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This study assessed organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) residues in the muscle of frozen Atlantic herrings (Clupea harengus) and compared with the maximum residue limits set by European Union (EU), Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO). Frozen fish samples were purchased from Oke Ado market in Ibadan, Oyo State Nigeria and weighed per batch. Fish sample averaged 300grams were wrapped in aluminum foil paper and placed in cooler and taken to the Laboratory for analysis. OCPs were tested in C. harengus in February, March and April, 2023. The mean concentration and standard deviation of OCP congeners detected (concentration in ng/g) for February, March and April were 1368.74±47.49, 546.07±18.45, 788.40±35.36 respectively for a-HCH. p,p'-DDT had 0.14±0.06 with other values having b-HCH 0.36±0.15, d-HCH 0.52±0.23 in February, 0.00±0.00 in March and 0.20±0.08 in April. Aldrin and Endrin aldehyde concentration were 9.11±3.65 and 42.08±16.82 respectively for February only. Methoxychlor however recorded 1.12±0.47, 0.38±0.14 and 0.25±0.06 for February, March and April accordingly. The levels of OCPs detected exceeded Maximum Residue Limits (MRLs), indicating potential risks to human health. It is recommended that regulatory measures, public awareness and continuous monitoring should be undertaken to stem the effects of this pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been used globally to boost food production. Although banned, due to their prolonged toxic effects but their residue still impacts the quality of primary and processed agricultural products. This study assesses the levels of residual OCPs (α,β,δ-HCH, heptachlor, heptachlor epoxide, chlordane, methoxychlor, aldrin, dieldrin, endrin, endrin aldehyde, endrin ketone, endosulfan, endosulfan sulfate, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDD), 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE), and 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT)) in food commonly consumed in Lagos and Ibadan, Southwest, Nigeria. Health risk associated with human exposure via food intake was evaluated with a statistical predictive model. About 248 composite food samples from 8 categories were analyzed in Lagos and Ibadan. Sample extraction and clean-up were by QueChERS method and extracts injected into GC-μECD. ƩDDT concentration was highest in meat products, aquatic foods, dairy products, edible oils, fruits, and cereals, while ƩHCHs were highest in chicken eggs and vegetables. ƩOCP concentrations (ng/g) in food categories were 6.09±1.6–6.85±0.9 (meat), 5.29±2.0–12.3±14 (aquatic foods), 4.86±1.7–5.89±0.8 (dairy products), 4.53±0.8–6.32±1.1 (edible oils), 3.32±1.3 (eggs), 3.54±1.0–4.80±1.5 (fruits), 4.16±2.7–4.40±0.8 (vegetables), and 6.12±2.0–6.62±0.9 (cereals). The estimated average daily intake of OCPs was 5.91, 12.5, 4.41, 6.40, 1.53, 5.14, 3.95, and 16.7 ng/kg bw/day through the consumption of meat products, aquatic foods, dairy products, edible oils, chicken eggs, fruits, vegetables, and cereals, respectively. The health risk of residual OCPs via ingestion of foods considered in this study was <1, which implied no potential health risk at the current consumption rate. However, regular monitoring of OCPs residues in food is highly recommended. Finally, the method scaled the analytical Eco-Scale evaluation and Green Analytical Chemical Procedure Index as "an acceptable green analysis method." [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mercury, a trace metal, is a persistent environmental pollutant that can be detected even in remote regions, including high-mountain lakes. This study examined mercury concentrations in the sediment of two lakes in the French Pyrenees, the Legunabens and Labant lakes. Sediment samples were collected using a Hon-Kajak Sediment Corer, and mercury concentrations were measured following the EPA 7473 method with a direct mercury analyzer (DMA-80). Mercury levels reached up to 283 ng g−1 in the Legunabens lake and up to 110 ng g−1 in the Labant lake, possibly linked to the mining history of the Ariège department and atmospheric deposition from distant sources. These findings indicate significant contamination, ranging from an 8% to 42% probability of generating adverse biological effects according to Canadian standards, and approximately 90% higher concentrations compared to average mercury concentrations in