Air-surface exchange of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls

Air and leaf-litter samples were collected from a rural site in southern Ontario under meteorologically stable conditions in the early spring, prior to bud burst, over a three-day period to measure the simultaneous diurnal variations in polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). PBDEs are used in a wide range of commercial products as flame retardants and are being assessed internationally as potential persistent organic pollutants. Total PBDE concentrations in the air ranged between 88 and 1250 pg m(-3), and were dominated primarily by the lighter congeners PBDEs 17, 28, and 47, and concentrations of total PCBs ranged between 96 and 950 pg m(-3), and were dominated by the lower chlorinated (tri- to tetra-) congeners. Slopes of Clausius-Clapeyron plots indicate that both PCBs and PBDEs are experiencing active air-surface exchange. Fugacities were estimated from concentrations in the air and leaf-litter and suggest near equilibrium conditions. Following the three-day intensive sampling period, 40 air samples were collected at 24-hour intervals in an attempt to evaluate the effect of bud burst on atmospheric concentrations. Total PBDE concentrations in the daily air samples ranged between 10 and 230 pg m(-3), and were dominated by the lighter congeners PBDE 17, 28, and 47, whereas concentrations of total PCBs ranged between 30 and 450 pg m(-3) during this period. It is hypothesized thatthe high PBDE concentrations observed at the beginning of the sampling period are the result of an "early spring pulse" in which PBDEs deposited in the snowpack over the winter are released with snowmelt, resulting in elevated concentrations in the surface and air. Later in the sampling period, following bud burst, PBDE concentrations in air fell to 10 to 20 pg m(-3), possibly due to the high sorption capacity of this freshly emerging foliage compartment.     

Passive air sampling of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine compounds, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers across Asia

Asia is of global importance economically, yet data on ambient persistent organic pollutant levels are still sparse for the region, despite international efforts under the Stockholm Convention to identify and reduce emissions. A large-scale passive air sampling survey was therefore conducted in Asia, specifically in China, Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Polyurethane foam disks were deployed simultaneously at 77 sites, between Sept 21 and Nov 16, 2004, and analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine compounds (hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), chlordane), and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The meteorological conditions prevailing in the region at this time facilitated the assessment of local/regional differences in atmospheric emissions, because large-scale advection effects due to monsoons or dust storms did not occur. Air concentrations estimated assuming an average sampler uptake rate of 3.5 m3/day ranged as follows (pg m(-3)): PCBs, 5-340; HCB, 10-460; DDTs, 0.4-1800; chlordanes, 1-660; PBDEs, < 0.13-340. South Korea and Singapore generally had regionally low concentrations. Elevated concentrations of PCBs, DDTs, and HCB occurred at sites in China, higher than reported in a similar recent sampling campaign in Europe. Chlordane was highest in samples from Japan (which also had elevated levels of PCBs and DDTs) and was also elevated in some Chinese locations. PBDE levels were generally low in the region.     

Causes of variability in concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in indoor air

Airborne concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs were measured in offices, homes, public environments, and cars. Variations in concentrations between different rooms in the same domestic and office buildings, showed some intra-building variability for both compound groups. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed no clear and consistent relationships between log-normalized concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs in homes and offices and factors such as the number of personal computers. This is considered to reflect the complexity of relationships between indoor air contamination and microenvironment characteristics. The influence of personal computers was demonstrated when PBDE concentrations in one office fell appreciably following the exchange of a computer constructed in 1998 for one dating from 2003. Concentrations of PCBs in buildings constructed between 1950 and 1979 were significantly higher (p < 0.001) than in those constructed since. When two of the most contaminated cars were omitted as outliers, a significant (p < 0.01) positive linear relationship was detected between PBDE concentrations and vehicle age. Concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs were monitored throughout a calendar year in four homes and four offices. Although concentrations in warmer months usually exceeded those in colder months, seasonal variability in indoor contamination appears less significant than observed previously for outdoor air.     

Occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in shark liver oil supplements

Results are reported of a pilot survey of concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in shark liver oil supplements. Eleven brands of dietary supplements were analysed using an isotope dilution GC/MS method. Total concentrations of 10 PBDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -49, -66, -99, -100, -153, -154, -155 and -183) ranged from 0.1 to 53 ng g^-1 oil weight and total concentrations of six PCB congeners (CB-28/31, -52, -118, -153 and -180) in the samples ranged from 16 to 340 ng g^-1 oil weight (undetected values are not included). Two brands of Japanese deep-sea shark liver oil contained the highest levels of PBDEs (49-53 ng g^-1 oil weight) and PCBs (290-340 ng g^-1 oil weight). These results indicate that PBDEs may have entered Japanese deep-sea waters.     

