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Abstract Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) are released into the environment due to their poor removal during wastewater treatment. Agricultural soils subject to irrigation with wastewater effluent and biosolids application are possible reservoirs for these chemicals. This study examined the impact of the pharmaceutical carbamazepine (CBZ), and the antimicrobial agents triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) on four soil microbial communities using shotgun sequencing (HiSeq Illumina) with the overall aim of determining possible degraders as well as the functional genes related to general xenobiotic degradation. The biodegradation of CBZ and TCC was slow, with ≤50% decrease during the 80-day incubation period. In contrast, TCS biodegradation was rapid, with ~80% removal in 25 days. For each chemical, when all four soils were considered together, between three and ten phylotypes (from multiple phyla) were more abundant in the soil samples compared to the live controls. The genera of a number of previously reported CBZ, TCC or TCS degrading isolates were present; Rhodococcus (CBZ), Streptomyces (CBZ), Pseudomonas (CBZ, TCC, TCS), Sphingomonas (TCC, TCS), Methylobacillus (TCS) and Stenotrophomonas (TCS) were among the most abundant (chemical previously reported to be degraded is shown in parenthesis). From the analysis of xenobiotic degrading pathways, genes from five KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) Orthology pathways were the most dominant, including those associated with aminobenzoate, benzoate (most common), chlorocyclohexane/chlorobenzene, dioxin and nitrotoluene biodegradation. Several phylotypes including Bradyrhizobium , Mycobacterium , Rhodopseudomonas , Pseudomonas , Cupriavidus , and Streptomyces were common genera associated with these pathways. Overall, the data suggest several phylotypes are likely involved in the biodegradation of these PPCPs with Pseudomonas being an important genus. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • Rapid triclosan, yet slow carbamazepine & triclocarban degradation • Soils contained genera from previously reported CBZ, TCC or TCS degrading isolates. • Several functional genes were enriched in the PPCP amended samples. • Bradyrhizobium & Rhodopseudomonas were linked to xenobiotic degradation pathways. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract In recent years, extensive attention has been paid to the passive sampling technology of diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) due to its growing application in the measurement of a widening variety of compounds. Within any DGT device, the binding phase is a key component, and seeking novel binding phases is an issue worth studying. Cyclodextrin polymer, as a green and eco-friendly material, may be a good choice for measuring organic chemicals. In this study, a novel DGT sampler with cyclodextrin polymer membrane (CDPM) as the binding phase was developed for measuring the concentrations of triclosan, triclocarban and methyl triclosan. Firstly, the type and content of cyclodextrin used in CDPM was optimized, and a series of tests showed that CDPM had good hydrophilicity, thermal stability, fast uptake rate and sufficient uptake capacity, thus CDPM was determined to be suitable for use as the binding phase of DGT sampler. Moreover, the sampling rates of this DGT sampler were not influenced by ionic strength and dissolved organic matter, making it feasible for in situ monitoring of compounds in the field. Hence, we deployed the developed DGT sampler in the Qinhuai and Jiuxiang Rivers to measure the concentrations of three compounds. We also collected water samples and processed them with the solid phase extraction (SPE) method. Results indicated that there was no significant difference between the DGT-measured and the SPE-measured concentrations for each compound, which confirmed the reliability of this DGT sampler for monitoring the concentrations of compounds in natural waters. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • A polymer membrane containing cyclodextrin molecules was prepared. • A DGT sampler with cyclodextrin polymer membrane as binding phase was designed. • The sampler had fast uptake rate, enough uptake capacity and stable sampling rate. • The sampler was successfully applied in the measurement of compounds in rivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban (TCC) is an extensively used antimicrobial agent that exhibits endocrine disrupt potential, but its effects on fetal growth remain largely unknown. Herein, we measured TCC, its four hydroxylated metabolites and two dechlorination products, as well as the oxidative stress biomarker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in maternal urine samples collected across three trimesters of pregnancy in Wuhan, China. Linear mixed-effect models and multiple linear regression models were applied for correlation analysis. TCC was detected in >97 % of urine samples after conjugate hydrolysis (geometric mean: 0.249-0.335 ng/mL). An interquartile range increase in TCC was associated with a 6.65 % increase in 8-OHdG (95 % confidence interval: 2.15-11.16 %). Urinary TCC in the first trimester was inversely associated with body weight in infant girls, with significant p-value for trend (p trend  = 0.011) across tertiles of TCC concentrations. Urinary 8-OHdG in the third trimester was associated with reduced ponderal index in infant boys (p trend  = 0.020). Urinary levels of TCC correlated well with its transformation products (2'-OH-TCC, 3'-OH-TCC, 6-OH-TCC, 4'-DHC, and DCC). No clear association was found between these metabolites and 8-OHdG, as well as size at birth. Our results revealed the potential exposure risks of TCC during the early life stage, future replications in other populations are needed., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier B.V.)

