Article
Environmental Sciences
Peter Gresner, Marek Zielinski, Danuta Ligocka, Kinga Polanska, Wojciech Wasowicz, Jolanta Gromadzinska
Summary: This study analyzed the concentrations of PCDDs, PCDFs, and dl-PCBs in breast milk samples of 110 breastfeeding women from an urban area. The results showed significant correlations between dl-PCBs concentration and toxicity equivalent with mothers' age, as well as a positive association between total toxicity equivalent of all substances analyzed and the frequency of fish and dairy products consumption. These findings may provide a basis for further research on exposure to these pollutants and their mechanisms of action.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Loreto Santa-Marina, Ziortza Barroeta, Amaia Irizar, Jon Inaki Alvarez, Esteban Abad, Juan Munoz-Arnanz, Begona Jimenez, Jesus Ibarluzea, Nerea Urbieta, Alba Jimeno-Romero, Miren Begona Zubero, Aitana Lertxundi
Summary: This research examines the levels and trends of pollutants, specifically 17 congeners of PCDD/Fs and 12 dl-PCBs, in the air measured in the province of Gipuzkoa (Basque Country, Spain). The study found that the toxic equivalents (TEQs) for PCDD/Fs were 12.29 fg TEQm(-3) and for dl-PCBs were 1.63 fg TEQm(-3), which were in a similar range or lower than those observed in other national and international studies in industrial areas. The findings of this study can serve as an indicator of the potential impact of ERP on the health of the resident population and the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Grazia Barone, Arianna Storelli, Rita Garofalo, Maria Maddalena Storelli
Summary: The levels of non-dioxin-like PCB indicators were determined in food samples to evaluate the exposure of adult and elderly population. The results showed that none of the samples exceeded the maximum permissible limits for human consumption established by the European Union legislation, except for salami samples. Seafood was found to be the major contributor to PCB exposure, indicating the need for further efforts to protect consumers from these harmful chemicals.
JOURNAL OF FOOD QUALITY
(2022)
Article
Medicine, Legal
Caroline Ring, Alexander Blanchette, William D. Klaren, Seneca Fitch, Laurie Haws, Matthew W. Wheeler, Michael DeVito, Nigel Walker, Daniele Wikoff
Summary: In 2005, the WHO re-evaluated the TEFs for dioxin-like compounds based on an updated database, which identified the need for a consistent approach for dose-response modeling and addressed the heterogeneity and quality issues of the database. To address this, a multi-tiered approach combining Bayesian modeling and machine learning was developed to predict the relationship between each congener and its reference and derive TEF uncertainty distributions. This workflow improved the TEF methodology by incorporating expert panel recommendations and providing transparent and reproducible results.
REGULATORY TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
P. Movalli, K. Biesmeijer, G. Gkotsis, N. Alygizakis, M. C. Nika, K. Vasilatos, M. Kostakis, N. S. Thomaidis, P. Oswald, M. Oswaldova, J. Slobodnik, J. C. E. W. Hooijmeijer, R. A. Howison, R. W. R. J. Dekker, N. van den Brink, T. Piersma
Summary: The breeding population of black-tailed godwits in the Netherlands has significantly decreased in recent decades, and the role of contaminants in this decline is unknown. Liver samples from 11 adult birds found dead in SW Friesland from 2016 to 2020 were analyzed, revealing the presence of various contaminants, including industrial chemicals, plant protection products, and pharmaceuticals. The majority of birds were found in intensive and herb-rich grasslands. These findings highlight the need for further research on the potential health risks to godwits and the sources of contamination.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Sharifah Mazrah Sayed Mohamed Zain, Mohd Talib Latif, Nor Hafizah Baharudin, Zurahanim Fasha Anual, Norfazrin Mohd Hanif, Md Firoz Khan
Summary: This review summarizes the emissions, key sources, and trends of PCDDs/PCDFs in the atmosphere of Southeast Asia, with Indonesia being the major emitter and open burning being the primary source of these compounds in the region.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Qing Li, Hao Yang, Ning Hao, Meijn Du, Yuanyuan Zhao, Yu Li, Xixi Li
