Laboratory and on-farm studies on the bioaccumulation and elimination of dioxins from a contaminated mineral supplement fed to dairy cows

A dioxin-contaminated mineral supplement was used to study the bioaccumulation and elimination of dioxins in two dairy cows. The supplement was mixed into the total maintenance ration and fed to the cows for 40 days after which unfortified diets were fed for 40 additional days. Dioxins and coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured twice a week in the milk and in selected tissues of the cows, one at death (day 10 of withdrawal) and one at slaughter (day 40 of withdrawal). The dioxins and PCBs were readily transferred into the milk, and at steady state, total toxic equivalents were concentrated 6-fold into the milk fat from the diet. Bioaccumulation was inversely related to chlorination number. The elimination of dioxins and PCBs in milk was biphasic. With the exception of 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptachlorodioxin and both octachlorinated congeners, dioxin and furan half-lives in milk were approximately 3-5 days for the alpha-phase and 35-50 days for the beta-phase. PCB-169 had a longer half-life: 11 (alpha) and 200 days (beta). When milk and feed samples from Minnesota farms that had used similar contaminated mineral supplements were analyzed, no elevated dioxin levels were found in milk. It appeared that although the dioxins from the mineral supplements have the potential to bioaccumulate, dilution into the total diet was sufficient to prevent a significant rise in the dioxin concentrations in the milk at these farms.     

Effects of cooking on concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and related compounds in fish and meat

We investigated the cooking-induced changes in concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) (dioxins) using mackerel and beef. The concentrations of dioxins (29 congeners) were determined by isomer specific analyses and were compared between uncooked and cooked samples. The cooking procedures examined in this study included grilling as a fillet, boiling as a fillet, and boiling as tsumire (small, hand-rolled balls) for mackerel and boiling as a slice, broiling as a slice, and broiling as a hamburger for beef. Three trials were carried out for each cooking method. Generally, concentrations of dioxins were reduced in every cooking trial. When nondetected congener concentrations were assumed to be half the limit of detection for mackerel, the maximum percentage reductions of total concentrations given as 2,3,7,8-tetraCDD equivalents (TEQ) were 31% in grilling as a slice, 14% in boiling as a slice, and 21% in boiling as tsumire under the conditions of this study. In contrast, for beef, the reductions were 42% in boiling as a slice, 42% in broiling as a slice, and 44% in broiling as a hamburger. These results suggest that ordinary cooking processes with heating undoubtedly reduce the dioxin content in animal products, and the reductions estimated should be considered when dioxin intake is evaluated using contamination data for individual food items.     

PCB 118 and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor Immunoassays for Screening Dioxins in Retail Fish

The efficacy of a combination of two enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits was examined for screening the toxic equivalent (TEQ) concentrations of dioxins in retail fish. The coplanar PCB-EIA system, which is a competitive immunoassay specific for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) 118, was tested as a screening method for mono- ortho PCBs. The Ah immunoassay (Ah-I), which is an ELISA-based aryl hydrocarbon receptor binding assay, was analyzed for its screening ability for non- ortho PCBs, polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs), and dibenzofurans (PCDFs). Dilution and recovery tests using purified fish extracts revealed no major interference of the matrix in the PCB-EIA and suggested that the matrix effect was minimized in the Ah-I. Finally, the results for the fish samples ( n = 20) showed a strong correlation between this method and high-resolution gas chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry for the determination of the TEQ concentrations of mono- ortho PCBs ( r = 0.99) and non- ortho PCBs and PCDD/Fs ( r = 0.97). These data indicate that our method is suitable for screening retail fish to determine the TEQ concentrations of dioxins.     

Comparison of methods to reduce dioxin and polychlorinated biphenyls contents in fishmeal: extraction and enzymatic treatments