The incomplete elimination of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) during wastewater treatment has resulted in their detection in the environment. PPCP biodegradation is a potential removal mechanism; however, the microorganisms and pathways involved in soils are generally unknown. Here, the biodegradation of diclofenac (DCF), carbamazepine (CBZ) and triclocarban (TCC) in four agricultural soils at concentrations typically detected in soils and biosolids (50 ng g −1 ) was examined. Rapid DCF removal (<7 days) was observed under aerobic conditions, but only limited biodegradation was noted under other redox conditions. CBZ and TCC degradation under aerobic conditions was slow (half-lives of 128–241 days and 165–190 days for CBZ and TCC). Phylotypes in the Proteobacteria , Gemmatimonadales and Actinobacteria were significantly more abundant during DCF biodegradation compared to the controls (no DCF). For CBZ, those in the Bacteroidetes , Actinobacteria , Proteobacteria and Verrucomicrobia were enriched compared to the controls. Actinobacteria and Proteobacteria were also enriched during TCC biodegradation. Such differences could indicate these microorganisms are associated with the biodegradation of these compounds, as they appear to be benefiting from their removal. The impact of these PPCPs on the KEGG pathways associated with metabolism was also examined. Four pathways were positively impacted during DCF biodegradation (propanoate, lysine, fatty acid & benzoate metabolism). These pathways are likely common in soils, explaining the rapid removal of DCF. There was limited impact of CBZ on the metabolic pathways. TCC removal was linked to genes associated with the degradation of simple and complex substrates. The results indicate even low concentrations of PPCPs significantly affect soil communities. The recalcitrant nature of TCC and CBZ suggests soils receiving biosolids could accumulate these chemicals, representing risks concerning crop uptake. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclocarban and benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BUVSs) are listed as high production volume synthetic chemicals, used extensively in personal care products. Many of these chemicals persist in the aquatic environment as micropollutants. Knowledge on their fate in freshwater ecosystems is still lacking, especially in the Indian Rivers. Our intention is to study the seasonal distribution, hazard quotient, risk assessment, and bioaccumulation of triclocarban and BUVSs (UV-9, UV-P, UV-326, UV-327, UV-328, and UV-329) during wet and dry seasons in water, sediment and fish from the Kaveri, Vellar, and Thamiraparani rivers in Tamil Nadu State, India. Triclocarban and BUVSs were identified in all matrices analysed. Triclocarban was found in water, sediment, and fish up to 1119 ng/L, 26.3 ng/g (dry wt.), and 692 ng/g (wet wt.), respectively. Among BUVSs, UV-329 was found up to 31.3 ng/L (water samples), UV-327 up to 7.3 ng/g (sediment samples), and UV-9 up to 79.4 ng/g (fish samples). The hazard quotient (HQ env. ) for triclocarban in surface water was found to be at risk level (HQ env. > 1) in the Kaveri, and Thamiraparani rivers during dry season. Bioaccumulation factors indicate that target compounds (triclocarban and BUVSs) could bio-accumulate in organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of 19 biocides in the aquatic environments (including runoffs) of a highly urbanized region, and then analyze the sources and ecological risks of target biocides in the river system. The investigated results showed that 19 target biocides were universally detected in surface water (17), sediment (19) and rainfall runoff (18). The tributaries of the river system were seriously contaminated by the biocides compared to the main stream. The prominent biocides in the riverine environment were methylparaben, climbazole and N , N -diethyl-3-methylbenzamide (DEET) for surface water, climbazole, triclosan and triclocarban for sediment, and DEET and carbendazim for rainfall runoff. The biocides source analysis based on the mass contribution suggested that domestic wastewater was a dominant input source for most biocides in the riverine environment, while rainfall runoff was another crucial input source for some biocides, especially for DEET and carbendazim. The ecological risk assessment revealed that some high levels biocides (e.g. clotrimazole, carbendazim, and