Summary: This study investigated the biodegradability of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) using machine learning and multiple linear regression models. The study constructed a QSAR model to predict the biodegradability of PCDDs and demonstrated the good predictability of the model using extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost) and random forest models. The study also explored the sensitivity analysis and mechanisms of PCDDs biodegradability. The results identified key descriptors that affect the biodegradability of dioxins. The study provides a novel theoretical perspective for the research of dioxins' biodegradation.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Ecology
Agnieszka Baran, Magdalena Urbaniak, Magdalena Szara, Marek Tarnawski
Summary: The study assessed the concentration of PCDDs/PCDFs and ecotoxicity in pore water of two reservoirs in Poland, comparing with DOC and TOC content. Higher dioxin concentration was found in pore water from Ro(z) over dotnow Reservoir than Rybnik Reservoir, with higher toxic responses recorded for A. fischeri than D. magna. The study indicates complex relationships between PCDD/F, ecotoxicity, DOC, and TOC in pore water, confirming the importance of these parameters in water environmental contamination.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Deen, Alice Clark, Karin Sorig Hougaard, Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen, Marie Frederiksen, Lauren A. Wise, Amelia K. Wesselink, Harald William Meyer, Jens Peter Bonde, Sandra Sogaard Tottenborg
Summary: This study found an association between indoor air exposure to PCBs and T2D incidence, but there was no clear dose-response relationship between exposure and risk.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Deen, Alice Clark, Karin Sorig Hougaard, Harald William Meyer, Marie Frederiksen, Ellen Botker Pedersen, Kajsa Ugelvig Petersen, Esben Meulengracht Flachs, Jens Peter Ellekilde Bonde, Sandra Sogaard Tottenborg
Summary: This study investigated the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) for individuals living in indoor air contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The results showed that overall cumulative exposure to airborne PCBs was not associated with an increased risk of CVD. However, a higher risk of acute myocardial infarction was observed in residents exposed to high levels of PCBs. Additional adjustment for education attenuated the risk estimate.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Trinh Khac Sau, Nghiem Xuan Truong, Tran Thi Tuyet Hanh, Bao Le Hung, Nguyen Duc Thang, Thi Le Lan Anh
Summary: The study investigated the concentrations and temporal variations of polychlorodibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDDs/PCDFs) in ambient air using passive air samplers at Da Nang airport, Vietnam. Results showed that the PCDD/PCDF concentrations were highest in the former Agent Orange mixing and loading area, and lowest in the northern perimeter area. The overall trend indicated a decrease in PCDD/PCDF concentrations in ambient air over time at all three monitoring sites.
ENVIRONMENTAL MONITORING AND ASSESSMENT
(2021)
Review
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Prisca Stephanie Kandjo Ngoubeyou, Christian Wolkersdorfer, Peter Papoh Ndibewu, Wilma Augustyn
Summary: The assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and their congeners is crucial due to their persistence and widespread pollution. This review examines the sources of PCBs in aquatic environments and evaluates their toxicity in aquatic organisms. It also provides valuable information on decontamination technologies and regulatory limits for PCBs.
AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bondi Gevao, Karell Martinez-Guijarro, Perihan Binnur Kurt-Karakus, Carol Sukhn, Roland Weber, Divya Krishnan, Smitha Rajagopalan, Askin Birgul, Hassan Alshemmari, Mariam Hajeyah, Majed Bahloul, Mohamed I. Orif
Summary: The study monitored the concentrations of PCDD/F in the Middle East using passive air samplers at 12 sites across four countries. The highest concentrations were found in Oman and Kuwait, with a potential additional source involving the use of elemental chlorine. The study provides reliable measurements for assessing time trends in PCDD/F in the air.
