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The paper reported the residual levels of 16 pri-onity PAHs in two bivalves (Crassostrea gigas and Mytilus coruscus) from the Zhejiang coastal of China were measured by GC, the composition, source, and health edible risk of PAHs were studied. The content of PAHs in the two bivalves ranged from 48.30 to 61.08 ng/g. The main component of PAHs was Phenanthrene (fromll.08 to 15.79 ng/g). Comparing with HMW-PAHs, PAHs dominated by LMW-PAHs have higher absorption rates and lower purification rates. In the local coastal environment, the pyrolytic sources were an important role of the PAH pollution. At present, there was no threat to human health by eating shellfish accumulated PAH intakes, but it must be to pay more attention due to PAHs persistence and food chain amplification. The results will provide a reference value for the shellfish living marine environment in the region and guide the Local residents preventing health risks scientifically. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

To understand the pollution status and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments of the Changchun section of the Yitong River, ten (10) surface sediment samples were collected in September 2020. The distribution, source and potential ecological risk of PAHs in the sediments were studied. The results showed that the total concentration of 16 single polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment was 876.0-3216.1 ng/g. The average was 2319.1 ng/g, and most of the 16 PAHs were low molecular weight PAHs. Source analysis showed that the primary pollution source in the sediments of the Changchun section of the Yitong River was the incomplete combustion of bio-mass such as petroleum and coal. In addition, the ecological risk of PAHs in sediment was analyzed by the low median method of effect interval. The evaluation results showed that the content of Ace in sur-face sediment of some sampling points exceeded the median of effect interval (ERM), and the ecological risk of PAHs in the sediment of the Changchun section of the Yitong River was low. Meanwhile, the risk quotients (RQs) method results showed that the RQs values of Nap, Acy, Ace, BaA, Chr, BaP, DBA was RQ>1. The comprehensive analysis indicated that the pollution of PAHs in sediments might cause some ecological risk [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This paper presents data on eleven pharmaceuticals of different classes (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, blood lipid regulators, antiepileptics and hormones) in biota (mussels, macroalgae, fish muscle tissue) from the Golden Hom Estuary, Turkey. An ultrasonic extraction method was used to extract pharmaceuticals from the biota. The solidphase extraction (SPE) method was used for cleanup. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a DAD detector was used to quantify the pharmaceuticals. All target compounds were detected in at least one of the samples. Gemfibrozil (56-9135 ng/g) was the most frequently detected compound in all biota samples. Five pharmaceuticals were detected in the macroalgae samples at a maximum concentration of 7221 ng/g for gemfibrozil. Additionally, nine of the pharmaceutical compounds were detected in several or all of the seven fish species. The highest concentration of 17a-ethinylestradiol detected inMullus barbatuswas 1258 ng/g. The concentrations of diclofenac ( 4694 ng/g), naproxen (1570 ng/g), ibuprofen (5098 ng/g), l 7P-estradiol (2364 ng/g), clofibric acid (1296 ng/g), and gemfibrozil (9135 ng/g) were considerably higher in mussels than in other biota species. The accumulation potential of pharmaceutical compounds was higher in mussels than in other biota species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Coking is a main industrial emission source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in China. A comprehensive study was conducted of the concentrations, spatial distribution, sources, and the potential human health risks of 16 priority PAHs in agricultural soil within 2000 m of a Coking Plant in Shanxi, North China, which has been in production for more than 20 years. Diagnostic ratios were employed to identify the sources of PAHs. Toxic equivalency factors of benzo[a]pyrene were used to evaluate the health-risk of PAHs. Results showed that the total concentrations of the 16 PAHs ranged from 2297 to 9421 ng/g. The mean total concentrations of 15 relatively stable PAHs (£15PAHs) in agricultural soil around the coking plant were 6591, 4518 and 2208 ng/g at the distances of 