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Benzotriazole ultraviolet stabilizers (BZT-UVs), substituted diphenylamine antioxidants (S-DPAs), and synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are three types of synthetic additive pollutants that are received increasing attention in the recent decade. In this study, a total of twenty-seven target analytes were measured in sediment cores and surface sediments collected from a lake with long sedimentary history. All target analytes were detected in the sediment samples, and mean values of the total ∑BZT-UVs, ∑S-DPAs and ∑SPAs concentrations were 220 ± 552 ng/g dry weight (d.w.), 20.8 ± 27.9 ng/g d. w., and 95.8 ± 146 ng/g d. w., respectively. Based on the dating results of two sediment cores, the total concentrations of BZT-UVs, S-DPA, and SPAs showed a fluctuating but overall increasing trend over time, which intuitively reflects the change of historical emissions. Meanwhile, fecal and sewage markers (i.e., sterols and pharmaceuticals, respectively) were jointly used to trace the probable sources of these pollutants. Results from the correlation and clustering analyses suggest that unregular fecal discharges and point-source domestic sewage need to be considered if pollution in the investigated area is to be controlled. To our knowledge, this study is the initial attempt to reveal the temporal variations of these synthetic additive pollutants in an aquatic environment in China and to demonstrate the feasibility of using markers to trace the sources of emerging pollutant analogues. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) in multi-environmental matrices are studied in Taizhou, Zhejiang Province, China, which is a notorious e-waste dismantling area. The investigated matrices consist of paddy field soil, paddy seeds ( Oryza sativa , separated into hulls and rice unpolished) and apple snails ( Ampullariidae , inhabiting the paddy fields). The sampling area covered a 65-km radius around the contamination center. C 10 and C 11 are the two predominant homologue groups in the area, accounting for about 35.7% and 33.0% of total SCCPs, respectively. SCCPs in snails and hulls are generally higher than in soil samples (30.4–530 ng/g dw), and SCCPs in hulls are approximate five times higher than in corresponding rice samples (4.90–55.1 ng/g dw). Homologue pattern analysis indicates that paddy seeds (both hull and rice) tend to accumulate relatively high volatile SCCP homologues, especially the ones with shorter carbon chain length, while snails tend to accumulate relatively high lipophilic homologues, especially the ones with more substituted chlorines. SCCPs in both paddy seeds and snails are linearly related to those in the soil. The e-waste dismantling area, which covers a radius of approximate 20 km, shows higher pollution levels for SCCPs according to their spatial distribution in four matrices. The preliminary assessment indicates that SCCP levels in local soils pose no significant ecological risk for soil dwelling organisms, but higher risks from dietary exposure of SCCPs are suspected for people living in e-waste dismantling area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Exposure to electronic and electrical waste (e-waste) has been related to a few adverse health effects. In this study, sediment samples from an e-waste recycling town in China were collected, and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) agonists in the samples were identified using an effect-directed analysis (EDA) strategy. The CBG2.8D cell line reporter gene bioassay was used as a toxicity test, while suspect screening against chemical databases was performed for potential AhR agonist identification where both gas chromatography- and liquid chromatography-high resolution mass spectrometry analyses were run. When the original sample extract showed high AhR-mediated activity, sample fractionation was performed, and fractions exhibiting high bioactivity were chemically analyzed again to reveal the corresponding AhR agonists. In total, 23 AhR agonists were identified, including 14 commonly known ones and 9 new ones. Benzo [ k ]fluoranthene and 6-nitrochrysene were the dominant AhR agonists, covering 16–71% and 2.7–12%, respectively, of the AhR activation effects measured in the parent extracts. The newly identified AhR-active chemicals combined explained 0.13–0.20% of the parent extracts' effects, with 7,12-dimethylbenz [ a ]anthracene and 8,9,11-trimethylbenz [ a ]anthracene being the major contributors. A diagnostic isomer ratio analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons suggested that the major source of AhR agonists identified in these e-waste related sediment samples were probably petroleum product