other Pyrenean lakes. Such contamination poses potential risks to aquatic life and the environment due to mercury's toxicity and bioaccumulation in microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Food Safety & Quality is the property of Journal of Food Safety & Quality Editorial Department and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are synthetic organic compounds that have been used as brominated flame retardants. They are persistent in the environment, can bioaccumulate in fatty tissues, biomagnify through the food chain, and have adverse health effects on humans and wildlife. The main source of human exposure to PBDEs is the ingestion of contaminated food. Therefore, in this study the concentration of BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-77, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-126, BDE-139, BDE-153, BDE-154, and BDE-183 was determined by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry in shrimps and animal origin oils commercialised and consumed in Medellín, Colombia. All samples of shrimps and animal origin oils analysed had values below 0.0050 ng·g−1 for all the PBDEs studied, with the exception of one shrimp sample in which a concentration of 0.012 ± 0.0056 ng·g−1 of BDE-100 was quantified. The results suggest that shrimps and animal origin oils are not a significant source of exposure to PBDEs of the population of the city. However, it is important to continue analysing PBDEs in foods, including foods other than those evaluated in this investigation, in order to guarantee the innocuity and safety of the food consumed by the population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) are environmental contaminants known for their persistence and bioaccumulation in fatty tissues. SCCPs are considered potential carcinogens and endocrine disruptors, with similar effects expected for MCCPs. This study investigated the body burden of SCCPs and MCCPs in residents of two regions of the Czech Republic with different levels of industrial pollution. Blood serum samples from 62 individuals in Ceske Budejovice (control area) and Ostrava (industrial area) were analysed. The results showed higher concentrations of SCCPs (<120–650 ng/g lipid weight (lw)) and MCCPs (<240–1530 ng/g lw) in Ostrava compared to Ceske Budejovice (SCCPs: <120–210 ng/g lw, MCCPs: <240–340 ng/g lw). The statistical analysis revealed no significant correlations between chemical concentrations and demographic variables such as age, BMI, or gender. The findings are consistent with European and Australian studies but significantly lower than levels reported in China. This is the first comprehensive survey of SCCPs and MCCPs in human blood serum in the Czech Republic and the second study in Europe. The data collected in this study are essential for assessing SCCPs and MCCPs. They will contribute to a better understanding the potential health risks associated with exposure to these chemicals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims: Sediment is the general name given to the muddy structure located at the bottom of aquatic environments such as the sea. In our study, the amounts of steroid hormones were investigated in the sediment samples taken from the Marmara Sea. According to other studies, it has been determined that the excess of the hormone load in the sediments may be an indicator of human/animal sourced pollution, as well as the negative effects of the hormones mixed in the seas with the ecological cycle on the health of humans and animals. Methods: In our study, 31 selected human/animal, plant, natural and synthetic hormone-steroids were studied using Liquid Chromatography Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-ESI/MS-MS). Methanol and QuEChERS were used as extraction methods. Sediment samples were taken from a total of 27 points selected for sampling at the Marmara Sea. Results: According to the results we found, the androgens: androsterone (24.50-1718.18 ng g-1), testosterone (86.30-1600.32 ng g-1); the estrogens: mestranol (33.73-228.32 ng g-1), equilin (53.44-1232.53 ng g-1); the progestagens; pregnenolone (37.50-374.76 ng g-1), progesterone (39.96-405.60 ng g-1); levonorgestrel (325.25 and 937.93 ng g-1); the fecal sterols: cholestanone (57.57-1726.32 ng g-1), coprostanol + epicoprostanol (51.43-1370.33 ng g-1); and the plant sterol; campesterol (35.30-1859.90 ng g-1) were the compounds detected. Conclusion: Estrogens and progestogens are active components of birth control pills, and cholestanone and coprostanol + epicoprostanol are steroids that are indicative of human/animal pollution. Coprostanol + epicoprostanol and cholestanone, which are indicators of fecal pollution, were detected in all sediment samples. In our study, steroid hormones were detected for the first time in Sea of Marmara sediments and possible environmental risks were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Modern Food Science & Technology is the property of Editorial Office of Modern Food Science & Technology and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

