic biotopes from different parts of the world. During the mid-1970--1980s there was a substantial increase in the PBDE levels with time in both sediments and aquatic biota, whereas the latest Swedish data (pike and guillemot egg) may indicate that levels are at steady state or are decreasing. However, exponentially increasing PBDE levels have been observed in mother's milk during 1972--1997. Based on levels in food from 1999, the dietary intake of PBDE in Sweden has been estimated to be 0.05 microg per day. Characteristic end points of animal toxicity are hepatotoxicity, embryotoxicity, and thyroid effects as well as maternal toxicity during gestation. Recently, behavioral effects have been observed in mice on administration of PBDEs during a critical period after birth. Based on the critical effects reported in available studies, we consider the lowest-observed-adverse-effect level (LOAEL) value of the PBDE group to be 1 mg/kg/day (primarily based on effects of pentaBDEs). In conclusion, with the scientific knowledge of today and based on Nordic intake data, the possible consumer health risk from PBDEs appears limited, as a factor of over 10(6) separates the estimated present mean dietary intake from the suggested LOAEL value. However, the presence of many and important data gaps, including those in carcinogenicity, reproduction, and developmental toxicity, as well as additional routes of exposure, make this conclusion only preliminary. Moreover, the time trend of PBDEs in human breast milk is alarming for the future.
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Toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for PCBs, PCDDs, PCDFs for humans and wildlife.

1998-12-01
Martin van den Berg , Linda S. Birnbaum , A.T.C. Bosveld +7 more
An expert meeting was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and held in Stockholm on 15-18 June 1997. The objective of this meeting was to derive consensus toxic equivalency 
 An expert meeting was organized by the World Health Organization (WHO) and held in Stockholm on 15-18 June 1997. The objective of this meeting was to derive consensus toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and dioxinlike polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) for both human, fish, and wildlife risk assessment. Based on existing literature data, TEFs were (re)evaluated and either revised (mammals) or established (fish and birds). A few mammalian WHO-TEFs were revised, including 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorinated DD, octachlorinated DD, octachlorinated DF, and PCB 77. These mammalian TEFs are also considered applicable for humans and wild mammalian species. Furthermore, it was concluded that there was insufficient in vivo evidence to continue the use of TEFs for some di-ortho PCBs, as suggested earlier by Ahlborg et al. [Chemosphere 28:1049-1067 (1994)]. In addition, TEFs for fish and birds were determined. The WHO working group attempted to harmonize TEFs across different taxa to the extent possible. However, total synchronization of TEFs was not feasible, as there were orders of a magnitude difference in TEFs between taxa for some compounds. In this respect, the absent or very low response of fish to mono-ortho PCBs is most noticeable compared to mammals and birds. Uncertainties that could compromise the TEF concept were also reviewed, including nonadditive interactions, differences in shape of the dose-response curve, and species responsiveness. In spite of these uncertainties, it was concluded that the TEF concept is still the most plausible and feasible approach for risk assessment of halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons with dioxinlike properties.
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Differential Toxicity and Environmental Fates of Hexachlorocyclohexane Isomers

1998-06-27
Kristine L. Willett , Elin M. Ulrich , Ronald A. Hites
The differential environmental fates and toxicities of the various hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers including lindane and isomers in the technical mixture will be the focus of this review. HCHs are one 
 The differential environmental fates and toxicities of the various hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers including lindane and isomers in the technical mixture will be the focus of this review. HCHs are one of the most widely used and most readily detected organochlorine pesticides in environmental samples. The relatively high volatility of HCH has led to global transport, even into formerly pristine locations such as the Arctic. Certain HCHs cause central nervous system, reproductive, and endocrine damage. Because Îł-HCH is rapidly metabolized, the ÎČ-HCH isomer is consistently found in higher concentrations in human fat, blood, and breast milk. In contrast, α- and Îł-HCH are the most prevalent isomers in soil, water, and air samples. The ratio of the α- to Îł-isomers can be used to track global transport of HCHs. A new area of HCH research focuses on the selective degradation of the two α-HCH enantiomers in various environmental matrices. These HCH issues and recommendations for future HCH research are presented in this review.

A review of bioconcentration factor (BCF) and bioaccumulation factor (BAF) assessments for organic chemicals in aquatic organisms

2006-12-01
Jon A. Arnot , Frank A. P. C. Gobas
Bioaccumulation assessment is important in the scientific evaluation of risks that chemicals may pose to humans and the environment and is a current focus of regulatory effort. The status of 
 Bioaccumulation assessment is important in the scientific evaluation of risks that chemicals may pose to humans and the environment and is a current focus of regulatory effort. The status of bioaccumulation evaluations for organic chemicals in aquatic systems is reviewed to reduce uncertainty in bioaccumulation measurement, to provide quality data for assessment, and to assist in model development. A review of 392 scientific literature and database sources includes 5317 bioconcentration factor (BCF) and 1656 bioaccumulation factor (BAF) values measured for 842 organic chemicals in 219 aquatic species. A data quality assessment finds that 45% of BCF values are subject to at least one major source of uncertainty and that measurement errors generally result in an underestimation of actual BCF values. A case study of organic chemicals on the Canadian Domestic Substances List indicates that empirical data are available for less than 4% of the chemicals that require evaluation and of these chemicals, 76% have less than three acceptable quality BCF or BAF values. Field BAFs tend to be greater than laboratory BCFs emphasizing the importance of environmental measurement for reliable assessment; however, only 0.2% of current use organic chemicals have BAF measurements. Key parameters influencing uncertainty and variability in BCF and BAF data are discussed using reviewed data and models. A critical evaluation of representative BCF and BAF models in relation to existing measurements and regulatory criteria in Canada indicate the probability of Type II errors, i.e., false negatives or ``misses'', using BCF models for bioaccumulation assessment may be as high as 70.6% depending on the model. Recommendations for the selection of measured and modelled values used in bioaccumulation assessment are provided, and improvements for the science and regulatory criteria are proposed.Key words: bioconcentration, bioconcentration factor, bioaccumulation, bioaccumulation factor, octanol–water partition coefficient, fish.

The global distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in recent sediments

1978-03-01
Robert E. Laflamme , Ronald A. Hites

Role of Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor-mediated Induction of the CYP1 Enzymes in Environmental Toxicity and Cancer

2004-05-28
Daniel W. Nebert , Timothy P. Dalton , Allan B. Okey +1 more
The mammalian CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 genes (encoding cytochromes P450 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1, respectively) are regulated by the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The CYP1 enzymes are responsible for both 
 The mammalian CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1 genes (encoding cytochromes P450 1A1, 1A2, and 1B1, respectively) are regulated by the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). The CYP1 enzymes are responsible for both metabolically activating and detoxifying numerous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aromatic amines present in combustion products. Many substrates for CYP1 enzymes are AHR ligands. Differences in AHR affinity between inbred mouse strains reflect variations in CYP1 inducibility and clearly have been shown to be associated with differences in risk of toxicity or cancer caused by PAHs and arylamines. Variability in the human AHR affinity exists, but differences in human risk of toxicity or cancer related to AHR activation remain unproven. Mouse lines having one or another of the Cyp1 genes disrupted have shown paradoxical effects; in the test tube or in cell culture these enzymes show metabolic activation of PAHs or arylamines, whereas in the intact animal these enzymes are sometimes more important in the role of detoxification than metabolic potentiation. Intact animal data contradict pharmaceutical company policies that routinely test drugs under development; if a candidate drug shows CYP1 inducibility, further testing is generally discontinued for fear of possible toxic or carcinogenic effects. In the future, use of "humanized" mouse lines, containing a human AHR or CYP1 allele in place of the orthologous mouse gene, is one likely approach to show that the AHR and the CYP1 enzymes in human behave similarly to that in mouse.
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An overview of commercially used brominated flame retardants, their applications, their use patterns in different countries/regions and possible modes of release

