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Environment International Jul 2024Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) monitors persistent organic pollutant (POP) levels in the Arctic populations and assesses health effects related to...
INTRODUCTION
Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Programme (AMAP) monitors persistent organic pollutant (POP) levels in the Arctic populations and assesses health effects related to exposure to them. Many internationally regulated POPs persist in humans and biota, while new Emerging Contaminants of Arctic Concern (ECAC), many of which are unregulated, present additional challenges. Biomonitoring offers valuable insights into temporal trends within human matrices, revealing critical information not only about the efficacy of international regulations but also serving as an early warning system for exposure and risks for human health.
METHODS
Data analyzed in this study is aggregated data presented in the AMAP Human Health in the Arctic assessments, which provide data on contaminant concentrations measured in human matrices from adults, and children across various population studies conducted in the Arctic since the 1980 s. Linear regression analyses were used to assess trends of various POPs including organochlorine (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), measured over time from the Arctic populations in Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, Canada and Alaska (USA).
RESULTS
Overall, decreasing trends were observed for PCBs and OCPs. Regulated PFAS showed decreasing trends, but increasing trends were observed for unregulated PFAS in certain populations. PBDEs showed decreasing or inconsistent trends in certain Arctic populations.
CONCLUSIONS
Decreasing trends are observed for legacy POPs, but the trends for new emerging contaminants are inconsistent. More focus is needed on biomonitoring the new emerging contaminants of concern in the Arctic and their implications on human health.
Topics: Humans; Arctic Regions; Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Adult; Child; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Environmental Exposure; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Biological Monitoring
PubMed: 38838491
DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2024.108777 -
Bioresource Technology Jul 2024Symbiosis between Glycine max and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens were used as a model system to investigate whether biohydrogen utilization promotes the transformation of...
Symbiosis between Glycine max and Bradyrhizobium diazoefficiens were used as a model system to investigate whether biohydrogen utilization promotes the transformation of the tetrachlorobiphenyl PCB77. Both a H uptake-positive (Hup) strain (wild type) and a Hup strain (a hupL deletion mutant) were inoculated into soybean nodules. Compared with Hup nodules, Hup nodules increased dechlorination significantly by 61.1 % and reduced the accumulation of PCB77 in nodules by 37.7 % (p < 0.05). After exposure to nickel, an enhancer of uptake hydrogenase, dechlorination increased significantly by 2.2-fold, and the accumulation of PCB77 in nodules decreased by 54.4 % (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the tetrachlorobiphenyl transformation in the soybean root nodules was mainly testified to be mediated by nitrate reductase (encoded by the gene NR) for tetrachlorobiphenyl dechlorination and biphenyl-2,3-diol 1,2-dioxygenase (bphC) for biphenyl degradation. This study demonstrates for the first time that biohydrogen utilization has a beneficial effect on tetrachlorobiphenyl biotransformation in a legume-rhizobium symbiosis.
Topics: Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Symbiosis; Glycine max; Hydrogen; Rhizobium; Biotransformation; Bradyrhizobium; Biodegradation, Environmental
PubMed: 38823562
DOI: 10.1016/j.biortech.2024.130918 -
The Science of the Total Environment Aug 2024The deep-water environment and its ecosystem are becoming the ultimate sinks for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). A three-dimensional hydrodynamic-ecosystem-PCB coupled...
The deep-water environment and its ecosystem are becoming the ultimate sinks for Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs). A three-dimensional hydrodynamic-ecosystem-PCB coupled model was applied to the Sea of Japan (SoJ), where deep water is isolated from the surrounding oceans, to elucidate the accumulation processes of CB153 and assess the contributions of physical and biological processes to the accumulation. We suggest that the dissolved CB153 concentration formed a three-layer vertical structure in the SoJ: the highest concentration is in the intermediate layer (100-600 m), followed by those in the deep (600 m to the bottom) and surface layers (0-100 m). Different accumulation mechanisms in the northern and southern SoJ were discovered. The oceanic biological pump enhances the accumulation in the northern SoJ by taking CB153 out of the thermocline in summer and contributes 70 % to the accumulation in the intermediate layer; while the vertical advection contributes 70 % to the accumulation in the intermediate and deep layer in the southern SoJ.