The object of this research is the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments along Shatt Al-Arab estuary, Iraq. The study examines the problem of river PCB pollution. PCB effects on humans include cancer, impaired reproduction, neuro-developmental effects in infants, immunotoxicity and endocrine disruption. PCBs lead to liver damage and stimulate changes in the DNA sequence. The Shatt Al-Arab Estuary is formed in southern Iraq near Al-Qurna city after the confluence of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. The Shatt Al-Arab Estuary region is shared between Iraq and Iran. The Estuary receives pollutants when it is passing during Basrah City regions, due to industrial, agricultural and human activities which discharge the pollutants to the Estuary without treatment. The concentrations of Σ13 PCBs compound in sediment samples were determined and analyzed at each site by using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS, Agilent). Six sites were chosen along Shatt Al-Arab Estuary. They are Al-Qurna (S1), Al-Deer (S2), Al-Qarma (S3), Al-Ashar (S4), Abi Al-Khasib (S5) and Al-Fao (S6), at Basrah city, south of Iraq. Sediment samples were collected seasonally, starting from Autumn season on September 2019 to summer season on July 2020. The Σ13 (PCB-18, PCB-29, PCB-31, PCB-28, PCB-44, PCB-52, PCB-101, PCB-141, PCB-149, PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-189, and PCB-194) concentrations at the sediment samples ranged from 4.48 ng/g in Al-Deer site during summer season to 27.75 ng/g in Al-Ashar site during winter season for all selected sites. The Al-Deer site were found to have the lowest mean of PCBs its 0.345 ng/g and Al-Ashar site were found to have the highest mean of PCBs its 2.135 ng/g. PCBs concentrations in sediment samples during autumn, winter, spring and summer seasons ranged from 7.75 to 21.68 ng/g, 16.25 to 27.75 ng/g, 7.28 to 22.01 ng/g and 4.48 to 14.41 ng/g, respectively. The congener distribution patterns in these samples indicate the dominance highly chlorinated congeners (tri- and hexa-PCBs) in comparison with remaining others PCBs congeners. This project is the first of its kind in Basrah and all Iraq that reports PCB concentrations in the region and is considered a baseline study and can be used for subsequent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of more than 7,800 synthetic heterogeneous organic compounds with different physicochemical properties, are chemically and thermally stable. Since 1945, these compounds have been used for innovative developments in the field of material sciences to provide numerous benefits to society. These compounds have oil and water-resistant properties and are used as refrigerants and fire suppressors, in the textile industry, paint industry, electronic industry, cookware industry etc. This review documents the concentration of the most commonly used Per and Polyfluoroalkyl substances in the aquatic environment, milk samples, soil, plants, vegetables, fruits, fish and their impact on humans. Due to overuse and misuse of these compounds in different industries, these persistent pollutants are present in all the compartments of the environment, i.e. air, surface water, groundwater, river water, marine water, drinking water, soil, animal and breast milk, food chain, vegetables, fruits, and fish. In the 21st Century, these chemicals, along with antibiotics, are considered the most harmful persistent organic pollutants. The wastewater generated by households, industries, and armed force areas is a hotspot of the residual PFAS. Human health is adversely affected by consuming PFAS-contaminated plant produce and animal food and by drinking PFAS-contaminated water. On accumulation in humans, it affects the immune system, alters the lipid metabolism, endocrine activity, thyroid gland and mammary gland functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