Atmospheric transport of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls to the Baltic Sea

The atmospheric transport of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) was compared by measuring concentrations in air and deposition on an island located in the central basin of the Baltic Sea. Median sigmaPBDE and sigmaPCB concentrations (gaseous + particle) were 8.6 and 7.4 pg m(-3), respectively. Airborne PCBs were mainly found in the gaseous phase, while most of the PBDEs were detected on particles, which agrees with predicted particle/gas distributions. SigmaPBDE levels were dominated by the decabrominated BDE209 followed bythe tetrabrominated BDE47 and pentabrominated BDE99. BDE209 is a marker for the environmental distribution of the commercial deca-BDE formulation (>99.5% BDE209), whereas BDE47 and BDE99 are markers for the commercial penta-BDE mixture. General correlations between PBDEs and PCBs suggested similarities in sources and transport mechanism, while more detailed examination of the data identified notable behaviors and exceptions. Differences in regression slopes among tetra-, penta-, and decabrominated PBDEs may reflect different transport processes and the change in usage pattern. Tetra- and pentabrominated PBDEs may originate from secondary sources such as air surface exchange in a manner similar to that of the PCBs, while the deca-BDE209 formulation still has primary sources. The tribrominated BDE17 was also detected and is proposed to be a breakdown product due to atmospheric debromination processes. PBDEs had higher washout ratios than PCBs, explaining their higher concentrations compared to PCBs in precipitation (median of 6.0 and 0.5 ng L(-1) for sigmaBDE and sigmaPCB concentrations ("dissolved" + particle), respectively) than in air. The calculated yearly deposition of PBDEs and PCBs indicated that the atmospheric input of PBDEs to the Baltic Proper is currently exceeding that of the PCBs by a factor of 40, while that of the PCBs is decreasing.     

Temperature dependence of the air concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in a forest and a clearing

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were quantified in 67 high volume air samples taken concurrently in a forest and a clearing in southern Ontario, Canada from October 2001 to November 2002. Air concentrations were comparable between the two sites. Gaseous PCBs ranged from 6.4 to 150 pg x m(-3), and gaseous PBDEs ranged from below method detection limit (BDL) to 55 pg x m(-3) (with two extreme events up to 290 pg x m(-3)). Particulate PBDEs ranged from BDL to 40 pg x m(-3). Gaseous concentrations of PCBs and PBDEs were highly temperature dependent, suggesting a relatively strong influence of re-evaporation. Air concentrations of highly chlorinated PCBs in the forest were more temperature dependent than those in the clearing, whereas no difference was observed for the less-chlorinated PCBs. Forest filtering may have enriched highly chlorinated PCBs in the forest soil relative to the soil in the clearing, resulting in a higher contribution of re-evaporation for highly chlorinated PCBs at the forest. Compared to measurements conducted a decade earlier at a nearby site, PCB air concentrations were generally less temperature dependent, indicative of a reduction in the contribution of re-evaporation in the region. Furthermore, a significant correlation was found between temperature dependence and degree of chlorination, which had not been apparent in the previous study. This is presumably because depuration from soils occurred slower for highly chlorinated PCBs, resulting in their relatively higher abundance in terrestrial surfaces and, therefore, higher contribution from re-evaporation. Contrasting with the PCBs, the temperature dependence of PBDE air concentrations did not differ between congeners or between forest and clearing site. This could be a result of different usage and emission history: PCBs were banned approximately three decades ago, whereas PBDEs are currently still in use. Consequently, the influence of primary emissions on air concentrations is expected to be more important for PBDEs than for PCBs.     

Evaluating daily exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish oil supplements

Fish oil supplements have become a popular means of increasing one's dietary intake of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, there is growing concern that the levels and potential health effects of lipophilic organic contaminants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) may diminish some of the health benefits associated with the daily consumption of fish oil supplements. In this study, ten over-the-counter fish oil supplements available in the United States were analysed for PCBs and PBDEs and daily exposures calculated. Based on manufacturers’ recommended dosages, daily intakes of PCBs and PBDEs ranged from 5 to 686 ng day^?1 and from 1 to 13 ng day^?1, respectively. Daily consumption of fish oil supplements expose consumers to PCBs and PBDEs. However, in comparison with fish ingestion, fish supplements may decrease daily PCB exposure and provide a safer pathway for individuals seeking to maintain daily recommended levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids.     