Methods to remove dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) from fishmeal were investigated and compared. The tested methods include (i) lowering the fat content and simultaneously the level of toxic contaminants using either organic solvents or (ii) lowering the fat content using protease and (iii) removal of dioxins and PCBs using either oil extraction or (iv) breakdown of dioxin and PCBs using oxidoreductase. The results showed that the organic solvents tested (ethanol, isopropanol, and isohexane) were efficiently lowering the oil content of the fishmeal by 80%. However, the treated fishmeal has a low fat content and may contain traces of solvent. The protease alcalase was not as efficient as the solvent extraction and only removed approximately 30% of the oil but presented the advantage of being a mild process. Other proteases, alone or in combination with other enzymes, might give better yield if the reaction conditions are optimized. In contrast, extraction of dioxin and PCBs using olive oil or fish oil was very effective and resulted in 60-75% extraction of dioxin and PCBs, respectively, after a single extraction step. No preference for the oil type was observed. This method is very simple and quick and does not require an important investment for the fishmeal producer. It is expected that with optimization this method could be implemented at an industrial scale without too many difficulties. In contrast, the oxidoreductases tested did not result in a major degradation of dioxins and PCBs with only 10-15% degradation achieved. However, with the recent advancement in biotechnology, it is possible that future research will result in the development of enzymes that effectively degrade recalcitrant contaminants.     

Chlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofuran concentrations in beef animals from a feeding study

Four calves were fed polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans for 120 days at levels somewhat higher than what may be found in forage near some waste incinerators and manufacturing plants. Four calves were fed identical diets but without the chemicals. Using bioelectrical impedance measurements of total body fat, 30-50% of the dosed 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, and 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF was estimated to be retained by the animals. Although these same congeners were bioconcentrated in adipose tissue (BCF approximately 10), consumer products such as ribeye showed concentrations less than what were found in the animal feed (BCF approximately 0.1). Distribution of the dioxins and furans into various lipid compartments appeared to be rather uniform in back fat, perirenal fat, and ribeye for tetra to hexa congeners. Ribeye, serum, and liver lipids had higher concentrations of the higher chlorinated congeners, due in part to not reaching a steady state. An unexpected source of dioxin and furan contamination was discovered during the experiment, resulting in the control animals having concentrations of some congeners that were equal to or in some cases greater than those of the dosed animals. Pentachlorophenol-treated wood components in the pole barn where the feeding experiment was conducted were found to have contributed to the animals' exposure.     

Transfer and accumulation of persistent organochlorine compounds from bovine dams to newborn and suckling calves

The maternal-fetal and neonatal transfers of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in the blood and milk of dams and in the blood of newborn and suckling calves. Calf blood toxic equivalent quantities (TEQs) were drastically increased by suckling. Blood concentrations of individual congeners were greater in suckling calves than in newborn calves, excluding octachlorodibenzo- p-dioxin (O 8CDD); O 8CDD did not readily transfer to milk but was readily absorbed by the gastrointestinal tract and remained in systemic circulation longer than other congeners. Congener concentrations in milk were correlated with maternal blood levels, and those in suckling calf blood were dependent on their concentrations in milk. These results suggest that neonatal calves absorb more lipophilic organochlorine compounds than prenatal fetuses, that those compounds that are transferred from dams to calves are associated not only with lipid transport but also with other carriers, and that the distribution of congeners is structure-dependent.     

Concentration and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in soils of Moscow

The concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) in the soils of Moscow has been determined by gas chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-HRMS). The total concentrations of 19 indicator and dioxin-like congeners, as well as PCBs in surface soils, are 2.85–60.62 μg/kg (the most contaminated sample was 4591.99 μg/kg). The average value, excluding the most contaminated sample, is 14.44 μg/kg, which is characteristic of residential areas of industrialized countries. This indicator varies insubstantially depending on the functional zone of the city. The toxicity equivalent of 12 dioxin-like PCBs in soils is 1.92 ng I-TEQ/kg on average and varies in a range from 0.15 to 334.12 ng I-TEQ/kg. The fraction of PCBs in the total toxicity of dioxins and dioxin-like compounds in soil varieties is 16.7–85.4%.     

Levels and trends of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans (PCDD/Fs) and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in Spanish commercial fish and shellfish products, 1995-2003

The polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD), dibenzofuran (PCDF), and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contents of 123 Spanish commercial salmon, tuna fish, sardine, oyster, mussel, and clam samples from 1995 to 2003 were investigated. A significant decrease of dioxin and non-ortho PCB concentrations in the studied species was found over the years. The decrease was greater in the case of dioxins than in that of non-ortho PCBs, especially during the early years of the study. PCB and PCDD/F concentrations in the years 2001-2003 were comparable to those reported in the literature for similar species collected after 1999. Mean PCB concentrations ranged from 3.46 ng/g of fresh weight (fw) in clams to 100 ng/g of fw in tuna fish. PCDD/F mean current levels ranged from 0.62 pg/g of fw in clams to 2.89 pg/g of fw in oysters. Toxic equivalent quantities (WHO-TEQ) ranged from 0.05 pg of WHO-TEQ(PCDD/Fs)/g of fw in clams to 0.5 pg of WHO-TEQ(PCDD/Fs)/g of fw in salmon (in the upper bound determination levels). When coplanar PCBs were included, the WHO-TEQ(PCDD/Fs+cop) (PCBs) values increased by a range of 1.7 times in oysters to 14.1 times in tuna fish. The decrease in dioxin concentrations suggests that efforts to control dioxin emissions and to reduce human exposure through foodstuffs are succeeding. The high contribution of PCBs to total WHO-TEQs in the fish and shellfish species investigated suggests that it is important to determine PCBs in foodstuffs, and especially in fish products, and they should be included in further research and future legislation.     

UV treatment of fishmeal: a method to remove dioxins?

This study evaluates the use of UV on contaminated fishmeal and photodegradation of dioxins. Fishmeal samples were placed under UVA or UVB light for 2, 5, and 10 days. Subsequently, analysis of amino acid content, lipid oxidation marker, ethoxyquin content, dioxin, and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) profiling was carried out. Exposure of fishmeal for 5 days to UVB light resulted in the degradation of approximately 70% of the dioxin content, while UVA had little effect, only resulting in the degradation of 10% of the dioxin content. UVB did not affect the protein and amino acid content of fishmeal; however, lipid oxidation was triggered. Addition of ethoxyquin prevented oxidation but simultaneously slowed dioxin breakdown. Increasing UVB intensity resulted in a more efficient dioxin degradation of 90%. Exposure of fishmeal to UVB also resulted in an increase in PCBs. UVB light is shown to photodegrade dioxin in fishmeal, indicating the needs to further investigation of methods for application at industrial scale.     

白洋淀鱼类体内多氯联苯积累特征及其毒性评价

针对持久性有机污染物在水生生物体内易于积累的特性,利用气相色谱与质谱联用技术（GC-MS）,检测了白洋淀8种鱼类体内多氯联苯（PCBs）含量,并分析了同系物组成特征。根据白洋淀鱼类检测到同系物情况,计算毒性当量（TEQ）并进行评价。白洋淀8种鱼类体内PCBs平均含量范围是55.85~1 485.74 ng.g-1脂肪重,从高到低的顺序依次为黄颡〉黄鳝〉乌鳢〉泥鳅〉鲤鱼〉鳙鱼〉鲫鱼〉鲇鱼。在8种鱼类PCB同系物组成中,四氯联苯和五氯联苯是主要的同系物,其相对百分含量为52.0%~84.3%。这种组成模式反映了白洋淀地区有多氯联苯工业品的使用历史。8种鱼类体内PCBs的毒性当量（TEQ）范围是0.09~1 412.87 pg TEQ.g-1脂肪重,其大小顺序依次为鳙鱼〉鲫鱼〉鲇鱼〉黄颡〉黄鳝〉鲤鱼〉乌鳢〉泥鳅。结果表明,白洋淀淀区部分鱼类已经受到PCBs一定程度的污染,应引起重视。     

Coplanar polychlorinated biphenyls in aroclor and kanechlor mixtures

Three congeners of coplanar PCBs (non-o-o'-chlorine-substituted polychlorinated biphenyls) were determined in representative commercial PCB preparations. The 3,3',4,4'-tetrachlorobiphenyl was highest in Kanechlor 400 (8500 micrograms/g) and Aroclor 1248 (6060 micrograms/g) followed by Kanechlors 300, 500, and 600 and Aroclors 1242, 1254, and 1260 in that order. The toxic 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl and 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl were also detected in those mixtures. The highest concentrations of 3,3',4,4',5-pentachlorobiphenyl were found in Kanechlor 400 (89.3 micrograms/g) and Aroclor 1248 (62.3 micrograms/g) followed by Kanechlors 500, 300, and 600 and Aroclors 1254, 1242, and 1260 in that order. The 3,3',4,4',5,5'-hexachlorobiphenyl was detected in all Kanechlor mixtures, with the highest concentration (1.16 micrograms/g) in Kanechlor 500. However, among Aroclor mixtures, it was detected only in Aroclor 1254 at a concentration of 0.66 micrograms/g. The importance of these toxic constituents in PCB mixtures is worth considering in view of widespread pollution of the environment by PCBs.     