2- and 3-monochloropropanediol esters (MCPDEs) are most commonly formed as process-induced contaminants during the refinement of vegetable oils used for food production. 'In vivo' hydrolysis of 3-MCPDEs releases the potential carcinogen 3-monochloropropanediol (3-MCPD). Levels of MCPDEs in infant formula are of particular concern, as refined oils are commonly used as main fat ingredients. For this study, infant formula samples (powders, liquid concentrates and ready-to-feed infant formula samples) from the Canadian market were purchased and analysed in 2015 (35 samples) and 2019 (33 samples). MCPDE concentrations (expressed as free MCPD equivalents) were examined through an indirect analytical approach, applying acid-catalysed ester cleavage and using cyclohexanone as derivatising agent. Labelled diesters were used as internal standards. 2015 Survey data were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in selected ion monitoring mode (SIM). 2019 Survey data were analysed with an updated method using GC-MS/MS in multiple reaction monitoring modes (MRM). In 2015, levels in reconstituted formula ranging from 3.7 ng/g to 111 ng/g for 3-MCPD and 2.2 ng/g to 56.2 ng/g for 2-MCPD were found. In 2019, levels ranging from 3.9 ng/g to 74.8 ng/g for 3-MCPD and 1.0 ng/g to 33.9 ng/g for 2-MCPD were found. A significantly reduced mean of combined MCPDEs was observed between 2015 and 2019 data (64.5 ng/g, standard deviation (SD) 8.6 ng/g in 2015 to 31.8 ng/g, SD 5.6 ng/g in 2019, p-value = 0.024). For the majority of manufacturers, the data comparison among brand products over time shows decreased levels of MCPDEs. Occurrence data of MCPDEs, including data from previously published surveys (2012/2013), were also compared and a temporal trend was established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, sixteen (16) organochlorine (OC) pesticides in sediment, soil and fish (Clarias anguillaris) samples of River Owan, Edo State, Southern Nigeria were investigated in accordance with acceptable analytical methods. Our findings confirmed the presence of the 16 OCPs in different concentration values in soil, sediment, and fish (Clarias anguillaris). The ∑OCP in the sediments samples were between 0.0033-0.0319 (ng g-1) with total value of 0.1506 (ng g-1) for the sediment sample 1 (SE1); 0.0021-0.0587(ng g-1) with total value of 0.0291(ng g-1) for the sediment sample 2 (SE2). The level of the OCPs in the soil ranged between 0.0069-0.0626 (ng g-1), total concentrations of 0.3986(ng g-1) for soil sample 1 (SO1); 0.0026-0.0630 (ng g-1), total concentration of 0.3678 (ng g-1) for soil sample 2 (SO2). The concentration level of the OC pesticides were between 0.0046-0.1707 (ng g-1) in the fish sample with total concentration of 0.1490 (ng g-1). These pesticides were found in higher concentrations in soil than in sediment samples. The level of OC pesticide residues detected in the fish was greater than the sediment samples. The hazard quotient is moderate (1.49) when compared with the guidelines. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports on the efficacy of measuring low ng g−1 contents of Rh and Pd in Cu-rich minerals by laser ablation single quadrupole (Agilent 7700x) and tandem MS (Agilent 8900x) ICP-MS, using helium (He) collision gas and a mixture of ammonia (NH3)/He (10%/90%) reaction gas, respectively, to attenuate CuAr interferences on 103Rh and 105Pd. Results are compared with values obtained from digested separates of the same minerals (three synthetic Cu-rich Fe sulphides, seven samples of chalcopyrite (CuFeS2) and two of bornite (Cu5FeS4) containing 24.17% to 63.31% Cu, less than 10 ng g−1 Rh and less than 250 ng g−1 Pd) analyzed using an Agilent 8800x ICP-MS/MS in NH3/He reaction mode. Using the LA-ICP-MS/MS at an optimized NH3/He flow rate (0.3 mL min−1), the CuAr contributions to 103Rh and 105Pd were less than 2.3 ng g−1, which was a reduction of more than two orders of magnitude compared to those obtained using the single quadrupole LA-ICP-MS at an optimized He collision gas flow (5 mL min−1). The method limits of detection (MLOD) for 103Rh (1.7 ng g−1) and 105Pd (7.0 ng g−1) obtained using LA-ICP-MS/MS at the optimized NH3/He flow rate with a 110 μm ablation spot size were approximately an order of magnitude lower than those (16 ng g−1 for Rh and 48 ng g−1 for Pd) obtained using single quadrupole LA-ICP-MS at the