Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are halogenated organic compounds of special interest because of their persistent, pervasive and exceptionally toxic nature. Sediments collected in the vicinity of petroleum production facilities in the Escravos River basin (ERB) of Nigeria were analyzed for 20 OCPs and 39 PBDEs by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The OCP concentrations in the ERB sediments varied from 0.69 to 10.7 ng g-1 (mean = 5.65 ng g-1), while those of the Σ39 PBDEs ranged between 0.19 and 435 ng g-1 (mean = 39.1 ng g-1). The OCP class profiles in the sediments followed the order: Drins > Chls > DDTs > Endos > HCHs, while those of the PBDEs were in the order: tetra- > penta- > hexa- > tri- > hepta- > di- > mono- > deca-BDE. The ecological risk assessment suggests rare adverse effects for OCPs in the ERB sediments and potential adverse effects for penta-BDEs in the sediments. The results from the carcinogenic risk assessment suggest that human exposure to OCPs in the majority of the sites can be of moderate carcinogenic risk, while there is no risk for exposure to PBDEs in the sediments. The source analyses reflect the prominence of historically used sources over recent inputs for OCPs, while those of PBDEs reflect products of debromination of higher BDEs and the use of penta-BDEs rather than the deca-PBE mixture in the region.

• Klíčová slova
• Ecological risk, Escravos River basin, Halogenated hydrocarbons, Nigeria, Sediments,
• MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * analýza   MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• geologické sedimenty * chemie   MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery * analýza   MeSH
• hodnocení rizik MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• pesticidy * analýza   MeSH
• řeky chemie   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Nigérie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery * MeSH
• pesticidy * MeSH

This study was conducted at Fildes Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, from November 30th, 2019, to January 30th, 2020. We determined the concentrations of Organochlorine Pesticides (OCPs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in phytoplankton, and zooplankton. The most abundant compounds found were hexachlorobenzene (HCB) in phytoplankton and γ-HCH in zooplankton. We estimated the bioconcentration factors (BCFPHYTO) for phytoplankton and zooplankton (BCFZOO), as well as biomagnification factors (BMF) across trophic levels. Our findings indicate that BCF values were generally higher for compounds with a higher degree of chlorination, and noticeable biomagnification of these contaminants was observed, emphasizing the enhancement of contaminant concentrations from phytoplankton to zooplankton. This biomagnification varied depending on the specific compound and environmental conditions. Throughout the study period, the factors influencing bioconcentration and biomagnification were closely correlated with the seasonal dynamics of the phytoplankton biomass, which were affected by local conditions such as slower S and SE winds. These events enhanced the concentration of chlorophyll-a and POPs, influencing their transfer across trophic levels. Our study underscores the complex interplay between biotic and abiotic factors in determining the fate of these persistent pollutants in a rapidly changing polar environment. These findings highlight the need for continuing ongoing monitoring to understand the long-term impacts of environmental changes on the distribution and behavior of hazardous substances in remote regions like Antarctica.

• Klíčová slova
• Bioconcentration, Biomagnification, Coastal pollution, King George Island, Persistent organic pollutants, Polar Environment,
• MeSH
• bioakumulace MeSH
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * metabolismus   analýza   MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * metabolismus   analýza   MeSH
• fytoplankton * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• pesticidy * metabolismus   analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly * metabolismus   analýza   MeSH
• potravní řetězec MeSH
• zátoky MeSH
• zooplankton * metabolismus   chemie   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Antarktida MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chemické látky znečišťující vodu * MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• pesticidy * MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly * MeSH

The knowledge of chloropropanediols (MCPD) fatty acid esters formation pathways is an important condition for these processing contaminants mitigation. This study aimed to assess the potential of a group of lipophilic environmental contaminants, polychlorinated alkanes, commonly known as chlorinated paraffins (CPs), to contribute to the formation of MCPD esters. Laboratory-scale model systems representing vegetable oils contaminated with both a technical mixture of short-chained CPs and individual short-chained CPs were designed and subjected to heat treatment (230 °C, 2 h) to simulate the deacidification and deodorisation processes. A substantial increase in MCPD content (up to 3.4 times the control levels) was observed in systems spiked with a technical mixture. MCPD formation seems to correlate very well with the concentration of CPs in these systems. Based on the generated data, we can conclude that the processing of vegetable oils contaminated with CPs might contribute to elevated concentrations of MCPD.

