tribromodiphenyl-ether-28 and 2-2--4-4--tetrabromodiphenyl-ether

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are well-known endocrine disrupting chemicals identified as organic persistent pollutants. Their metabolites OH-BDE and MeO-BDE have been reported to be potentially more toxic than the postulated precursor PBDEs. One of the most predominant congeners of PBDEs in the environment is BDE-47, due to its high presence in industrially used mixtures. In the present study, the bioaccumulation and biotransformation of BDE-47 into its major metabolites is evaluated using zebrafish (Danio rerio) eleutheroembryos adapting a previously developed alternative method to bioconcentration official guideline Organisation for Economic Co-ordination and Development 305, which reduces the animal suffering, time, and cost. For the simultaneous determination of BDE-47 and its metabolites in larvae and exposure medium, and considering the polarity difference of the analytes and the small sample size, the development of a validated analytical method is a step to ensure quality results. In the present study, an ultrasound-assisted extraction followed by a solid phase extraction dispersive clean-up step and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-microelectron capture detector (GC-MS-μECD) with a previous derivatization process was optimized and validated. Bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated using a first-order one-compartment toxicokinetic model. The profiles found show rapid absorption in the first hours of larval development and great bioaccumulative capacity, finding BCFs of 7294 ± 899 and 36 363 ± 5702 at nominal concentrations of 10 and 1 μg L

Topics: Animals; Bioaccumulation; Biotransformation; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Zebrafish

The aim of this study was to investigate levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in breast milk samples from healthy primiparous mothers who had lived in Kampala capital city (urban area) and Nakaseke district (a rural area) for the last five years. Fifty samples were collected between March and June 2018 and were extracted by dispersive solid-phase extraction (SPE). Clean-up was performed on an SPE column and analysis was done using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total (∑) PBDEs (BDE 28, 47, 49, 66, 77, 99, 100,138,153, 154, 183 and 209) ranged from 0.59 to 8.11 ng/g lipid weight (lw). The levels of PBDEs in samples from Kampala capital city were significantly higher than those from Nakaseke (p < 0.01, Mann-Whitney U test). The most dominant congeners were BDE-209 and -47 (contributed 37.1% and 20.2%, respectively to ∑PBDEs), suggesting recent exposure of mothers to deca-and penta-BDE formulations. Fish and egg consumption, plastics/e-waste recycling and paint fumes were associated with higher levels of BDE-47, -153 and -99, respectively, implying that diet and occupation were possible sources of the pollutants. Estimated dietary intakes (ng kg

Topics: Electronic Waste; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Infant; Maternal Exposure; Milk, Human; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Uganda

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are ubiquitous and toxic contaminants found in high concentrations in watercourses, and are not well removed by conventional wastewater treatment facilities. This study aimed to evaluate the removal and transformation of BDE-47, one of the environmentally predominant PBDE congener, by a green alga (Chlorella vulgaris) and a cyanobacterium (Microcystis flos-aquae) under different light conditions. Living and autoclaved cultures were exposed to BDE-47 at a concentration of 10 μg L

Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Chlorella vulgaris; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hydroxylation; Light; Microcystis; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Tissue Culture Techniques; Waste Disposal, Fluid; Wastewater

Polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) and tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA) were monitored in various foods from terrestrial and aquatic animal origin (>850 samples), collected in the Netherlands between 2009 and 2014. The terrestrial samples included meat/fat from 7 animal species (including bovines, pigs, broilers and sheep), bovine milk and hen eggs. Dominant PBDE congeners in these samples were BDE-47, -99, -100, -153 and -183. The meat/fat generally contained the highest ∑PBDE concentrations compared to eggs and milk, with meat from deer, horse and sheep containing the highest concentrations. Generally declining ∑PBDE concentrations were observed between 2009 and 2014, however, this was only significant in pig meat and hen's eggs. The aquatic samples included fillets from 18 species (including herring, haddock and salmon), brown crab parts, shrimp and mussels, and the highest ∑PBDE concentrations were seen in body parts of brown crab, herring, mackerel, salmon and sea bass (on wet weight basis). Patterns generally contained more congeners (i.e., BDE-28, -49 and -66) additional to the aforementioned congeners found in terrestrial samples. Herring, sea bass and brown crab (body parts) contained among the highest PBDE concentrations. TBBPA was only detected in 3 individual samples (bovine and broiler meat and haddock), while α-HBCDD was the dominant diastereomer detected in several terrestrial and aquatic samples. When detected, TBBPA and HBCDD concentrations were generally in the same order as ∑PBDE concentrations in the same sample types.

Topics: Animals; Eggs; Environmental Monitoring; Fishes; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Halogenation; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Meat; Milk; Netherlands; Polybrominated Biphenyls

In recent decades, rapid development of industrialization and urbanization caused adverse impact on the aqueous ecology and environment of the Huaihe River basin, China. In this work, three

Topics: China; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Industrial Development; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Recycling; Rivers; Urbanization; Water Pollutants, Chemical; Water Pollution, Chemical

Topics: Bromobenzenes; Environmental Monitoring; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Halogenation; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polycyclic Compounds; Soil; Tibet

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are brominated flame retardants. Technical mixtures PentaBDE and OctaBDE were phased out in 2004 through voluntary and regulatory actions with DecaBDE remaining in limited use until 2013. Biomonitoring studies have shown widespread presence of PBDEs in the US and worldwide population. While some studies suggest that human serum concentrations are declining over time, it is unclear whether this trend will continue. Our objective was to examine temporal trends of PentaBDEs and their hydroxylated metabolites (OH-PBDEs) between 2008 and 2014 in populations of ethnically diverse, pregnant women residing in Northern California (n = 111). Serum samples were collected and analyzed by high resolution mass spectrometry for five PentaBDE congeners and two OH-PBDEs. We found widespread exposures in participants from all three time points (2008/09, 2011/12, 2014). Temporal patterns varied substantially by congener. BDE-47, -99 and the OH-PBDEs decreased between 2008/09-2011/12 but plateaued between 2011/12-2014. In contrast, BDE-100 decreased across all years, BDE-153 decreased in the latter years, and BDE-28 decreased initially and then increased. These findings indicate that while policies to remove PBDEs from the marketplace have successfully lead to declines in exposures to some PBDE congeners, human exposures to these legacy pollutants could plateau and remain ubiquitous in human populations.