2003-06-09
Mehran Alaee

Sequestration of Hydrophobic Organic Contaminants by Geosorbents

1997-11-26
Richard G. Luthy , George R. Aiken , Mark L. Brusseau +7 more
The chemical interactions of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) with soils and sediments (geosorbents) may result in strong binding and slow subsequent release rates that significantly affect remediation rates and endpoints. 
 The chemical interactions of hydrophobic organic contaminants (HOCs) with soils and sediments (geosorbents) may result in strong binding and slow subsequent release rates that significantly affect remediation rates and endpoints. The underlying physical and chemical phenomena potentially responsible for this apparent sequestration of HOCs by geosorbents are not well understood. This challenges our concepts for assessing exposure and toxicity and for setting environmental quality criteria. Currently there are no direct observational data revealing the molecular-scale locations in which nonpolar organic compounds accumulate when associated with natural soils or sediments. Hence macroscopic observations are used to make inferences about sorption mechanisms and the chemical factors affecting the sequestration of HOCs by geosorbents. Recent observations suggest that HOC interactions with geosorbents comprise different inorganic and organic surfaces and matrices, and distinctions may be drawn along these lines, particularly with regard to the roles of inorganic micropores, natural sorbent organic matter components, combustion residue particulate carbon, and spilled organic liquids. Certain manipulations of sorbates or sorbent media may help reveal sorption mechanisms, but mixed sorption phenomena complicate the interpretation of macroscopic data regarding diffusion of HOCs into and out of different matrices and the hysteretic sorption and aging effects commonly observed for geosorbents. Analytical characterizations at the microscale, and mechanistic models derived therefrom, are needed to advance scientific knowledge of HOC sequestration, release, and environmental risk.

Organophosphorus flame retardants and plasticizers: Sources, occurrence, toxicity and human exposure

2014-10-04
Gaoling Wei , Ding-Qiang Li , Zhuo Mu-ning +6 more

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in the Environment and in People: A Meta-Analysis of Concentrations

2004-01-08
Ronald A. Hites
Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in many types of consumer products. Perhaps as a result of their widespread use and their lipophilicity, these compounds have become 
 Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in many types of consumer products. Perhaps as a result of their widespread use and their lipophilicity, these compounds have become ubiquitous in the environment and in people. This review summarizes PBDE concentrations measured in several environmental media and analyzes these data in terms of relative concentrations, concentration trends, and congener profiles. In human blood, milk, and tissues, total PBDE levels have increased exponentially by a factor of ∌100 during the last 30 yr; this is a doubling time of ∌5 yr. The current PBDE concentrations in people from Europe are ∌2 ng/g lipid, but the concentrations in people from the United States are much higher at ∌35 ng/g lipid. Current PBDE concentrations in marine mammals from the Canadian Arctic are very low at ∌5 ng/g lipid, but they have increased exponentially with a doubling time of ∌7 yr. Marine mammals from the rest of the world have current PBDE levels of ∌1000 ng/g lipid, and these concentrations have also increased exponentially with a doubling time of ∌5 yr. Some birds' eggs from Sweden are also highly contaminated (at ∌2000 ng/g lipid) and show PBDE doubling times of ∌6 yr. Herring gull eggs from the Great Lakes region now have PBDE concentrations of ∌7000 ng/g lipid, and these levels have doubled every ∌3 yr. Fish from Europe have ∌10 times lower PBDE concentrations than fish from North America. From these and other data, it is clear that the environment and people from North America are very much more contaminated with PBDEs as compared to Europe and that these PBDE levels have doubled every 4−6 yr. Analyses of the relative distributions of the most abundant PBDE congeners (using category averages and principal component analysis) indicated that these patterns cannot yet be used to assign sources to these pollutants.

Role of the aromatic hydrocarbon receptor and [Ah] gene battery in the oxidative stress response, cell cycle control, and apoptosis

2000-01-01
Daniel W. Nebert , Amy L. Roe , Matthew Z. Dieter +3 more

Distribution of persistent organochlorines in the oceanic air and surface seawater and the role of ocean on their global transport and fate

1993-06-01
Hisato Iwata , Shinsuke Tanabe , Norio Sakai +1 more
ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTDistribution of persistent organochlorines in the oceanic air and surface seawater and the role of ocean on their global transport and fateHisato Iwata, Shinsuke Tanabe, Norio Sakai, 
 ADVERTISEMENT RETURN TO ISSUEPREVArticleNEXTDistribution of persistent organochlorines in the oceanic air and surface seawater and the role of ocean on their global transport and fateHisato Iwata, Shinsuke Tanabe, Norio Sakai, and Ryo TatsukawaCite this: Environ. Sci. Technol. 1993, 27, 6, 1080–1098Publication Date (Print):June 1, 1993Publication History Published online1 May 2002Published inissue 1 June 1993https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/es00043a007https://doi.org/10.1021/es00043a007research-articleACS PublicationsRequest reuse permissionsArticle Views1583Altmetric-Citations760LEARN ABOUT THESE METRICSArticle Views are the COUNTER-compliant sum of full text article downloads since November 2008 (both PDF and HTML) across all institutions and individuals. These metrics are regularly updated to reflect usage leading up to the last few days.Citations are the number of other articles citing this article, calculated by Crossref and updated daily. Find more information about Crossref citation counts.The Altmetric Attention Score is a quantitative measure of the attention that a research article has received online. Clicking on the donut icon will load a page at altmetric.com with additional details about the score and the social media presence for the given article. Find more information on the Altmetric Attention Score and how the score is calculated. Share Add toView InAdd Full Text with ReferenceAdd Description ExportRISCitationCitation and abstractCitation and referencesMore Options Share onFacebookTwitterWechatLinked InRedditEmail Other access optionsGet e-AlertscloseSupporting Info (1)»Supporting Information Supporting Information Get e-Alerts

Toxic effects of brominated flame retardants in man and in wildlife

2003-06-20
Per Ola Darnerud

Phosphorus flame retardants: Properties, production, environmental occurrence, toxicity and analysis

2012-04-25
I. van der Veen , J. de Boer

A review of airborne polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their human health effects

2013-09-06
Ki‐Hyun Kim , Shamin Ara Jahan , Ehsanul Kabir +1 more

An overview of brominated flame retardants in the environment

2002-02-01
Cynthia A. de Wit

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Dibenzo-p-Dioxins (PCDDs), Dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and Related Compounds: Environmental and Mechanistic Considerations Which Support the Development of Toxic Equivalency Factors (TEFs)

1990-01-01
Stephen Safe
Halogenated aromatic compounds, typified by the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and diphenylethers (PCDEs), are industrial compounds or byproducts which have been widely identified in the environment and 
 Halogenated aromatic compounds, typified by the polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), dibenzofurans (PCDFs), biphenyls (PCBs), and diphenylethers (PCDEs), are industrial compounds or byproducts which have been widely identified in the environment and in chemical-waste dumpsites. Halogenated aromatics are invariably present in diverse analytes as highly complex mixtures of isomers and congeners and this complicates the hazard and risk assessment of these compounds. Several studies have confirmed the common receptor-mediated mechanism of action of toxic halogenated aromatics and this has resulted in the development of structure-activity relationships for this class of chemicals. The most toxic halogenated aromatic is 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and based onin vivo andin vitro studies the relative toxicities of individual halogenated aromatics have been determined relative to TCDD (i.e., toxic equivalents). The derived toxic equivalents can be used for hazard and risk assessment of halogenated aromatic mixtures; moreover, for more complex mixtures containing congeners for which no standards are available (e.g., bromo/chloro mixtures), severalin vitro orin vivo assays can be utilized for hazard or risk assessment.