PubMed: 38821292
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173599 -
The Science of the Total Environment May 2024Sewage sludge, a complex mixture of contaminants and pathogenic agents, necessitates treatment or stabilization like anaerobic digestion (AD) before safe disposal.... (Review)
Review
Sewage sludge, a complex mixture of contaminants and pathogenic agents, necessitates treatment or stabilization like anaerobic digestion (AD) before safe disposal. AD-derived products (solid digestate and liquid fraction) can be used as fertilizers. During AD, biogas is also produced, and used for energy purposes. All these fractions can be contaminated with various compounds, whose amount depends on the feedstocks used in AD (and their mutual proportions). This paper reviews studies on the distribution of organic contaminants across AD fractions (solid digestate, liquid fraction, and biogas), delving into the mechanisms behind contaminant dissipation and proposing future research directions. AD proves to be a relatively effective method for removing polychlorinated biphenyls, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, pharmaceuticals, antibiotic resistance genes and hydrocarbons. Contaminants are predominantly removed through biodegradation, but many compounds, especially hydrophobic (e.g. per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), are also sorbed onto digestate particles. The process of sorption is suggested to reduce the bioavailability of contaminants. As a result of sorption, contaminants accumulate in the largest amount in the solid digestate, whereas in smaller amounts in the other AD products. Polar pharmaceuticals (e.g. metformin) are particularly leached, while volatile methylsiloxanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, characterized by a high Henry's law constant, are volatilized into the biogas. The removal of compounds can be affected by AD operational parameters, the type of sludge, physicochemical properties of contaminants, and the sludge pretreatment used.
PubMed: 38821290
DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.173517 -
Heliyon May 2024This study investigates the degradation of TCB in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions using gamma radiolysis. Kinetic properties of TCB dechlorination and...
This study investigates the degradation of TCB in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions using gamma radiolysis. Kinetic properties of TCB dechlorination and its pathway are examined, with TCB selected as a representative chlorinated organic compound. Chromatograms of irradiated samples and mass spectra of liquid-phase products are presented. The change in concentration of TCB, dichlorobenzenes (DCB), chlorobenzene (MCB), and benzene with absorbed doses are observed. The radiation-chemical yield (G values) of TCB in the solvents are calculated as 1.83, 2.56, 1.93, and 1.84 100eV in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions, respectively. 100 % degradation of TCB by gamma irradiation is found to be efficient in polar solvents but leads to a wide variety of byproducts in low polar solvents, particularly the formation of polychlorinated biphenyls in TCB + benzene solutions, making benzene an incompatible medium. The main dechlorination pathway of TCB involves the formation of 1,4-DCB, MCB, and benzene. Environmental Implication. The gamma irradiation of chlorinated organic compounds, focusing on TCB as a model compound, was investigated due to its status as a hazardous material for the environment and living organisms. TCB is a byproduct of the dechlorination of certain chlorinated pesticides listed under the Stockholm Convention's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) list, which prohibits their production and use. Gamma irradiation was found to be an effective method for the degradation of chlorinated compounds, achieving 100 % degradation during irradiation. The study underscores the potential of gamma irradiation as a viable approach for the treatment of chlorinated compounds, particularly in addressing environmental and health concerns associated with TCB and related compounds.
PubMed: 38818155
DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31547 -
Frontiers in Toxicology 2024Our understanding of the environmental behavior, bioaccumulation and concentrations of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and Dechloranes (Dec) in the Arctic environment is...