Topics: Adult; California; Cohort Studies; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Monitoring; Female; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Hydroxylation; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Pregnancy; Young Adult

Aerobic biodegradation of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE-47) by Phanerochaete chrysosporium in the presence of Cd

Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Cadmium; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Phanerochaete; Polybrominated Biphenyls

Serum concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in U.S. women are believed to be among the world's highest; however, little information exists on the partitioning of PBDEs between serum and breast milk and how this may affect infant exposure.. Paired milk and serum samples were measured for PBDE concentrations in 34 women who participated in the U.S. EPA MAMA Study. Computational models for predicting milk PBDE concentrations from serum were evaluated.. Samples were analyzed using gas chromatography isotope-dilution high-resolution mass spectrometry. Observed milk PBDE concentrations were compared with model predictions, and models were applied to NHANES serum data to predict milk PBDE concentrations and infant intakes for the U.S. population.. Serum and milk samples had detectable concentrations of most PBDEs. BDE-47 was found in the highest concentrations (median serum: 18.6; milk: 31.5 ng/g lipid) and BDE-28 had the highest milk:serum partitioning ratio (2.1 ± 0.2). No evidence of depuration was found. Models demonstrated high reliability and, as of 2007-2008, predicted U.S. milk concentrations of BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100 appear to be declining but BDE-153 may be rising. Predicted infant intakes (ng/kg/day) were below threshold reference doses (RfDs) for BDE-99 and BDE-153 but above the suggested RfD for BDE-47.. Concentrations and partitioning ratios of PBDEs in milk and serum from women in the U.S. EPA MAMA Study are presented for the first time; modeled predictions of milk PBDE concentrations using serum concentrations appear to be a valid method for estimating PBDE exposure in U.S. infants.

Topics: Environmental Monitoring; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Male; Maternal Exposure; Milk, Human; Models, Theoretical; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Risk Assessment; United States; United States Environmental Protection Agency

Unregulated electronic waste (e-waste) recycling operations have become a significant environmental issue as well as human health risk in developing countries across the world. The present study evaluated the extent of pollution in Agbogbloshie e-waste recycling site in Accra, Ghana. The concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and some selected trace metals were determined using gas chromatography electron impact ionization mass spectrometry and flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry, respectively. The concentrations of ∑ PBDEs ranged from 15.6 to 96.8ngg

Topics: Adult; Child; China; Electronic Waste; Electronics; Environmental Monitoring; Ghana; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Metals, Heavy; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Recycling; Soil; Soil Pollutants; Trace Elements; Waste Disposal Facilities

This study evaluated decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209) anaerobic debromination and bacterial community changes in mangrove sediment. BDE-209 debromination rates were enhanced with zerovalent iron compared to without zerovalent iron in the sediment. BDE-209 debromination rates in microcosms constructed with sediments collected in autumn were higher than in microcosms constructed with sediments collected in spring and were higher at the Bali sampling site than the Guandu sampling site. The intermediate products resulting from the reductive debromination of BDE-209 in sediment were nona-BDE (BDE-206, BDE-207), octa-BDEs (BDE-196, BDE-197), hepta-BDEs (BDE-183, BDE-184, BDE-191), hexa-BDEs (BDE-137, BDE-138, BDE-154, BDE-157), penta-BDEs (BDE-85, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-126), tetra-BDEs (BDE-47, BDE-49, BDE-66, BDE-77), tri-BDEs (BDE-17, BDE-28), and di-BDEs (BDE-15). Fifty bacterial genera associated with BDE-209 debromination were identified. Overall, 12 of the 50 bacterial genera were reported to be involved in dehalogenation of aromatic compounds. These bacteria have high potential to be BDE-209 debromination bacteria. Different combinations of bacterial community composition exhibit different abilities for BDE-209 anaerobic debromination.

Topics: Bacteria; Biodegradation, Environmental; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Wetlands

In-vivo effects of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) containing 3, 4 and 5 bromine atoms were tested on fourth-instar larvae of Chironomus sancticaroli (Diptera: Chironomidae) after 48h of exposure, by measuring the activity of the acetyl cholinesterase, alpha and beta esterases and glutathione S-transferase. The PBDE congeners 2,2',4-triBDE (BDE-17), 2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (BDE-47) and 2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE (BDE-99) were evaluated at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0ngmL

Topics: Acetylcholinesterase; Animals; Chironomidae; Esterases; Glutathione Transferase; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Larva; Polybrominated Biphenyls

Behaviors of BDE-28 and BDE-47 in two distinct soils (Phaeozem and Acrisol) as affected by the separate addition of root exudate components (i.e., oxalic acid, glycine, and fructose) were investigated by a soil microcosm incubation experiment. The results showed that root exudate components promoted the desorption of BDE-28 (57.6-235.0 %) and BDE-47 (56.9-223.7 %) from the soils due to the enhancement of their water solubilities. The addition of root exudate components increased the n-butanol extractability of BDE-28 and BDE-47 by 20.3-72.5 and 48.6-169.2 %, respectively, which had a positive correlation with the concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the soils (p < 0.01), suggesting that the increase of DOC in the soils by root exudate components was the major factor to enhance the extractability. Fructose and oxalic acid promoted the desorption and increased the availability of BDE-28 and BDE-47 in the soils more efficiently than glycine. The addition of different root exudate components resulted in distinct shifts in soil microbial community structure (p < 0.05). Oxalic acid caused the greatest impacts on the soil bacterial communities and increased the degradation rates of BDE-28 and BDE-47 most obviously. The findings of this study clarified the roles of root exudate components in affecting the behaviors of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in soils.