Seaweed accelerates the excretion of dioxin stored in rats

To prevent health problems of humans exposed to dioxin, it is important to enhance the fecal excretion of dioxin stored in the body. The effects of seaweed such as wakame, hiziki, and kombu on the gastrointestinal absorption and reabsorption of 17 types of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin (PCDD) and polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDF) congeners was investigated in Wistar rats. Rats were fed 4 g of the basal diet or a seaweed diet containing PCDD and PCDF standard solution [233 ng of toxic equivalents (TEQ)/kg of body weight] once during the experiment period. In the group fed the 10% wakame diet, the levels of fecal excretion of PCDD and PCDF congeners were higher (p < 0.01) from days 1 to 5 by 2.8-fold for 2,3,7,8-TCDD, by 4.0-fold for 1,2,3,7,8-pentaCDD, by 3.4-fold for 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexaCDD, by 3.2-fold for 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexaCDD, by 2.5-fold for 1,2,3,7,8,9-hexaCDD, by 1.7-fold for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaCDD, by 1.1-fold for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-octaCDD, by 3.0-fold for 2,3,7,8-tetraCDF, by 3.7-fold for 1,2,3,7,8-pentaCDF, by 3.7-fold for 2,3,4,7,8-pentaCDF, by 3.2-fold for 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexaCDF, by 3.0-fold for 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexaCDF, by 3.2-fold for 1,2,3,7,8,9-hexaCDF, by 2.9-fold for 2,3,4,6,7,8-hexaCDF, by 1.6-fold for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaCDF, by 2.2-fold for 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-heptaCDF, and by 1.2-fold for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8,9-octaCDF than those of the basal group, respectively. Rats were fed 4 g of the basal diet containing PCDD and PCDF standard solution (2991 ng of TEQ/kg of body weight) once on day 1 and then place on the basal diet for 7 days. After 1 week, the rats were fed either the basal diet or seaweed diet from days 8 to 35. In the group fed the 10% wakame diet, the levels of fecal excretion of PCDD and PCDF congeners were higher (p < 0.01 or p < 0.05) during the period from days 8 to 35 by 1.7-fold for 2,3,7,8-TCDD, by 1.8-fold for 1,2,3,7,8-pentaCDD, by 2.0-fold for 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexaCDD, by 1.9-fold for 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexaCDD, by 1.6-fold for 1,2,3,7,8,9-hexaCDD, by 1.5-fold for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaCDD, by 2.0-fold for 2,3,4,7,8-pentaCDF, by 2.1-fold for 1,2,3,4,7,8-hexaCDF, by 1.9-fold for 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexaCDF, by 1.7-fold for 2,3,4,6,7,8-hexaCDF, by 1.5-fold for 1,2,3,4,6,7,8-heptaCDF, and by 1.9-fold for 1,2,3,4,7,8,9-heptaCDF than those of the basal group, respectively. These findings suggest that the administration of seaweed such as wakame is efficient in preventing the absorption and reabsorption of dioxin from the gastrointestinal tract and might be useful in treatment of humans exposed to dioxin.     

Toxic potency of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, polychlorinated dibenzofurans, and polychlorinated biphenyls in food samples from Catalonia (Spain)

A surveillance program on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in 29 foodstuff samples produced all over the four provinces in Catalonia (Spain) is presented. The study included the analyses of milk, egg, meat (beef, chicken, and pork), mussel, and olive oil samples. A previously developed method for the simultaneous analysis of the 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDDs/PCDFs and the dioxin-like PCBs, as well as the indicator PCBs, was employed. Total toxicity equivalent (TEQ) values were calculated using the toxicity equivalent factors (TEFs) proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO) for dioxin-like PCBs, PCDDs, and PCDFs. The TEQ(PCDD/F) levels were below the limits proposed in the draft of the EC regulation for food commercialization in the European countries. These limits are the following: 2 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for pork, 3 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for milk and chicken, 5 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for egg and beef, and 3 pg WHO-TEQ/g whole product for fish. The contributions of PCDDs/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in the total toxicity of the samples were calculated for each matrix. The results showed that the TEQ(PCB) contribution varied from 27% in olive oil samples to 81% in mussel samples. These findings suggest that the regulation of TEQ contents in food should include not only the TEQ(PCDD/F), but also the TEQ(PCB).     

