Chemosphere 86(3)

Overview of new articles on POPs in a new issue of the Chemosphere journal.

Selected articles

The net exchange fluxes of PCBs and PBDEs are closely related to the halogen number of congeners.
The exchange flux of lower chlorinated CBs is dominated by volatilization process.
The deposition process of heavy congeners of PCBs and PBDEs was an important source to this lake.

PBDEs have been detected in marine ecosystems and organisms all over the world.
No results have been reported about their presence in supralittoral environment.
We report data of a biomonitoring study using the amphipodTalitrus saltator.
Differences in amphipods from different sampling sites were detected.
Our results suggest the promising utilization ofT. saltatoras PBDE biomonitor.

We examined the levels of PCDD/Fs and brominated flame retardants in waterbird eggs in Hong Kong.
Risk characterization demonstrated potential risks to birds associated with exposure to PCDD/Fs.
Predominant accumulation of BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-100 in samples was found.
Results suggested the high consumption of penta-BDE mixture in HK and the surrounding areas.

Pilot scale application of a method for the analysis of perfluorinated compounds in surface soils Original Research Article

Pages 252-257
Mark J. Strynar, Andrew B. Lindstrom, Shoji F. Nakayama, Peter P. Egeghy, Laurence J. Helfant

An extraction and LC-MS/MS method were developed for the analysis of PFCs in soil.
QA/QC parameters are discussed (spike recovery, replicate analysis, QC soil).
Pilot scale application to 60 unique soils demonstrates method performance. ► Summary statistics for analyzed soils are shown. ► Global scale PFOS and PFOA concentrations are estimated from this study’s data.

Decabromodiphenyl ethane and decabromodiphenyl ether in Swedish background air

Pages 264-269
Anna-Lena Egebäck, Ulla Sellström, Michael S. McLachlan

Concentrations of DBDPE and BDE-209 were similar in Swedish background air.
The concentrations did not co-vary, indicating different major sources.
The concentrations were highest when air originated from the European continent.
No relation was found to major European sources of soot or small particles.

Transcriptional effects of perfluorinated compounds in rat hepatoma cells

Pages 270-277
Jonathan E. Naile, Steve Wiseman, Kali Bachtold, Paul D. Jones, John P. Giesy

The effects caused by the shorter chain replacement chemicals differed significantly from those caused by PFOS or PFOA.
Changes could not simply be attributed to chain-length or functional group.
Current federal regulations regarding these chemicals may need further review.

Increasing levels of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in Arctic and North Atlantic marine mammals, 1984–2009

Pages 278-285
Anna Rotander, Anna Kärrman, Bert van Bavel, Anuschka Polder, Frank Rigét, Guðjón Atli Auðunsson, Gísli Víkingsson, Geir Wing Gabrielsen, Dorete Bloch, Maria Dam

In general levels of long-chained PFCAs increased between 1984 and 2009.
In general levels of PFOS were steady or decreasing.
A change in PFOS exposure to ringed seals were indicated by analyzing structural isomers.

Determination of organochlorine pesticide residue in sediment and water from the Densu river basin, Ghana

Pages 286-292
Harriet Kuranchie-Mensah, Sampson Manukure Atiemo, Linda Maud Naa-Dedei Palm, Sarah Blankson-Arthur, Anita Osei Tutu, Paul Fosu

OCPs in sediment and water sampled from the Densu river were determined to evaluate the status of contamination.
Significant difference was observed among the samples collected from three locations along the river.
Sediment samples recorded exceedingly higher concentrations of the pesticides compared to the water samples.
Some of the organochlorine pesticides were above permissible limits set by WHO and Australia.
Continuous monitoring program is recommended in view of the significant role the river plays in water supply purposes in Accra.

Experimental evaluation of PCDD/Fs and PCBs release and mass balance of a WTE plant

Pages 293-299
Mario Grosso, Laura Biganzoli, Lucia Rigamonti, Stefano Cernuschi, Michele Giugliano, Vanes Poluzzi, Valeria Biancolini

An updated assessment of dioxin mass balance on a waste incinerator is reported.
PCBs are also addressed.
The role of the APC devises in dioxin partitioning in the residues is emphasised.
Special attention is given to the characterisation of input fluxes.

First assessment of population exposure to perfluorinated compounds in Flanders, Belgium

Pages 308-314
C. Cornelis, W. D’Hollander, L. Roosens, A. Covaci, R. Smolders, R. Van Den Heuvel, E. Govarts, K. Van Campenhout, H. Reynders, L. Bervoets

We assessed exposure of the Flemish population to PFOS and PFOA from food, soil, dust and air.
Exposure is dominated by intake from the diet.
Further research is needed to reduce uncertainty in exposure levels.

Various PFCAs were detected in breast milk samples from Japan, Korea and China.
The most PFCAs levels were significantly higher in Japan than in China and Korea.
The total PFCAs other than PFOA accounted for 47% in the three countries.

3.1.2012