Topics: Biodegradation, Environmental; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Plant Extracts; Plant Roots; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Soil Pollutants

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent and toxic organic pollutants, causing hazardous to ecosystems and human health but are difficult to remove from contaminated environments. The mechanism and kinetics of a Chlorella isolate to remove BDE-47 were investigated. This species isolated from the influent of wastewater treatment plants in Hong Kong was PBDE tolerant. More than 80% of BDE-47 was removed in short- and long-term experiments lasting 1 h and 7 days, respectively. The dominant removal process was adsorption on cell surfaces, with 73% of the spiked BDE-47 removed within five minutes of exposure. As the exposure prolonged, the adsorption became saturated. BDE-47 on cell surfaces was then gradually taken up into cells. At the end of the 7-day exposure, 17% of the spiked BDE-47 was within cells, while 27% was metabolized. Four metabolites, including BDE-28, 6-OH- and 5-OH-BDE-47, and 6-MeO-BDE-47, were produced from the debromination, hydroxylation and methoxylation of BDE-47. The removal kinetics of BDE-47 by freshwater microalgae could be explained by the multi-compartmental adsorption-uptake-metabolism model developed in this study.

Topics: Adsorption; Anisoles; Chlorella; Fresh Water; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hong Kong; Humans; Hydroxylation; Kinetics; Microalgae; Models, Biological; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Wastewater; Water Pollutants, Chemical

Concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDDs) and 5 novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were measured in paired samples of kitchen and living room/bedroom dust sampled in 2015 from 30 UK homes. BDE-209 was most abundant (22-170,000 ng/g), followed by γ-HBCDD (1.7-21,000 ng/g), α-HBCDD (5.2-4,900 ng/g), β-HBCDD (2.3-1,600 ng/g), BDE-99 (2.6-1,440 ng/g), BDE-47 (0.4-940 ng/g), decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) (nd-680 ng/g) and bis(2-ethylhexyl)-3,4,5,6-tetrabromo-phthalate (BEH-TEBP) (2.7-630 ng/g). The concentrations in kitchens and living rooms/bedrooms are moderate compared with previous studies. Concentrations of BDE-209 in living room/bedroom dust were significantly lower and those of DBDPE significantly higher (p < 0.05) compared to concentrations recorded in UK house dust in 2006 and 2007. This may reflect changes in UK usage of these BFRs. All target BFRs were present at higher concentrations in living rooms/bedrooms than kitchens. With the exception of BDE-28, pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and DBDPE, these differences were significant (p < 0.05). No specific source was found that could account for the higher concentrations in living rooms/bedrooms.

Topics: Air Pollution, Indoor; Bromobenzenes; Dust; Environmental Monitoring; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Halogenation; Housing; Hydrocarbons, Brominated; Polybrominated Biphenyls; United Kingdom

Trophic transfer of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in aquatic ecosystems is an important criterion for assessing their environmental risk. This study analyzed 13 PBDEs in marine organisms collected from coastal area of Bohai Bay, China. The concentrations of total PBDEs (Σ13PBDEs) ranged from 12 ± 1.1 ng/g wet weight (ww) to 230 ± 54 ng/g ww depending on species. BDE-47 was the predominant compound, with a mean abundance of 20.21 ± 12.97% of total PBDEs. Stable isotopic ratios of carbon (δ(13)C) and nitrogen (δ(15)N) were analyzed to determine the food web structure and trophic level respectively. Trophic magnification factors (TMFs) of PBDEs were assessed as the slope of lipid equivalent concentrations regressed against trophic levels. Significant positive relationships were found for Σ13PBDEs and eight PBDE congeners (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-49, BDE-66, BDE-85, BDE-99, BDE-100 and BDE-154). Monte-Carlo simulations showed that the probabilities of TMF >1 were 100% for Σ13PBDEs, BDE-47, BDE-85, BDE-99 and BDE-100, 99% for DE-28, BDE-49, BDE-66 and BDE-154, 94% for BDE-153, and 35% for BDE-17.

Topics: Animals; Aquatic Organisms; Bays; Body Burden; Carbon Isotopes; China; Food Chain; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Nitrogen Isotopes; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Water Pollutants, Chemical

The gas and particle samples of eight cities were collected by high flow active air sampler in the Eastern and Western China and eight congeners of polybrominated diphenyl ethers were analyzed. The results showed that the concentration of BDE-28 (tri-BDE) in the gas-phase (three bromide components) was the highest, which was different from previous studies where BDE-99 and-47 were the predominant homologues in the gas-phase while the concentration of BDE-209 [(25.4 ± 124) pg · m⁻³] in particle-phase was the highest. The atmospheric concentrations of PBDEs in Beijing and Guangzhou were relatively higher, especially the BDE-209 concentration in particle phases of Guangzhou was two orders higher than those of other cities. However, the atmospheric concentrations of PBDEs declined significantly when compared with the data from previous studies. Meanwhile, the results indicated that the gas-phase concentrations decreased slowly and the particle-phase concentrations decreased rapidly. Combined with the results of correlation analysis, this phenomenon might be ascribed to the ceased commercial production of penta- and octa-BDE, the light degradation of high bromide components and reduced concentrations of atmospheric particles in urban area. Inhalation exposure for infants was about 2-3 times higher than that of adults. This reflected that the potential health risk of atmospheric PBDEs in city for residents, especially infants and young children, should not be ignored.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Beijing; China; Cities; Environmental Monitoring; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Inhalation Exposure; Polybrominated Biphenyls