1000, 1000~1500 and 1500~2000 m, respectively. £15PAHs decreased with the increasing distance from the emission source. The 4-5-rings PAHs of fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene and chrysene were the most dominant components with an average percentage contribution of 52.72%. The PAHs in soils were mainly from pyrogenic sources, especially coal combustion. The benzo[a]pyrene concentrations of 7 carcinogenic PAHs accounted for 83% of the total 15 PAHs. The £PAHs7c mainly contributed to the potential carcinogenic risk for humans, which declined with distances increasing in 2000 m. Long-term exposure to coking plants potentially induce human health risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

A screening study was carried out on bottom sediments of five Jordanian dams namely Wadi ElArab, King Talal, Karamah, Mujib and Tannur, to assess the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) concentrations using GC/MS. King Talal dam had highest concentrations of all studied pollutants followed by Wadi ElArab. Both dams are considered most polluted dams, the total PCBs concentrations (£PCBs) were found for both dams 324.90, and 104.14 ng/g dry weight (dw) respectively. Also Xpg TEQ/g values were found to be for both dams 497.47 and 3339.26 respectively. PCBs 118 (TEF=0.00003), 126 (TEF=0.1), and 189 (TEF 0.0001) were detected in all sites with the higher concentrations in King Talal, and Wadi ElArab dams. Where Wadi ElArab dam contained 33.35 ng/g of PCB-126 compared to King Talal dam with 4.81 ng/g. The maximum levels of PCBs congeners in the dams are in the decreased order of 114 >189 >156 >118 > 126 >123 >77 >81 >167 >169 >157 >105. It was found that Tannur, Mujib, and Karamah dams are relatively clean with low pollution level compared to King Talal and Wadi ElArab dams. This is because there are no industrial activities in their surroundings; while King Talal is connected to Zarqa polluted river and Kherbet Al-Samra Waste Water Treatment Plant (WWTP), and Wadi ElArab dam is connected to anthropogenic activities from nearby Irbid city. This environmental study provides a snapshot of the PCBs contamination status in Jordanian dams and up to date data for comparison among ecosystems worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Aflatoxins are highly toxic fungal metabolites that occur naturally in feed ingredients in various concentrations. We investigated the effect of dietary levels of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the growth performance and tissue distribution of AFB1 and aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) residues in broilers reared under open house production system. One hundred and twenty broilers chicks were randomly assigned to four diets, containing 0 (control), 100, 200 or 400 ng/g of AFB1 for 42 days and their growth performance and meat quality were analysed. With increasing AFB1 intake, feed consumption, body weight gain, meat of the carcass and dressing percentage were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced whereas an increase was noted in the feed conversion ratio (FCR) of the birds. AFB1 and AFM1 residues were readily detectable in both liver and muscle tissues when the birds were fed with >200 ng/g AFBi in the feed. At 400 ng/g of AFBi in the feed, AFB1 and AFM1 residues levels in the liver and muscles were 0.071 and 0.048 ng/g, and 0.140 and 0.061 ng/g, respectively. Overall, the concentrations of AFB1 and AFM1 were higher in the liver compared to muscle tissues. The study revealed that AFB1 contamination in the feed affects not only broilers performance but also the consumers through its residues in the poultry meat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

To investigate the spatial and historical distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) from Futian mangrove wetland in Shenzhen Bay of South China. Surface and core sediments were collected and analyzed in this study. Fifteen congeners were detected in all of the samples with BDE-209 as the dominant, BDE-206 and BDE-207 were the second largest samples, indicating that PBDE pollution mainly originated from the electronic and automobile industries due to the rapid economic development. The range ∑14PBDEs (defined as the sum of fourteen targeted PBDE congeners except BDE-209) and BDE-209 in the surface sediments were 0.141 to 1.131 ng/g DW and 5.016 to 27.678 ng/g DW, respectively. The correlation of BDE-209 in both surface and core sediments with total organic carbon (TOC) is highly significant (P<0.01 and P<0.05). On the contrary, ∑14PBDEs in