Sources, emissions, and fate of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls indoors in Toronto, Canada

Indoor air concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) measured in 20 locations in Toronto ranged 0.008-16 ng·m(-3) (median 0.071 ng·m(-3)) and 0.8-130.5 ng·m(-3) (median 8.5 ng·m(-3)), respectively. PBDE and PCB air concentrations in homes tended to be lower than that in offices. Principal component analysis of congener profiles suggested that electrical equipment was the main source of PBDEs in locations with higher concentrations, whereas PUF furniture and carpets were likely sources to locations with lower concentrations. PCB profiles in indoor air were similar to Aroclors 1248, 1232, and 1242 and some exterior building sealant profiles. Individual PBDE and PCB congener concentrations in air were positively correlated with colocated dust concentrations, but total PBDE and total PCB concentrations in these two media were not correlated. Equilibrium partitioning between air and dust was further examined using log-transformed dust/air concentration ratios for which lower brominated PBDEs and all PCBs were correlated with K(OA). This was not the case for higher brominated BDEs for which the measured ratios fell below those based on K(OA) suggesting the air-dust partitioning process could be kinetically limited. Total emissions of PBDEs and PCBs to one intensively studied office were estimated at 87-550 ng·h(-1) and 280-5870 ng·h(-1), respectively, using the Multimedia Indoor Model of Zhang et al. Depending on the air exchange rate, up to 90% of total losses from the office could be to outdoors by means of ventilation. These results support the hypotheses that dominant sources of PBDEs differ according to location and that indoor concentrations and hence emissions contribute to outdoor concentrations due to higher indoor than outdoor concentrations along with estimates of losses via ventilation.     

Latitudinal fractionation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in frogs (Rana temporaria)

The flame retardant polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants. The environmental distribution of PBDEs is much less studied than that of the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). To compare the environmental fate of the PCBs with their partial substitute, the PBDEs, common frogs (Rana temporaria)were collected along a approximately 1,500-km-long latitudinal gradient of the Scandinavian Peninsula and their livers analyzed for PCBs and PBDEs. Mean concentrations of total PCBs and BDE47 ranged from 9200 to 92 900 and 30 to 120 ng kg(-1) fresh weight, respectively, whereas BDE99 was detected in less than 50% of the frogs. PCB concentrations were higher than that of the PBDEs, and the differences decreased in the northern latitudes. Moreover, the pollutant concentrations in frog livers were negative functions of latitude. The observed scatter and regression slopes imply several influencing factors (such as habitat, exposure route, uptake, metabolism, excretion, etc.) and indicate release events instead of the grasshopper effect Biological variables such as gender, age, body size, and lipid content did not influence pollutant concentrations in the frog livers. The total PCB and BDE47 concentrations in frogs were highly correlated. Hence, their environmental fate is analogous and our results highlight the need to examine the potential role of xenobiotics on amphibian populations.     

Deposition of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons to a boreal deciduous forest

The atmospheric deposition of several groups of semi-volatile organic compounds to a deciduous forest in Canada was determined using an indirect technique based on ratios of measured canopy interception and air concentrations. Air (gas and particle phase) and bulk deposition were sampled for 14 months from October 2001 to December 2002 at both a forest and a nearby clearing, and extracts were quantified for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Long-term average dry deposition velocities for vapors and particle-bound species were then derived for the canopy growing period. The mean dry gaseous deposition velocity for PBDEs and PCBs to the Canadian deciduous forest was 2.7 +/- 0.52 cm x s(-1), which is similar to the only other measured value for a deciduous canopy. Particle-bound deposition velocities to the canopy due to diffusion and impaction were 0.8 cm x s(-1) for the PBDEs and 0.11 cm x s(-1) for the PAHs. Differences in the particle-bound deposition velocities between PBDEs and PAHs and between deciduous canopies in Canada and Germany are explainable by differences in particle size distribution. The interception/concentration ratios for several PAHs were too low to be interpretable as dry gaseous deposition velocities. This is likely because the measured deposition flux under the canopy was less than the deposition flux to the canopy, possibly as a result of photodegradation in the canopy. From the ratio of canopy interception and average gas-phase concentration of less chlorinated PCBs, a predictive relationship between the canopy/air partition coefficient KPA and the octanol/air partition coefficient KOA was derived (KPA = 110 KOA0.67). Despite differences in local climate and canopy composition and structure, the deposition velocities and the canopy uptake capacity measured in Canada were remarkably similar to those reported in Germany, lending credibility to the suggestion that high gaseous deposition velocities are common throughout boreal and temperate deciduous forests. These extraordinarily high deposition velocities of semi-volatile organic compounds to deciduous forest canopies are at the core of the hypothesis of a significant filter effect of forests on a regional and global scale.     