OH-PBDEs have been reported to be more potent than the postulated precursor PBDEs or corresponding MeO-PBDEs. However, there are contradictory reports for transformation of these compounds in organisms, particularly, for biotransformation of OH-PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs, only one study reported transformation of 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47 in Japanese medaka. In present study zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47, 6-MeO-BDE-47, 2'-OH-BDE-28 and 2'-MeO-BDE-28 in the diet for 20 d. Concentrations of each exposed compound were measured in eggs collected on days 0, 5, 10, 15 or 20. After 20 d exposure, concentrations of precursor and biotransformation products in liver and liver-free residual carcass were measured by use of GC-MS/MS. Total mass of the five compounds in bodies of adults were: 2'-MeO-BDE-28 ∼ 6-MeO-BDE-47>BDE-47>2'-OH-BDE-28>6-OH-BDE-47. MeO-PBDEs were also accumulated more into parental fish body than in liver, while OH-PBDEs accumulated in liver more than in liver-free residual carcass. Concentrations in liver of males were greater than those of females. This result suggests sex-related differences in accumulation. Ratios between concentration in eggs and liver (E/L) were: 2.9, 1.7, 0.8, 0.4 and 0.1 for 6-MeO-BDE-47, BDE-47, 6-OH-BDE-47, 2'-MeO-BDE-28 and 2'-OH-BDE-28, respectively. This result suggests transfer from adult females to eggs. BDE-47 was not transformed into OH-PBDEs or MeO-PBDEs. Inter-conversions of 6-OH-BDE-47 and 6-MeO-BDE-47, 2'-OH-BDE-28 and 2'-MeO-BDE-28 were observed, with metabolite/precursor concentration ratios for 6-OH-BDE-47, 6-MeO-BDE-47, 2'-OH-BDE-28 and 2'-MeO-BDE-28 being 3.8%, 14.6%, 2.9% and 76.0%, respectively. Congener-specific differences were observed in distributions between liver and carcass, maternal transfer and transformation. The two MeO-PBDEs were accumulated into adults, transferred to eggs, and were transformed to the structural similar OH-PBDEs, which might be more toxic. BDE-47 was accumulated into adults and transferred from females to eggs, but not transformed to MeO-PBDEs and/or OH-PBDEs. Accumulation of OH-PBDEs into adults as well as rates of transformation of OH-PBDEs to MeO-PBDEs were all several orders of magnitude less. Thus, MeO-PBDEs are likely to present more of a risk in the environment.

Topics: Animals; Anisoles; Biotransformation; Environmental Pollutants; Female; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hydroxylation; Liver; Male; Maternal Exposure; Ovum; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Tandem Mass Spectrometry; Zebrafish

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are persistent organic pollutants and have therefore drawn much environmental concern. We aimed to compare aerobic degradation of different PBDE congeners under various treatments and reveal the bacterial community associated with PBDE degradation in sediment. Results of this study indicate that degradation rates of BDE-15 were enhanced 45.1 and 81.3 % with the addition of suspended and microencapsulated Pseudomonas sp., respectively. However, the degradation rates of BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, and BDE-100 did not differ among experimental treatments. Degradation rates of PBDE congeners were in the order of BDE-15 > BDE-28 > BDE-47 > BDE-99 > BDE-100. Using a pyrosequencing-based metagenomic approach, we found that addition of various treatments altered the microbial community composition in the sediment. Twenty-four bacterial genera associated with degradation of PBDEs; six are the core bacterial genera common among PBDE degraders. The diverse bacterial composition among different PBDE congener degradation indicates different combinations of bacteria involved in degradation of different PBDE congeners.

Topics: Aerobiosis; Bacteria; Base Sequence; Biodegradation, Environmental; DNA Primers; Geologic Sediments; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Metagenomics; Microbial Consortia; Molecular Sequence Data; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Rivers; RNA, Ribosomal, 16S; Sequence Analysis, DNA; Taiwan; Water Pollutants, Chemical

The concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in surface sediment samples collected from the East Lake, China in winter 2012 and summer 2013 were analyzed in this study. The total PCB and PBDE concentrations ranged from not detected to 107.1 ng g(-1) dw and from 9.7 to 151.3 ng g(-1) dw, respectively. PCB-28, 101 and 180 were dominant congeners in both winter and summer. BDE-28 (44 %) was the dominant congener in winter and summer, followed by BDE-99 (28 %) and BDE-47 (26 %). The concentrations of PCBs in the sediment samples collected in summer were higher than those in winter, while the concentrations of PBDEs did not show much seasonal variations. Source analysis showed that the PCBs probably originated from urban runoff, industrial pollution and atmospheric deposition, and the PBDEs probably originated from historical usage of penta-BDE mixtures. Potential eco-toxicological risks caused by PCBs were found in about 5 % of the sampling sites; PBDEs had moderate eco-toxicological risk in 80 % sampling sites in the East Lake, China.

Topics: China; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Lakes; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Risk Assessment; Seasons; Spatial Analysis; Water Pollutants, Chemical

A proposed primary pathway through which polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) disrupt normal biological functions is oxidative stress. In the present study, 4 PBDE congeners were evaluated for their potential to initiate oxidative stress in zebrafish during development: BDE 28, BDE 47, BDE 99, and BDE 100. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was used to increase intracellular glutathione concentrations and only decreased the effects of BDE 28 at 10 ppm and 20 ppm and BDE 47 at 20 ppm. N-acetylcysteine coexposure did not alter the rates of mortality or curved body axis compared with PBDE exposure alone. The activity of glutathione-S-transferase (GST) was not altered at 24 h postfertilization (hpf), but increased following 10 ppm BDE 28 exposure at 120 hpf. Transcription of several genes associated with stress was also evaluated. At 24 hpf, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 6a (COX6a) transcription was up-regulated in embryos exposed to BDE 99, and BDE 28 exposure up-regulated the transcription of Glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GSTpi). At 24 hpf, glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCLC) was slightly down-regulated by all congeners evaluated. At 120 hpf, TNF receptor-associated protein 1 (TRAP1) and COX6A were up-regulated by all congeners, however GSTpi was down-regulated by all congeners. The results of quantitative real-time transcription polymerase chain reaction are mixed and do not strongly support a transcriptional response to oxidative stress. According to the authors' data, PBDEs do not induce oxidative stress. Oxidative stress may occur at high exposure concentrations; however, this does not appear to be a primary mechanism of action for the PBDE congeners tested.