optimized He collision gas flow rate. The accuracy (difference from values for digested separates) and precision (1RSD) of ng g−1-level LA-ICP-MS/MS measurements of Rh and Pd (105Pd) in Cu-rich minerals were in the range of 0.5% to 19% and 19% to 31%, respectively. Moreover, this study shows that neither a linear CuAr interference correction strategy nor the interference correction procedure of P. J. Sylvester, Mineral. Assoc. Can., Short Course Ser., 2001, vol. 29, p. 203 works effectively for accurate and precise LA-ICP-MS measurement of low ng g−1 contents of Rh and Pd in Cu-rich minerals. The most accurate and precise measurement of Rh at less than 10 ng g−1 and Pd at ca. 100 ng g−1 in Cu-rich minerals is achieved using the Agilent 8900x LA-ICP-MS/MS in MS/MS acquisition mode at an optimized NH3/He reaction gas flow rate without a CuAr interference correction. These results demonstrate the potential for LA-ICP-MS/MS to be widely used for the quantitative determination of trace level contents of the light PGE in transition metal sulphide minerals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Scientific data on the occurrence, distribution, risk and sources of endocrine disruption chemicals such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in herbal medicines (HMs) is rare in Nigeria. Thus, this study was conducted to assess the levels, risks and sources of OCPs in HMs from Bayelsa State, Nigeria to ascertain their safety. Methods: Fifty HMs were obtained and analyzed for OCPs using a gas chromatograph combined with an electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Results: The OCPs were detected in all the samples analyzed. The levels of ∑20 OCPs in the HMs ranged from 12.0 to 128 ng L−1 for liquid HMs, 21.2–112 ng g−1 for powder HMs and 26.0–72.7 ng g−1 for capsule HMs. The levels of OCPs obtained in these HMs were below their respective maximum residue limits (MRLs). Aldrin, γ-chlordane and β-BHC were the dominant OCPs in the liquid, powder and capsule HMs respectively. The values of both cumulative non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks for humans were < 1 and 1 × 10–6 respectively suggesting that there are no potential health risks via the ingestion of the HMs. The source identification revealed that OCPs in the HMs originated from historical and recent use confirming that the residues of these endocrine-disrupting OCPs are in continuous applications despite being banned. Conclusion: Although, the results generally indicated no current health risk implication to public consumption of the herbal medicines regarding OCP levels, however, we suggest a future risk assessment of susceptible groups, considering their concurrent exposure to all contaminants that have endocrine disrupting effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Steroid hormones, recognized as emerging environmental contaminants, have garnered increasing attention in recent years. The present work studied the distribution characteristics in the environment, bioaccumulation in aquatic products, and the associated environmental and health risks of typical steroid hormones from commercial freshwater aquaculture farms operating under different aquaculture modes (monoculture and polyculture). Totals of 9 and 14 steroid hormones were detected in water and sediment samples, with concentrations ranging from 0.66 ± 0.17 ng/L to 40.5 ± 5.08 ng/L and from 0.36 ± 0.08 ng/g to 123 ± 19.9 ng/g, respectively. Hazard index (HI) calculations indicated that all sampling locations were identified as medium or high risk for both water and sediment matrices. Nineteen steroids were detected in at least one type of tissue, with the concentrations in the bile, plasma, muscle, liver, and gill ranging from 5000 L/kg). Notably, despite low estimated daily intakes (EDIs) (0.43–6.43 ng/day/person to 18.7 ng/day/person) and hazard quotients (HQs) (below 4.188 × 10−7), the high bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) underscore the necessity for stringent regulatory measures by local governments. Additionally, a comparison of EDI results across different aquaculture modes and fish species revealed that steroid hormone-related health risks to humans are influenced by both the fish species and the aquaculture mode. This study indicated that the consumption of poly-cultured fish (e.g., bighead carp) may pose a greater steroid-related health risk, compared to the consumption of mono-cultured fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The knowledge of the deposition fate of ambient polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on plant leaves is limited. To fill in this knowledge gap, this study strives to observe the intermolecular complex between the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and epicuticular wax of plant leaves using laser scanning microscopy. Epicuticular wax refers to a type of organic mixture that covers the outermost layer of leaves. The leaves of 20 tree species were collected in Beijing in July 2023. The concentrations of 31 PAHs were quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the intermolecular complexes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and epicuticular wax were found with a fluorescence spectrofluorometer and laser scanning microscopy. The levels of total PAHs across 20 tree species ranged from 12.4 ng g−1 to 68.4 ng g−1. Differences in the amounts of total PAHs across tree leaves were observed, which may be ascribed to the differences in leaf surface across tree types. The higher concentration of low-molecular-weight PAHs was found in leaves compared to high-molecular-weight PAHs. The fluorescence spectrofluorometer identified the formation of a new intermolecular complex with fluorescence emission at an excitation wavelength of 340 nm between PAHs and epicuticular wax relative to PAHs. We used laser scanning microscopy with a 405 nm laser for excitation to observe the new intermolecular complex of PAHs and epicuticular wax on the stomata and epicuticular wax of leaves. This study found the intermolecular complex of PAHs on the surface of leaves in situ, which provides important information about the deposition fate of ambient PAHs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface sediment samples from Al-Qahma lagoon in the southern part and Al-Wajh lagoon in the northern part of the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia were collected by a Van Veen grab sampler to determine the characteristics, distribution, and sources of aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbons. The total extractable organic matter (TEOM) was extracted with a dichloromethane/methanol mixture after drying and sieving the sediments and identified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The TEOM comprised n-alkanes (302.6 ± 446.7 ng·g−1 and 64 ± 50 ng·g−1), hopanes (29.8 ± 132.3 ng·g−1 and 1.0 ± 2.5 ng·g−1), steranes (0.0 and traces), n-alkanoic acids (745.8 ± 799.6 ng·g−1 and 120.7 ± 92.0 ng·g−1), n-alkanols (457.4 ± 1085.6 ng·g−1 and 49.7 ± 32.3 ng·g−1), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (54.5 ± 96.8 ng·g−1 and 7.8 ± 8.5 ng·g−1), and phthalates (185.3 ± 169.9 ng·g−1 and 67.4 ± 70.4 ng·g−1) in the Al-Qahma and Al-Wajh lagoon sediments, respectively. The percentages of the various sources relative to total aliphatic and cyclic hydrocarbon concentrations were 6.9 ± 6% for terrestrial plants, 53.7 ± 19% for algae, 10 ± 2% for microbial, 16 ± 12% for petroleum, and 13.4 ± 7 for plasticizer inputs in Al-Qahma lagoon. In Al-Wajh lagoon, they were 9.7 ± 4% for terrestrial plants, 30.8 ± 14% for algae, 25.2 ± 5% for bacteria, 11.2 ± 3% for petroleum, and 23.1 ± 11% for plasticizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface soil and river sediment samples were collected from the downstream of Chuhe River basin, East China, to investigate the occurrence and accumulation characteristics of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs). The respective concentrations of BDE-209 and nine NBFRs ranged from n.d. to 41.4 ng/g dry weight (dw) and from 0.35 to 362.78 ng/g dw in the collected surface soil samples and ranged from 0.29 to 19.73 ng/g dw and from 0.70 to 66.83 ng/g dw in the collected river sediment samples. Soil samples exhibited a higher potential to accumulate BTBPE while the relative abundance of PBT in the collected sediment samples was significantly higher than that in soils. Even so, BTBPE was the predominant NBFR in both soil and sediment samples. The concentrations and relative abundances of legacy and NBFRs exhibited large spatial variation. The calculated concentration ratios of the total of the nine NBFRs (∑9NBFRs) to BDE-209 (∑9NBFRs/BDE-209) in most of the analyzed samples far exceeded 1, implying a clear shift from legacy brominated flame retardants to NBFRs in the downstream of Chuhe River basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]