both sediments didn't have any significant correlation with TOC (P>0.05). In 1985, 1997 and 2003, that the policy made a difference for the variation of PBDEs. Historical variation of PBDEs in Futian mangrove wetland was clearly related with industrial development and environmental policy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The concentrations and tissue distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in two aquatic bird species (the Mergus squamatus and the Tadorna tadorna) were studied from Poyang Lake, China. The total PAH concentrations in tissues of two species were 119-1609 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 43.7- 615 ng/g dw, respectively. Low molecular weight PAHs became predominant, especially Phe, Nap and Flu, demonstrating coal combustion was the main pollution source. The total OCP concen-trations were 37.5-182 ng/g dw and 26.9-159 ng/g dw, respectively. Hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), chlordanes and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) were major compounds, and most of them originated from historical use, except DDTs that still have a fresh input. Stable nitrogen and carbon isotopes analysis revealed the Mergus squamatus occupied higher trophic levels and ate fishes as food sources while the Tadorna tadorna preyed mainly on plant-based foods, interpreting the significant difference of PAH concentrations between them. Among tissues, feathers and gonad tissue were targeted by contaminants, and highly positive correlations about PAH concentrations between feathers and blood (R=0.83 for the Mergus squamatus and R=0.97 the Tadorna tadorna), as well as local water area (R=0.92 for the Mergus squamatus and R=0.95 the Tadorna tadorna) were also observed, which is indicated that feathers can be identified as suitable non-destructive bio-monitors for PAHs. Moreover, high contaminant concentrations in gonad tissue can potentially extend genetic risks to next generation, a subject that warrants further research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The concentrations of 20 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) congeners and 39 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) congeners in sediments collected from three major coastal aquaculture areas in Zhejiang province, China were analyzed. The concentrations of Σ20 pCB and Σ39 PBDE congeners ranged from nd-43.76 ng/g, and 1.35- 26.18 ng/g, respectively. In general, the average homolog composition of PCBs decreased in the following order: penta- > hexa- > tetra- > hepta- > tri- > octa -PCBs. The average homolog composition of PBDEs decreased in the following order: mono- > di- > tri- > tetra- > penta- > hexa- > hepta -BDEs. A statistical analysis using principal component analysis was performed on the 20 PCB and 39 PBDE congener profiles. The first principal component PCB-52, 105, 112, 118, 123, 126, 156, 157, 167, 169, and 189, accounted for 51.17% of the total variance in Taizhou city, making a significant contribution to the local pollution levels. The contribution of BDE-2, 3, 8, 10, 17, 33, 47, 138, and 153 was relatively high in these samples. A significant correlation was observed between the concentrations of CB-105 and CB-123, 126, 156, 157, 167, and 169. There were also positive correlations between some bromine congeners, such as BDE-2 and BDE 3, BDE 8, BDE 10, and BDE 33; BDE-33 and BDE 8 and BDE 10; and BDE-33 and BDE 15, BDE 49, and BDE 77, with the low molecular weight bromine compounds likely to have originated from the decomposition of commercial bromine compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The distribution patterns of nonylphenol (NP) were surveyed in 26 surface sediments and one sediment core collected from Yangtze Estuary and its adjacent area from May to June of 2010. In the surface sediments, NP concentrations first increased and then decreased from inshore to offshore, ranging from 137.5 ng/g dry weight (d.w.) to 559.0 ng/g d.w. High values of NP were found in coastal mud areas. The spatial distribution of NPwas influenced by Yangtze River runoff and other water currents controlling sediment transport. In the core sample, NP concentrations decreased with increasing depth, indicating more serious NP pollution from 2000 to 2010. Overall, the NP contamination level in this area was at the medium level, when compared with those of other estuaries and bays. However, the high risk quotient values of NP that ranged from 3.5 to 14.3 in all the stations suggested a significant risk for sediment biota. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The concentrations of 26 antibiotics in seawater and surface sediments from typical marine aquaculture ponds in Taizhou, China, a coastal region of the East China Sea, were investigated. The sorption coefficients (kd,s) in the sediment corresponding to their seawater, sources, and ecological risks were analyzed. The results showed that one antibiotic were detected at least once in seawater at concentrations up to 21.76 ng/L, and that one kind of antibiotics were detected at least once in sediment at concentrations up to 21.93 ng/g. The kd,s values revealed that sulfathiazole, ofloxacin and enrofloxacin presented higher sorption capacities than the other antibiotics. Pollution sources identified by principal component analysis included domestic effluents and discharges from aquaculture breeding bases. The risk assessments suggested that the investigated antibiotic compounds pose a low potential risk, except for enrofloxacin and sulfadiazine, which were found to pose a moderate risk in some aquaculture environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Levels of organochiorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in 10 baked bread samples and 7 flours of different origin taken from different bakeries across the city of Kuwait, in 2009. After extraction and clean-up, OCPs and PCBs were determined by negative chemical ionization gas chromatography mass spectrometry. For baked breads and flours of different origin, levels of total OCPs ranged between 0.24-2.85 and 0.07-3.0 ng/g (w/w), respectively, whereas those of total PCBs varied between 0.04-3.74 and 0.01-0.34 ng/g (w/w). The levels of OCPs were lower than the maximum residue levels (MRLs) decided by the regulation of Serbia and European countries. OCP and PCB levels obtained in the present study were compared with those from other international data. The average intake of residues from baked breads and flours of different origin samples was estimated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Göksu Delta is a natural wetland, consisting of two main lakes connected with a channel, together with various little lagoons and lakes. The Delta is surrounded by a vast agricultural area where different kinds of products are grown during the whole year, and various pesticides, such as endosulfan, are used extensively. In the present study, residual endosulfan concentration of four fish species; Mugil cephalus, Alburnus orontis, Cyprinus carpio and Clarias lazera have been studied. Totally, 74 fish samples have been collected from Akgöl, Paradeniz and from the water channels during the period of June 2002-November 2002. The age, length and weight of the fish samples were also determined. Residual levels of total endosulfan, α-endosulfan (α-ES), β-endosulfan (β-ES) and endosulfan sulfate (ESS) have been analyzed in both liver and muscle tissues of the fish samples according to the modified GC/μECD Standard Method. Endosulfan (α-ES, β-ES, ESS) levels were found to be changing from one fish species to another. The highest endosulfan concentration of 328.60 ng/g dry weight (dw) was observed in liver tissue of Alburnus orontis. On the other hand, the mean values for muscle tissue of fish samples were not so high. Residual endosulfan levels in muscle tissue of fish samples were 7.37±3.76 ng/g dw for Mugil cephalus, 6.94±2.20 ng/g dw for Alburnus orontis, 11 .23±7.23 ng/g dw for Cyprinus carpio, and 13.5 1±4.95 ng/g dw for Clarias lazera, indicating a general accumulation trend, particularly in lipids of fish tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The objectives of this study were to determine the contents of total mercury (THg) and methyl mercury (MMHg) in order to understand the geochemical relationships between mercury (Hg) and mineral phases of the sediment of the Nansi Lake. Twenty samples of surface sediment were collected and analyzed for the THg and MMHg contents. The results indicated that the average THg content was 0.089 mg/kg but that levels ranged from 0.025 to 0.168 mg/kg in the sediment. In addition, the content of THg in the sediment was significantly and positively correlated with the contents of clay and total organic carbon (TOC), respectively. Thus, the TOC content and the grain size of sediment dominated the distribution of THg in the sediment. The MMHg content in the sediment ranged from 0.033 to 0.764 ng/g and averaged 0.268 ng/g. Moreover, the content of MMHg was significantly and positively correlated with the contents of THg, clay, and TOC, respectively. Therefore, the MMHg content in the sediment of the Nansi Lake was primarily controlled by the THg content and the organic material content in fine-grained sediments. The methylation rate of Hg (%MMHg) in the sediment ranged from 0.096 to 0.476%, generally lower than 0.5%. The %MMHg showed a significant and positive relationship with the content of THg, but a weak relationship with the contents of clay and TOC. Thus, the %MMHg was primarily limited by the supply of Hg. In addition, regressions analysis indicated that the AVS content in the sediment limited the metylation rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Shijiuyang constructed wetland (SJY-CW) is the largest drinking source water treatment wetland (110 hm²) in China so far. The performance of water quality improvement, with particular reference to persistent organic pollutants (POPs), through this wetland has attracted attention from the scientific community and makes great sense to human health. This work reported on the distribution and retention of 16 kinds of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the SJY-CW. The average content of total PAHs (ΣPAHs) in the water phase of SJY-CW was 384.8 ng/L, and the overall removal efficiency was 26.1 %. After 1-year operation, the mean sedimentary ΣPAHs content in the wetland was 166.8 ng/g and, compared with the sedimentary PAHs level in its source river, the wetland had relieved the sedimentary PAHs risk from the aquatic environment. The wetland sediments became a huge potential sink for PAHs from source water. The mean sedimentary ΣPAHs value in the plant-bed/ditch system was 201.6 ng/g (about two to three times that of 90.1 ng/g in inlet and 69.4 ng/g in outlet). Notably, the mean of 4-6 ring PARs proportion in the plant-bed/ditch system was 46.3 % (much higher than proportion of 26.3 % in inlet and outlet). It could be inferred that sedimentation was the major retention process for PARs during the initial operation period of SJY-CW, and the highly heterogeneous plant-bed/ditch system exhibited effective accumulation of PAHs from source water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

This paper deals with the determination of some polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment samples collected from nine sites of Alkaber Aljanuby river estuary as a boundary river (Syria-Lebanon) during the period July 2006 - June 2007. Samples were analyzed for PAH residues after Soxhlet extraction in order to determine the quality and quantity of their contents. Gasgromatography (GC) combined with Flame Ionization Detector (FID) techniques were used. The concentrations of (PAHs) ranged between ND and 1364.2 ng/g (dry wt.). Silt mixed with gray fractions of sediments with high contaminated samples 1364.2 ng/g (dry wt.) were observed in station L/S9. The maximum con-centrations of PAHs were found at the stations L/S6, L/S7, L/S8 and L/S9. The concentrations in the two stations (L/S8 and L/S9) on the right side of the river estuary (Syrian part) were higher than those in the other two stations (L/S6 and L/S7) on the left side of the river estuary (Lebanon part). In general, the concentration of PAHs was similar to that found in other regions of the eastern Mediterranean shore. Ratios such as "Fluo./Pyr.", "Phenan./Anthr." and "Flt./Flt. + Pyr." were used to identify the potential sources of PAHs contamination in sediments of the area of investigation. The results show that they are of pyrolytic origin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Concentrations of 39 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; mono-to hepta-brominated ones) were investigated in 6 tissue types (muscle, gills, skin, liver, gastroin- testinal tract (GIT), and gallbladder) of 3 fish species (Sciaenops ocellatus, Sparus macrocephalus, Lateolabrax japonicus), from marine cage fish culture regions in Taizhou, China, in August 2008. All 3 species live in the same marine cage fish culture environment; i.e., natural seawater, the same feed and growth cycles. Among all 3 species, the mean total PBDE (∑PBDE) concentrations in the muscle, gill, skin, liver, GIT, and gallbladder tissues were 1.01- 1.69 ng/g, 3.42-5.49 ng/g, 3.85-5.81 ng/g, 4.17-7.07 ng/g, 3.89-5.44, and 3.53-3.97 ng/g, respectively. The ∑PBDE levels were within the lower ranges of those reported from elsewhere. A comparison of PBDEs among tissue types indicated similar profiles in all 3 fish species. Tetra- and tribrominated PBDE congeners were predominant (60% of total PBDEs). Statistical analyses of the concentrations of mono- to hexa -BDE compounds and EPBDE values showed high positive correlations between concentrations of di- to hepta-BDEs in the muscle and gill tissues. Significant positive correlations were also found between concentrations of mono- to hexa-BDEs in the skin and OTT tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seawater, sediment and shellfish (Mactra veneriformis, Tegillarca granosa, Sinonovacula constricta) samples collected from mixed-aquaculture ponds near an electronic waste recycling site in Taizhou, China were quantified. The average concentrations of ΣPCBs (sum of 10 PCB congeners) were 17.75±8.54 ng/L, 14.91±8.84 ng/g, 2.75±1.17 ng/g, 3.31±1.93 ng/g, and 3.75±1.16 ng/g in seawater, sediment, Mactra veneriformis, Tegillarca granosa and Sinonovacula constricta, respectively. The sediments were contaminated with hexachlorobiphenyls, which accounted for 28.16-49.15% of ΣPCBs (average 42.34%). When the shellfish were evaluated, hexachlorobiphenyls were found to account for 44.57-58.16% of ΣPCBs in Mactra veneriformis, 27.56-39.51% in Tegillarca granosa and 26.55-53.89% in Sinonovacula constricta, respectively. In addition, concentrations of PCB28, PCB118 and PCB153 in seawater were found to be positively correlated with those in sediments. Furthermore, the concentrations of PCB28, PCB52, PCB112, PCB118, and PCB153 in sediments were found to be linearly correlated with the concentrations in shellfish, indicating that these contaminants originated from a common source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The concentrations of 15 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their corresponding sources were quantified in seawater and sediment from offshore mixed-aqua- culture ponds in Taizhou, China. Their accumulation factors in the sediment were also analyzed. The results revealed that the total concentrations of the 15 PAHs in seawater and sediment ranged from 99.85±4.66 ng/L to 340.93±20.35 ng/L and 3 1.90±1.45 ng/g to 123.6 1±5.99 ng/g, respectively. In addition, principal component analysis (PCA) of the PAHs indicated that diesel vehicles, coal combustion, gasoline vehicles and biological processes under reducing conditions were the principal sources of PAHs in seawater and sediment of the mixed-aquaculture ponds. Furthermore, accumulation indices of the 15 PAHs in sediment ranged between 83.0-1381.0. Finally, benzo(g,h,i)perylene and indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene enrichment factors were greater than 1000, while those for naphthalene and acenaphthene were less than 300. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Monitoring of chlorinated pesticides and PCBs, using mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis as indicator species, was performed during the 2002-2006 period along the eastern Adriatic coast. The general pattern of chlorinated hydrocarbons distribution was characterized by higher PCBs concentrations in relation to chlorinated pesticides, reflecting the prevailing influence of industrial sources of contamination over the agricultural ones. The mean value and concentration range for PCBs was 40 (5.6-103) ng/g dw compared with DDTs values 9.7 (2.3-25.1) ng/g dw. Much lower mean values were obtained for HCB, lindane, aldrin and dieldrin (0,15; 0.22; 0.70 and 0.65 ng/g dw), respectively. Regarding spatial distribution, elevated contaminant concentration was found in mussels collected from the areas that are densely populated and/or industrially developed. Analysis of national temporal trends indicated that chlorinated hydrocarbons particularly pesticides are decreasing in concentrations. The comparison of the obtained data with those published for worldwide locations showed a low level of contamination of the study area. Moreover, all established concentrations were far below the maximum permissible levels of chlorinated hydrocarbons in mussels for human consumption, prescribed by the Croatian legislation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

In this study, the levels of 25 semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) were measured in samples of water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment from two urban lakes in Wuhan, China. The total concentrations of 25 SVOCs varied from 529.4 to 2168.9 ng/L, 120.7 to 22543.7 ng/g dry weight and 1577.3 to 61579.6 ng/g dry wt. in water, SPM and sediment, respectively. The concentration of SVOCs in SPM was 9-10 times higher than that in water, and the concentration of SVOCs in sediment 1.5- 2 times higher than that in SPM. The level of total SVOC25 in the samples from Moshuihu Lake was higher than that in Yuehu Lake. Among the 25 SVOCs, phthalate compounds were on the highest level in all observed samples ranging between 441.9-1831.2 ng/L, 116.3-17566.8 ng/g dry wt. and 6432.8-48177.6 ng/g dry wt. in water, SPM and sediment, respectively. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, the predominant component of the analyzed pollutants, was in the range from 246.7 to 537.5 ng/l, 51.2 to 15540.0 ng/g dry wt. and 468.2 to 45010.3 ng/g dry wt. in water, SPM and sediment, respectively. The content of PAHs, dinitrotoluene and isophoron in sediment was higher than that in water and SPM at most of the locations. The possible sources of the pollutants and their inter-relation with human activities were discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

The contents of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were determined in wheat grain, bran, and sunflower oil, obtained from Vojvodina Province (Serbia). Samples were prepared by the official method proposed for isolation of OCPs. Qualitative and quantitative analyses were done by GC/ECD. The total concentration of OCP residues ranged from <0.01 to 4.93 ng/g for wheat and bran, and 0.71 to 0.95 ng/g for edible oils. Contents of determined OCPs in the investigated samples were compared with the regulated maximum levels according to Serbian legislation, and with that from literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Pesticides are useful tools in agriculture, but they have also harmful effects on environment. There are several methods to remove pesticides from the polluted soils. One of them is phytoremediation. It has emerged in recent years as an environmentfriendly method. In this study, pumpkin plant (Cucurbita pepo L.) was used for the phytoremediation of imidacloprid. Pumpkin seeds were planted into pot soil treated with 3 different doses of imidacloprid pesticide. After 14 days, distribution of imidacloprid in soil, root, stem and leaves were examined. Bioconcentration factors and translocation factors respectively varied between 0.46-1.35 and between 0.50-0.58. For recovery test, imidacloprid was applied to the untreated soil at 500 ng/g spiking level. Mean recoveries was 81.40% by SC and 86.88% by matrix-matched calibration with RSD of 4.75% and 5.64%, respectively. Overall recovery of the method was 84.23% with RSD of 6.01% (n = 14). These values comply with SANTE Guidelines. Imidacloprid concentration in soil decreased with time. The greatest imidacloprid concentration was observed in root, followed by leaf and stem parts. Plants up took imidacloprid by phytoextraction and kept around the root by the rhizofiltration. Imidacloprid was phytoremediated from soil by 25.2% in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Fish are used extensively for environmental monitoring to infer the state of pollution in surrounding environments. Pollutants loading in fish may indicate the long exposure term and continual sources of them. In the present study, selected organochlorine contaminants (OCs) including hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and degradation products (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) were determined in the livers of grass carp and common carp collected from 5 markets in Xinxiang city, Henan province, China. The sum of concentrations of the selected 10 OCs in grass carp and common carp livers ranged between 4.38-36.62 and 2.06-25.00 ng/g (wet weight), respectively. Both in grass carp and common carp, the sum of DDTs were the major fraction of total OCs. The HCHs and DDTs in fish might originate from relatively old and mixed sources. The sources of HCB and PeCB residues in fish were proposed to result mainly from the re-volatilization of industrial HCB with a minor impact of PeCB formed by waste incineration processes, and from other thermal processes. The higher level of HCB in the livers of grass carp and common carp farmed in the outskirts of Xinxiang city indicates the development of local chemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Lead, nickel, cadmium, copper, arsenic, iron, and zinc were determined in roadside topsoil samples collected from different locations in Kahramanmaraş metropolis. The samples were digested with a 3:1 mixture of hydrochloric/nitric acid. The metal content in these samples was determined by Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES). The method of analysis was evaluated using BCR, a certified reference material (International Atomic Energy Agency, IAEA). For each sampling location, the number of cars driven on the road was counted and results showed that the soil contained significant levels of