Topics: Acetylcysteine; Animals; Down-Regulation; Electron Transport Complex IV; Glutamate-Cysteine Ligase; Glutathione; Glutathione S-Transferase pi; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Oxidative Stress; Polybrominated Biphenyls; TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 1; Toxicity Tests; Up-Regulation; Zebrafish

To date, no report was concerned with participation of reactive oxygen species in waters during photolysis of low-brominated diphenyl ethers (LBDEs). Herein, we found that electron spin resonance (ESR) signals rapidly increased with increasing irradiation time in the solution of LBDEs and 4-oxo-TMP solutions. But this phenomenon did not occur in the presence of NaN3 (1O2 quencher) demonstrating generation of 1O2 in process of LBDEs photolysis. The indirect photolytic contribution rate for BDE-47 and BDE-28 was 18.8% and 17.3% via 1O2, and 4.9% and 6.6% via ·OH, respectively. Both D2O and NaN3 experiments proved that the indirect photolysis of LBDEs was primarily attributable to 1O2. The bimolecular reaction rate constants of 1O2 with BDE-47 and BDE-28 were 3.12 and 3.64 × 106 M-1 s-1, respectively. The rate constants for BDE-47 and BDE-28 (9.01 and 17.52 × 10-3 min-1), added to isopropyl alcohol, were very close to those (9.65 and 18.42 × 10-3 min-1) in water, proving the less indirect photolytic contribution of ·OH in water. This is the first comprehensive investigation examining the indirect photolysis of LBDEs in aqueous solution.

Topics: Electron Spin Resonance Spectroscopy; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Photolysis; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Reactive Oxygen Species; Water

Intake of contaminated soils is considered as an important exposure pathway of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) to humans, especially for children during their outdoor hand-to-mouth activities. Oral bioaccessibility is an essential tool to quantitatively assess the exposure risk of pollutants. In this study, we employed an in vitro digestion model to mimic the gastrointestinal digestion of typical PBDEs (BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-153 at a series of initial concentrations) in three natural soil samples with different TOC contents and to verify a previous hypothesis that the sorption of PBDE fraction mobilized from soil into digestive fluid on the surface of residual solid phase may lead to an underestimation of bioaccessibility of PBDEs. In addition, a method with multiple fluid-to-solid ratios was applied to calibrate the underestimation. The results indicated that the calibrated digestibility values were commonly higher than those without correction. For the different soil samples, the averaged increasing rates of PBDE digestibility at different initial concentrations ranged from 14.3% to 42.3%, from 11.1% to 32.1%, from 4.9% to 12.3% and from 0.0% to 7.7% for BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-153, respectively. Therefore, the bioaccessibility of PBDEs in gastrointestinal gut would be significantly underestimated without calibration, especially for tri- and tetra-BDEs and soil samples with low TOC contents or high PBDEs concentrations. The corrected digestibility values of BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-153 were 21.9%-54.7%, 18.8%-43.1%, 13.4%-27.2% and 9.3%-19.9%, respectively. The results indicated that the PBDEs digestibility was negatively correlated with lgK(ow); whereas there was no significant correlation of PBDE bioaccessibility with TOC contents in soils or with initial concentrations of PBDEs, particularly for the highly brominated components.

Topics: Biological Availability; Digestion; Gastrointestinal Tract; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Soil; Soil Pollutants

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used extensively over the past 3 decades as flame retardants in most types of polymers, all over the world, have been identified as global pollutants. PBDEs pose various health problems such as thyroid hormone disruption, permanent learning and memory impairment, behavioral changes, hearing deficits, delayed puberty onset, fetal malformations, and possibly cancer. Many measurements of PBDEs in various matrices from Sweden, Holland, Japan, the USA, and elsewhere have been reported, but few measurements are available for India. In this study, a preliminary screening of different congeners of PBDEs has been performed in different old electronic and consumer products with an objective to build capacity in order to analyze PBDEs and BFRs. Six different samples, foam from upholstery, motherboard of a computer, children toy composite sample, old vanishing window blind sample, electrical wire sample, and PVC flooring sample, were collected and analyzed for the presence of the following PBDE congeners: BDE-28, BDE-47, BDE-99, BDE-100, BDE-153, BDE-154, BDE-183, and BDE-209. It was found that three out of six samples were positive for the presence of PBDEs. Three congeners were detected in the samples, i.e., BDE-47, BDE-153, and BDE-209, of which, highest concentration was of BDE-209. Among the samples, motherboard of computer showed the highest concentration of BDE-209 followed by window blind and foam from upholstery. The results of this preliminary investigation indicate that PBDEs are still present in the old consumer products which can be an important additional source of exposure to the population.

Topics: Environmental Monitoring; Flame Retardants; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hazardous Substances; India; Manufactured Materials; Play and Playthings; Polybrominated Biphenyls

Industrial, domestic wastewater, and livestock sludge samples were collected from 23 wastewater treatment plants in Korea and analyzed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). The concentrations of Σ19PBDE ranged from 4.01 to 10,400 ng/g dry weight. The average Σ19PBDE concentrations in industrial, domestic wastewater, and livestock sludge were 1,560 ± 3,610, 402 ± 148, and 27.6 ± 50.4 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The composition of PBDEs differed according to the type of sludge. Among the PBDE congeners, BDE 209 was dominant in all sludge samples. After BDE 209, relatively high levels were found for BDE 28 and 47 from industrial sludge, BDE 47 and 99 from domestic wastewater sludge, and BDE 206, 207, and 208 from livestock sludge. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, sludges were divided into three groups according to PBDE congener composition. A risk assessment of PBDEs in sludge used for soil amendment was carried out. Preliminary results indicated that the potential risk of soil exposed to PBDEs in sludge was relatively low.

Topics: Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Environmental Monitoring; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Republic of Korea; Risk Assessment; Sewage

Pollution Status and characteristics of PBDEs in offices were investigated in Hangzhou. As a result, the total concentration of PBDEs was 40.66-141.00 pg x m(-3), and the mean concentration was 93.22 pg x m(-3), being 1.87 and 5.01 times as high as those in homes and outdoor. In particle and gas phases, BDE-47 and BDE-99 were the most abundant congeners, which accounted for 33.29% and 31.99% of total PBDEs, respectively. Concentration of PBDEs in gas phase was 1.34 times as high as that in particle phase. BDE-28, BDE-47 and BDE-99 mainly existed in the gas phase, while BDE-153 and BDE-183 mainly existed in the particle phase.