Exposure of electronics dismantling workers to polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides in South China

In P.R. China, electronic waste (e-waste) from across the world is dismantled and discarded. Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in serum from residents of an e-waste dismantling region (Guiyu, South China), where 80% of families work in e-waste recycling, and compared to a matching cohort from a nearby region where the fishing industry dominates (Haojiang). Serum concentrations of PBDEs and OCPs, but not PCBs, were significantly different in the two regions: the median sigmaPBDE concentration was 3 times higher in Guiyu than Haojiang, whereas the opposite was true for dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT). PBDEs typically accounted for 46% of the total organohalogen chemicals in samples from Guiyu, but 8.7% in Haojiang. The median BDE-209 concentration in Guiyu was 50-200 times higher than previously reported in occupationally exposed populations. The highest BDE-209 concentration was 3100 ng/g lipid, the highest yet reported in humans. Serum PBDE concentrations did not correlate with PCBs or OCPs, whereas PCBs and OCPs showed positive correlations, suggesting that sources of PBDEs to humans are different from PCBs and OCPs. The levels of PBDEs in individuals from Haojiang are possibly related to the recycling activity at Guiyu, through atmospheric transport.     

Selection of bioindicators of polybrominated diphenyl ethers, polychlorinated biphenyls, and organochlorine pesticides in mollusks in the Chinese Bohai Sea

Mollusks, including bivalve and gastropod samples, were collected in the summer of 2006 and 2007 to evaluate the spatial patterns of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyl (PCBs), and polybrominated biphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the coastal water of the Chinese Bohai Sea. Seven species of mollusks, including Rapana venosa (Rap), Neverita didyma (Nev), Scapharca subcrenata (Sca), Mytilus edulis (Blue mussel, Myt), Amusium (Amu), Meretix meretrix (Mer), and Crassostrea talienwhanensis (Oyster, Ost) were investigated to select appropriate bioindicators. Compared with other species, Ost and Myt possess higher lipid contents and have higher concentrations of OCPs and PBDEs. Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that the most influential factor on the contaminant concentrations in mollusks is the trophic level (TL), followed by the lipid contents. Concentrations of OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs correlated negatively with the TL of the selected mollusks. Results of principal component and correlation analyses suggest that Ost and Myt can be used as potential bioindicators of pollution by OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs of the Chinese Bohai Sea.     

食品中多溴联苯醚及其羟基衍生物的研究进展

近年来,由于多溴联苯醚及其羟基衍生物具有毒性和污染持久性,它们的研究越来越受到重视。本文以食品中多溴联苯醚及其羟基衍生物为重点,对多溴联苯醚及其羟基衍生物的性质、主要来源、毒性、以及在食品中的污染水平和分析方法等进行了评述,为我国开展食品领域内多溴联苯醚及其羟基衍生物的限量制定和研究提供参考。      

Comparison of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Lake Michigan salmonids

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used extensively over the past two decades as flame retardants in most types of polymers. Many measurements of PBDEs in various environmental matrices from Sweden, Holland, Japan, and elsewhere have been reported, but few measurements are available for North America. PBDEs in 21 coho and chinook salmon taken from Lake Michigan tributaries in 1996 were measured for this study. The salmon samples were extracted and initially analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. It was demonstrated for these samples that the same extract fraction contains PBDEs. Six PBDE congeners were observed in all 21 samples, and the rank order of concentration of these congeners was similar to that in commercial mixtures of PBDEs. The average concentration across all samples of the sum of PBDE congeners was 80.1 ng/g of wet weight or 2,440 ng/g of lipid. This is much less than the average sum PCB concentration (1,450 ng/g of wet weight; 43,100 ng/g of lipid). However, the average concentration of the most abundant PBDE congener (IUPAC BDE-49: 52.1 ng/g wet, 1,590 ng/g of lipid) was about one-third of the average concentration of the most abundant PCB congener (IUPAC CB-153: 149 ng/g wet, 4,550 ng/g of lipid). On the basis of an extensive literature survey, the concentrations of PBDEs reported here are among the highest in the world for salmon in open waters. The concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs are both correlated with fish length and mass, but not with lipid content. The concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs are highly correlated in individual fish, implying that PBDEs are as prevalent as PCBs in Lake Michigan.     

Atmospheric concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers at near-source sites

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were determined in air samples from near suspected sources, namely an indoors computer laboratory, indoors and outdoors at an electronics recycling facility, and outdoors at an automotive shredding and metal recycling facility. The results showed that (1) PBDE concentrations in the computer laboratorywere higherwith computers on compared with the computers off, (2) indoor concentrations at an electronics recycling facility were as high as 650,000 pg/m3 for decabromodiphenyl ether (PBDE 209), and (3) PBDE 209 concentrations were up to 1900 pg/m3 at the downwind fenceline at an automotive shredding/metal recycling facility. The inhalation exposure estimates for all the sites were typically below 110 pg/kg/day with the exception of the indoor air samples adjacent to the electronics shredding equipment, which gave exposure estimates upward of 40,000 pg/kg/day. Although there were elevated inhalation exposures at the three source sites, the exposure was not expected to cause adverse health effects based on the lowest reference dose (RfD) currently in the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS), although these RfD values are currently being re-evaluated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. More research is needed on the potential health effects of PBDEs.     

Effect of municipal sewage treatment plant effluent on bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in the recipient water

Water, sediment, and aquatic species including plankton, fish, and turtles were collected from a small lake in Beijing, which receives effluent discharged from a large sewage treatment plant (STP). The samples were examined to investigate polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) releases from a STP and their distributions in the lake. The accumulations of sigma 12PBDEs and BDE-209 in the sediment were 62.3 and 1150 ng/cm2, respectively, while that of sigma PCBs was 99.3 ng/cm2. BDE-209 was detected in more than 50% of the aquatic species. A strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.92) was found between sigma 12PBDEs and sigma PCBs levels in aquatic species but not in sediments. The different PBDE congener profiles in sediments and biota samples suggest metabolic debromination in the sampled fish. Bioaccumulations of PBDEs and PCBs were found in aquatic species.The logarithm bioaccumulation factor (BAF) decreases with the number of bromines in PBDEs molecules, while the log BAF versus the number of chlorines in PCBs appears to be parabolic. Biomagnifications of these compounds were not obvious in the food web by analysis of the relationship between sigma 12PBDEs or sigma PCBs levels and the trophic level of aquatic biota species.     

Elevated levels of urinary 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine in male electrical and electronic equipment dismantling workers exposed to high concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polychlorinated biphenyls

To investigate the occupational exposure levels to polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), indoor dust (n = 3) in workshops and hair samples from male workers (n = 64) were collected at two electrical and electronic equipmentwaste (E-waste) dismantling factories located in the LQ area in east China in July 11--13, 2006. Pre- and postworkshift urines (64 of each) were also collected from the workers to study oxidative damage to DNA using 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) as a biomarker. The concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCDD/F-WHO-TEQs, PBDEs, PCBs and PCB-WHO-TEQs were (50.0 +/- 8.1) x 10(3), 724.1 +/- 249.6, (27.5 +/- 5.8) x 10(6), (1.6 +/- 0.4) x 10(9), (26.2 +/- 3.0) x 10(3) pg/g dry weight (dw) in dust, and (2.6 +/- 0.6) x 10(3),42.4 +/- 9.3, (870.8 +/- 205.4) x 10(3), (1.6 +/- 0.2) x 10(6), 41.5 +/- 5.5 pg/g dw in hair, respectively. The homologue and congener profiles in the samples demonstrated that high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PCBs were originated from open burning of E-waste. The 8-OHdG levels were detected at 6.40 +/- 1.64 micromol/mol creatinine in preworkshift urines. However, the levels significantly increased to 24.55 +/- 5.96 micromol/mol creatinine in postworkshift urines (p < 0.05). Then, it is concluded that there is a high cancer risk originated from oxidative stress indicated by the elevated 8-OHdG levels in the E-waste dismantling workers exposed to high concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PCBs.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in a marine foodweb of coastal Florida

