Occurrence of PFCs and PBDEs in Landfill Leachates from Across Canada

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) are both classes of persistent organic pollutants with potential major health and environmental concerns. Many PBDE- and PFC-containing products are ultimately discarded in landfills. In samples from 28 landfills and dumpsites across Canada, PBDEs and PFCs were detected in almost all landfill leachate samples, with concentrations up to 1,020 and 21,300?ng/L, respectively. Mean concentrations were 166?ng/L for PBDEs and 2,950?ng/L for PFCs. Landfill leachates from southern Canada generally had greater concentrations of PBDEs and PFCs than those from northern Canada. The dominant compounds were decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) (mean contribution 52 %) for the PBDEs and perfluorohexanoic acid (mean contribution 25 %) for the PFCs. There were strong correlations for some compounds within each contaminant class, such as the major congeners in the penta-BDE commercial mix (BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100). Estimated average ??PBDE and ??PFC loadings from an urban landfill to the environment were calculated to be 3.5 and 62?tonnes/year, respectively.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in seafood products of south China

South China is probably one of the heaviest polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) polluted regions in the world, thanks to the presence of huge and rapidly growing electronics manufacturing industries, as well as several of the world's largest e-waste recycling sites in the region. In the present work, a wide variety of nonfish seafood products collected from South China was analyzed for PBDE residues. The concentrations of PBDEs in seafood products were highly species-specific, and the magnitude of PBDE pollution was moderate in South China compared to the global levels. Congener patterns of PBDEs in seafood samples suggested that seafood products are prone to accumulating low-brominated congeners, and possible metabolic debromination of BDE-99 to BDE-47 could occur in certain organisms, such as crabs and mantis shrimp. Generally, the congener profile was dominated by BDE-209, and to a lesser extent by BDE-47 and BDE-99, which was consistent with the fact that Deca-BDE is mass-produced in China and with previous sediment results from the same area. The occurrence of BDE-209 in aquatic species from South China suggests that BDE-209 appears to be more bioavailable than previously thought, and the environmental fate and safety of BDE-209 require further investigation and call for a thorough reassessment.     

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Dynamics in Ambient Air and Atmospheric Bulk/Wet Deposition in Downtown Paris (France)

This study reports on the polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) atmospheric dynamics in the dense urban environment of downtown Paris (France). Eight PBDE congeners (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-100, BDE-99, BDE-154, BDE-153, BDE-183 and BDE-209) were simultaneously analysed in bulk and wet atmospheric deposition, as well as in ambient air (gaseous/particulate phases), twice a month over a 12-month period (May 2008–May 2009). The total air concentration of Σ 8PBDEs ranged between 12 and 185 pg m⁻³, and the seasonal variations of PBDE levels were controlled by air temperature (except for BDE-209). Regarding bulk deposition, Σ 8PBDE flux was in the range 5–94 ng m⁻² day⁻¹, and it was positively correlated with atmospheric particulate phase PBDE concentrations. Meanwhile, the measured wet deposition flux of Σ 8PBDE ranged between 2 and 24 ng m⁻² day⁻¹, and its median contribution to bulk deposition was 39% only, which highlights the importance of dry deposition.     

Toxicological Effects of Three Polybromodiphenyl Ethers (BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-154) on Growth of Marine Algae Isochrysis galbana

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are highly persistent anthropogenic contaminants found in trace amounts in many environmental compartments far from their source areas, posing a risk to aquatic ecosystems. Our objective was to determine the relative toxicities of three BDEs, BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-154 on marine phytoplankton algae Isochrysis galbana. For a highly sensitive endpoint: the 72-h inhibition of autotrophic growth rate was calculated according to standards methods. Actual PBDE concentration was measured by GC-MS and toxicity parameters were calculated on the basis of time-weighted mean actual concentrations. No observable effect concentration (NOEC) values were 2.53???g?L^?1 for BDE-47, 3.48???g?L^?1 for BDE-99 and 12.3???g?L^?1 for BDE-154, and LOEC values were 5.06, 6.96 and 24.60???g?L^?1 for BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-154, respectively. The calculated IC₁₀ (the concentration inhibiting growth rate by 10?%) corresponded to 9.3, 12.78 and 54.6???g?L^?1 for BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-154, respectively. The 50?% inhibitions of growth rate (IC₅₀) values were: 25.7???g?L^?1 BDE-47, 30.0???g?L^?1 BDE-99 and 243.7???g?L^?1 BDE-154. Therefore, the acute toxicity of PBDEs decreases as the degree of bromination increases, the order of toxicity is BDE-47?>?BDE-99?>?BDE-154. Significant (p?<?0.05) adverse effects were observed for all compounds at concentrations >15???g?L^?1. Our results indicated that under laboratory conditions PBDEs inhibited the growth of marine phytoplankton at concentrations near 10???g?L^?1. However, further work is required to investigate long-term effects in these and other aquatic organisms.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in foodstuffs: human exposure through the diet