ATMOSPHERIC POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Ziwei Pei, Xiaoyan Zhang, Yubai Li, Bing Lyu, Yunfeng Zhao, Yongning Wu, Lei Zhang, Jingguang Li
Summary: This report highlights the necessity of continuous national monitoring of dietary intake and strict legislation of PBDEs in China.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haena Chu, Jungmin Jo, Younggyu Son, Ji Yi Lee, Yun Gyong Ahn
Summary: In this study, a one-step cleanup method was developed for the efficient determination of PCDDs/Fs and dl-PCBs in contaminated soils. By combining a multilayer silica gel column and Florisil micro-column with gas chromatography and triple quadrupole mass spectrometry, the method showed advantages of low cost and simplified sample preparation. The findings provide a new approach for large-scale sample analysis.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Virgolino, Osvaldo Santos, Joana Costa, Monica Fialho, Ivo Iavicoli, Tiina Santonen, Hanna Tolonen, Evangelia Samoli, Klea Katsouyanni, Georgios Baltatzis, Flavia Ruggieri, Annalisa Abballe, Ida Petrovicova, Branislav Kolena, Miroslava Sidlovska, Carla Ancona, Ivan Erzen, Ovnair Sepai, Argelia Castano, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Ulrike Fiddicke
Summary: The increasing number of human biomonitoring studies highlights the importance of harmonising procedures for data comparability. Techniques such as systematic literature reviews and data triangulation are being used to identify existing studies and data gaps.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
A. L. Iamiceli, V Abate, A. Abballe, A. Bena, S. P. De Filippis, E. Dellatte, S. De Luca, A. R. Fulgenzi, N. Iacovella, A. M. Ingelido, C. Ivaldi, V Marra, R. Miniero, S. Valentini, E. Farina, M. Gandini, M. Orengia, E. Procopio, G. Salamina, E. De Felip
Summary: A waste-to-energy incinerator in Turin, Italy was studied for its potential health effects on the nearby population, with results showing no impact on human exposure to environmental contaminants. After three years, both groups of subjects showed a significant decrease in serum concentrations of analytes compared to baseline, with farmers exhibiting higher levels of contaminants than the general adult population.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mario Carere, Antonio Antoccia, Annamaria Buschini, Giada Frenzilli, Francesca Marcon, Cristina Andreoli, Gessica Gorbi, Antonio Suppa, Serena Montalbano, Valentina Prota, Francesca De Battistis, Patrizia Guidi, Margherita Bernardeschi, Mara Palumbo, Vittoria Scarcelli, Marco Colasanti, Veronica D'Ezio, Tiziana Persichini, Massimiliano Scalici, Antonella Sgura, Federica Spani, Ion Udroiu, Martina Valenzuela, Ines Lacchetti, Kevin di Domenico, Walter Cristiano, Valentina Marra, Anna Maria Ingelido, Nicola Iacovella, Elena De Felip, Riccardo Massei, Laura Mancini
Summary: The study highlights the presence of a wide range of emerging contaminants in aquatic ecosystems, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, personal care products, and PFAS, which can have a significant impact on environmental health. The use of Effect-Based Methods (EBMs) revealed chemical pollution and ecotoxicological effects in the river, providing insights for future studies and measures to monitor, mitigate, or eliminate chemical contamination and its adverse effects on ecosystem health.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Laura Mancini, Roberto Miniero, Eleonora Beccaloni, Kevin di Domenico, Ines Lacchetti, Camilla Puccinelli, Maria Rita Cicero, Federica Scaini, Mario Carere
Summary: This study quantified the concentrations of total mercury (Hgtot) and methylmercury (MeHg) in sediment and mussels in the east basin of the Orbetello lagoon. The results showed that Hgtot concentrations in sediments exceeded the environmental quality standard, while the Hgtot concentration in mussels did not exceed the limit values of the European food legislation. The findings suggest that these compounds can accumulate in the upper levels of the trophic chain in the lagoon, posing a risk to human health.
MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Roberto Miniero, Alessandro di Domenico, Vittorio Abate, Annalisa Abballe, Elena Dellatte, Stefania De Filippis, Silvia De Luca, Fabiola Ferri, Annarita Fulgenzi, Nicola Iacovella, Annalaura Iamiceli, Annamaria Ingelido, Valentina Marra, Silvia Valentini, Elena De Felip
Summary: Multiple biomonitoring investigations conducted in Italy between 2000 and 2018 showed a time-dependent decrease in the concentrations of E7(PCDDs), E10(PCDFs), E12(DL-PCBs), and E6(NDL-PCBs). The fastest decrease was observed in E7(PCDDs), while E6(NDL-PCBs) exhibited the slowest decrease. The slower decline of E10(PCDFs) may be attributed to an ongoing source of PCDFs in the environment.
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Dorothy Ubong, Lorraine Stewart, Ovnair Sepai, Lisbeth E. Knudsen, Tamar Berman, Hans Reynders, Karen Van Campenhout, Andromachi Katsonouri, An Van Nieuwenhuyse, Anna Maria Ingelido, Argelia Castano, Susana Pedraza-Diaz, Asa Valgerour Eiriksdottir, Cathrine Thomsenj, Christina Hartmann, Dragan Gjorgjev, Elena De Felip, Hanna Tolonen, Tiina Santonen, Jana Klanova, Karin Norstrom, Lijana Kononenko, Maria Joao Silva, Maria Uhl, Marike Kolossa-Gehring, Petra Apels, Merli Joemaa, Michal Jajcaj, Milada Estokova, Mirjam Luijten, Erik Lebret, Natalie von Goetz, Natasa Janev Holcer, Nicole Probst-Hensch, Rita Cavaleiro, Robert Barouki, Elena Tarroja, Rosita Marija Balciene, Loreta Strumylaite, Siiri Latvala, Sonia Namorado, Tamas Szigeti, Thorhallur Ingi Halldorsson, Kristin Olafsdottir, Wojciech Wasowicz
Summary: Most countries recognize the importance of assessing and quantifying internal exposure to chemicals in various aspects of daily life. Human biomonitoring is a valuable tool to measure such exposures and effects, and its results can contribute to improving public health and informing evidence-based policies. The HBM4EU project aims to harmonize procedures and advance research on the health impacts of environmental chemical exposure.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYGIENE AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mario Carere, Ines Lacchetti, Kevin di Domenico, Walter Cristiano, Laura Mancini, Elena De Felip, Anna Maria Ingelido, Riccardo Massei, Lorenzo Tancioni
Summary: Fish-kills events occurred in the Tiber river in Rome in 2020 and 2021, caused by severe flash-storms preceded by heavy rains in urban areas. The study investigated the causes of these events through effect-based methods, chemical analysis, and examination of the dead fish. The analysis revealed the presence of pharmaceuticals, insecticides, and PFAS in the river, and the toxicity tests confirmed lethal and sub-lethal effects. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple stressors and using a combination of methods to investigate fish-kills events.
WATER AIR AND SOIL POLLUTION
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Anna Maria Ingelido, Vittorio Abate, Annalisa Abballe, Stefania Paola De Filippis, Elena Dellatte, Silvia De Luca, Fabiola Ferri, Anna Rita Fulgenzi, Nicola Iacovella, Anna Laura Iamiceli, Valentina Marra, Roberto Miniero, Silvia Valentini, Elena De Felip
Summary: In this study, PCB concentrations in human serum samples collected in Italy over the past two decades were investigated. The results showed that while PCB concentrations have decreased, humans are still exposed to them. Factors such as age, sampling year, body mass index, sex, and living near hot spots or occupation exposure were identified as relevant determinants of body burden. These findings can provide guidance for regulatory policies on PCBs in Italy, with a focus on the disposal of PCB-containing products.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)