Our understanding of the environmental behavior, bioaccumulation and concentrations of chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and Dechloranes (Dec) in the Arctic environment is still limited, particularly in freshwater ecosystems. In this descriptive study, short chain (SCCPs) and medium chain (MCCPs) CPs, Dechlorane Plus (DP) and analogues, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in sediments, benthic organisms, three-spined stickleback (), Arctic char () and brown trout () in two Sub-Arctic lakes in Northern Norway. Takvannet (TA) is a remote lake, with no known local sources for organic contaminants, while Storvannet (ST) is situated in a populated area. SCCPs and MCCPs were detected in all sediment samples from ST with concentration of 42.26-115.29 ng/g dw and 66.18-136.69 ng/g dw for SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively. Only SCCPs were detected in TA sediments (0.4-5.28 ng/g dw). In biota samples, sticklebacks and benthic organisms showed the highest concentrations of CPs, while concentrations were low or below detection limits in both char and trout. The congener group patterns observed in both lakes showed SCCP profiles dominated by higher chlorinated congener groups while the MCCPs showed consistency in their profiles, with C being the most prevalent carbon chain length. Anti- and syn-DP isomers were detected in all sediment, benthic and stickleback samples with higher concentrations in ST than in TA. However, they were only present in a few char and trout samples from ST. Dec 601 and 604 were below detection limits in all samples in both lakes. Dec 603 was detected only in ST sediments, sticklebacks and 2 trout samples, while Dec 602 was the only DP analogue found in all samples from both lakes. While there were clear differences in sediment concentrations of DP and Dec 602 between ST and TA, differences between lakes decreased with increasing δN. This pattern was similar to the PCB behavior, suggesting the lake characteristics in ST are playing an important role in the lack of biomagnification of pollutants in this lake. Our results suggest that ST receives pollutants from local sources in addition to atmospheric transport.
PubMed: 38817305
DOI: 10.3389/ftox.2024.1298231 -
Journal of Chromatography. A Aug 2024Municipal wastewater treatment plants are required to monitor persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in their wastewater treatment related discharges and to assess the...
Nitrogen can substitute helium as a mobile phase in the analysis of wastewater treatment matrices for persistent organic pollutants by gas chromatography - electron capture detection system.
Municipal wastewater treatment plants are required to monitor persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in their wastewater treatment related discharges and to assess the impact of the discharges on the environment and public health. One tool for monitoring chlorinated organic pollutants particularly is a gas chromatographic (GC) system coupled to a pair of halogen-specific electron capture detectors (ECDs) with helium (He) as the mobile phase. He supplies, however, has become inconsistent and unreliable lately. In its place, N gas is evaluated in this study as a potential substitute for He in quantifying organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls, chlordane congeners and toxaphene in wastewater treatment related matrices (influent, effluent, benthic sediment, mussel tissue, and biosolids/sludge). N is inert, inexpensive and requires no additional hardware to incorporate into the basic functions of a GC-ECD. Our results show that, with the usual data quality controls (blank, laboratory control, matrix spike/duplicate and proficiency testing samples, and the fact that certified reference materials data met requirements), N can replace He for regulatory purposes. And when necessary, the N-based retention times (t) can be predicted reliably from He-based retention times (t), irrespective of column chemistry or POPs (here: t = 1.90t + 0.04, R = 0.996).
Topics: Chromatography, Gas; Wastewater; Helium; Nitrogen; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Persistent Organic Pollutants; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Animals; Bivalvia; Pesticides
PubMed: 38815478
DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2024.465018 -
Marine Pollution Bulletin Jul 2024Metal and organic pollutants are prominent marine contaminants that disperse widely throughout the environment. Some contaminants biomagnify, leaving long-lived apex...