• Klíčová slova
• Chlorinated paraffin, Chloropropanediol (MCPD) ester, Polychlorinated alkane, Precursor, SCCP, Vegetable oil, Vegetable oil refining,
• MeSH
• alfa-chlorhydrin * analýza   chemie   MeSH
• chlor chemie   MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky chemie   analýza   MeSH
• kontaminace potravin * analýza   MeSH
• oleje rostlin * chemie   MeSH
• parafín * chemie   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• alfa-chlorhydrin * MeSH
• chlor MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky MeSH
• oleje rostlin * MeSH
• parafín * MeSH

Semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs) are widely distributed across the globe, including polar regions. This study investigates the distribution and bioconcentration of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils and Colobanthus quitensis, while also estimating potential emission sources. Results indicated high concentrations of PAHs in soils and plants from the Sub-Antarctic region, while OCPs and PCBs were more prevalent in the Antarctic region, with higher contaminant concentrations found in soils than in plant tissues. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) were significantly higher in the Antarctic region, suggesting historical dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) use, while PCB 153 and 180 were the most representative PCBs in the Antarctic region. Phenanthrene (Phe) was the dominant PAH in both regions. The bioconcentration factor analysis from soils (BCFSoils) revealed potential anthropogenic influences for certain contaminants, including γ-hexachlorocyclohexane (γ-HCH) and PCB 9 in the Sub-Antarctic region, and HCB, p,p'-DDE, PCB 9, and benzo-naphtho-thiophene in the Antarctic region. However, compounds with higher hydrophobicity showed lower Bioconcentration factor (BCFSoils) values, indicating a tendency to accumulate in soil rather than plant tissues. This was consistent with the inverse relationship found between BCFSoils and the octanol-water partition coefficient (Log KOW). Diagnostic ratios of PAHs revealed a predominantly pyrogenic source in the Sub-Antarctic region, while a mixture of sources was observed in the Antarctic region.

• Klíčová slova
• Antarctic, Bioconcentration, Diagnostic ratios, Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), Sub-Antarctic,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky analýza   MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• pesticidy analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• půda chemie   MeSH
• těkavé organické sloučeniny * analýza   metabolismus   MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Antarktida MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
• pesticidy MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly MeSH
• polycyklické aromatické uhlovodíky MeSH
• půda MeSH
• těkavé organické sloučeniny * MeSH

Electronic waste (e-waste) poses significant environmental and health risks in Thailand due to both domestic production and international imports. A notable portion of this waste is processed in small-scale, community-based workshops, often located in poorer regions, where safety regulations are improperly enforced or entirely ignored. This study focuses on the Kalasin province in Northern Thailand, a region with numerous such workshops, where no comprehensive analysis of exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechlorane plus (DP) has been conducted. The study's objective was to quantify these toxic substances in environmental and biological samples to assess its contamination and human health risks. Environmental samples, including soil, dust, sediment, ash, eggs, crabs, snails, fish, and rice, were collected from e-waste processing sites and compared with control areas. Blood samples from e-waste workers and a control group were also analysed. Gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry operated in negative ion chemical ionization (GC-NCI-MS) was used to quantify PBDEs and DP isomers. Results showed significantly higher concentrations of these toxic compounds in e-waste sites compared to control areas. E-waste workers also had elevated levels of these substances in their blood, suggesting exposure through contaminated dust and food. These findings underscore the severe environmental contamination and health risks associated with improper e-waste management, highlighting the urgent need for regulatory measures and improved recycling practices to safeguard both environmental and public health.