triclosan) could pose potential ecological risks to aquatic organisms. Therefore, it is essential that some efficient measures should be taken to reduce the input of biocides to river system from different sources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In many jurisdictions land application of municipal biosolids is a valued source of nutrients for crop production. The practice must be managed to ensure that crops and adjacent water are not subject to contamination by pharmaceuticals or other organic contaminants. The broad spectrum antimicrobial agents triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC), the anti-epileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ), and the nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug naproxen (NAP) are widely used and are carried in biosolids. In the present study, the effect of biosolids and depth of placement in the soil profile on the rates of TCS, TCC, CBZ, and NAP dissipation were evaluated under semi-field conditions. Aggregates of dewatered municipal biosolids (DMBs) supplemented with 14 C-labeled residues were applied either on the soil surface or in the subsurface of the soil profile, and incubated over several months under ambient outdoor conditions. The dissipation of TCS, TCC and NAP was significantly faster in sub-surface than surface applied biosolid aggregates. In contrast the dissipation rate for CBZ was the same in surface applied and incorporated aggregates. Overall, the present study has determined a significant effect of depth of placement on the dissipation rate of biodegradable molecules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) form a symbiotic relationship with the majority of crop plants. AMF provide plants with nutrients (e.g., P), modulate the effect of metal and pathogen exposure, and increase tolerance to moisture stress. The benefits of AMF to plant growth make them important to the development of sustainable agriculture. The land application of biosolids is becoming an increasingly common practice in sustainable agriculture, as a source of nutrients. However, biosolids have been found to contain numerous pharmaceutical and personal care products including antimicrobial chemicals such as triclosan and triclocarban. The potential risks that these two compounds may pose to plant–AMF interactions are poorly understood. The current study investigated whether biosolids-derived triclosan and triclocarban affect the colonization of the roots of lettuce and corn plants by AMF. Plants were grown in soil amended with biosolids that contained increasing concentrations of triclosan (0 to 307 μg/g dw) or triclocarban (0 to 304 μg/g dw). A relationship between the concentration of triclosan or triclocarban and colonization of plants roots by AMF was not observed. The presence of biosolids did not have a significant (p > 0.05) effect on percent colonization of corn roots but had a significant, positive effect (p < 0.05) on lettuce roots. Biosolids-derived triclosan and triclocarban did not inhibit the colonization of crop plant roots by AMF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An analytical method was developed and validated for the target screening of triclosan (TCS), triclocarban (TCC) and its lesser and higher chlorinated congeners namely, 4,4′-dichlorocarbanilide (DCC) 3,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorocarbanilide (3-Cl-TCC) and 2,3′,4,4′-tetrachlorocarbanilide (2-Cl-TCC) in river sediment. Sediment samples were extracted by pressurized liquid extraction and quantification and identification of target compounds were carried by liquid chromatography high resolution mass spectrometry (LC–HRMS). The overall method recoveries were 89% with relative standard deviations below 6%. Method detection limits ranged from 0.01 to 0.12 ng/g. The usefulness of the method was demonstrated on sediment samples collected downstream of three wastewater treatment plants in an attempt to provide with a set of occurrence data of these biocides in France and for a better understanding of their fate in river. Major results are the following: TCC, DCC and 3-Cl-TCC were ubiquitously detected demonstrating that these emerging contaminants have been probably overlooked in France. Reductive dechlorination of TCC into DCC was also ubiquitous but predominated in anoxic sediment. 3-Cl-TCC is probably more persistent than TCC and LC–HRMS enabled the detection and identification of a suite of other chlorinated biocides in river sediment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to examine the occurrence of parabens (5 congeners), triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) at the scale of the Parisian sewer network and to provide representative knowledge on these compounds in France for a large area. For this purpose and in collaboration with the Parisian public sanitation service (SIAAP) in charge of the collect and treatment of the Parisian wastewater, this study focused on seven main sewer trunks of the Paris conurbation, accounting for 1 900 000 m³ d-1, i.e., about 8 million inhabitants. Concentrations lying in the 2000-20 000 ng l-1 ranges were found in wastewater, confirming the ubiquity of