Topics: Air Pollutants; Air Pollution, Indoor; China; Environmental Monitoring; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Polybrominated Biphenyls

In the present work, persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and metabolites, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were analyzed in three Antarctic notothenioids fish species: Trematomus newnesi (TRN), Notothenia coriiceps (NOC) and Notothenia rossii (NOR). The contribution of each POP-family to the total load was as follows: ΣPCB (40%)>ΣDDT (27%)>ΣPBDEs (23%)>ΣHCH (10%). Among the 23 PCB congeners analyzed, penta-CBs homologues were the prevalent group, followed by hexa-CBs and hepta-CBs. DDT and its metabolites presented the following trend: p,p'-DDT>p,p'-DDE~p,p'-DDD. PBDE profile was dominated by BDE-47 and BDE-99 congeners, followed by BDE-100>BDE-28>BDE-154, BDE-153. Among HCHs, the γ-HCH isomer was detected in all samples, constituting 69% total HCH load, while α-HCH and β-HCH contributions were 15% and 16%, respectively. The levels of POPs reported here suggest that NOR and NOC are more susceptible to accumulate the analyzed contaminants than TRN, a species not previously analyzed for POPs. Distribution of POPs among different tissues of the three species (muscle, liver, gonads, and gills) was also investigated. Considering lipid weight, the general pattern of POPs distribution in tissues indicated that while gonads showed higher levels of PCBs, DDTs and HCH, the most significant PBDE concentrations were recorded in gills. Also, a comparative analysis of POPs concentration in fish samples from Antarctic area was included.

Topics: Animals; Antarctic Regions; DDT; Dichlorodiphenyl Dichloroethylene; Environmental Monitoring; Fishes; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Polychlorinated Biphenyls; Water Pollutants, Chemical

The efficacy of using hair as a biomarker for exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants was assessed in humans and an animal model. Paired human hair and serum samples were obtained from adult men and women (n = 50). In parallel, hair, serum, liver, and fat were collected from adult male Sprague-Dawley rats exposed to increasing doses of the PBDE mixture found in house dust for 70 days via the diet. All samples were analyzed by GC-MS for eight common PBDEs: BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, and -209. Paired human hair and serum samples had five congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, and -154) with significant individual correlations (0.345-0.566). In rat samples, BDE-28 and BDE-183 were frequently below the level of detection. Significant correlations were observed for BDE-47, -99, -100, -153, -154, and -209 in rat hair, serum, liver, and fat across doses, with r values ranging from 0.803 to 0.988; weaker correlations were observed between hair and other tissues when data from the lowest dose group or for BDE-209 were analyzed. Thus, human and rat hair PBDE measurements correlate strongly with those in alternative matrices, validating the use of hair as a noninvasive biomarker of long-term PBDE exposure.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Animals; Biomarkers; Diet; Dust; Environmental Exposure; Female; Flame Retardants; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Hair; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Liver; Male; Middle Aged; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Tissue Distribution; Young Adult

Data on early human fetal exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) is limited. However, early pregnancy, in particular the first trimester, is critical for fetal development. We investigated exposure to PBDEs and placental transfer during early pregnancy by analyzing PBDEs in paired aborted fetuses (n = 65), placentas (n = 65), and maternal blood samples (n = 31) at 10-13 weeks gestation, which were collected in a hospital near electronic wastes (e-wastes) recycling sites in Taizhou, China. Mean total PBDE (∑PBDE) concentrations were 4.46, 7.90, and 15.7 ng/g of lipid weight (lw) in the fetuses, placentas, and blood, respectively. The three matrices had roughly similar PBDE congener profiles, dominated by BDE-209, BDE-197, BDE-153, BDE-47, and BDE-28. Significant correlations were found between ∑PBDE concentrations in the paired matrices. Comparing the concentration ratios between the paired samples, we observed significantly higher fetus/blood and fetus/placenta ratios for BDE-28, BDE-99, and BDE-47 than for BDE-197, BDE-209, and BDE-153, while opposite results were found in placenta/blood ratios. Our results indicate that PBDEs can enter the fetus during the first trimester and low-brominated congeners cross the placenta more easily than high-brominated congeners, which tend to remain in the placenta. This phenomenon is consistent with findings at the end of pregnancy.

Topics: Abortion, Induced; Adult; China; Electronic Waste; Female; Fetus; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Maternal Exposure; Placenta; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Trimester, First; Young Adult

Eight commonly occurring polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including BDE 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, 207, and 209, were investigated in water samples from seven major inflowing rivers of Lake Chaohu to determine the distribution characteristics, potential sources and inputs to the lake. The sum of 8 BDE congeners (Σ8PBDEs) had a concentration varied from 0.31 to 84 ng L(-1), with those of BDE 209, BDE 47, BDE 99, and BDE 153 being 0.31-83, <0.012-0.36, <0.012-1.3, and <0.012-0.77 ng L(-1), respectively. These levels were in the high range of the global PBDEs concentrations in the water environments. The highest concentrations of Σ8PBDEs were detected in the western rivers, of which the main pollution sources were strongly related to human activities in urban centers, such as automobile-derived wastes. A sewage treatment plant was likely an important source of the lower brominated BDEs input to one western river. The correlation analyses (all p<0.05) between PBDEs and DOC, TN, TP, and EC, suggested that the distributions and sources of PBDEs in rivers might also be related with the soil erosion by heave floods. Σ8PBDEs input to Lake Chaohu from the rivers outlets was estimated at 344 kg yr(-1) during the flood season. BDE 209 was the dominant contributor with an input of 340 kg yr(-1), followed by BDE 99 (1.3 kg yr(-1)), BDE 47 (0.83 kg yr(-1)) and BDE 153 (0.60 kg yr(-1)).