Alteration of Aroclor 1248 in Foundry Waste by Volatilization?

PCB mixtures in surface deposits composed of core sand and ash from an aluminum foundry are enriched (3.6–9.4%) in chlorine percentage relative to deeper horizons. The deeper materials closely match (R² = 0.902–0.962) Aroclor 1248, the aroclor used on-site and recovered from the floor inside the foundry (R² = 0.998). This similarity suggests the more deeply buried PCBs have been stable and immobile for a 20–40 yr period. Chlorine enrichment upward is interpreted as the result of volatilization of lower and orthochlorinated congeners from surficial materials during repeated water evaporation. These results suggest surficial deposits contaminated by PCBs may be a significant source of lower ortho-chlorinated PCB congeners to the atmosphere and that buried PCBs can remain unchanged for decades. Comparison with sediments contaminated with Aroclor 1248 and known to have undergone anaerobic microbial dechlorination, indicates that Aroclor 1248 can be transformed to PCB mixtures enriched or depleted in chlorine by environmental processes.     

Effect of hot smoking on the content of selected polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in herring (Clupea harengus) slices

Herring ( Clupea harengus) (as well as sprat and mackerel) is a fish species intensively harvested by the Polish fishing fleet. Its relatively low price and the habits of Polish consumers contribute to its high economic importance in Poland. Among 125.6 thousand tons of marine fish harvested in 2006, herring constituted 22.2 thousand tons (including 7.6 thousand tons harvested from the North Sea). Fish are usually subjected to various culinary treatments, which can influence the concentrations of contaminants in final products. Therefore, the present study aimed at determining the effect of three non- ortho-polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (PCB 77, PCB 126, and PCB 169) and three mono- ortho-PCB congeners (PCB 114, PCB 156, and PCB 157) in the tissues of herring slices. Concentrations of dry matter and lipids in the final product were increased by 15.9 and 20.5%, respectively. Brining, which preceded the process of smoking, did not significantly influence concentrations of PCB congeners in herring slices. However, smoking resulted in significant ( p < 0.05) changes in concentrations of three non- -ortho PCBs. The biggest dynamics of losses in relation to smoking duration was observed for PCB 77 (30.2%). For PCB 126, the biggest losses occurred after 1 h of drying, followed by slight changes after 1.5 and 2 h of proper smoking and another increase of losses in the final product after 2.5 h. The duration of smoking did not significantly influence PCB concentrations in wet weigh, as their losses in lipids were much bigger. The observation is derived from strong negative correlations between concentrations of the congeners in lipids and lipid concentrations in herring slices during hot smoking ( r ranging from -0.824 to -0.950). Although the lipid concentration in the smoked fish increased, the PCB content diminished. It shows that during drying of the fish slices, PCBs codistilled with water vapor, settling on the walls of the smoking chamber and smoking trolleys. During the proper smoking, the compounds released with the smoke back to the smoking chamber and settled on the surface of smoked fish together with the disperse phase of the smoke (aerosol). Hot smoking contributed to a reduction of toxic equivalents (TEQs) by 22.7% (converted into lipids 41.9%), and in the final product, it amounted to 0.0188 +/- 0.0023 ng TEQ/kg of wet weight (0.0977 +/- 0.0064 ng TEQ/kg of lipids). The reduction was significantly higher than resulting from hot smoking of mackerel slices, when TEQs were reduced by 17.9% wet weight (converted into lipids 31.7%).     

Effect of smoking process on changes in the content of selected non-ortho- and mono-ortho-PCB congeners in mackerel slices

The study involved determination of changes in the content of toxic dioxin-like coplanar non-ortho (PCB 77, PCB 126, PCB 169) and mono-ortho (PCB 156, PCB 157, PCB 114) congeners in mackerel slices during cold and hot smoking. In addition, the risk of toxicological exposure of the consumers of examined smoking products was assessed by calculating toxic equivalency (TEQs) in relation to 2,3,7,8-TCDD dioxin. In the final stages of hot smoking a small increase was observed in the content of analyzed compounds due to the presence of PCBs in the smoke. The main factor determining the changes in the content of these compounds in fish slices may have been their loss with the lipid leakage and in codistillation with water vapor. The hot smoking of mackerel slices contributed to a decrease in the content of examined non-ortho- and mono-ortho-PCB congeners in final products and in consequence to a drop of TEQs by 14.2%. On the other hand, cold smoking led to a rise in the content of analyzed PCB congeners in the final product, which significantly affected the increase of TEQs level by 31.7% in relation to initial raw material.     