parabens, TCS and TCC in our environment and household products. Parabens (> 97%) and to a lesser extent TCS (68% in median) were mainly associated to the dissolved fraction, as demonstrated by low KD and KOC values. For the first time, this study also evaluated the pollutant mass loads per population equivalent (PE) of parabens, TCS and TCC at the large and representative scale of the Parisian conurbation. Hence, the median mass loads varied from 176 to 3040 µg PE-1 d-1 for parabens and from 26 to 762 µg PE-1 d-1 for TCS and TCC. Based on these results and according to the assumptions done, the extrapolation of the mass loads at the national scale pointed out an annual mass loads between 51.8 and 100.7 t y-1 for methyl paraben (MeP) and between 11.2 and 23.5 t y-1 for TCS. Mass loads per equivalent habitant and national mass loads are both extremely relevant and innovative data. Contrary to other countries, such data are nowadays rather difficult to gain in France and neither enquiry nor database provides access to information on the use and production of these chemicals. Since cosmetic industries are voluntarily and fully engaged in the substitution of parabens, triclosan and triclocarban in personal care product, this study could constitute a "time reference status" which could be used as a basis for future monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Triclocarban (TCC), triclosan (TCS) and methyl triclosan (Me-TCS) were detected in soil and the native population of earthworms of an agricultural field in Ottawa, Canada, about four years after a commercial-scale application of biosolids. In soil that received biosolids, TCC and TCS were detected at median concentrations of 13.0 and 1.5ng/g soil (d.w.), respectively, while Me-TCS, the transformation product of triclosan, was detected at a six-fold higher median concentration than its precursor. In earthworms collected at the biosolids-amended field-plot about four years post application, Me-TCS was also detected at higher concentrations (26 to 114ng/g tissue d.w.) than TCS (16–51ng/g) and TCC (4–53ng/g). These data provide evidence that not only parent compounds but also their transformation products need to be considered in faunal bioaccumulation studies. Moreover, the preliminary results for pooled earthworm samples from different ecological groups suggest that the degree of bioaccumulation of biosolids-associated contaminants may depend on the habitat and feeding behavior of the organisms. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Biomonitoring of human exposure to bisphenol A diglycidyl ethers (BADGEs; resin coating for food cans), p-hydroxybenzoic acid esters (parabens; preservatives), benzophenone-type UV filters (BP-UV filters; sunscreen agents), triclosan (TCS; antimicrobials), and triclocarban (TCC; antimicrobials) has been investigated in western European countries and North America. Nevertheless, little is known about the exposure of Greek populations to these environmental chemicals. In this study, 100 urine samples collected from Athens, Greece, were analyzed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) for the determination of total concentrations of five derivatives of BADGEs, six parabens and their metabolite (ethyl-protocatechuate), five derivatives of BP-UV filters, TCS, and TCC. Urinary concentrations of BADGEs, parabens, ethyl-protocatechuate, BP-UV filters, TCS and TCC (on a volume basis) ranged 0.3–20.9 (geometric mean: 0.9), 1.6–1010 (24.2), <2–71.0 (2.1), 0.5–1120 (4.4), <0.5–2580 (8.0) and <0.5–1.9 (0.6) ng/mL, respectively. All 19 target chemicals were found in urine, and the highest detection rates were observed for methyl paraben (100%), bisphenol A bis (2,3-dihydroxypropyl) ether (90%), ethyl paraben (87%), 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone (78%), propyl paraben (72%), and TCS (71%). Estimated daily intakes (EDIurine), calculated on the basis of the measured urinary concentrations, ranged from 0.023μg/kg bw/day for Σ5BADGEs to 31.4μg/kg bw/day for Σ6Parabens. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The antimicrobial agents triclocarban (TCC) and triclosan (TCS) and synthetic musks AHTN (Tonalide) and HHCB (Galaxolide) are widely used in many personal care products. These compounds may release into the soil environment through biosolid application to agricultural land and potentially affect soil organisms. This paper aimed to investigate accumulation, dissipation and potential risks of TCC, TCS, AHTN and HHCB in biosolid-amended soils of the three field trial sites (Zhejiang, Hunan and Shandong) with three treatments (CK: control without biosolid application, T1: single biosolid application, T2: repeated biosolid application every year). The one-year monitoring results showed that biosolids application could lead to accumulation of these four chemicals in the biosolid-amended soils, with the residual concentrations in the following order: TCC>TCS>AHTN>HHCB. Dissipation of TCC, TCS, AHTN and HHCB in the biosolid-amended soils followed the first-order kinetics model. Half-lives for TCC, TCS, AHTN and HHCB under the field conditions of Shandong site were 191, 258, 336 and 900days for T1, and 51, 106, 159 and 83days for T2, respectively. Repeated applications of biosolid led to accumulation of these personal care products and result in higher ecological risks. Based on the residual levels in the trial sites and limited toxicity data, high risks to soil organisms are expected for TCC and TCS, while low-medium risks for AHTN and HHCB. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Triclocarban (TCC) is monitored under the USEPA High Production Volume (HPV) chemical program and is predominantly used as the active ingredient in select antibacterial bar soaps and other personal care products. The compound commonly occurs at parts-per-million concentrations in processed wastewater treatment residuals (i.e. biosolids), which are frequently land-applied as fertilizers and soil conditioners. Human and ecological risk assessment parameters measured by the authors in previous studies were integrated with existing data to perform a two-tiered human health and ecological risk assessment of land-applied biosolids-borne TCC. The 14 exposure pathways identified in the Part 503 Biosolids Rule were expanded, and conservative screening-level hazard quotients (HQ values) were first calculated to estimate risk to humans and a variety of terrestrial and aquatic organisms (Tier 1). The majority of biosolids-borne TCC exposure pathways resulted in no screening-level HQ values indicative of significant risks to exposed organisms (including humans), even under worst-case land application scenarios. The two pathways for which the conservative screening-level HQ values exceeded one (i.e. Pathway 10: biosolids➔soil➔soil organism➔predator, and Pathway 16: biosolids➔soil➔surface water➔aquatic organism) were then reexamined using modified parameters and scenarios (Tier 2). Adjusted HQ values remained greater than one for Exposure Pathway 10, with the exception of the final adjusted HQ values under a one-time 5Mgha−1 (agronomic) biosolids loading rate scenario for the American woodcock (Scolopax minor) and short-tailed shrew (Blarina brevicauda). Results were used to prioritize recommendations for future biosolids-borne TCC research, which include additional measurements of toxicological effects and TCC concentrations in environmental matrices at the field level. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Triclocarban (TCC) is an antibacterial compound commonly detected in biosolids at parts-per-million concentrations. Approximately half of the biosolids produced in the United States are land-applied, resulting in a systematic release of TCC into the soil environment. The extent of biosolids-borne TCC environmental transport and potential human/ecological exposures will be greatly affected by its bioavailability and the rate of degradation in amended soils. To investigate these factors, radiolabeled TCC (14C–TCC) was incorporated into anaerobically digested biosolids, amended to two soils, and incubated under aerobic conditions. The evolution of 14CO2 (biodegradation) and changes in chemical extractability (bioavailability) was measured over time. Water extractable TCC over the study period was low and significantly decreased over the first 3weeks of the study (from 14% to 4% in a fine sand soil and from 3 to <1% in a silty clay loam soil). Mineralization (i.e. ultimate degradation), as measured by evolution of 14CO2, was <4% over 7.5months. Methanol extracts of the amended soils were analyzed by radiolabel thin-layer chromatography (RAD-TLC), but no intermediate degradation products were detected. Approximately 20% and 50% of the radioactivity in the amended fine sand and silty clay loam soils, respectively, was converted to bound residue as measured by solids combustion. These results indicate that biosolids-borne TCC becomes less bioavailable over time and biodegrades at a very slow rate. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Triclocarban (TCC) is an active ingredient in antibacterial bar soaps, a common constituent of domestic wastewater, and the subject of recent criticism by consumer advocate groups and academic researchers alike. Activated sludge treatment readily removes TCC from the liquid waste stream and concentrates the antimicrobial in the solid fraction, which is often processed to produce biosolids intended for land application. Greater than half of the biosolids generated in the US are land-applied, resulting in a systematic release of biosolids-borne TCC into the terrestrial and, potentially, the aquatic environment. Multiple data gaps in the TCC literature (including basic physicochemical properties and biosolids concentrations) prevent an accurate, quantitative risk assessment of biosolids-borne TCC. We utilized the USEPA Office of Prevention, Pesticides, and Toxic Substances (OPPTS) harmonized test guidelines to measure TCC solubility and log K ow values as 0.045mgL− 1 and 3.5, respectively. The measured physicochemical 2 properties differed from computer model predictions. The mean concentration of TCC in 23 biosolids representative of multiple sludge processing methods was 19±11mgkg− 1. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The broad spectrum antimicrobial agents triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) are widely used in many personal care products. Knowledge concerning the fate of these two compounds in different environmental matrices is scarce. In this study, the fate of TCS and TCC in soil following direct addition, or when residues were applied via either liquid municipal biosolids (LMB) or dewatered municipal biosolids (DMB) was investigated in laboratory dissipation experiments and under outdoor conditions using radioisotope methods. In laboratory incubations, 14C-TCC or 14C-TCS was added to microcosms containing a loam soil and the rate of 14CO2 accumulation and loss of solvent-extractable 14C were determined during incubation at 30°C. Compared to when TCC or TCS was added directly to soil, both chemicals were mineralized more rapidly when applied in LMB, and both were mineralized more slowly when applied in DMB. The application matrix had no effect on the rate of removal of extractable residues. In field experiments, parent compounds were incorporated directly in soil, incorporated via LMB, or a single aggregate of amended DMB was applied to the soil surface. During the experiment soil temperatures ranged from 20°C to 10°C. Dissipation was much slower in the field than in the laboratory experiments. Removal of non-extractable residues was faster in the presence of LMB than the other treatments. Recovery of extractable and non-extractable residues suggested that there was little atmospheric loss of 14C. Triclocarban readily formed non-extractable residues with DMB whereas TCS did not. Overall, this study has identified that both the pathways and the kinetics of TCS and TCC dissipation in soil are different when the chemicals are carried in biosolids compared to when these chemicals are added directly to the soil. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Exposure to environmental phenols such as bisphenol A, benzophenones, 2-phenylphenol, triclosan, and triclocarban is of concern, because of their endocrine disrupting properties and broad application in consumer products. The current body burden of the 3–17-year-old population in Germany to these substances was assessed in first-morning void urine samples (N = 515–516) collected within the population-representative German Environmental Survey for Children and Adolescents 2014–2017 (GerES V). Bisphenol A was the most prominent phenol analysed here, ubiquitously found in almost all samples with a geometric mean (GM) concentration of 1.905 μg/L (1.669 μg/g creatinine) and a maximum (MAX) urinary concentration of 399 μg/L. Benzophenone-3 and benzophenone-1 were quantified in 35% and 41% of the samples. GM was below the limit of quantification (LOQ) for benzophenone-3 and 0.559 μg/L (0.489 μg/g crea) for benzophenone-1, MAX concentrations were 845 μg/L and 202 μg/L, respectively. In 16% of the samples triclosan was found in quantifiable amounts resulting in a GM below LOQ and a MAX concentration of 801 μg/L. Benzophenone-8, 2-phenylphenol and triclocarban were quantified in none or only 1% of the samples. Benzophenone-1 and -3 concentrations were found to be associated with frequent application of personal care products. A comparison with the previous cycle of the survey, GerES IV (2003–2006), showed a decrease of urinary bisphenol A concentrations, mainly in young children. Despite this decrease, the concentration of bisphenol A exceeded the human biomonitoring (HBM) value HBM-I of 0.1 mg/L in 0.11% of the samples. For triclosan, all urinary concentrations were well below the HBM-I value of 2 mg/L. To minimise environmental health risks, it is therefore necessary to maintain a further declining trend for bisphenol A and continue monitoring the exposure to environmental phenols, as well as to monitor substitutes such as bisphenol F and S. Unlabelled Image • Nationally representative exposure data for seven environmental phenols • Decrease of BPA concentrations in young children compared to GerES IV (2003–2006) • Low rate of HBM-I value exceedance for BPA • Children and adolescents not exposed to benzophenone-8, 2-phenylphenol, triclocarban • Personal care products are main exposure pathway for benzophenone-3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Contamination status, spatial variability, and exposure risk of triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) in indoor dusts from different micro-environments were evaluated for the first time in Vietnam as well as in Southeast Asian region. TCS and TCC were measured in 89 dust samples collected from bedrooms, living rooms, and kitchens of private houses in four northern cities including Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hung Yen, and Nam Dinh, by means of liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. Concentrations of TCS and TCC ranged from <5 to 1090 (median 33.2) and from <3 to 531 (median 19.3) ng g−1, respectively. Concentrations of TCS and TCC in the kitchen and bedroom dusts were markedly higher than levels found in the living room samples, probably due to their applications in kitchen utensils, household cleaning reagents, and personal care products. A strong positive correlation between TCS and TCC concentrations was detected