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are used as flame retardants in a variety of materials, including synthetic polymers and textiles. Although these chemicals have been detected in environmental samples and human tissues, there is little information about human exposure to PBDEs through the diet. In the present study, we determined the concentrations of PBDEs in a number of food samples acquired in Catalonia (Spain) during 2000. The dietary intake of PBDEs was estimated for the general population living in this Spanish region. The highest PBDE concentrations were found in oils and fats, fish and shellfish, meat and meat products, and eggs, while the lowest levels corresponded to fruits, vegetables, and tubers. The dietary intake of PBDEs for an adult male was 97.3 ng/day (assuming not detected (ND) = (1)/(2) limit of detection (LOD)) or 81.9 ng/day (assuming ND = 0) The greatest contribution to these values corresponded to fish and shellfish, with approximately one-third of the total intake. TetraBDEs and pentaBDEs were the homologues showing the highest percentages of contribution to the sum of total PBDEs. The comparison of the current dietary intake with the suggested lowest observed adverse effect level value of 1 mg/kg/day for the most sensitive endpoints for toxic effects of PBDEs results in a safety factor over 5 orders of magnitude in relation to PBDE exposure from food.     

Cadmium and lead residue control in a hazard analysis and critical control point (HACCP) environment

In 2003-2004, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) conducted an exploratory assessment to determine the occurrence and levels of cadmium and lead in randomly collected samples of kidney, liver, and muscle tissues of mature chickens, boars/stags, dairy cows, and heifers. The data generated in the study were qualitatively compared to data that FSIS gathered in a 1985-1986 study in order to identify trends in the levels of cadmium and lead in meat and poultry products. The exploratory assessment was necessary to verify that Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point plans and efforts to control exposure to these heavy metals are effective and result in products that meet U.S. export requirements. A comparison of data from the two FSIS studies suggests that the incidence and levels of cadmium and lead in different slaughter classes have remained stable since the first study was conducted in 1985-1986. This study was conducted to fulfill FSIS mandate to ensure that meat, poultry, and egg products entering commerce in the United States are free of adulterants, including elevated levels of environmental contaminants such as cadmium and lead.     

Hapten syntheses and antibody generation for the development of a polybrominated flame retardant ELISA

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of brominated flame retardants that are increasingly an environmental concern. Several antibodies were developed for the polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardant BDE-47 (1), often found in the highest concentration in human milk, plasma, and adipose tissue. Four haptens with different bromine and linker substitution patterns were synthesized and utilized to generate five polyclonal antibodies from goats and two polyclonal antibodies from rabbits. Competition was assessed using four different coating antigens for all seven antibodies. The coating antigen showed marked effects on competition. When the same hapten was used for antibody and the coating antigen less competition was observed. The effect of BDE structure on competition was evaluated by using BDE-47 (1), BDE-99 (2), BDE-100 (3), BDE-153 (4), and BDE-183 (5). None of the compounds showed high competition with antibody I-KLH, presumably because steric hindrance prevented formation of an efficient binding site. As predicted from structural considerations, BDE-47 (1) competed well with the remaining antibodies, whereas BDE-100 (3) competed well with only II-KLH. The remaining congeners (BDE-99 (2), BDE-153 (4), and BDE-183 (5)) contain bromines that cannot be positioned in binding sites and thus cross-react poorly. The competition study demonstrated that a bromine substitution on the congener could occupy a position analogous to the linker's position.     