Cooking process: a new source of unintentionally produced dioxins?

To improve understanding of human background exposure to dioxins, the influence of cooking on dioxin concentrations in food has received much attention. Studies have focused on changes in the distribution of dioxins that originate from raw foods. However, the possibility of dioxin formation during cooking has been neglected. In this study, cooking experiments were designed to investigate the generation of dioxins during cooking at high temperature and with flavorings containing organic chlorine. Solid, liquid, and gas phase samples were collected during cooking. The results indicate that dioxins can be generated during some cooking processes, such as burning, or when cooking with reactive organic chlorides, and the dioxins are more likely to be present in the smoke (gas phase) than the edible portion (solid and liquid phases). Thus, more attention should be given to cooking of raw foods and organic chlorine-containing flavorings at high temperature. Maintaining good ventilation during cooking is also necessary to reduce human exposure risk to dioxins.     

Preparation and stability of animal feed mixtures dosed with rotenone

Studies at Midwest Research Institute for the National Toxicology Program show that rotenone/animal feed mixtures prepared by dry-mixing are more stable than mixtures produced by dosing the feed with alcoholic solutions of rotenone and then stripping the solvent. Also, recoveries of rotenone from the dry mix feeds are higher than those from feeds dosed by the solution method. A simplified analytical method from one previously reported for rotenone in feed is described.     

珠江三角洲典型地区表层农田土壤中多氯联苯残留状况

采集了珠江三角洲典型区域384个表层农田土壤样品,分析了其中常见6种土壤多氯联苯(PCB28、PCB52、PCB101、PCB138、PCB 153与PCB180)的残留状况.研究结果表明:6种多氯联苯总量(Σ6PCBs)的检出率为78.13％,其平均值为0.42 μg/kg. PCB138的检出率与含量高于其他5种PCBs;土壤中6种多氯联苯的残留状况存在很大的差异;PCB101的检出率最低,仅为10.16％,但其平均值(0.11 μg/kg)较高,主要源于某点位PCB101高达32.44 μg/kg,土壤受到了严重污染.线性相关关系分析结果表明:土壤有机质、黏粒含量则与PCB52存在显著正相关关系.总体而言,低氯代的PCBs含量与土壤理化性质具有一定的相关性,高氯代的PCBs呈现典型的点位污染且在点位土壤中其含量显著高于低氯代同系物.     

Detection of ruminant meat and bone meals in animal feed by real-time polymerase chain reaction: result of an interlaboratory study

The commercialization of animal feeds infected by prions proved to be the main cause of transmission of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). Therefore, feed bans were enforced, initially for ruminant feeds, and later for all feeds for farmed animals. The development and validation of analytical methods for the species-specific detection of animal proteins in animal feed has been indicated in the TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies) Roadmap (European Commission. The TSE (Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy) roadmap. URL: http://europa.eu.int/comm/food/food/biosafety/bse/roadmap_en.pdf, 2005) as the main condition for lifting the extended feed ban. Methods based on polymerase chain reaction (PCR) seem to be a promising solution for this aim. The main objective of this study was to determine the applicability of four different real-time PCR methods, developed by three National expert laboratories from the European Union (EU), for the detection and identification of cattle or ruminant species in typical compound feeds, fortified with meat and bone meals (MBM) from different animal species at different concentration levels. The MBM samples utilized in this study have been treated using the sterilization condition mandatory within the European Union (steam pressure sterilization at 133 degrees C, 3 bar, and 20 min), which is an additional challenge to the PCR methods evaluated in this study. The results indicate that the three labs applying their PCR methods were able to detect 0.1% of cattle MBM, either alone or in mixtures with different materials such as fishmeal, which demonstrates the improvement made by this technique, especially when compared with results from former interlaboratory studies.