in the whole dataset (R2 = 0.810, p < 0.001). For samples in which both TCS and TCC were quantified, TCS/TCC ratios ranged from 0.3 to 12 with a median value of 1.8, and did not show big differences between micro-environments. Human exposures to TCS and TCC through dust ingestion were estimated for various age groups with 95% CI daily intake doses ranging from (0.032–0.070) to (0.340–0.740) and from (0.017–0.033) to (0.175–0.345) ng kg-bw−1 d−1 for adults and infants respectively. Although our derived values were much lower than reference doses, more comprehensive risk assessment considering multiple exposure pathways of TCS and TCC is needed. Unlabelled Image • Triclosan and triclocarban were examined in kitchen, bedroom, and living room dusts. • TCS and TCC levels were higher in kitchen and bedroom dusts. • TCS and TCC levels in Vietnamese house dusts were much lower than other countries. • TCS was positively correlated with TCC in indoor dusts. • Health risk of dust-bound TCS and TCC in Vietnamese population was quite low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite mass production and widespread use of parabens, triclosan (TCS), and triclocarban (TCC) in a range of personal care products, little is known about their concentrations and distribution in pregnant woman serum in China. In this study, 5 parabens (methyl- (MeP), ethyl- (EtP), butyl- (BuP), heptyl- (HeP) and benzyl-parabens (BzP)) and 4 their metabolites (methyl protocatechuate (OH-MeP), ethyl protocatechuate (OH-EtP), 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB) and 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4-HB)), TCS, and TCC were measured, by using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) techniques, in pregnant woman serum samples collected from 13 provinces in China. Total concentrations of parabens (∑PBs), their metabolites (∑MBs), and TCC and TCS (∑AAs) in serum ranged from 0.221–18.6 (geometric mean (GM): 2.47), 47.4–598 (212), and 0.101–5.84 (1.01) ng/mL, respectively. MeP, EtP, 4-HB and TCS were the dominant compounds, and their GM concentrations were 1.86, 0.239, 211 and 1.00 ng/mL, respectively. Geographical distribution of target chemicals in serum was determined. Concentrations of MeP (5.49 ng/mL) and EtP (0.895 ng/mL) in sera from the Northeast China were higher than those from other regions (MeP: 0.987–3.54, EtP: 0.07–0.254 ng/mL; p < 0.05). The highest 4-HB concentrations were found in sera from the Southwest China (GM: 286 ng/mL), whereas the TCS concentrations in sera from the North China (1.18 ng/mL) were higher than those found for other regions (p < 0.05). The estimated daily intakes (EDIs; range: 49.5–126 μg/kg body weight (bw)/day) showed that the Chinese women were in a low health risk from exposure to such chemicals. This is the first study to report concentration profiles of parabens, TCS and TCC in pregnant woman serum in China. Unlabelled Image • Parabens and their metabolites, TCS and TCC were measured in pregnant woman sera in China. • MeP, EtP, 4-HB and TCS were the predominant compounds in serum. • Geographical differences in serum concentrations of MeP, EtP, 4-HB and TCS were observed. • Serum TCS concentrations were higher in old than young women. • Exposure to parabens and TCS poses low health risks to Chinese pregnant women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) are two common antimicrobial compounds, which are widely used as ingredients in pharmaceuticals and personal care products. They occur ubiquitously in soil due to biosolid application as agricultural fertilizers, but their influence on microbially mediated soil biogeochemical processes is poorly understood. We tested the effects of varying concentrations of TCS and TCC applied both individually and together on denitrification and N 2 O emissions in paddy soil. We also quantified denitrification functional gene abundances by q -PCR to elucidate the microbial mechanisms of TCS and TCC's effects. Our results showed that TCS and TCC exposure both individually and together significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited denitrification (7.0–36.7%) and N 2 O emissions (15.4–86.4%) except for the 0.01 mg kg−1 TCC treatment in which denitrification was slightly but significantly (p < 0.05) stimulated. The inhibitory effects of TCS and TCC exposure were mainly attributed to their negative net effects on denitrifying bacteria as suggested by the decrease in abundances of 16S rRNA, narG , nirK and clade I nosZ genes in the TCS and TCC treatments. Overall, we found that TCS and TCC exposure in paddy soil could substantially alter nitrogen cycling in rice paddy ecosystems by inhibiting denitrification and N 2 O emissions. These effects should be taken into consideration when evaluating the environmental impacts of TCS and TCC. Unlabelled Image • Triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC) significantly changed denitrification rate. • TCS and TCC exposure significantly reduced N 2 O release rate. • TCS and TCC reduced the abundance of genes related to denitrification. • TCS and TCC may pose significant eco-environmental risks in paddy soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]