• Klíčová slova
• Dechlorane plus, E-waste, Environmental pollution, Human health impact, POPs, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   krev   MeSH
• elektronický odpad * analýza   MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery * analýza   toxicita   krev   MeSH
• hodnocení rizik MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí analýza   krev   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• polycyklické sloučeniny * analýza   MeSH
• prach analýza   MeSH
• pracovní expozice analýza   MeSH
• recyklace * MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí škodlivé účinky   analýza   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Thajsko MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• dechlorane plus MeSH Prohlížeč
• halogenované difenylethery * MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí MeSH
• polycyklické sloučeniny * MeSH
• prach MeSH

The concentrations, sources, and risk of twenty organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in soils and dusts from a typical urban setting in the Niger Delta of Nigeria were examined. The Σ20 OCP concentrations (ng g-1) varied from 4.49 to 150 with an average value of 32.6 for soil, 4.67 to 21.5 with an average of 11.7 for indoor dust, and 1.6 to 96.7 with an average value of 23.5 for outdoor dust. The Σ20 OCP concentrations in these media were in the order: soil > outdoor dust > indoor dust, which was in contrast with the order of the detection frequency, i.e., indoor dust (95 to 100 %) > soil (60 to 90 %) > outdoor dust (30 to 80 %). The concentrations of the different OCP classes in these media followed the order: aldrin + dieldrin + endrin and its isomers (Drins) > chlordanes > dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDTs) > hexachlorocyclohexane (HCHs) > endosulfans for outdoor dust and soil, while that of the indoor dust followed the order: Drins > chlordanes > endosulfans > DDTs > HCHs. The cancer risk values for human exposure to OCPs in these sites exceeded 10-6 which indicates possible carcinogenic risks. The sources of OCPs in these media reflected both past use and recent inputs.

• Klíčová slova
• Carcinogenic risk, Human exposure, Niger Delta, Nigeria, OCPs, Urban environment,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• hodnocení rizik MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí * MeSH
• pesticidy * analýza   MeSH
• prach * analýza   MeSH
• půda chemie   MeSH
• vystavení vlivu životního prostředí analýza   statistika a číselné údaje   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Nigérie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• látky znečišťující půdu * MeSH
• pesticidy * MeSH
• prach * MeSH
• půda MeSH

BACKGROUND: Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are industrial chemicals categorised as persistent organic pollutants because of their toxicity, persistency and tendency to long-range transport, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. Despite having been the subject of environmental attention for decades, analytical methods for CPs still struggle reaching a sufficient degree of accuracy. Among the issues negatively impacting the quantification of CPs, the unavailability of well-characterised standards, both as pure substances and as matrix (certified) reference materials (CRMs), has played a major role. The focus of this study was to provide a matrix CRM as quality control tool to improve the comparability of CPs measurement results. RESULTS: We present the process of certification of ERM®-CE100, the first fish reference material assigned with certified values for the mass fraction of short-chain and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively). The certification was performed in accordance with ISO 17034:2016 and ISO Guide 35:2017, with the value assignment step carried out via an intercomparison of laboratories of demonstrated competence in CPs analysis and applying procedures based on different analytical principles. After confirmation of the homogeneity and stability of the CRM, two certified values were assigned for SCCPs, depending on the calibrants used: 31 ± 9 μg kg-1 and 23 ± 7 μg kg-1. The MCCPs certified value was established as 44 ± 17 μg kg-1. All assigned values are relative to wet weight in the CRM that was produced as a fish paste to enhance similarity to routine biota samples. SIGNIFICANCE AND NOVELTY: The fish tissue ERM-CE100 is the first matrix CRM commercially available for the analysis of CPs, enabling analytical laboratories to improve the accuracy and the metrological traceability of their measurements. The certified CPs values are based on results obtained by both gas and liquid chromatography coupled with various mass spectrometric techniques, offering thus a broad validity to laboratories employing different analytical methods and equipment.