Metal and organic pollutants are prominent marine contaminants that disperse widely throughout the environment. Some contaminants biomagnify, leaving long-lived apex predators such as cetaceans at risk of toxicity. Various tissues collected post-mortem from 16 Ziphiidae individuals that stranded on the New South Wales (NSW) coast, Australia, over ∼15 years were investigated for 16 metals/metalloids and 33 organic contaminants. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were commonly detected in blubber and liver tissues. Mercury, cadmium and silver exceeded reported toxicity thresholds in several individuals. The liver tissue of a Mesoplodon layardii specimen had the highest mercury (386 mg/kg dry weight). Liver tissue of a Mesoplodon grayi specimen had the highest silver concentration (19.7 mg/kg dry weight), and the highest cadmium concentration was in Ziphius cavirostris kidney (478 mg/kg dry weight). This study provides important new information for rare Ziphiidae species globally.
Topics: Animals; New South Wales; Environmental Monitoring; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Whales; Liver; Metals
PubMed: 38815472
DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116520 -
Portable electrochemical aptasensor for highly sensitive detection of 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl.Biosensors & Bioelectronics Sep 2024Aptamer-based electrochemical sensors are frequently used as independent, surface-functionalized, passive electrodes. However, their sensitivity and detection limits...
Aptamer-based electrochemical sensors are frequently used as independent, surface-functionalized, passive electrodes. However, their sensitivity and detection limits become limited, particularly when the electrode area is reduced to facilitate miniaturization. A mobile phone-based microfluidic electrochemical aptamer sensing platform for 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB77) detection was developed in this work. This aptamer sensor utilized Exonuclease I (Exo I) and DNA/AuNPs/horseradish peroxidase (DNA/AuNPs/HRP) nanoprobes as a merged signal amplification method, which resulted in an increase in the electrochemical sensing performance. Sensitive detection of PCB77 was accomplished by functionalizing the hierarchically structured Au@MoS/CNTs/GO modified working/sensing electrode with the specific aptamer. The aptamer sensor was tested with different concentrations of PCB77 within the microfluidic platform. Afterward, the differential pulse voltammograms were recorded using a wireless integrated circuit device. Subsequently, the collected data was transmitted to a smartphone using Bluetooth communication. A detection limit of 0.0085 ng/L was obtained for PCB77 detection, with a detection range from 0.1 to 1000 ng/L. In addition, the detection of PCB77 in spiked water samples validated the possibility of using this aptamer sensor in a real environment, and the aptamer sensor demonstrated high selectivity in distinguishing PCB77 from other potential interfering species. The merging of electrochemical aptamer sensors with purposefully engineered microfluidic and integrated devices in this study is a novel and promising method that provides a dependable platform for on-site applications.
Topics: Aptamers, Nucleotide; Biosensing Techniques; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Gold; Electrochemical Techniques; Limit of Detection; Metal Nanoparticles; Exodeoxyribonucleases; Horseradish Peroxidase; Nanotubes, Carbon; Molybdenum; Equipment Design; Water Pollutants, Chemical; DNA; Smartphone
PubMed: 38810414
DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2024.116434 -
American Journal of Epidemiology May 2024Persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can dysregulate the stress response. We evaluated associations between persistent EDCs and perceived stress among...
Persistent endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) can dysregulate the stress response. We evaluated associations between persistent EDCs and perceived stress among participants from the Study of Environment, Lifestyle and Fibroids (n=1,394), a prospective cohort study of Black women. Participants completed the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-4) at baseline, and every 20 months through 60 months (range of scores: 0-16); higher scores indicated higher stress. EDCs, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and organochlorine pesticides, were quantified in plasma samples at baseline. We fit Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) and linear mixed effects models to estimate associations of EDCs (as a mixture and individually) with PSS-4 scores at baseline and at each follow-up visit, respectively. Increasing percentiles of the mixture were not strongly associated with PSS-4 scores at baseline, and no interactions were observed among EDCs. Several individual EDCs (e.g., PFDA, PCB 118, PBDE 99) were associated with higher PSS-4 scores at baseline or follow-up, while other EDCs (e.g., PCB 138/158) were associated with lower PSS-4 scores at baseline or follow-up. The directionality of associations for individual EDCs was inconsistent across follow-up visits. In conclusion, specific EDCs may be associated with perceived stress in Black women.
PubMed: 38803157
DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae088