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This paper investigates the effectiveness of phenol derivatives removal from bird organisms via claws and remiges, and performs a preliminary assessment of the usefulness of these epidermal products for environmental biomonitoring and estimating bird exposure levels. Concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA) and alkylphenols: 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) were determined in claws and remiges of long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis and razorbills Alca torda, obtained during a by-catch in the winter period (2014-2016) in the Southern Baltic region. For razorbills, the Baltic is a permanent habitat, while long-tailed ducks are migratory and stay in the Southern Baltic only during the non-breeding season. Their remiges are replaced in the Arctic seas of Siberia. The removal of phenol derivatives, depending on the compound and the epidermal product, ranges from 12 % to 34 %. Among these compounds, in both bird species, the highest degree of elimination was observed for 4-NP in remiges (0.1-656.0 ng

Concentrations of 16 PAHs of different molecular weight and carcinogenic potency were measured in PM2.5 aerosols collected in the coastal zone of southern Baltic Sea (Gdynia, Poland) during the end of the heating and beginning of the non-heating season of 2012. Obtained results showed that coal combustion (pyrogenic source) contributed to the highest emission of PAHs during the heating season. However, similar concentrations of highly carcinogenic PAHs were detected in the non-heating period. The analysis of prevailing wind directions, air mass trajectories and diagnostic PAH ratios revealed that in addition to land transport emission (mainly from diesel vehicles), the increase in sea shipping traffic during the non-heating season contributed to the high concentrations of detected carcinogenic PAHs. We conclude that the increasing maritime activity in the southern Baltic Sea region might have an adverse effect on both environmental and human health. Therefore, it should receive more attention by the Polish government as a pollutant source.

The study was conducted to establish whether an extremely high concentration of aerosols occurred in the region of the Gulf of Gdansk at the very end of 2016, and if so which factors determined it. This period was notable in terms of intensity of smog episodes across the rest of Poland. The main goal was to consider pollution sources affecting two nearby stations in the area, which is usually characterised by better air quality than other parts of the country. To achieve this, concentrations of PM1 and PM2.5 were studied in Gdynia and PM10 concentration was measured in Rumia from 22 December 2016 to 22 January 2017. Concentrations of OC, EC, PAHs and major ions were also examined in order to indicate the origin of pollutants. The average daily concentration ranged 6.0–50.0 μg·m−3 for PM1 and 8.3–61.9 μg·m−3 for PM2.5 in Gdynia, and 8.6–71.9 μg·m−3 for PM10 in Rumia. High concentrations of PM1 and PM2.5, classified as values higher than 25 μg·m−3, were noted 4 times. The 24-h limit value of PM10 was exceeded 3 times. Even though the highest aerosol concentration obtained in our results exceeded the limit value by 150%, it was nevertheless lower than in other Polish regions at the same time. This was due to dissimilar meteorological conditions, heavy snowfall and the landfall of Hurricane Barbara. However, high PAH concentrations in aerosols measured in Gdynia and Rumia indicate poor air conditions despite there being a relatively low average concentration of PM at the same time.

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a substance commonly used in the production of plastics. It may be leached from plastics, penetrate to food and has multidirectional negative effects on living organisms. The aim of this study was to evaluate BPA levels in fresh pork meat collected immediately after the death of animals kept in standard stock-farming conditions, as well as from animals receiving various oral doses of BPA (0.05 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)/day and 0.5 mg/kg b. w./day). In animals kept in standard conditions, the average concentration of BPA in loin meat amounted to 37.03 ± 6.18 ng/g dry weight (d.w.). In animals receiving lower and higher doses of BPA, this value achieved 47.44 ± 4.39 ng/g d. w. and 214.30 ± 66.73 ng/g d. w, respectively. The results show that pork meat may be a source of BPA in human food and the presence of BPA in the meat may result from the exposure of animals over their lifetime. This observation shows that the elimination of BPA from the production of items used for animal husbandry and animal feed may reduce meat contaminated with this substance and, therefore, increase consumer safety.

Petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) are toxic for the water organisms and in sediments they may last for a very long time. The Baltic Sea is an area exposed to the PHCs due to highly developed shipping. In Poland, there is a lack of legal standards specifying guidelines regarding handling dredged material containing PHCs, excavated in waterways, roadsteads, and in port basins, and there are no standards specifying their acceptable concentration in sediments. Therephore petroleum hydrocarbons in the excavated dredged material are rarely examined at the Polish coasts. In years 2009-2018 only 4% of sediments were examined in terms of their content. Indicated that only the sediments from the open sea did not contain PHCs, the other ones were very or moderately contaminated with PHCs. Collected results clearly indicate that sediment should be monitored in terms of the PHC content, in most cases should not be thrown back to the sea. In most cases they may be stored onshore, but only on wastelands, mainly industrial and transport areas. Some of them may also be used in the areas of cleaner lands, i.e. forests, wood- and bush-covered lands, recreation and leisure areas.

Studies of circulating levels in difference sex and age classes, and maternal transfer of bisphenol A, 4-tert-octylphenol and 4- nonylphenol in the Baltic grey seal were performed from 2014-2017. Blood was collected from long-term captive adult males, pregnant females and pups. Milk was collected from nursing females. The aim of this study was not only to determine the concentrations of phenol derivatives, i.e. bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP), but also to try to evaluate the transfer of these compounds to the next generation in the final stage of foetal life and in the first few weeks of life in juvenile marine mammals. The measurements were carried out using high performance liquid chromatography. The obtained data show that all phenol derivatives are present in the blood of males, females and pups (range

It has been shown that the current approach to the assessment of contamination in the sediments obtained during the dredging works in the Baltic countries indicates the presence of "non-contaminated" dredged material. The concentration limits of heavy metals, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) have been exceeded only in 1% of the samples obtained during the dredging works (2005–2015) within the Polish coastal zone. After 2008, no contaminated sediments have been found. Also, in the remaining Baltic countries, sediments are very rarely contaminated. As a result of this assessment, the sediments can be stored in the sea or have a practical application. However, it has been questioned whether the large cost of determining the numerous chemical parameters is justified. It has been proposed to carry out simple screening tests. Following the preliminary screening, the decision on more detailed (and expensive) chemical tests of individual pollutants would be made.

Parallel measurements of PM1 and PM2.5 aerosols were conducted in the urbanized coastal zone of the southern Baltic Sea. The main aim of the research was to assess and determine annual, seasonal (heating and non-heating), and daily concentration variability of benzo(a)pyrene in aerosols, these being the most dangerous constituents to human health. The average annual concentration of benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) was equal to 2.6 ng·m−3 in PM1 and 4.6 ng·m−3 in PM2.5, and both values were several times higher than the level of 1 ng·m−3 which was set out in the CAFE Directive. High mean daily concentrations of B(a)P persisted for 50 and 65% of the study period in PM1 and PM2.5, respectively. In order to determine the sources of B(a)P in both aerosol fractions, organic (OC) and elemental (EC) carbon concentrations were examined. The highest concentrations of all carbon species were reported during the heating season under local or regional land advection and at low air temperatures. The origin of pollutants was the same and was primarily related to the combustion of fossil fuels in the communal-utility sector. During the non-heating period, the role of transportation, both land and marine, increased and may have been significant in creating higher concentrations of carbon compounds in PM1 and PM2.5. Regardless of the size of the aerosol fractions, B(a)P loads introduced into the Baltic coastal zone were several times higher during the heating period compared to the non-heating season. Graphical abstractᅟ

Graphical abstract, Highlights • These methodologies have three key benefits. • Simultaneous determination of three endocrine disrupting phenol derivatives. • High sensitivity - detection by fluorescence detector. • Simply, short and not costly determination in blood and milk., • The aim of this work was to develop the methods of determination for phenol derivatives: bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP), in the whole body of herring Clupea harengus and in physiological fluids of the Baltic grey seal Halichoerus grypus grypus (blood and milk). • Methods were based on liquid chromatography coupled with a fluorescence detector (HPLC-FL). • These methods were satisfactorily validated, each showing good recovery (>80%) and precision (RSD

This study determined the distribution of phenol derivatives in the organisms of waterbirds and the factors influencing their bioaccumulation and affinity to specific tissues. Concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) were determined in the brains, subcutaneous fat, kidneys, livers and pectoral muscles of goosanders Mergus merganser (GO), long-tailed ducks Clangula hyemalis (LO) and razorbills Alca torda (RA). The birds came from the winter by-catch (2014-2016) in the Southern Baltic. Different distribution routes of individual phenol derivatives in the birds were established, most likely due to their ability to bind to proteins and/or dissolve in lipids. BPA and 4-NP accumulated most in the muscles (BPA

This work is an attempt to answer the question of what types of dredgers applied in dredging works at sea are most advantageous in the context of the rule of the most limited possible intervention into the marine environment. Elaborated reviews and depictions of the most popular types of dredgers are presented. An analysis with respect to the impact of the phenomenon of releasing pollutants accumulated in bottom sediments at all stages of the dredging process is also conducted. Its results indicate that application of mechanical or hydraulic suction dredgers is the most advantageous technique in terms of environment protection.

The purpose of the study was to determine the concentration of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), and 4-nonylphenol (NP), in human hair, the fur of Baltic grey seals and the feathers of herring gulls. Hair was collected from 42 volunteers, while grey seal fur (n = 17) came from the seal centre in Hel (Marine Station of Institute of Oceanography, University of Gdansk) and gull covert feathers (n = 26) were collected from dead herring gulls along the Southern Baltic coast. Assays of phenol derivatives were conducted using the high performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence detection technique. In human hair, the mean BPA concentration amounted to 411.2 ng g−1 dw, OP 131.2 ng g−1 dw, NP 4478.4 ng g−1 dw, in seal fur BPA 67.5 ng g−1 dw, OP 62.8 ng g−1 dw, NP 39.1 ng g−1 dw, and in feathers BPA 145.1 ng g−1 dw, OP 162.0 ng g−1 dw, NP 37.7 ng g−1 dw. The increase of the analysed EDCs in hair was significantly influenced by diet rich in products of marine origin, as well as hair colouring, heating up food in plastic containers, using home cleaning products without protective gloves and wearing newly purchased clothes without washing them first. The concentration of phenol derivatives in seal fur was influenced solely by the uniform diet rich in fish. In birds, the feeding area during molting significantly influenced the concentration of BPA, OP and NP found in covert feathers. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s00244-017-0402-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

The aim of the study was to investigate abiotic and biotic factors influencing the accumulation of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in mussels Mytilus trossulus from the Gulf of Gdansk (Southern Baltic). The key abiotic factor influencing BPA, OP and NP accumulation in mussels is their hydrophilicity/lipophilicity, which affects their main assimilation routes - by digestive tract for the more lipophilic OP and NP, and additionally by the gills for the less lipophilic BPA. As a result, high condition index (i.e. higher soft tissue weight) is more often correlated with high concentrations of OP and NP in mussels than with BPA. Furthermore, alkylphenols have 6-8 times greater accumulative potential than BPA. Concentration of the studied compounds was lower in females than in males following spawning, and the effect lasted longer for BPA than for alkylphenols. The influence of season and hydrological conditions on BPA, OP, NP in the mussel was more pronounced than the proximity of external sources of these compounds. An increase in water temperature in summer probably stimulated the solubility of BPA, the least lipophilic of the studied compounds, and led to increased assimilation of this compound from water (through gills). On the other hand, high OP and NP concentrations in mussels occurred in spring, which was caused by increased surface run-off and sediments resuspension.

Bird guano and the faeces of marine mammals appear to be a significant yet undisclosed biotransporter of Endocrine Disrupting Compounds in the marine environment. The authors determined the concentration of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) removed from birds and seals in their droppings into the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (Southern Baltic Sea).The research was carried out on samples of bird guano collected during the breeding season and after in 2016 at nesting sites, as well as on faecal samples from grey seals (Halichoerus grypus grypus) living in the Seal Centre of the Marine Station in Hel between 2014 and 2018. Measurements were carried out using high performance chromatography with fluorescence detector. Results have shown that the presence of seabird habitats and grey seal colonies in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk can have an impact on the pollution of the seashore (beach sand, bottom sediment and surface seawater) with phenol derivatives. The concentrations of BPA, 4-t-OP and 4-NP ranged from 0.1 to 32.97 ng∙g−1dw in sediment and beach sand, and from 0.23 to over 800 ng dm−3 in seawater. In the cases of bisphenol A and 4-tert-octylphenol safe concentration levels in the waters were exceeded. Bisphenol A concentrations were almost always found to be the highest. This was also noted in bird guano and seal faeces, although it was found to be much higher in the seal faeces - average 10149.79 ng g−1 dw, than in bird guano. An experiment conducted to assess BPA, 4-t-OP, 4-NP leaching from bird guano and seal faeces into seawater, also confirmed the importance of animal excrement in the circulation of these compounds in the marine ecosystem. The highest % of leaching related to BPA was noted at 20 °C and reached 84%. The lowest % of leaching was for 4-nonylphenol (44%).

This study aimed to investigate the sequestration of phenolic endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) such as bisphenol A (BPA), 4-t-octylphenol (4-t-OP), and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) in the shells of the mature clam Rangia cuneata from the Vistula Lagoon (southern Baltic Sea) and to determine the influence of sex and shell length on bioaccumulation of these contaminants. Even though there is broad interest in EDCs influences on aquatic organisms, these basic parameters are poorly understood, yet necessary for assessing environmental risks for clams. Average proportions of the total body burden (ng/individual) deposited in shells of R. cuneata were more than 70% for BPA and 4-NP and up to 32% for 4-t-OP. These results indicate that shell storage can be an important route for elimination of specific EDCs. Relationships between EDCs concentrations and the size and sex of R. cuneata indicate that females and large individuals experience greater exposures to the adverse effects of these pollutants than males and smaller clams. This effect could have significant impacts on population ecology and ultimately affect the entire ecosystem, in which bivalves play an important role. In the context of using clams to assess water pollution, the co-variation of EDCs concentrations with the size and sex of bivalves could influence the quality of monitoring data, unless accounted for in sampling design and data analysis.

Aquatic birds found at the top of the trophic chain are exposed to xenobiotics present both in food and inhaled air. The aim of this study was to indicate and assess the routes and levels of exposure of aquatic birds to bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (4-t-OP) and 4-nonylphenol (4-NP). The birds constituting the study material (Clangula hyemalis, Alca torda, Mergus merganser) originated from by-catches (winter 2014–2016) in the Southern Baltic. The studies show that the exposure of birds to phenol derivatives is determined by the specifics of a compound, the habitat area, trophic level and food consumed. BPA was characterized by the highest intestinal concentrations in all birds (6.6–1176.2 ng.g−1 dw). Higher concentrations of 4-t-OP were determined in the lungs of birds from the eastern part of the Southern Baltic (9.1–135.7 ng.g−1 dw) and in the intestines of birds from the western part (

The focus of the present study was to find the relationship between concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in zooplankton and seasonal changes in the composition and biomass of particular zooplankton taxa in the Gulf of Gdansk (Southern Baltic) in the years 2011-2012. Assays of BPA, OP and NP in water and zooplankton samples were performed using the HPLC/FL system. High mean concentrations of the studied compounds, determined in spring (405.9 (BPA); 25.7 (OP); 111.2 (NP) ng g(-1) dw), can be linked to the high proportion of meroplankton in that season. Rotifera also had an influence on the rise in concentrations of the studied compounds but to a lesser degree, while the lowest concentrations (determined in summer) can be associated with the high participation of Copepoda and Cladocera in zooplankton biomass. It was also observed that juvenile forms can be more susceptible to accumulating endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs). This is indicated by the positive correlation between BPA concentration in zooplankton and the proportion of Copepoda nauplii biomass in spring (r = 0.90; p

This paper reports the reconstruction of the pollution history of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in the Baltic Sea. Alkylphenols are endocrine-disrupting compound and therefore toxic to aquatic organisms. Sediment cores were collected from regions with relatively stable sedimentation conditions. The cores were dated by the 210Pb method. The OP and NP were determined using HPLC-FL. The highest inventory of these compounds was observed in the Gotland Deep (610 μg m2 of NP and 47 μg m2 of OP) and the lowest—on the slope of the Gdansk Deep (24 μg m2 of NP and 16 μg m2 of OP). Such spatial distribution was probably, among other factors, the result of the uplift of the sea floor. The pollution trends of OP and NP in sediments coincided with the following: (1) the beginnings of eutrophication (1960s/1970s of the twentieth century) and (2) strong increase in the areal extent and volume of hypoxia and anoxia in the Baltic (present century). Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11356-016-6262-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) like bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) are introduced to the trophic webs through among others phytoplankton. This paper describes BPA, OP and NP concentrations in phytoplankton in the Gulf of Gdansk (Southern Baltic Sea) in the years 2011-2012. The assays of BPA, OP and NP in samples were performed using HPLC with fluorescence detection. The concentrations of BPA, the most commonly used of the three compounds, were over ten times higher than OP and NP concentrations. The concentrations of the studied EDCs in phytoplankton from the Gulf of Gdansk depended on anthropogenic factors and on phytoplankton properties (species composition, biomass, volume). An increase in phytoplankton biomass did not always result in an increase of BPA, OP and NP concentrations. However, the load of the studied EDCs accumulated in phytoplankton biomass increase with a rise of biomass. An increase in BPA, OP and NP concentrations was effected by biomass growth and the proportions ofciliates, dinoflagellates, diatoms and green algae. A strong positive correlation between OP and NP concentrations and negative correlation between BPA concentrations and biomass of organisms with cells measuring1000 μm(3) in volume results from the differing properties of these compounds.

The placenta is an intermediary organ between the female and the developing foetus. Some chemical substances, including the most harmful ones, exhibit the ability to accumulate in or penetrate through the placenta. The aim of the study was to determine the role of the placenta of the Baltic grey seal (Halichoerus grypus grypus) in the transfer of endocrine disrupting compounds (EDCs) - (bisphenol A, 4-tert- octylphenol, 4- nonylphenol), as well as total and organic mercury. 30 placentas were collected from grey seals pupping under human care at the Hel Marine Station in the years 2007-2016. The assays were conducted using the technique of high-preformance liquid chromatography (phenol derivatives) and atomic absorption spectrometry (mercury and selenium). A measurable level of EDCs was indicated in the placentas of grey seals. It was established that the inorganic Hg form was accumulated in the placenta, and that its concentrations were an order of magnitude higher than the concentrations of the organic form, which penetrated to the foetus. Similar observations were made for phenol derivatives - bisphenol A, 4-tert- octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol. For this compound group the placenta was a barrier, but the properties of phenol derivatives suggest the possibility of their penetration through this organ.

This article deals with the legal and practical recommendations for the management of dredged material in the riparian countries of the Baltic Sea. The recommendations are contained in three conventions: LC, 2000. London Convention (1972), Convention on the Protection of the Marine Environment of the Baltic Sea area (Helsinki Convention) (1992), the OSPAR Convention (1972). Different approaches to evaluating the contamination level of dredge spoils, used by the Baltic Sea riparian countries, have been characterized. The differences in those approaches manifest themselves by various concentration limits for contaminants, which form a basis for the classification of dredged material as either contaminated or non-contaminated, and thus determine how the spoils will be processed further. Based on the collected information about the concentration limits for contaminants of surface sediments in the coastal ports, it was pointed out that it is necessary to conduct routine monitoring of heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, tributyltin, and petroleum hydrocarbons in dredged sediments in all the Baltic Sea states. On the other hand, the monitoring of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans, organochlorine, and organophosphoric pesticides is only needed in locations that are suspected of historical or being the local contamination sources. Due to significant economic limitations of chemical determinations, it is important to consider a simple screening test of sediment that would say whether sediment may be "contaminated" and qualifies for more detailed and costly chemical research. It may be typical basic physical-chemical analysis of sediments or ecotoxicological classification of sediments.Despite environmentally friendly tendencies, the practical application of dredged material within the Baltic Sea area is very limited. Dredged material is most frequently stored at the specifically designated sites. From among the practical uses of dredge spoils, beach nourishment is of the highest significance.In the conclusion, the new proposed management procedure of dredged material was presented.

Activity concentration of the 222Rn radionuclide was determined in drinking water samples from the Sothern Greater Poland region by liquid scintillation technique. The measured values ranged from 0.42 to 10.52 Bq/dm3 with the geometric mean value of 1.92 Bq/dm3. The calculated average annual effective doses from ingestion with water and inhalation of this radionuclide escaping from water were 1.15 and 11.8 μSv, respectively. Therefore, it should be underlined that, generally, it’s not the ingestion of natural radionuclides with water but inhalation of the radon escaping from water which is a substantial part of the radiological hazard due to the presence of the natural radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series in the drinking water.

The aim of this study was to estimate the residue of chlorinated pesticides in the edible fish caught in the Gulf of Gdańsk and in the Vistula Lagoon. The highest mean concentrations of total DDT were found in the muscles of salmon (331.45 ng g−1 lw.) and sabre carp (306.29 ng g−1 lw.) caught in the Vistula Lagoon, and in the muscles of cod (309.88 ng g−1 lw.) and herring (304.86 ng g−1 lw.) from the Gulf of Gdańsk. Moreover, it was discovered that the following were present in the muscles of fish: DDT metabolites (pp’-DDE and pp’-DDD isomers) as well as hexachlorobenzene and its metabolites and endrin, dieldrin, α-endosulfan isomers and methoxychlor. Pesticides concentrations were higher in the livers of fish than in the muscles, which proves that the removal of toxins from the fish systems dominates over their accumulation. Because no concentration limits for pesticides have been defined, consumer safety assessment of fish caught in the Southern Baltic and in the Vistula Lagoon is not possible. The authors, having observed an increase in heksachlorobenzen in fish tissues suggested the existence of contemporary sources of pesticides which introduce them into the coastal zone.

The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic and petroleum hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, organochlorine and organophosphoric pesticides, tributyltin and metals were determined in sediments of the approach fairways to the main ports in the Polish part of the Vistula Lagoon and of the Elbląg River. Analyzed sediments contained low concentrations of all contaminants, except petroleum hydrocarbons. The average petroleum hydrocarbons’ (PHCs) concentration was 630 mg kg−1, indicating significant pollution with petroleum hydrocarbons. The highest concentrations of analyzed contaminants were identified in the vicinity of Elbląg, part of the Vistula Lagoon under the most anthropogenic pressure.

Despite the presence of endocrine disrupting mercury, PAHs, alkylphenols and bisphenol A in inhaled air, scientific literature lacks information on their penetration into the lungs. Large lung capacity in birds makes this route of penetration more significant than in other animals. The studies were conducted on lungs of herring gulls found in the Gulf of Gdansk area. The results were juxtaposed with other tissues, including the intestines, which reflect the main, alimentary penetration route of harmful substances into the organism. It was determined that the capacity of bird's lungs, affects the efficiency with which mercury is absorbed from the air. Birds found to have high mercury concentrations in lungs had low PAHs concentrations, what was determined by the fact that the birds foraged in two different areas, as well as on different trophic levels. The alimentary route of phenol derivatives into the organism was of greater significance than inhalation.

The influence of the sediment's physico-chemical properties and black carbon content, on the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in benthic sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk (Baltic Sea) was determined. Sediments from port, marine dump site of dredged spoils, the Vistula river mouth, Gdansk Deep were selected. The concentrations of ∑PAHs (fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(a)pyrene, dibenzo(ah)anthracene, benzo(ghi)perylene) were 294-2200 ng/g d.w. and for ∑PCBs (28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were 2.4-11.3 ng/g d.w. The sediments content of loss on ignition was 1.13-16.15%, total organic carbon was 0.89-7.15%, black carbon was 0.20-1.15%. The highest correlation coefficient values (r=0.76-0.92, p0.05) for a relationship between the concentrations of organic pollutants, and organic matter, organic and black carbon contents were obtained in harbor sediments with low content of organic matter (5%) and high share of black carbon in total carbon (up to 40%).

The application of a new kind of technique involving solid-phase extraction coupled with thermal desorption (SPE-TD) to the qualitative analysis of water used in pharmaceutical products was evaluated. Comparative analyses performed by the purge and trap (PT) technique were also conducted. The application of this SPE-TD technique resulted in the isolation of a large number of compounds from the water sample. The SPE-TD technique is applied to less volatile compounds, whereas the PT technique is used for more volatile and nonpolar ones. These two techniques should be applied in order to achieve complete identification and quantitative determination. Additionally, an attempt to identify organic compounds in pharmaceutical products was also conducted. The compounds present in such products include aldehydes, ketones, hydrocarbons, alcohols, esters. The influence of storage on the quality of water was also investigated. For samples characterized by a longer storage time, qualitatively richer chromatograms were obtained, which confirmed that components were released from the packaging (especially polyethylene) which entered the stored product.

Experiments were carried out, the aim of which was to determine the leaching rates for bisphenol A (4,4'-(propane-2,2-diyl)diphenol - BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), 4-nonylphenol (NP) from polycarbonate and recycled tyre granules into the seawater. Additionally biodegradation, sorption on marine suspended particulate matter and sorption on various types of nano-TiO2 of BPA, OP, NP were studied. Experiments were carried out on plastics at various stages of degradation. The conducted experiment confirmed the flux of BPA, OP and NP from the studied plastics into seawater. The initial photodegradation of the plastic had a significant influence on the amount of the studied components released into water. During the first days of the experiment leaching was weaker from aged materials. After 60 days leaching of BPA and OP was higher for aged plastic compared to unaged. On average, suspension adsorbed OP, BPA and NP from seawater at respective levels of 37%, 75% and 100%. On the other hand, during biodegradation on average 25%, 9% and 2% of OP, BPA and NP respectively are removed from water. Nano-TiO2 of 21 nm pore size diameter adsorbed all the compounds more strongly than nano-TiO2 of 15 nm pores sized coated with Al and stearic acid. The strongest sorption (100%) on different types of nano-TiO2 was that of the most hydrophobic and more linear structured NP with just one phenol group. The weakest sorption was observed in the case of BPA, which is the least hydrophobic, and characterized by higher compared to NP and OP steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion.

This study was derived from field investigations to assess bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations in the sea and river sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk. Black carbon (BC) and total organic carbon (TOC) were identified as influencing factors on the accumulation. As a result of the transportation of BC with organic matter via rivers into the Gulf of Gdansk, the highest mean concentrations (11.26ngBPA/(gdryweight (dw))), were determined in the sediments of river estuaries. Sediments in coastal stations were characterized by the lowest mean concentrations (5.73ngBPA/(gdw)). TOC content below 0.1% determined the sorption of BPA on BC particles in sediments, and statistically significant correlation between the concentration of BPA and the BC/TOC ratio was found in these cases. In addition, dependency between the concentration of BPA and the content of BC was discovered in sediments where the BC/TOC ratio was >0.33.

The widespread use of alkylphenols in European industry has led to their presence in the environment and the living organisms of the Baltic Sea. The present study (2011–2012) was designed to determine the concentrations of alkylphenols, 4-nonylphenol (NP) and 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), in surface sediments of the Gulf of Gdansk, a section of the Baltic that lies in close proximity to industrial and agricultural areas and borders with an agglomeration of nearly one million inhabitants. It is also where the Vistula, the largest Polish river, ends its course. In spring, large concentrations of 4-nonylphenol and 4-tert-octylphenol were washed off into the coastal zone with meltwater. In summertime, sediments near the beach had the highest alkylphenol concentrations (NP—2.31 ng g−1 dw, OP—13.09 ng g−1 dw), which was related to tourism and recreational activity. In silt sediments located off the coast, the highest NP (1.46 ng g−1 dw) and OP (6.56 ng g−1 dw) amounts were observed in autumn. The origin of OP and NP at those test stations was linked to atmospheric transport of black carbon along with adsorbed alkylphenols.

In 2011-2012, the concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylophenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in surface and near-bottom water of the Gulf of Gdansk, as well as inflowing rivers, were similar to those in other regions of Europe; BPA from

The organic derivatives of phenol are classed as dangerous compounds, and their presence has been detected in surface water, bottom water, phytoplankton, zooplankton, and mussel as well as liver and muscle of fish from the Gulf of Gdańsk and in liver, muscle, and guano of gulls residing in the coastal zone of this basin. The greatest sources of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), and 4-nonylphenol (NP) were found to be the Vistula River and the water purification plant in Dębogórze. In living organisms, concentrations of BPA, OP, and NP ranged between the limit of quantification and several hundred ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), and the highest concentrations were found for BPA. Prolonged alimentary exposure to BPA, OP, and NP in fish and birds was indicated by liver/muscle concentration ratios generally 1. The most influential factors on BPA and alkylphenol concentrations in the tissues of fishes and gulls were mainly diet and habitat. The study confirmed possible bioaccumulation in the food web. High BPA and NP concentrations in guano (≤2,700 and ≤300 ng g(-1) dw, respectively) indicated the ability of birds to detoxify and signalled the reintroduction of these compounds to seawater. Herring, flounder, and cod from the Southern Baltic are a safe food source for human consumption because their BPA and alkylphenol contents are low.

Activity concentration of the 222Rn radionuclide was determined in drinking water samples from the Sothern Greater Poland region by liquid scintillation technique. The measured values ranged from 0.42 to 10.52 Bq/dm3 with the geometric mean value of 1.92 Bq/dm3. The calculated average annual effective doses from ingestion with water and inhalation of this radionuclide escaping from water were 1.15 and 11.8 μSv, respectively. Therefore, it should be underlined that, generally, it’s not the ingestion of natural radionuclides with water but inhalation of the radon escaping from water which is a substantial part of the radiological hazard due to the presence of the natural radionuclides from the uranium and thorium series in the drinking water.

Aquatic birds are often used as a health indicator of the marine ecosystem. African penguins living in the zoo make good research material as they form a link between the marine and the terrestrial ecosystem in terms of xenobiotic circulation. Tests were performed on whole herring—the food of the penguins—as well as on bird muscle, liver, brain, eggs, feathers and guano in order to determine total mercury, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, isodrin, endosulfan isomers, endosulfan sulfate, methoxychlor, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. In herring and penguin, the tests did not show the presence of β-endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, aldrin and isodrin. It was shown that penguins absorb about 36.8 μg of organochlorine pesticides and 4.6 μg of mercury with their food on a daily basis. Xenobiotics accumulate mostly in the liver, from where they are transported to the muscles and the brain, where the highest bioaccumulation factor is reached by endrin and pp’-DDT. Conceivably, the older the penguin, the higher is the concentration level of pesticides in its liver and brain. Molting was found to be the most effective way of eliminating mercury, dieldrin and methoxychlor from the system. Insecticides, such as DDT and its metabolites, were removed most effectively by females through laying of eggs. The standard four eggs laid within a year may have contained up to 20 % of the total amount of pesticides which had been absorbed with food, but no more than 5 % of mercury.

Annual study on the benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentration in aerosols in the coastal zone of the Gulf of Gdansk (southern Baltic) has been performed at Gdynia station. Combustion processes, especially domestic heating of both local and regional origin, were identified as the main sources of benzo(a)pyrene in this area. Concentrations observed during the heating season (mean 2.18 ng m(-3)) were significantly higher than these recorded in the non-heating season (mean 0.05 ng m(-3)). High benzo(a)pyrene concentrations were associated with low temperature and high humidity. Whereas high levels of precipitation usually decreased the BaP concentration in aerosols. The concentration of this factor in the studied area depended also on the wind direction and air masses trajectories. During heating season, continental air masses (coming from S, SE, SW) seemed to increase benzo(a)pyrene concentration, while maritime air masses (from N, NE, NW) caused its decrease. The differences in the BaP concentration resulting from potentially different emission levels of this compound during working and non-working days were not clearly pronounced.

This study presents levels of 137Cs and 40K concentrations in the placentas of seals gathered in the period 2007–2015. The mean activity of 137Cs and 40K was 5.49 Bq kg−1w.w. and 136.6 Bq kg−1 ww respectively. Statistically significant correlation was observed between the 137Cs activities in placenta and in herring—the staple food for seals. The concentrations of 137Cs and 40K were also determined in other tissues (muscle, liver, lung, and brain) of wild seals. The concentrations of 137Cs were from 2.59 Bq−1 ww (lungs) to 24.3 Bq kg−1 ww (muscles). The transfer factor values for 137Cs (seal tissue/fish) ranged from 0.89 to 2.42 in the case of the placentas and from 1.35 to 8.17 in the case of the muscle. For adults seal, the effective dose from 137Cs was 2.98 nGy h−1. The mean external radiation dose to pup was 0.77 nGy h−1 from 137Cs and 6.69 nGy h−1 from 40K.