metals, when compared to control values. In these topsoil samples, the mean values for Ni, Pb, Zn, Cu and Fe were 3.23±1.5, 242±162, 1.27±0.6, 0.62±0.2 and 343±69 μg/g, and those for As and Cd were 3.95±2.21 and 2.90±2.52 ng/g. A significant correlation was found between the number of vehicles and the metal contents in topsoil samples, underlining that they form a major source of these metals in soil. Heavy metal levels in the samples were compared with those reported by scientists in various countries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Two sediment cores were collected during a cruise of the R/V ‘AEGAEO’ in the northeastern Aegean Sea in February 1998 in order to investigate the distribution, composition and sources of hydrocarbon mixtures. Relatively high aliphatic hydrocarbon values were recorded in the upper parts of the cores with a decreasing trend downcore. The unresolved complex mixture (UCM) was the main component of the aliphatic fraction in the first 20 cm of the cores, demonstrating petroleum residues. High molecular weight (MW) n-alkanes predominated in all cases showing a strong odd/even carbon number preference (CPI values >5), characteristic of terrestrial origin. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PARs) determined, included the parent compounds with MW from 178-278, dibenzothiophene, retene and the methylated derivatives of phenanthrene and dibenzothiophene. High values (>1000 ng/g) were measured in the surface layers with a decreasing trend downcore, except in the core located close to the estuary, where an anomalous behavior was observed, with the highest values in the 40-45 cm section of the core, probably related to past pollution incidences. The biogenic perylene, mostly coming from terrestrial sources, was always the most abundant PAH. The compounds with four or more aromatic rings were also found in high quantities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) were determined in a sedimentary core T06 from the Zhejiang-Fujian Mud Area of the East China Sea (ECS). The contents of SCCPs varied from 9.38 to 41.55 ng/g (dry weight, dw) with an average of 22.88 ng/g (dw), while the deposition flux ranged from 80.10 to 347.36 µg/m2·y. Both the contents and the deposition flux presented an increasing trend toward the core top, indicating enhanced inputs of SCCPs into the ECS in recent years. The lower carbon length (C10) and lower chlorinated (Cl5, Cl6 and Cl7) homologues were the most predominant congeners, demonstrating that they are from long-range atmospheric deposition or ocean current transportation. A significant positive relationship between the contents of TOC and SCCPs was found (R2 = 0.597, p< 0.05). The contents of terrestrial organic matter indicator of C27+C29+C31n-alkanes also presented an increasing trend, similar to that of SCCPs. Correlation analysis also showed a significant but weaker linear relationship (R2 = 0.363, p< 0.05) between SCCP contents and C27+C29+C31n-alkane contents. These correlations suggest that sedimentary SCCPs in core T06 are mainly from river inputs through Yangtze River, similar to those terrestrial organic matters preserved in the inner shelf of the ECS. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...

Fish are used extensively for environmental monitoring to infer the state of pollution in surrounding environments. Pollutants loading in fish may indicate the long exposure term and continual sources of them. In the present study, selected organochlorine contaminants (OCs) including hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes and degradation products (DDTs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and pentachlorobenzene (PeCB) were determined in the livers of grass carp and common carp collected from 5 markets in Xinxiang city, Henan province, China. The sum of concentrations of the selected 10 OCs in grass carp and common carp livers ranged between 4.38-36.62 and 2.06-25.00 ng/g (wet weight), respectively. Both in grass carp and common carp, the sum of DDTs were the major fraction of total OCs. The HCHs and DDTs in fish might originate from relatively old and mixed sources. The sources of HCB and PeCB residues in fish were proposed to result mainly from the re-volatilization of industrial HCB with a minor impact of PeCB formed by waste incineration processes, and from other thermal processes. The higher level of HCB in the livers of grass carp and common carp farmed in the outskirts of Xinxiang city indicates the development of local chemical industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] more...