Brominated flame retardants: cause for concern?

2003-10-17
Linda S. Birnbaum , Daniele F. Staskal
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have routinely been added to consumer products for several decades in a successful effort to reduce fire-related injury and property damage. Recently, concern for this emerging 
 Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) have routinely been added to consumer products for several decades in a successful effort to reduce fire-related injury and property damage. Recently, concern for this emerging class of chemicals has risen because of the occurrence of several classes of BFRs in the environment and in human biota. The widespread production and use of BFRs; strong evidence of increasing contamination of the environment, wildlife, and people; and limited knowledge of potential effects heighten the importance of identifying emerging issues associated with the use of BFRs. In this article, we briefly review scientific issues associated with the use of tetrabromobisphenol A, hexabromocyclododecane, and three commercial mixtures of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and discuss data gaps. Overall, the toxicology database is very limited; the current literature is incomplete and often conflicting. Available data, however, raise concern over the use of certain classes of brominated flame retardants.
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PAH diagnostic ratios for the identification of pollution emission sources

2011-12-10
Marek Tobiszewski , Jacek Namieƛnik

Source Apportionment of Atmospheric Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Collected from an Urban Location in Birmingham, U.K.

1996-02-01
Roy M. Harrison , David J. Smith , L. Luhana
Intensive seasonal sampling campaigns were undertaken at an urban location in Birmingham, U.K., in which high-volume samplers were used to collect particulate- and vapor-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by means 
 Intensive seasonal sampling campaigns were undertaken at an urban location in Birmingham, U.K., in which high-volume samplers were used to collect particulate- and vapor-phase polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by means of filter papers and polyurethane foam plugs. Eighteen PAH species were determined by reversed-phase HPLC. Additionally, the suspended particle loading of the air was measured gravimetrically. Dichotomous stacked filter units (DSFUs) were run simultaneously with the high-volumes enabling the collection of particulate matter representative of fine (<2.1 ÎŒm) and coarse sized (2.1−10 ÎŒm) fractions. Filters from the DSFUs were analyzed for 19 metal species [by proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE)], ammonium, elemental carbon, and various anions. Metal and PAH concentrations were observed to be broadly in line with concentrations measured at other urban areas throughout the U.K. Chemical source apportionment studies took the form of principal component analysis (PCA) followed by multi-linear regression analysis (MLRA). This multivariate technique enabled major air pollution source categories to be identified along with the quantitative contributions of pollutant species to each source group. The results demonstrate that a combination of measurements of PAH and inorganic pollutants is a far more powerful tracer of emission sources than PAH data alone. PAH were found to be associated predominantly with emissions from road traffic, although other sources such as fuel oil, coal combustion, and incineration also contribute. Road traffic accounts for 88% of ambient benzo[a]pyrene at our site.

PAH source fingerprints for coke ovens, diesel and, gasoline engines, highway tunnels, and wood combustion emissions

1995-03-01
Nasrin R. Khalili , Peter A. Scheff , Thomas M. Holsen

Origin of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Coastal Marine Sediments: Case Studies in Cotonou (Benin) and Aquitaine (France) Areas

2000-05-01
H. H. Soclo , P. Garrigues , M. Ewald

Immune System Impairment and Hepatic Fibrosis in Mice Lacking the Dioxin-Binding Ah Receptor

1995-05-05
Pedro M. Fernández‐Salguero , Thie Pineau , David M. Hilbert +7 more
The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (AHR) mediates many carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of environmentally toxic chemicals such as dioxin. An AHR-deficient (Ahr -/- ) mouse line was constructed by homologous 
 The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor (AHR) mediates many carcinogenic and teratogenic effects of environmentally toxic chemicals such as dioxin. An AHR-deficient (Ahr -/- ) mouse line was constructed by homologous recombination in embryonic stem cells. Almost half of the mice died shortly after birth, whereas survivors reached maturity and were fertile. The Ahr -/- mice showed decreased accumulation of lymphocytes in the spleen and lymph nodes, but not in the thymus. The livers of Ahr -/- mice were reduced in size by 50 percent and showed bile duct fibrosis. Ahr -/- mice were also nonresponsive with regard to dioxin-mediated induction of genes encoding enzymes that catalyze the metabolism of foreign compounds. Thus, the AHR plays an important role in the development of the liver and the immune system.

PAHs in the Fraser River basin: a critical appraisal of PAH ratios as indicators of PAH source and composition

2002-04-01
Mark B. Yunker , Robie W. Macdonald , Roxanne Vingarzan +3 more

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Source attribution, emission factors and regulation

2008-03-04
Khaiwal Ravindra , Ranjeet S. Sokhi , R Vangrieken
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Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs): Environmental Impact, Biochemical and Toxic Responses, and Implications for Risk Assessment

1994-01-01
Stephen Safe
AbstractCommercial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and environmental extracts contain complex mixtures of congeners that can be unequivocally identified and quantitated. Some PCB mixtures elicit a spectrum of biochemical and toxic responses 
 AbstractCommercial polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and environmental extracts contain complex mixtures of congeners that can be unequivocally identified and quantitated. Some PCB mixtures elicit a spectrum of biochemical and toxic responses in humans and laboratory animals and many of these effects resemble those caused by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons, which act through the aryl hydrocarbon (Ah)-receptor signal transduction pathway. Structure-activity relationships developed for PCB congeners and metabolites have demonstrated that several structural classes of compounds exhibit diverse biochemical and toxic responses. Structure-toxicity studies suggest that the coplanar PCBs, namely, 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (tetraCB), 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB, and their monoortho analogs are Ah-receptor agonists and contribute significantly to the toxicity of the PCB mixtures. Previous studies with TCDD and structurally related compounds have utilized a toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach for the hazard and risk assessment of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners in which the TCDD or toxicTEQ = Σ([PCDFi xTEFi]n) + Σ([PCDDi xTEFn]n]equivalent (TEQ) of a mixture is related to the TEFs and concentrations of the individual (i) congeners as indicated in the equation (note:n = the number of congeners). Based on the results of quantitative structure-activity studies, the following TEF values have been estimated by making use of the data available for the coplanar and monoortho coplanar PCBs: 3,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.1; 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexaCB, 0.05; 3,3',4,4'-tetraCB, 0.01; 2,3,3',4,4'-pentaCB, 0.001; 2,3',4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.0001; 2,3,3',4,4',5-hexaCB, 0.0003; 2,3,3',4,4',5'-hexaCB, 0.0003; 2',3,4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.00005; and 2,3,4,4',5-pentaCB, 0.0002. Application of the TEF approach for the risk assessment of PCBs must be used with considerable caution. Analysis of the results of laboratory animal and wildlife studies suggests that the predictive value of TEQs for PCBs may be both species- and response-dependent because both additive and nonadditive (antagonistic) interactions have been observed with PCB mixtures. In the latter case, the TEF approach would significantly overestimate the toxicity of a PCB mixture. Analysis of the rodent carcinogenicity data for Aroclor 1260 using the TEF approach suggests that this response is primarily Ah-receptor-independent. Thus, risk assessment of PCB mixtures that uses cancer as the endpoint cannot solely utilize a TEF approach and requires more quantitative information on the individual congeners contributing to the tumor-promoter activity of PCB mixtures.Key Words: PCBstoxicologystructure-functionrisk assessmenttoxic equivalency factors

Potent Competitive Interactions of Some Brominated Flame Retardants and Related Compounds with Human Transthyretin in Vitro

2000-07-01
Ilonka A.T.M. Meerts , Jelmer J. van Zanden , E. Luijks +5 more
Brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pentabromophenol (PBP), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are produced in large quantities for use in electronic equipment, plastics, and building materials. Because 
 Brominated flame retardants such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pentabromophenol (PBP), and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) are produced in large quantities for use in electronic equipment, plastics, and building materials. Because these compounds have some structural resemblance to the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), it was suggested that they may interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and transport, e.g., by competition with T4 on transthyretin (TTR). In the present study, we investigated the possible interaction of several brominated flame retardants with T4 binding to TTR in an in vitro competitive binding assay, using human TTR and 125 I-T4 as the displaceable radioligand. Compounds were tested in at least eight different concentrations ranging from 1.95 to 500 nM. In addition, we investigated the structural requirements of these and related ligands for competitive binding to TTR. We were able to show very potent competition binding for TBBPA and PBP (10.6- and 7.1-fold stronger than the natural ligand T4, respectively). PBDEs were able to compete with T4-TTR binding only after metabolic conversion by induced rat liver microsomes, suggesting an important role for hydroxylation. Brominated bisphenols with a high degree of bromination appeared to be more efficient competitors, whereas chlorinated bisphenols were less potent compared to their brominated analogues. These results indicate that brominated flame retardants, especially the brominated phenols and tetrabromobisphenol A, are very potent competitors for T4 binding to human transthyretin in vitro and may have effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis in vivo comparable to the thyroid-disrupting effects of PCBs.
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The 2005 World Health Organization Reevaluation of Human and Mammalian Toxic Equivalency Factors for Dioxins and Dioxin-Like Compounds

2006-07-07
Martin van den Berg , Linda S. Birnbaum , Michael S. Denison +7 more
In June 2005, a World Health Organization (WHO)-International Programme on Chemical Safety expert meeting was held in Geneva during which the toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for dioxin-like compounds, including some 
 In June 2005, a World Health Organization (WHO)-International Programme on Chemical Safety expert meeting was held in Geneva during which the toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for dioxin-like compounds, including some polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), were reevaluated. For this reevaluation process, the refined TEF database recently published by Haws et al. (2006, Toxicol. Sci. 89, 4–30) was used as a starting point. Decisions about a TEF value were made based on a combination of unweighted relative effect potency (REP) distributions from this database, expert judgment, and point estimates. Previous TEFs were assigned in increments of 0.01, 0.05, 0.1, etc., but for this reevaluation, it was decided to use half order of magnitude increments on a logarithmic scale of 0.03, 0.1, 0.3, etc. Changes were decided by the expert panel for 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (TEF = 0.3), 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran (PeCDF) (TEF = 0.03), octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and octachlorodibenzofuran (TEFs = 0.0003), 3,4,4â€Č,5-tetrachlorbiphenyl (PCB 81) (TEF = 0.0003), 3,3â€Č,4,4â€Č,5,5â€Č-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 169) (TEF = 0.03), and a single TEF value (0.00003) for all relevant mono-ortho–substituted PCBs. Additivity, an important prerequisite of the TEF concept was again confirmed by results from recent in vivo mixture studies. Some experimental evidence shows that non-dioxin–like aryl hydrocarbon receptor agonists/antagonists are able to impact the overall toxic potency of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and related compounds, and this needs to be investigated further. Certain individual and groups of compounds were identified for possible future inclusion in the TEF concept, including 3,4,4â€Č-TCB (PCB 37), polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, mixed polyhalogenated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polyhalogenated naphthalenes, and polybrominated biphenyls. Concern was expressed about direct application of the TEF/total toxic equivalency (TEQ) approach to abiotic matrices, such as soil, sediment, etc., for direct application in human risk assessment. This is problematic as the present TEF scheme and TEQ methodology are primarily intended for estimating exposure and risks via oral ingestion (e.g., by dietary intake). A number of future approaches to determine alternative or additional TEFs were also identified. These included the use of a probabilistic methodology to determine TEFs that better describe the associated levels of uncertainty and “systemic” TEFs for blood and adipose tissue and TEQ for body burden.
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AH RECEPTOR SIGNALING PATHWAYS

1996-11-01
Jennifer V. Schmidt , Christopher A. Bradfield
â–Ș Abstract The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor has occupied the attention of toxicologists for over two decades. Interest arose from the early observation that this soluble protein played key roles 
 â–Ș Abstract The aryl hydrocarbon (Ah) receptor has occupied the attention of toxicologists for over two decades. Interest arose from the early observation that this soluble protein played key roles in the adaptive metabolic response to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and in the toxic mechanism of halogenated dioxins and dibenzofurans. More recent investigations have provided a fairly clear picture of the primary adaptive signaling pathway, from agonist binding to the transcriptional activation of genes involved in the metabolism of xenobiotics. Structure-activity studies have provided an understanding of the pharmacology of this receptor; recombinant DNA approaches have identified the enhancer sequences through which this factor regulates gene expression; and functional analysis of cloned cDNAs has allowed the characterization of the major signaling components in this pathway. Our objective is to review the Ah receptor's role in regulation of xenobiotic metabolism and use this model as a framework for understanding the less well-characterized mechanism of dioxin toxicity. In addition, it is hoped that this information can serve as a model for future efforts to understand an emerging superfamily of related signaling pathways that control biological responses to an array of environmental stimuli.

Compositions and Sorptive Properties of Crop Residue-Derived Chars

2004-07-23
Chun Yuan , Guangyao Sheng , Cary T. Chiou +1 more
Chars originating from the burning or pyrolysis of vegetation may significantly sorb neutral organic contaminants (NOCs). To evaluate the relationship between the char composition and NOC sorption, a series of 
 Chars originating from the burning or pyrolysis of vegetation may significantly sorb neutral organic contaminants (NOCs). To evaluate the relationship between the char composition and NOC sorption, a series of char samples were generated by pyrolyzing a wheat residue (Triticum aestivum L.) for 6 h at temperatures between 300 degrees C and 700 degrees C and analyzed for their elemental compositions, surface areas, and surface functional groups. The samples were then studied for their abilities to sorb benzene and nitrobenzene from water. A commercial activated carbon was used as a reference carbonaceous sample. The char samples produced at high pyrolytic temperatures (500-700 degrees C) were well carbonized and exhibited a relatively high surface area (>300 m2/g), little organic matter (<3%), and low oxygen content (< or = 10%). By contrast, the chars formed at low temperatures (300-400 degrees C) were only partially carbonized, showing significantly different properties (<200 m2/g surface area, 40-50% organic carbon, and >20% oxygen). The char samples exhibited a significant range of surface acidity/basicity because of their different surface polar-group contents, as characterized by the Boehm titration data and the NMR and FTIR spectra. The NOC sorption by high-temperature chars occurred almost exclusively by surface adsorption on carbonized surfaces, whereas the sorption by low-temperature chars resulted from the surface adsorption and the concurrent smaller partition into the residual organic-matter phase. The chars appeared to have a higher surface affinity for a polar solute (nitrobenzene) than for a nonpolar solute (benzene), the difference being related to the surface acidity/basicity of the char samples.

Monitoring of environmental exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: a review

2007-03-21
K. Srogi
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of organic compounds with two or more fused aromatic rings. They have a relatively low solubility in water, but are highly lipophilic. 
 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a large group of organic compounds with two or more fused aromatic rings. They have a relatively low solubility in water, but are highly lipophilic. Most of the PAHs with low vapour pressure in the air are adsorbed on particles. When dissolved in water or adsorbed on particulate matter, PAHs can undergo photodecomposition when exposed to ultraviolet light from solar radiation. In the atmosphere, PAHs can react with pollutants such as ozone, nitrogen oxides and sulfur dioxide, yielding diones, nitro- and dinitro-PAHs, and sulfonic acids, respectively. PAHs may also be degraded by some microorganisms in the soil. PAHs are widespread environmental contaminants resulting from incomplete combustion of organic materials. The occurrence is largely a result of anthropogenic emissions such as fossil fuel-burning, motor vehicle, waste incinerator, oil refining, coke and asphalt production, and aluminum production, etc. PAHs have received increased attention in recent years in air pollution studies because some of these compounds are highly carcinogenic or mutagenic. Eight PAHs (Car-PAHs) typically considered as possible carcinogens are: benzo(a)anthracene, chrysene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P), dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene. In particular, benzo(a)pyrene has been identified as being highly carcinogenic. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has promulgated 16 unsubstituted PAHs (EPA-PAH) as priority pollutants. Thus, exposure assessments of PAHs in the developing world are important. The scope of this review will be to give an overview of PAH concentrations in various environmental samples and to discuss the advantages and limitations of applying these parameters in the assessment of environmental risks in ecosystems and human health. As it well known, there is an increasing trend to use the behavior of pollutants (i.e. bioaccumulation) as well as pollution-induced biological and biochemical effects on human organisms to evaluate or predict the impact of chemicals on ecosystems. Emphasis in this review will, therefore, be placed on the use of bioaccumulation and biomarker responses in air, soil, water and food, as monitoring tools for the assessment of the risks and hazards of PAH concentrations for the ecosystem, as well as on its limitations.
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Novel brominated flame retardants: A review of their analysis, environmental fate and behaviour

2010-12-19
Adrian Covaci , Stuart Harrad , Mohamed Abou‐Elwafa Abdallah +4 more

The Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Complex

1995-04-01
Oliver Hankinson
Due to the massive data sets available for drug candidates, modern drug discovery has advanced to the big data era. Central to this shift is the development of artificial intelligence 
 Due to the massive data sets available for drug candidates, modern drug discovery has advanced to the big data era. Central to this shift is the development of artificial intelligence approaches to implementing innovative modeling based on the dynamic, ...Read More

Technical basis for establishing sediment quality criteria for nonionic organic chemicals using equilibrium partitioning

1991-12-01
Dominic M. Di Toro , Christopher S. Zarba , David J. Hansen +7 more
Abstract The purpose of this review paper is to present the technical basis for establishing sediment quality criteria using equilibrium partitioning (EqP). Equilibrium partitioning is chosen because it addresses the 
 Abstract The purpose of this review paper is to present the technical basis for establishing sediment quality criteria using equilibrium partitioning (EqP). Equilibrium partitioning is chosen because it addresses the two principal technical issues that must be resolved: the varying bioavailability of chemicals in sediments and the choice of the appropriate biological effects concentration. The data that are used to examine the question of varying bioavailability across sediments are from toxicity and bioaccumulation experiments utilizing the same chemical and test organism but different sediments. It has been found that if the different sediments in each experiment are compared, there is essentially no relationship between sediment chemical concentrations on a dry weight basis and biological effects. However, if the chemical concentrations in the pore water of the sediment are used (for chemicals that are not highly hydrophobic) or if the sediment chemical concentrations on an organic carbon basis are used, then the biological effects occur at similar concentrations (within a factor of two) for the different sediments. In addition, the effects concentrations are the same as, or they can be predicted from, the effects concentration determined in water- only exposures. The EqP methodology rationalizes these results by assuming that the partitioning of the chemical between sediment organic carbon and pore water is at equilibrium. In each of these phases, the fugacity or activity of the chemical is the same at equilibrium. As a consequence, it is assumed that the organism receives an equivalent exposure from a water-only exposure or from any equilibrated phase, either from pore water via respiration, from sediment carbon via ingestion; or from a mixture of the routes. Thus, the pathway of exposure is not significant. The biological effect is produced by the chemical activity of the single phase or the equilibrated system. Sediment quality criteria for nonionic organic chemicals are based on the chemical concentration in sediment organic carbon. For highly hydrophobic chemicals this is necessary because the pore water concentration is, for those chemicals, no longer a good estimate of the chemical activity. The pore water concentration is the sum of the free chemical concentration, which is bioavailable and represents the chemical activity, and the concentration of chemical complexed to dissolved organic carbon, which, as the data presented below illustrate, is not bioavailable. Using the chemical concentration in sediment organic carbon eliminates this ambiguity. Sediment quality criteria also require that a chemical concentration be chosen that is sufficiently protective of benthic organisms. The final chronic value (FCV) from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) water quality criteria is proposed. An analysis of the data compiled in the water quality criteria documents demonstrates that benthic species, defined as either epibenthic or infaunal species, have a similar sensitivity to water column species. This is the case if the most sensitive species are compared and if all species are compared. The results of benthic colonization experiments also support the use of the FCV. Equilibrium partitioning cannot remove all the variation in the experimentally observed sediment- effects concentration and the concentration predicted from water-only exposures. A variation of approximately a factor of two to three remains. Hence, it is recognized that a quantification of this uncertainty should accompany the sediment quality criteria. The derivation of sediment quality criteria requires the octanol/water partition coefficient of the chemical. It should be measured with modern experimental techniques, which appear to remove the large variation in reported values. The derivation of the final chronic value should also be updated to include the most recent toxicological information.
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2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-<i>p</i>-Dioxin and Related Halogenated Aromatic Hydrocarbons: Examination of the Mechanism of Toxicity

1982-04-01
Alan Poland , Joyce C. Knutson
In this review, we have examined the biochemical and toxic responses produced by halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and have tried to develop a model for their mechanism of action. These compounds 
 In this review, we have examined the biochemical and toxic responses produced by halogenated aromatic hydrocarbons and have tried to develop a model for their mechanism of action. These compounds bind to a cellular receptor and evoke a sustained pleiotropic response. In many tissues this response consists of the expression of a battery of enzymes which are, for the most part, involved in drug metabolism, but in other tissues, those which develop toxicity, an additional set of genes is expressed which effects cellular involution, division, and/or differentiation. The toxicity of these compounds appears to be due to the sustained expression of a normal cellular regulatory system, of which we were previously unaware. In future investigations it is hoped that we will learn the nature and physiologic role of this regulatory system. Only then can we hope to understand the mechanism of toxicity of these compounds.

A review on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: Source, environmental impact, effect on human health and remediation

2015-12-19
Hussein I. Abdel‐Shafy , Mona S. M. Mansour
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants generated primarily during the incomplete combustion of organic materials (e.g. coal, oil, petrol, and wood). Emissions from anthropogenic activities predominate; nevertheless, some 
 Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants generated primarily during the incomplete combustion of organic materials (e.g. coal, oil, petrol, and wood). Emissions from anthropogenic activities predominate; nevertheless, some PAHs in the environment originate from natural sources such as open burning, natural losses or seepage of petroleum or coal deposits, and volcanic activities. Major anthropogenic sources of PAHs include residential heating, coal gasification and liquefying plants, carbon black, coal-tar pitch and asphalt production, coke and aluminum production, catalytic cracking towers and related activities in petroleum refineries as well as and motor vehicle exhaust. PAHs are found in the ambient air in gas-phase and as sorbet to aerosols. Atmospheric partitioning of PAH compounds between the particulate and the gaseous phases strongly influences their fate and transport in the atmosphere and the way they enter into the human body. The removal of PAHs from the atmosphere by dry and wet deposition processes are strongly influenced by their gas/particle partitioning. Atmospheric deposition is a major source for PAHs in soil. Many PAHs have toxic, mutagenic and/or carcinogenic properties. PAHs are highly lipid soluble and thus readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of mammals. They are rapidly distributed in a wide variety of tissues with a marked tendency for localization in body fat. Metabolism of PAHs occurs via the cytochrome P450-mediated mixed function oxidase system with oxidation or hydroxylation as the first step. Several different remediation technologies have been tested in efforts to remove these environmental contaminants. Among them, bioremediation is showing particular promise as a safe and cost-effective option. In spite of their xenobiotic properties, a variety of genera of gram-positive and -negative bacteria, fungi and algae have been isolated and characterized for their ability to utilize PAHs. The aim of this review is to discuss PAHs impact on the environmental and the magnitude of the human health risks posed by such substances. They also contain important information on concentrations, burdens and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere. The main anthropogenic sources of PAHs and their effect on the concentrations of these compounds in air are discussed. The fate of PAHs in the air, their persistence and the main mechanisms of their losses are presented. Health hazards associated with PAH air pollution are stressed.

Intellectual Impairment in Children Exposed to Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Utero

1996-09-12
Joseph L. Jacobson , Sandra W. Jacobson
In utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been linked to adverse effects on neurologic and intellectual function in infants and young children. We assessed whether these 
 In utero exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls, a ubiquitous environmental contaminant, has been linked to adverse effects on neurologic and intellectual function in infants and young children. We assessed whether these effects persist through school age and examined their importance in the acquisition of reading and arithmetic skills.
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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

2018-01-01
Kazuichi Hayakawa

Screening analysis and fine-scale spatial health risks assessment of phenols and PAHs in soils surrounding the coking industry

2025-06-23
Jinfeng Xue , Yinfa Ma , Zhihui Feng +2 more | Environmental Geochemistry and Health

Environmental evaluation of persistent organic pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania

2025-06-23
Ilirjana Osmani , Arben Haziri , Bledar Myrtaj +1 more | Environmental Pollutants and Bioavailability

Contaminants in fish and seafood from the marine environment: A global overview of current status and future perspective

2025-06-23
Maria Vittoria Barbieri , María Pilar Gonzålez , Valentina Araya Piqué +2 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Emerging Pollutants in the Environment: Occurrence, Fate, Risk Assessment and Degradation Methods

2025-06-22
Qingwei Bu , Yuning Ma | Toxics
The use of chemical substances has brought great benefits to human well-being; however, the dark side of the coin is that they may pose risks to human health and the 
 The use of chemical substances has brought great benefits to human well-being; however, the dark side of the coin is that they may pose risks to human health and the environment [...]

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in park and playground soils: A comparative health risk assessment in two South Asian cities of Brahmaputra Valley, India

2025-06-21
Parijat Bharali , Nitu Gupta , Tripti Agarwal +2 more | Environmental Pollution

Health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticide residues in freshwater fish in Ibadan, Nigeria

2025-06-20
Oladimeji Olanrewaju , Gregory O. Adewuyi , Akinranti S. Ajibola | Environmental Analysis Health and Toxicology
This work was aimed at assessing the potential human health risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) due to consumption of five different species of fish from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake 
 This work was aimed at assessing the potential human health risk of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) due to consumption of five different species of fish from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake in Ibadan, Nigeria. Five OCPs (aldrin, beta-lindane, beta-endosulfan, endosulfan ether and heptachlor epoxide) were investigated. Extraction was carried out by a quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) procedure; extract was cleaned-up using solid phase extraction while instrumental analysis was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Health risk assessment (non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic) to adult, children and infants was carried out using standard models and indices. Target OCPs were measured up to 0.013 mg/kg for heptachlor epoxide in &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt; from Dandaru River. Lowest concentrations for most of the OCPs were determined in &lt;i&gt;Clarias gariepinus&lt;/i&gt; from Eleyele River. Hazard indices (HI) indicate that non-carcinogenic risk to adult and children was not apparent by consuming all investigated fish species from Dandaru River and Eleyele Lake. However, a high non-carcinogenic risk to infants was expected by consuming &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis lidole&lt;/i&gt; from Eleyele Lake as well as all investigated fish species (except &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis aureas&lt;/i&gt;) from Dandaru River, apparently due to the contribution of heptachlor epoxide. Although carcinogenic risk was not expected in adult due to consumption of all investigated fish species from both Eleyele Lake and Dandaru River, consumption of &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis niloticus&lt;/i&gt; from Eleyele Lake by infants and children, &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis lidole&lt;/i&gt; from Eleyele Lake by infants, as well as all investigated fish species (except &lt;i&gt;Oreochromis aureas&lt;/i&gt;) from Dandaru River by infants poses possible carcinogenic effects. Regular health risk assessment of target OCPs for the investigated fish species from the two water bodies is necessary to safeguard the safety and health of consumers, especially infants.

Spatial distribution, source analysis, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in dredged sediments of Chinese coastal ports

2025-06-20
Junshun Su , Zhaowei Wang , Jiaqing Li +1 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Integrated network toxicology and population-based analysis uncovers organophosphate flame retardant exposure as a risk factor for hepatic steatosis and fibrosis: mechanistic and clinical insights

2025-06-20
Lin Che , Rongjuan Jiang , Chengqiang Wang +3 more | International Journal of Surgery

Compound Impacts of Fluvial Flooding and Sea-Level Rise on Benzo[<i>a</i>]pyrene Transport in the Lower Darby Creek Area Superfund Site, Pennsylvania, USA

2025-06-20
Sean A. Woznicki , Jonathan L. Barber , Jonathan Butcher +6 more | ACS ES&T Water

Obituary for Dr. Rosalinda C. Montone: A key contributor to persistent organic pollutant studies in Antarctica and remote Atlantic Islands

2025-06-20
CĂ©sar C. Martins , Satie Taniguchi , MĂĄrcia Caruso Bı́cego +5 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon level, origin and ecological risk assessment in sediments with different grain size properties in Peter the Great Bay (the Sea of Japan)

2025-06-19
Tatiana Chizhova , Yuliya Koudryashova , Mikhail Patrushev +1 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Anthropogenic pollutants in the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean slope: Is the Santos Bifurcation region a potential sink for organic contaminants?

2025-06-19
Felipe R. Santos , MĂĄrcia Caruso Bı́cego , LĂ­gia Dias de Araujo +7 more | Marine Pollution Bulletin

Bioassay Using the DR-EcoScreen System to Measure Dioxin-Related Compounds in Serum Samples from Individuals Exposed to Dioxins Originating from Agent Orange in Vietnam

2025-06-19
Masafumi Nakamura , Ryo Matsuda , Hoa Thi Vu +5 more | Toxics
A bioassay for dioxin analysis of human samples has the advantages of cost effectiveness and requiring only a small sample volume. Using a DR-EcoScreen bioassay, we measured the biological equivalency 
 A bioassay for dioxin analysis of human samples has the advantages of cost effectiveness and requiring only a small sample volume. Using a DR-EcoScreen bioassay, we measured the biological equivalency (BEQ) levels in serum samples from 32 men exposed to dioxins in Bien Hoa and 32 unexposed men in Hanoi, Vietnam. For the Bien Hoa men, the World Health Organization toxic equivalent (WHO-TEQ) levels of dioxins had already been measured by instrumental analysis. The difference in fat-based BEQ levels between exposed and unexposed men was greater than for crude BEQ levels, with a strong correlation between fat-based BEQ and WHO-TEQ levels. The fat-based BEQ levels in Bien Hoa men with longer residency but lower WHO-TEQ levels were significantly higher than those in unexposed men and Bien Hoa men with shorter residency but higher WHO-TEQs, suggesting that fat-based BEQ may be an effective marker of dioxin-like activity. Additionally, comparisons of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and TEQs between shorter- and longer-residency groups indicated that higher levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), particularly TCDD, contribute to increased BEQ levels. Taken together, the DR-EcoScreen bioassay may be useful to analyze dioxin-like activity associated with WHO-TEQs of men in a dioxin contamination hotspot originating from Agent Orange in Vietnam.

Impact of turbidity and hydrophobicity on PAH release from sediment assessed by passive sampling

2025-06-18
Betty Chaumet , Johanna Hedberg , Elena Gorokhova +4 more | Journal of Environmental Management

Development and Application of a Cell-Based Reporter Gene Assay for Detecting (Me-)PAHs in Water Samples

2025-06-18
Yiqi Su , Basma Najar , Marijke Huysmans +3 more | Exposure and Health

Behavioural, biochemical and functional phenotyping of chronic exposure to chlordecone in mice

2025-06-17
Johann Vulin , Fabien Chauveau , Chloe CD Dure +7 more | bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)
Background. Chlordecone (CLD) is a persistent organochloride pesticide formerly used against banana weevil. It is detectable in blood samples from a large proportion of the population in the French Caribbean 
 Background. Chlordecone (CLD) is a persistent organochloride pesticide formerly used against banana weevil. It is detectable in blood samples from a large proportion of the population in the French Caribbean Islands. Several experimental studies have demonstrated acute neurotoxicity of CLD, but the effect of a subchronic exposure to CLD remains to be studied. Methods. Young adult male mice were injected intraperitoneally with 3 mg/kg CLD (n=34) or vehicle (n=22), twice a week, for eight weeks. Behavior, regional brain accumulation, and effects on the dopaminergic system were studied. In addition, functional ultrasound imaging (fUSi) was used to probe the visual, somatosensory and dopaminergic pathways. Results. CLD was detected in all brain regions (5-15 mg/kg) after two-month exposure, without any marked impact on behavior (anxiety, motor coordination, memory). The dopaminergic system was mostly unaffected, despite slight decreases in the number of TH-positive neurons and the expression of VMAT2, quantified in a subset of animals. fUSi highlighted a decreased response to the visual stimulation in CLD-exposed animals, in contrast to the sensorimotor response, which was found unaltered. Conclusion. The two-month-long, systemic, exposure to an intermediate dose of CLD resulted in a mostly unaffected phenotype, with a normal behavior and a largely intact dopaminergic system. Interestingly, functional ultrasound imaging was able to detect an altered visual response, which has also been noted in Parkinson s disease. This study position functional ultrasound imaging as a promising technique to capture early signs of neurotoxicity, opening up opportunities for toxico-fUS in the field of neurotoxicology.

Sources and risk evaluation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in dust and soil from an urban environment in Nigeria

2025-06-16
Chukwujindu M. A. Iwegbue , Jude Chinedu Ossai , Ijeoma F. Ogwu +5 more | Environmental Chemistry
Environmental context Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are compounds that have previously been widely applied in many consumer and commercial products; their use is banned because of their toxicity but they 
 Environmental context Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are compounds that have previously been widely applied in many consumer and commercial products; their use is banned because of their toxicity but they remain a legacy environmental pollutant. This study provides concentrations of PBDEs in indoor and outdoor dust and soils. Relationships between their occurrence patterns and origins are established, which informs our understanding of threats to human health from soil and air exposure. Rationale The concentrations of 39 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were determined in soil and dust samples of a typical Nigerian city in order to evaluate the spatial patterns, sources, and ecosystem and human health risks. The findings afford the necessary data to evaluate the temporal status, determine compliance with globally banned persistent organic pollutants, and provide guidance for designing strategies for surveillance, source control, risk reduction and management of environmental quality. Methodology Samples of soil and dust (indoor and outdoor) were obtained from 20 sites within the city. The soil and dust samples were subjected to Soxhlet extraction with an acetone/DCM/n-hexane mixture and cleaned up. The PBDEs in the extracts were separated and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Results The Σ39 PBDE concentrations of these samples varied between 1.69 and 590 ng g−1 for soil, whereas those of indoor and outdoor dust ranged from 0.45 to 112 and 0.54 to 60.4 ng g−1 respectively. Discussion Despite PBDEs being primarily indoor pollutants, their concentrations in soils exceeded those detected in indoor and outdoor dust, which may be attributed to soil’s higher sorption capacity and anthropogenic activities. The composition patterns in these media showed dominance of penta-BDEs, and exposure to these penta-BDEs has potential ecological consequences. The occurrence patterns and potential sources of PBDEs in soil and dust were evaluated using principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). The behaviours and sources of PBDEs in soil and outdoor dust were similar, but differ from those of indoor dust. The use of the penta-BDE technical formulation is the likely source of PBDEs in these matrices. Exposure to PBDEs in soils and dust from this area poses no serious health risk but could pose an ecological risk. Despite the low concentrations of PBDEs in these media, there is a need for continued surveillance and the implementation of regulatory frameworks for the control of these persistent pollutants.

Assessing Bioconcentration and Biotransformation of BDE-47 In Vitro: The Relevance of Bioavailable and Intracellular Concentrations

2025-06-16
Paloma De Oro‐Carretero , J. Sanz | Journal of Xenobiotics
The development of alternative methods that link cellular and predictive toxicity to high-level toxicity is a key focus of current research within the framework of the 3Rs in animal experimentation. 
 The development of alternative methods that link cellular and predictive toxicity to high-level toxicity is a key focus of current research within the framework of the 3Rs in animal experimentation. In this context, this study aimed to evaluate the previously developed in vitro approach using the zebrafish liver cell line (ZFL) for assessing bioaccumulation and biotransformation of the compound BDE-47, which is more hydrophobic than phenanthrene, and is the compound used in the previous study. For this purpose, experimentally, the internal concentrations in the cells (Ccell) and the exposure medium of both BDE-47 and its main metabolites were quantified at different exposure times by GC-MS. Additionally, the free bioavailable concentration (Cfree) was determined with a solid-phase microextraction (SPME) experiment. With the aim of refine models, Ccell and Cfree were also estimated using a predictive chemical distribution model (MBM). Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were determined by relating all these values, as well as by toxicokinetic fitting and by in vitro-in vivo extrapolation modelling (IVIVE). The results showed a high concordance with the values obtained in vivo. Moreover, the study highlighted the importance of experimentally determining Cfree and Ccell, as the predicted values can vary depending on the chemical, thereby influencing the BCF outcome. This variation occurs because models do not account for the absorption and biotransformation kinetics of the compounds. The data presented may contribute to refining predictive models.

Trace Element and Organohalogen Compound Contamination in the Supraglacial Debris of Italian Glaciers

2025-06-16
Marco Parolini , Arianna Crosta , Beatrice De Felice +7 more | Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology

Organophosphate Flame Retardants in Indoor Dust in the Tampa Bay (Florida) Area

2025-06-16
Adebayo Solanke , Lukasz Talalaj , Claire Graham +1 more | Toxics
As polybrominated diphenyl ethers were phased out as flame retardants and plasticizers, increasing quantities of organophosphate triesters (OPEs) have been used as replacements. Despite a surge in reports on levels 
 As polybrominated diphenyl ethers were phased out as flame retardants and plasticizers, increasing quantities of organophosphate triesters (OPEs) have been used as replacements. Despite a surge in reports on levels and profiles of OPEs, especially in indoor environments, and the potential exposure, there are still understudied areas with no data on the levels of these chemicals. We carried out the first study investigating levels and profiles of OPEs in indoor dust from such an area, the Tampa Bay (Florida) area. ∑13OPEs measured at each site ranged from 545 to 502,086 ng g-1, with overall medians and means over 64 sites of 15,447 and 36,135 ng g-1, respectively. Alkyl OPEs were predominant, with lesser levels of chlorinated and aryl OPEs. Median levels were highest for tris (2-butoxyethyl) phosphate (TBOEP) and triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) at 4641 and 1046 ng g-1, respectively; lower for tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), tris(2-chloropropyl) phosphate (T2CPP), and tris (2-chloroisopropyl) phosphate (TCIPP) at 530, 458, and 360 ng g-1, respectively; with others ranging from 2 to 85 ng g-1. There were differences in levels in different microenvironments (urban versus suburban; non-residential versus residential; apartments versus single-family homes; daycares versus residences and university rooms; building age; and rooms with different floor material). Estimated daily intakes for median and higher exposure scenarios for ∑13OPEs (in ng kg-1 bw day-1) were 12 and 552 for toddlers and 6 and 451 for adults, respectively. TBOEP accounted for 30% of total intake for toddlers and adults in a mean exposure scenario but 90% for high exposure scenario.

Black carbon modulates BDE-47-induced developmental toxicity in zebrafish larvae: Dual roles as pollutant carrier and toxic alleviator

2025-06-16
Yi Pan , Ruixin Guo , Jinxing Wang +5 more | Aquatic Toxicology

Transformation mechanisms and ecological risks of polybrominated benzene compounds in natural waters and AOPs

2025-06-13
Xuemin Zhao , Ning Wang , Xiaomin Sun | Process Safety and Environmental Protection

Contaminants of emerging concern in Antarctica

2025-06-13
â€ȘNikiforos Alygizakis , Kelsey Ng , Georgios Gkotsis +7 more | Journal of Environmental Exposure Assessment
A holistic investigation of legacy persistent organic pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern was conducted for 14 biota samples collected from Antarctica between 2018 and 2020. The sample set included 
 A holistic investigation of legacy persistent organic pollutants and contaminants of emerging concern was conducted for 14 biota samples collected from Antarctica between 2018 and 2020. The sample set included sea stars, sea urchins, macrophytes, fish muscle, seal muscle and placenta, and penguin muscle and eggs. The four Water Framework Directive heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel, and mercury) were present in all samples. Organophosphorus flame retardants and brominated flame retardants were detected sporadically at low concentration levels (below 0.7 ng/g ww). Isomers of Dechlorane Plus were not detected (&lt; 0.01 ng/g ww). In contrast, dioxins, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated bisphenols (PCBs) were frequently detected. The highest concentration was observed for PCBs, specifically PCB118 (up to 2,478 ng/g ww) and PCB105 (up to 977 ng/g ww). Wide-scope target screening of 2,236 compounds and suspect screening of 65,591 compounds were performed. Thirty-three contaminants from various chemical classes were detected through wide-scope target screening, of which 42% were pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) and 30% were industrial chemicals (ICs) and their transformation products. An additional 55 compounds were identified through suspect screening, with PPCPs and ICs each accounting for 26 compounds. Most of the identified compounds are registered as REACH substances by the European Chemicals Agency, with some produced in very high volumes, exceeding 1,000,000 tonnes. Contaminant levels in Antarctic biota samples were lower than those reported in similar European studies, such as those conducted in the Danube River Basin.

Exploring the role of toxic and therapeutic compounds in aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) modulation: insights from molecular modeling study

2025-06-13
Manisha Priyadarsini Sahoo , Luna Samanta , Raghunath Satpathy | Discover Chemistry.

Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutants in Fierza Lake, Albania: Environmental Impacts and Contamination Profile

2025-06-13
Ilirjana Osmani , Arben Haziri , Aurel Nuro | Research Square (Research Square)
<title>Abstract</title> The aim of this study was to analyze persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake, Albania. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected 
 <title>Abstract</title> The aim of this study was to analyze persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in water, sediment, and fish samples from Fierza Lake, Albania. Water, sediment, and fish samples were collected in December 2023 and May 2024. The samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The analysis of POPs was conducted using GC-MS/MS. Total PCB concentrations in water, sediment, and fish ranged from &lt; MDL to 4.372 ± 0.957 ”g/L, &lt; MDL to 4.217 ± 0.968 ”g/kg, and &lt; MDL to 5.849 ± 0.953 ”g/kg, respectively. PAHs in water, sediment, and fish samples ranged from &lt; MDL to 0.195 ± 0.061 ”g/L, &lt; MDL to 0.203 ± 0.067 ”g/kg, and &lt; MDL to 0.227 ± 0.072 ”g/kg, respectively. OCP concentrations in water, sediment, and fish ranged from &lt; MDL to 3.626 ± 1.058 ”g/L, &lt; MDL to 3.032 ± 0.724 ”g/kg, and &lt; MDL to 3.558 ± 1.108 ”g/kg, respectively. Although aldrin and endosulfan were detected at higher levels, an increase in the concentrations of DDTs, HCHs, and heptachlor was also noted. Continuous monitoring of POP levels by relevant institutions is recommended to ensure comprehensive assessments of the potential environmental risks facing the lake.

A Modified QuEChERS-HPLC Method for Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Zebrafish Embryos Exposed to Fine Particulate Matter

2025-06-13
Yuqin Ma , Mingxuan Zhang , Junwen Shi +2 more | Journal of Visualized Experiments

Seasonal variation and human exposure characteristics of PBDEs in indoor dust, airborne particles and vapor phase in office environments

2025-06-06
Bayier Wulijia , You Li , Tao Huan +4 more | Environmental Pollution