• Klíčová slova
• Certified reference material, Chlorinated paraffins, Fish, Interlaboratory comparison, Metrological traceability, Quality control,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• parafín * analýza   chemie   MeSH
• referenční standardy * MeSH
• ryby MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• parafín * MeSH

We report the levels of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in seawater and air, and the air-sea dynamics through diffusive exchange analysis in Fildes Bay, King George Island, Antarctica, between November 2019 and January 30, 2020. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) was the most abundant compound in both air and seawater with concentrations around 39 ± 2.1 pg m-3 and 3.2 ± 2.4 pg L-1 respectively. The most abundant PCB congener was PCB 11, with a mean of 3.16 ± 3.7 pg m-3 in air and 2.0 ± 1.1 pg L-1 in seawater. The fugacity gradient estimated for the OCP compounds indicate a predominance of net atmospheric deposition for HCB, α-HCH, γ-HCH, 4,4'-DDT, 4,4'-DDE and close to equilibrium for the PeCB compound. The observed deposition of some OCs may be driven by high biodegradation rates and/or settling fluxes decreasing the concentration of these compounds in surface waters, which is supported by the capacity of microbial consortium to degrade some of these compounds. The estimated fugacity gradients for PCBs showed differences between congeners, with net volatilization predominating for PCB-9, a trend close to equilibrium for PCB congeners 11, 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, and 153, and deposition for PCB 180. Snow amplification may play an important role for less hydrophobic PCBs, with volatilization predominating after snow/glacier melting. As hydrophobicity increases, the biological pump decreases the concentration of PCBs in seawater, reversing the fugacity gradient to atmospheric deposition. This study highlights the potential impacts of climate change, through glacier retreat, on the biogeochemistry of POPs, remobilizing those compounds previously trapped within the cryosphere which in turn will transform the Antarctic cryosphere into a secondary source of the more volatile POPs in coastal areas, influenced by snow and ice melting.

• Klíčová slova
• Antarctica, Biodegradation, Human impacts, Legacy, POPs, Snow amplification,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• hexachlorbenzen analýza   MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * analýza   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• mořská voda MeSH
• pesticidy * analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly * analýza   MeSH
• zátoky MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Antarktida MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• hexachlorbenzen MeSH
• látky znečišťující vzduch * MeSH
• pesticidy * MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly * MeSH

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants. They were produced in relatively large volumes in the last century and are now subject to long-term monitoring and regulated under the United Nations Stockholm Convention (SC) on persistent organic pollutants (POPs). Though restricted, human exposure is still a concern and in some regions of the globe the information on the health risk is limited. Sixty breast milk samples from nursing mothers were collected between 2014 and 2015, residing in Bogota, Cartagena, and Medellin, which are industrialized cities in Colombia. This is the first comprehensive study to determine the concentrations in breast milk of PBDEs (n = 7), PCBs (n = 29), and OCPs (n = 28) in Colombia. The detection frequency of POPs, including BDE-47, CB-138, CB-153, CB-156, and CB-180, as well as several OCPs such as chloroneb, aldrins, HCHs, DDTs, and heptachlor, was found to be 100% in all samples tested. The mean concentrations of the analyzed legacy POPs were ∑3DDTs (423 ng/g lw) > chloroneb (50.1 ng/g lw) > ∑2permetrins (17.5 ng/g lw) > ∑2aldrins (16.7 ng/g lw) > 29 PCBs (15.04 ng/g lw) > ∑2chlordanes (CHLs) (11.2 ng/g lw) ≈ ∑3endosulfans (11.1 ng/g lw) > ∑2heptachlors (2.43 ng/g lw) > 7PBDEs (2.1 ng/g lw) > ∑4HCHs (0.58 ng/g lw). The results of this study suggest that the concentrations of DDTs were present in breast milk samples from Colombia at levels comparable to those found in previous studies conducted in other countries such as Brazil, Uruguay, Chile, and various Asian countries. The concentrations of PBDE and PCB congeners, as well as many pesticides, were found to be significantly correlated with each other. This suggests that these substances may have similar sources of exposure. The strength of the pair correlation among concentrations of POPs was assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients, which varied from r = 0.62 for the association between BDE-47 and CB-153, to a high correlation of 0.99 for the correlation between γ-Chlordane and heptachlor. This suggests that these POPs may share similar sources, such as diet. An exposure assessment model obtained by Monte Carlo simulation showed that infants were exposed to low concentrations of POPs with exception of p,p'-DDE and Aldrin, in which 25th, 50th and 95th percentiles were greater than the threshold reference values of non-carcinogenic effects suggested by US-EPA regulations while the 90th percentile of pg TEQ/Kg-bw/day for dl-PCBs was above of the tolerable daily intake (TDI) proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). Therefore, the health risk of infants exposed to OCPs and dl-PCBs should be exanimated continually through biomonitoring programs in the Colombian population.