Adsorption Kinetics of 2,2′,4,4′-Tetrabromodiphenyl Ether(BDE-47) on Maize Straw-Derived Biochars

The chars in the natural environment can affect the migration of polybrominated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs). However, there is insufficient research relating to the adsorption behavior and mechanisms of PBDEs on biochars. This study examined the adsorption kinetics of 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether(BDE-47) on maize straw-derived biochars(MSBCs) pyrolyzed at four different temperatures via batch experiments. The biochar samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared(FTIR) spectroscopy,Raman spectra, and elemental analysis. A two-compartment first-order model and pseudo-second-order model exhibited a better fit compared to a pseudo-first-order model in describing the BDE-47 adsorption on biochars, which was dominated by a slow adsorption compartment and chemisorption. The MSBC pyrolyzed at 600 °C had the highest BDE-47 adsorption capacity owing to its relatively large specific surface area and relatively high aromaticity compared with the other three MSBCs pyrolyzed at 300, 400, and 500 ℃.However, there was no significant difference in adsorption capacity among the other three biochars. The organic functional groups coupled with the graphene structures of biochars and the hydrophobic effect of the functional groups promoted the adsorption of BDE-47. Pore diffusion was not the sole rate-limiting step; film diffusion was also involved in the adsorption process of BDE-47 on biochars. The overall results demonstrate the transport and potential treatment of PBDEs using biochars.     

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether Leachability from Biosolids and Their Partitioning Characteristics in the Leachate

Biosolids are commonly applied to agricultural soils. A laboratory investigation was carried out to determine polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congener profiles in biosolids and leachability by water. In addition, PBDE fractionation in water and suspended solids of different sizes was examined to determine the potential for enhanced mobility of these contaminants within soils. The leachates from glass column experiments were passed through a series of filters, and the filtrates and retained particles analyzed for PBDEs. PBDEs were found to sorb on solid particles suspended in the leachate, allowing PBDEs to be present at concentrations exceeding their aqueous solubilities. The filtration process indicated that PBDEs are associated with fine and ultrafine particles. Filters of different pore sizes provide a better indication of PBDE levels in the leachate compared to not filtering or using a single filter. PBDEs concentrations were much higher on ultrafine than on fine particles, due to the greater surface area and higher organic content of the former.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in retail fish and shellfish samples purchased from Canadian markets

Fish and shellfish retail samples (n = 122) were purchased from three Canadian cities in the winter of 2002 and analyzed for a total of 18 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners. The samples (salmon, trout, tilapia, Arctic char, mussels, oysters, shrimp, and crab) represented the range of fish and shellfish commercially available to Canadian consumers at the time of purchase. Trout and salmon (geometric mean SigmaPBDE = 1600 and 1500 pg/g, wet weight, respectively) were found to contain significantly higher amounts of PBDEs than the mussel, tilapia, and shrimp groups (geometric mean SigmaPBDE = 260, 180, and 48 pg/g, wet weight, respectively). These differences in SigmaPBDE concentrations among fish and shellfish products were partly driven by differences in lipid content among the samples. Mean SigmaPBDE concentrations in domestic samples were also significantly greater than in imported samples, possibly reflecting global environmental distribution of PBDEs. These concentration differences will contribute to variations in dietary exposure to PBDEs when assorted fish and shellfish items from various origins are consumed.     

Removal of Copper Ions from Simulated Wastewaters Using Different Bicomponent Polymer Membranes

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of global flame retardants whose residues have markedly increased in fish and human tissues during the last decade. They belong to persistent and toxic contaminants which need more attention and toxicological study as their degradation in the environment is not well understood. This study characterizes 2,2′,4,4′-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) bioconcentration, elimination and biotransformation in juvenile turbot Psetta maxima, in order to evaluate the risk of its bioaccumulation in the marine environment. During this study, juvenile turbot were exposed to environmentally relevant BDE-47 concentrations from 0.001 to 1 μg/L for 16 days via aqueous exposure. This study found that juvenile turbot bioconcentrated and biotransformed BDE-47. There was no difference in standard length or weight between control and exposed fish. Uptake and elimination of BDE-47 by the turbot during exposure were examined in controlled laboratory experiments. Bioconcentration of BDE-47 was similar in fish from all treatment groups. Bioconcentration was rapid and increased with exposure time, since the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was higher. However, elimination was slower in comparison and low elimination was detected after 10 days in clean water. BDE-47 concentration in water influences the BCF. Half-life ranged between 37 and 108 days and theoretical times t ₉₀ could range from 120 to 358 days. The present study demonstrates a stepwise debromination of BDE-47 to BDE-28.