Topics: China; Environmental Monitoring; Geologic Sediments; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Lakes; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Rivers; Water Pollutants, Chemical

The adsorption of 2,4, 4'-Tribromodiphenyl ether (BDE28) and 2,2', 4, 4'-Tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE47) by Prorocentrum donghaiense dominant population under different nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations was studied. Prorocentrum donghaiense dominant population consisted of Prorocentrum donghaiense and Skeletonema costatum, in which Prorocentrum donghaiense was dominant. Nitrogen was in form of nitrate and the concentrations tested were 0, 128 and 512 micromol x L(-1), and phosphorus was in form of phosphate and the concentrations tested were 0, 8 and 32 micromol x L(-1). The algal density and biochemical composition were determined and the correlation between the adsorption and the biochemical composition was analyzed. The results showed that the BDE28 and BDE47 adsorbed per cell was 2.2 and 2.9 ng x (10(6) cells)(-1) respectively when nitrogen concentration was 0 micromol x L(-1), which was 1.3-1.9 times as high as those under 128 and 512 micromol x L(-1) nitrogen. There was no significant difference in the amount of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) adsorbed per culture and the adsorbed percentage of available PBDEs among different nitrogen concentrations. In nitrogen treatments, the amount of PBDEs adsorbed per culture was 0.160-0.184 ng x mL(-1) and the adsorbed percentage of available PBDEs was 80.2%-92.1%. The BDE28 and BDE47 adsorbed per cell was 7.6 and 8.4 ng x (10(6) cells)(-1) respectively when phosphorus was 0 micromol x L(-1), which was 5.4-6 times as high as those under 8 and 32 micromol x L(-1) phosphorus. There was no significant difference in the amount of PBDEs adsorbed per culture and the adsorbed percentage of available PBDEs among different phosphorus concentrations. In phosphorus treatments, the amount of PBDEs adsorbed per culture was 0.167-0.194 ng x mL(-1) and the adsorbed percentage of available PBDEs was 80.2%-93.2%. Correlation analysis indicated that there was a significant negative correlation between nitrogen concentrations and the amounts of BDE28 and BDE47 adsorbed per cell and a significant positive correlation between phosphorus and the amount of PBDEs adsorbed per culture as well as the adsorbed percentage of available PBDEs. Besides, a significant positive correlation was found between the PBDEs adsorption and the amount of lipids. Nitrogen and phosphorus induced the change of biochemical content which resulted in the change of the adsorption of BDE28 and BDE47.

Topics: Adsorption; Diatoms; Dinoflagellida; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Nitrates; Nitrogen; Phosphates; Phosphorus; Polybrominated Biphenyls

Little is known about the fate of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) across the Oceans. Air and water were sampled using both active and passive polyethylene samplers on an east-west transect across the tropical Atlantic Ocean in 2009 and analyzed for PBDEs. Typical particle-bound concentrations of PBDEs in the surface water were low, at <1 pg L(-1). Truly dissolved concentrations from passive samplers were ∼0.5 pg L(-1) for BDE 47 and around 0.1 pg L(-1) for BDEs 28, 99, and 100 (results from active samples were compromised). In the atmosphere, particle-bound BDE 209 dominated overall concentrations (median 1.2 pg m(-3)), followed by BDE 99 (0.13 pg m(-3)). Gas-phase concentrations based on passive samplers were 1-8 pg m(-3) for BDE 47 and ≤ 4 pg m(-3) for BDE 99. Net air-water exchange gradients strongly favored gas-phase deposition of PBDEs into the water. Net gas-phase deposition fluxes ranged from tens of pg m(-2) day(-1) for BDEs 28 and 85 to around 1 ng m(-2) day(-1) for BDE 47, 99, and 209. Settling fluxes of particle-bound PBDEs in the atmosphere and surface water were around 50 pg m(-2) day(-1) for BDE 47 and <10 pg m(-2) day(-1) for the other congeners.

Topics: Air; Atlantic Ocean; Chlorophyll; Environmental Monitoring; Gases; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Particulate Matter; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Ships; Time Factors; Tropical Climate; Water; Water Pollutants, Chemical

Some persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have been found in human semen but until this point it was unclear whether polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) could be detected in human semen. In this study, PBDEs were found for the first time in human semen samples (n=101) from Taizhou, China. The concentrations of total PBDEs (∑PBDEs) varied from 15.8 to 86.8 pg/g ww (median=31.3 pg/g ww) and 53.2 to 121 pg/g ww (median=72.3 pg/g ww) in semen and blood samples, respectively. The ∑PBDE level in semen was about two times lower than in human blood, which was different in the distribution in the two matrices from other POPs. A correlation of ∑PBDE concentration was found between paired semen and in blood. The results suggest that semen could be used to detect PBDE burden in human body as a non-invasive matrix. In addition, the levels of BDE-209 and BDE-153, especially the latter, were much higher in blood than in semen, while the levels of BDE-28, BDE-47 and BDE-99 were comparable in the two matrices, suggesting that low brominated congeners could be more easily transferred to semen than high brominated congeners. Considering different toxicities among the PBDE congeners, it might be more significant to measure PBDEs in semen than in blood for evaluating male reproduction risks of PBDEs.

Topics: Adult; China; Environmental Exposure; Environmental Pollutants; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Male; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Semen; Young Adult

Desorption kinetic and isothermal characteristics of BDE-28 and BDE-47 were investigated using natural soils with different organic carbon fractions. The results indicated that a two-compartment first-order model with dominant contribution of slow desorption could adequately describe the released kinetics of studied PBDEs. Desorption isotherms of different samples could be fitted well by linear distribution model or nonlinear Freundlich model. Moreover, most desorption procedures roughly exhibited hysteresis with respect to preceding sorption ones. At the statistically significant level of 0.05 or 0.1, total organic carbon content (f(OC)) exhibited significant correlations with the fitted parameters by the isothermal models. The correlations of f(OC) and SOM fractions (e.g., fulvic acid and humin) with the single point desorption coefficients at lower aqueous concentrations of studied PBDEs were significant; while at higher aqueous concentrations, the relationships were less significant or insignificant. Our findings may facilitate a comprehensive understanding on behaviors of PBDEs in soil systems.