• Klíčová slova
• Hazard quotient, Monte Carlo simulation, OCPs, Organochlorine pesticides, PBDEs, PCBs, Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, Polychlorinated biphenyls, breast milk, exposure assessment, toxic equivalent,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• dichlordifenyldichlorethylen MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery analýza   MeSH
• heptachlor MeSH
• hodnocení rizik MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * analýza   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mateřské mléko chemie   MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí MeSH
• pesticidy * analýza   MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly * analýza   MeSH
• Check Tag
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Kolumbie MeSH
• Názvy látek
• 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether MeSH Prohlížeč
• 2,4,5,2',4',5'-hexachlorobiphenyl MeSH Prohlížeč
• chloroneb MeSH Prohlížeč
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• dichlordifenyldichlorethylen MeSH
• halogenované difenylethery MeSH
• heptachlor MeSH
• látky znečišťující životní prostředí * MeSH
• pesticidy * MeSH
• polychlorované bifenyly * MeSH

The short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) are complex mixtures of persistent compounds used mainly as plastic additives. They can have a negative impact on human health as they are suspected of disrupting the endocrine system and being carcinogenic, which is why monitoring their presence in the human environment is desirable. Clothing was selected for this study because they are produced in large quantities worldwide and the final products are worn for long periods throughout the day, in direct contact with human skin. The concentrations of CPs in this type of sample have not been sufficiently reported. We determined SCCPs and MCCPs in 28 samples of T-shirts and socks by gas chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry in negative chemical ionisation mode (GC-NCI-HRMS). CPs were found above the limits of quantification in all samples, with concentrations ranging from 33.9 to 5940 ng/g (mean 1260 ng/g, median 417 ng/g). The samples with a substantial proportion of synthetic fibres contained higher CP concentrations (22 times higher mean for SCCPs and 7 times higher mean for MCCPs) than garments composed exclusively of cotton. Finally, the effect of washing in the washing machine was investigated. The individual samples behaved differently: (i) excessively emitting CPs; (ii) being contaminated; (iii) retaining the original CP levels. The CP profiles also changed for some samples (with a substantial proportion of synthetic fibres and samples composed exclusively of cotton).

• Klíčová slova
• Chlorinated paraffins, Endocrine disruptors, Gas chromatography, Mass spectrometry, Textile,
• MeSH
• chlorované uhlovodíky * analýza   MeSH
• hmotnostní spektrometrie MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• monitorování životního prostředí metody   MeSH
• parafín analýza   MeSH
• plynová chromatografie s hmotnostně spektrometrickou detekcí MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• Geografické názvy
• Čína MeSH
• Názvy látek
• chlorované uhlovodíky * MeSH
• parafín MeSH