     

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers Mobility in Biosolids-Amended Soils Using Leaching Column Tests

Leaching column tests were conducted to determine the mobility of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in biosolids-amended soils. Deionized water was introduced from the bottom of a glass leaching column containing a 14-mm layer of biosolids-amended soils (210 g) under 42 mm of agricultural soil (600 g). After 4 weeks of leaching, 3.75 L of deionized water had passed through the 210-g biosolids?Csoil layer and 600 g soil, corresponding to 34 volumes of the leachate per volume of solid. The agricultural soil was divided into three 14-mm layers to determine the PBDE distribution along the flow path of the infiltrating water. PBDEs were found to leach from the biosolids-amended soils layer and migrate through the soil. The predominant congeners BDE47, 85, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, and 209 decreased to 3?C98% of their initial concentrations in the biosolids-amended soil, whereas the total concentration of these eight congeners decreased by 38%. PBDE concentrations in the first 14-mm soil layer increased from not detected (nd) to up to 234?×?10³ pg/g dry weight basis (dw). Concentrations in the second and third soil layers increased from nd to 20 and 25 pg/g dw. PBDE in the leachate increased from nd to 310?×?10³ pg/L. Mobilization of PBDEs is likely associated with dissolved organic matter and colloids in the infiltrating water.     

TENAX萃取表征土壤中多溴联苯醚（PBDEs）生物可利用性研究

为了建立一种用Tenax萃取快速评价土壤中多溴联苯醚生物可利用性的方法,本研究以商业多溴联苯醚DE-71和DE-79中6种主要同系物（BDE-47,99,100,154,153,183）为研究对象,对不同染毒浓度的土壤用Tenax萃取6 h,并将Tenax萃取结果与土壤-蚯蚓（赤子爱胜蚓Eisenia foetida）生物富集试验结果进行了比较。结果表明,单位质量土壤中被Tenax萃取出的PBDEs的质量随土壤中PBDEs浓度的增大而增加,随各同系物lgKow值的增大而降低。6 h Tenax萃取的富集因子TSAF6与蚯蚓的生物富集因子BSAF之间具有良好的相关性,表明6 h Tenax萃取能够有效表征土壤中PBDEs的生物可利用性。     

Enumeration of total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and Escherichia coli in foods by hydrophobic grid membrane filter: supplementary report

Raw, comminuted poultry meat was used to determine the specificity of the media and incubation conditions used in the hydrophobic grid membrane filter method. Confirmation rates for target colonies were 100% for total coliforms, 98% for fecal coliforms, and 97-99% for Escherichia coli. The results of total coliform enumeration in 30 pasteurized milk samples by both the hydrophobic grid membrane filter method and AOAC method 46.013-46.016 are also reported.     

Effects of the Establishment of a Forested Riparian Buffer and Grazing on Soil Characteristics

Poultry-litter applications to pastures can result in relatively high soil phosphorus (P) levels, which in turn can contaminate runoff and degrade surface water quality. New management protocols for temperate grasslands are needed to reduce the risk of P transport to surface water. The effects of three land-use treatments on soil characteristics related to P runoff were investigated using small watersheds with 8% slope near Booneville, Arkansas, U.S. The land use treatments were (1) haying of bermudagrass overseeded with winter annual forage (ryegrass or rye), (2) rotationally grazed, and (3) rotationally grazed with 12-m-wide tree buffer on the downhill portion of the plot. Plots and trees were established in 2003. Annual spring application of poultry litter (5.6 Mg ha^?1) to the hayed or grazed portions of the plots was started in 2004. Grazing treatments were imposed shortly thereafter. By the summer of 2008 (4 years of treatments), soil concentrations of Bray 1–extractable P and soluble reactive P had increased significantly from approximately 40 and 4 mg P kg^?1 soil, respectively, to more than 200 and 30 mg P kg^?1 soil, respectively, in the areas of the plots receiving poultry litter. Soil bulk density in the portions of the plots being grazed had increased significantly also. The soil collected from the forested riparian buffer in 2008 had similar soil bulk densities and Bray 1–extractable P concentrations as the plots did in 2003 before treatments were imposed.     

Determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins/dibenzofurans in marine products

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been widely used as flame retardants in plastics and textile coatings, and these compounds have been recognized as ubiquitous environmental contaminants. Furthermore, it is considered a serious problem that polybrominated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PBDD/DFs), having toxicities similar to those of chlorinated dioxins, are generated by the manufacture of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) such as PBDEs, and formed by the combustion of substances containing BFRs. Several congeners of PBDD/DFs and PBDEs have been detected in the adipose tissue of the Japanese. Although food is suspected as an exposure source, little information is available regarding the levels of these brominated compounds in food, as compared with information regarding dioxin or polychlorinated biphenyls. It is necessary to investigate the levels of these brominated organic compounds in various foods and to estimate their influence in the case of human exposure. We developed an efficient method of analyzing PBDEs and PBDD/DFs contents in food samples using accelerated solvent extraction and determined the concentrations in several marine products such as raw fish, processed foods, and seaweed purchased in Japan. A recovery test (n = 5) using the method and involving dried fish showed acceptable recoveries of 57.7-78.5% (RSD 5.4-15.9%) for PBDEs and 50.0-56.4% (RSD 1.5-7.9%) for PBDD/DFs. In the analysis of marine product samples, several congeners of PBDEs were detected in raw fish, processed fish, and seaweed; the highest concentration of sigmaPBDEs was detected in yellowtail (1161 pg/g whole basis), followed by mackerel (553.5 pg/g whole basis). The most dominant congener present in these marine samples was 2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (#47).     

Development of USDA-FSIS method for isolation of Listeria monocytogenes from raw meat and poultry

A method was developed specifically to detect naturally occurring Listeria monocytogenes in meat because the traditional cold enrichment procedure was extremely slow and other procedures were ineffective. This method could identify beta-hemolytic Listeria colonies in 3-4 days. The use of a 2-stage enrichment, highly selective LPM agar, and a thin-layer horse blood agar plate for the detection of beta-hemolytic Listeria isolates are the important steps of this method. L. monocytogenes was recovered from 20 of 41 samples of frozen ground beef, 12 of 23 samples of pork sausage, and 7 of 22 samples of poultry. These results indicate that L. monocytogenes is common in raw meat and that this method is effective for its recovery.     

Marine fish as source of protein supplement in meat

For the past 2 decades, a great deal of research has been done in fish technology, particularly in the area of mechanically deboned minced fish. Minced fish is the edible muscle flesh of fish that has been mechanically separated from the bones and skin. Ideally, the product is prepared from a high quality fish and resembles hamburger meat. In its final form, minced fish is used either as an ingredient or as an extender in seafood or in food products that require further processing. On the basis of technological advancements, the National Marine Fisheries Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce and the National Fisheries Institute jointly petitioned the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1980 to add minced fish at a level of 15% in the meat formulation of frankfurters. This paper explores certain aspects of processing, production, acceptance, and hazard assessment of minced fish ingredients as possible protein supplements in meat and poultry food products relative to this request.     

The effects of land‐use change on plant–soil–erosion relations,Nyereg Hill,Hungary

Vegetation of the Tihany Peninsula in Hungary has undergone serious changes caused by heavy trampling and overgrazing during the last century. In Tihany, the vegetation started to change towards anthropogenic associations. After grazing ceased, vegetation started to rearrange. There were no significant changes in species composition on trampled areas (on the ridge of the hill) between the examinations in 1994 and 2002. As a result of ceased grazing, the proportion of natural species was high in the grasslands of the S Nyereg Hill in 1994, while during the 2002 investigations, forest and scrub expanded at a rate that did not leave space for grassland on shallow soils and slope steppe (closing dry grasslands on hilly areas). The coverage of Elymus repens decreased, while Festuca species increased. The possible effects of plant‐cover change on soil loss were examined with the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) model on the sloping areas. Eliminating harmful effects can decrease soil degradation, but the original state of soils can be restored only after a long period (hundreds of years). Further degradation of soils assists the expansion of drought‐resistant species and weeds in the associations. In 2007, soil‐thickness measurements and on‐site examinations were carried out to check the results of the former surveys and modeling.     

Occurrence of Fusarium spp. and fumonisin in durum wheat grains

A survey was carried out to determine Fusarium species and fumonisin contamination in 55 durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum) samples collected during two harvest seasons (2007 and 2008) using HPLC and further LC-MS/MS confirmation. All samples showed Fusarium contamination with infection levels ranging from 8 to 66%, F. proliferatum being the species most frequently isolated during 2007 and the second most frequently isolated one during the 2008 harvest season, respectively. Natural contamination with fumonisins was found in both harvest seasons. In 2007, 97% of the samples showed total fumonisin (FB(1) + FB(2)) levels ranging from 10.5 to 1245.7 ng/g, while very low levels of fumonisins were detected in samples collected during 2008. These results could be explained by differences in the amount of rainfall during both periods evaluated. A selected number (n = 48) of F. proliferatum isolates showed fumonisin production capability on autoclaved rice. This is the first report of the presence of natural fumonisins in durum wheat grains.