Topics: Adsorption; Carbon; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Kinetics; Models, Chemical; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Soil; Soil Pollutants

Human serum and mother's milk are frequently used to assess exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including transplacental transfer to the foetus. However, little is known about the kinetics of PBDEs, especially the highly brominated BDE congeners. In this pilot study, maternal serum samples were collected from 10 women at delivery and five to six weeks post partum. Umbilical serum was also obtained. Milk was donated two to five days, and five to six weeks after delivery. The amount of PBDEs in these samples was determined using liquid-liquid extraction and GC/MS. Low, moderately and highly brominated diphenyl ethers were present in umbilical cord serum, indicating placental transfer. The lipid-adjusted levels of BDE-47, BDE-207 and BDE-209 were similar in maternal and umbilical cord serum, whereas the cord serum levels for the penta- to octa-BDEs quantified were lower than in maternal serum. Marked changes were seen in the congener pattern in breast milk during the first month of lactation, whereas maternal serum levels did not change significantly. The general pattern was an enrichment of low to moderately brominated congeners (i.e. from BDE-17 to BDE-154, with the exception of BDE-28) in colostrum compared with maternal serum. In contrast, more highly brominated congeners were found at similar, or lower levels in colostrum than in maternal serum. After the transition from colostrum to mature milk, the levels of BDE-153 and BDE-209 were substantially reduced, and BDE-209 was below the limit of detection in 6 out of 9 samples. A literature review on the design and reporting of studies on the transfer of PBDEs from mother to infant revealed a lack of transparency in many cases. The use of the recently published STROBE-ME guidelines is therefore recommended.

Topics: Adult; Colostrum; Environmental Pollutants; Environmental Pollution; Female; Fetal Blood; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Maternal Exposure; Milk, Human; Pilot Projects; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Pregnancy; Young Adult

The uptake and elimination of six PBDE congeners (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -209) were studied in juvenile common sole (Solea solea L.) exposed to spiked contaminated food over a three-month period, then depurated over a five-month period. The results show that all of the studied PBDEs accumulate in fish tissues, including the higher brominated congener BDE-209. Several additional PBDE congeners were identified in the tissues of exposed fish, revealing PBDE transformation, mainly via debromination. The identified congeners originating from PBDE debromination include BDE-49 and BDE-202 and a series of unidentified tetra-, penta-, and hepta- BDEs. Contaminant assimilation efficiencies (AEs) were related to their hydrophobicity (log Kow) and influenced by PBDE biotransformation. Metabolism via debromination appears to be a major degradation route of PBDEs in juvenile sole in comparison to biotransformation into hydroxylated metabolites.

Topics: Animals; Biotransformation; Diet; Environmental Monitoring; Flatfishes; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Polybrominated Biphenyls

Sorption isotherms of BDE-28 and BDE-47 on natural soils with different contents of soil organic matter (SOM) were investigated. Due to low water solubility of BDEs and resulted narrow ranges of aqueous equilibrium concentration, the linear distribution model showed similar and good fitting efficiency to the linear portion of nonlinear Freundlich curve. For the same sample, the linear and nonlinear model fitting sorption coefficients were close. At the statistically significant level of 0.05 or 0.1, significant relationships of total organic carbon fraction (fOC) with the fitting sorption coefficients can be observed. As for BDE-28, the relationships of fOC and SOM fractions with the single point partition coefficients at different aqueous concentrations of BDEs were significant; while for BDE-47, the relationships became less significant or insignificant, especially at higher aqueous concentrations. The findings in this study may facilitate more understanding on transport and fate of studied BDEs in soil systems.

Topics: Adsorption; Carbon; Environmental Restoration and Remediation; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Models, Chemical; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Soil; Soil Pollutants

Sorption kinetic characteristics of BDE-28 and BDE-47 on five natural soils with different organic carbon fractions were investigated, and could be satisfactorily described by a two (fast and slow)-compartment first-order model with the ratio of rate constants ranged from 9 to 94 times. The fast compartment made a dominant contribution (71%-94%) to the total sorption amount in the whole process, and accounted for over 90% of the increase in the total sorption amount at initial 5 h. The influence of the slow compartment on the increase in the total sorption amount became principal (above 90%) in the subsequent stage approximately from 9 h or 25 h to the apparent equilibrium at 265 h. The results proposed the different sorption behaviors of the mathematically classified compartments for BDE-28 and BDE-47, which may correspond to the different soil components, such as soil organic fractions with amorphous and condensed structures, respectively.

Topics: Absorption; Adsorption; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Kinetics; Models, Chemical; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Soil Pollutants

An analytical method for polybromodiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in milk cream has been optimized. The six PBDEs targeted were chosen on criteria of toxicity and occurrence in environmental matrices. Three methods of extraction were tested and compared in terms of lipid recovery yields and repeatability. The sample preparation process includes two steps: extraction by accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) and purification by solid phase extraction (SPE). The preferred method of extraction used a hexane/methylene chloride/methanol (5 : 2 : 1, v/v) solvent mixture. Three extraction cycles were carried out per sample at a temperature of 80 degrees C and a pressure of 1500 psi. The method was validated on milk cream samples spiked with the specified PBDEs. Recoveries for the whole sample preparation process (extraction and cleanup) for cream samples spiked at 10 and 100 ng g(-1) were greater than 80% (ranging from 81 to 106%) at both concentrations for BDE-99, -100, -153 and 154. Recoveries were lower (ranging from 65 to 75%) for BDE-28 and BDE-47. PBDEs were quantified by GC/MS detection with selected ion monitoring (SIM) using three ions formed by electron capture. The method was successfully tested on real samples.

Topics: Animals; Cheese; Food Contamination; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry; Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; Humans; Milk; Pesticide Residues; Polybrominated Biphenyls; Solid Phase Extraction