Nine species of marine fish, including teleost fishes, sharks, and stingrays, and two species of marine mammals (dolphins) collected from Florida coastal waters were analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) to evaluate biomagnification factors (BMF) of these contaminants in a coastal foodweb. In addition, bottlenose dolphins and bull sharks collected from the Florida coast during the 1990s and the 2000s were analyzed for evaluation of temporal trends in PBDE and PCB levels in coastal ecosystems. Mean concentrations of PBDEs in muscle tissues of teleost fishes ranged from 8.0 ng/g, lipid wt (in silver perch), to 88 ng/g, lipid wt (in hardhead catfish), with an overall mean concentration of 43 +/- 30 ng/g, lipid wt. Mean concentrations of PBDEs in muscle of sharks ranged from 37.8 ng/g, lipid wt, in spiny dogfish to 1630 ng/g, lipid wt, in bull sharks. Mean concentrations of PBDEs in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins and striped dolphins were 1190 +/- 1580 and 660 ng/g, lipid wt, respectively. Tetra-BDE 47 (2,2',4,4'-) was the major congener detected in teleost fishes and dolphin samples, followed by BDE-99, BDE-153, BDE-100, and BDE-154. In contrast, BDE-209 was the most abundant congener in sharks. Concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs in dolphins and sharks were 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than those in lower trophic-level fish species, indicating biomagnification of both of these contaminants in the marine foodweb. Based on the analysis of sharks and dolphins collected over a 10-year period, an exponential increase in the concentrations of PBDEs and PCBs has occurred in these marine predators. The doubling time of PBDE and PCB concentrations was estimated to be 2-3 years for bull sharks and 3-4 years for bottlenose dolphin.     

稻米中多氯联苯及多溴联苯醚残留及风险评估

通过分析稻米样品中指示型多氯联苯(PCBs)和12种代表性多溴联苯醚(PBDEs)的存留状况及含量水平,通过膳食风险评估,阐明PCBs和PBDEs在稻米中的安全风险。稻米样品粉碎后,采用直接提取法–酸性硅胶净化法对样品进行前处理,通过气相色谱–串联质谱法对其中7种指示型PCBs和12种代表性PBDEs进行同时检测。45个稻米样品中,PCBs的检出率为42%,合计含量水平在0～78pg/g干重之间,稻米中PCBs主要检出单体为PCB-28和PCB-52,特征符合我国多氯联苯的生产历史情况;仅在一个样品中检出PBDEs,合计含量为41 pg/g干重。稻米中的PCBs和PBDEs污染水平低,经过风险评估,其未造成稻米的食品安全风险。     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polychlorinated biphenyls in human adipose tissue from New York

Human adipose tissue samples (n=52) collected in New York City during 2003-2004 were analyzed for the presence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Concentrations of PBDEs in adipose tissues ranged from 17 to 9630 ng/g, lipid wt (median: 77; mean: 399 ng/g, lipid wt; sum all di- through hexaBDE congeners). Average PBDE concentrations in human adipose tissues from New York City were 10- to 100-times greater than those reported for European countries. A concentration of 9630 ng/g, lipid wt, found in a sample of adipose tissue, is one of the highest concentrations reported to date. PBDE 47 (2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE) was the major congener detected in human tissues, followed by PBDE congeners #99 (2,2',4,4',5-penta BDE), 100 (2,2',4,4',6-pentaBDE), and 153 (2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexaBDE). A few individuals contained PBDE 153 as the predominant congener in total PBDE concentrations, suggesting alternative exposure sources, possibly occupational. Principal component analysis of PBDE congener composition in human adipose tissues revealed the presence of five clusters, each characterized by varying composition. No significant difference was found in the concentrations of PBDEs between gender. Concentrations of PBDEs were, on average, similar to those for PCBs in human adipose tissues, and substantially higher when PBDE outliers were retained. PBDE and PCB concentrations were not correlated. PBDE concentrations did not increase with increasing age of the subjects, whereas concentrations of PCBs increased with increasing age in males but not in females in this study. These results suggest differences between PBDEs and PCBs in their sources or time course of exposure and disposition. The presence of comparable or greater concentrations of PBDEs, relative to PCBs, highlights the importance of recentvoluntary and regulatory effortsto cease production of commercial penta- and octa-BDE in North America, although these efforts do not address continuing emissions from existing sources, such as polyurethane foams.