combustion and biomass combustion. In the future, for a more comprehensive AhR agonist investigation, in-house chemical synthesis and purification, and, when necessary, a secondary sample fractionation, would be beneficial. [Display omitted] • The EDA strategy was used to identify AhR agonists in e-waste related sediments. • Both GC- and LC-QExactive instruments were used to systemically identify AhR agonists. • The 23 identified chemicals explained 27–94% of the samples' AhR-mediated activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electronic waste (e-waste) pollution is of great concern due to the release of hazardous chemicals during the improper e-waste disposal. Many chemicals leached from e-waste were reported to pose estrogenic effects. To date, little is known regarding the occurrence and biological effects of estrogenic chemicals in sediments near an e-waste area. In this study, an effect-directed analysis (EDA) is applied to determine the estrogenic chemicals in sediments of four sites collected from a typical e-waste recycling city in China. Following screening with the ER-CALUX assay, the extract of sample with the most potent effect was subjected in fractionation using reverse phase liquid chromatography. Based on a target analysis for the active fractions, four compounds, including estrone, 17 β -estradiol, 17 α -ethinylestradiol and bisphenol A, were identified, and these contributed to 17% of the total toxic effects in the sample. A further nontarget analysis screened four candidates, namely diethylstilbestrol (DES), hexestrol (HES), nandrolone and durabolin, and the total contribution was found to be 48% from the active sample. Specifically, DES and HES were only detected in the active sample and were found to be the primary drivers of estrogenic effects. An examination of the identified chemicals in the four sites indicated that these estrogenic chemicals may originate from e-waste recycling, livestock excretion and domestic waste. These findings uncovered the estrogenic pollutants in sediments from an e-waste area. Considering single endpoint in biological assay is not abundant to screen chemicals with different toxic effects, further EDA studies with multiple endpoints are required to better understand the occurrence of representative or unknown chemicals in e-waste-polluted areas. [Display omitted] • Effect-directed analysis was used to identify estrogenic compounds in sediments. • Diethylstilbestrol and hexestrol were identified as primary estrogenic chemicals. • The contamination of estrogenic chemicals was point-specific. • Estrogenic chemicals may originate from excrement, domestic waste and e-waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive use of bisphenol A and its analogues has caused increasing concern over the potential adverse health impacts of these chemicals. In this study, the presence and profiles of 13 bisphenols (BPs) were investigated in 52 municipal sewage sludge samples collected from 30 cities in China. Tetrabromobisphenol A was the most frequently observed analogue (geometric mean: 20.5 ng/g dw). Bisphenol A (4.69 ng/g dw), bisphenol S (3.02 ng/g dw), and bisphenol F (3.84 ng/g dw) were found with similar frequency. Other BP analogues such as tetrachlorobisphenol A, bisphenol AF, bisphenol E, and dihydroxybiphenyl were identified for the first time in sewage sludge in China. Significant correlations were found among BP concentrations, but no relationships were found with wastewater treatment plant characteristics. Profiles of the relative estradiol equivalents suggested that the estrogenic potential of BP mixtures may be associated with the occurrence and contributions of specific analogues. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) has just been listed into Stockholm Convention as a persistent organic pollutant recently. This paper studied the HBCDs in 79 wild fish from high mountain lakes and rivers of the Tibetan Plateau. The ∑HBCDs in fish muscles ranged from non detectable levels to 13.7 ng/g lipid weight (lw) (mean value of 2.12 ng/g lw) with a high detection frequency of 65.8%. α-HBCD dominated among the isomers and accounted for 78.2% of the total burden. Concentrations of ∑HBCDs in the fish were significantly correlated with the lipid content. A decreasing trend was observed between α-HBCD and trophic level. Positive correlation was also noted between the HBCD levels in fish from lakes and the annual precipitation, and this implied the long-range atmospheric transport of HBCDs to the Tibet Plateau. This was the first work to widely explore HBCDs contamination in the aquatic ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) along with hydroxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (OH-PBDEs) and methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) were found in plant and soil samples collected surrounding a seafood processing factory and a seafood market in China. The profiles of MeO-PBDE congeners were different between seafood processing factory and seafood market. The detection frequency and concentration of 6-OH-BDE-47 were lower than that of MeO-PBDEs. Near seafood processing factory, a decreasing trend of analyte concentrations in plants was found downstream the river where factory wastewater was discharged. Concentrations of ΣMeO-PBDEs in plant and soil samples showed difference as root > soil > leaf. However, at seafood market, the concentrations of ΣMeO-PBDEs were much higher in leaves than those in soil. The concentration of ΣMeO-PBDEs in leaves showed a remarkable difference between Calystegia soldanella (Linn.) R. Br. and Setaira viridis (L.) Beauv. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Heavy metal pollution is one of the most serious environmental problems in China and a large number of people are threatened by heavy metal pollution. Extensive damage to human organs, such as liver, kidney, digestion system, and nervous system can be caused by uptake of excess heavy metals. Heavy metals in the environment can originate from both natural and anthropogenic sources. Although contamination of heavy metals has been known to be a severe environmental problem for decades, it is still getting worse in recent years and there are few feasible approaches to resolve this problem. Due to their high toxicity, prevalent existence and persistence in the environment, lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr) and arsenic (As) are commonly considered as the priority heavy metals which should be concerned and their emission should be controlled in China. This paper reviewed the pollution of heavy metals in China, focusing on the following four aspects: current status of heavy metal pollution in China, sources of heavy metals in China, toxicity and potential risk, and possible reduction strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The concentrations and species of organotin compounds (OTCs) in 52 surface sediment samples from nine fishing ports along the Chinese coast were studied. Butyltins (BTs) and phenyltins (PhTs) were derivatized using sodium tetraethylborate (NaBEt) and determined by head-space solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) gas chromatography coupled with a flame photometric detector (GC-FPD). The concentrations of OTCs ranged from <3.6 to 194 ng (Sn) g dry weight (dw) for monobutyltin (MBT), <2.3 to 41.5 ng (Sn) g dw for dibutyltin (DBT), <0.7 to 86.0 ng (Sn) g dw for tributyltin (TBT) and <5.1 to 66.1 ng (Sn) g dw for monophenyltin (MPhT), respectively. The concentrations of diphenyltin (DPhT) and triphenyltin (TPhT) were below the limit of detection (LOD). BTs were the main species in the sediments except for the samples collected from Shazikou fishing port in Qingdao. The concentrations of MBT were higher than DBT and TBT. The concentrations of OTCs in the sediments varied widely among different sampling locations. The concentrations of BTs were much higher in the samples collected from fishing ports close to the South China Sea than those in coast of the East China Sea and the Yellow Sea. MPhT was prevalent in most sampling stations except for those in coast of the East China Sea. The environmental and ecotoxicological risks of TBT in most sediment samples were low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are semi-volatile chemicals that are considered persistent in the environment, potential toxic and subject to long-range transport. This study investigates the concentrations and gas-particle partitioning of SCCPs at an urban site in Beijing during summer and wintertime. The total atmospheric SCCP levels ranged 1.9–33.0 ng/m3 during wintertime. Significantly higher levels were found during the summer (range 112–332 ng/m3). The average fraction of total SCCPs in the particle phase (ϕ) was 0.67 during wintertime but decreased significantly during the summer (ϕ = 0.06). The ten and eleven carbon chain homologues with five to eight chlorine atoms were the predominant SCCP formula groups in air. Significant linear correlations were found between the gas-particle partition coefficients and the predicted subcooled vapor pressures and octanol–air partition coefficients. The gas-particle partitioning of SCCPs was further investigated and compared with both the Junge–Pankow adsorption and K oa-based absorption models. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Surface soils collected from Taizhou, a typical e-waste recycling area in Southeast China, were analyzed for the residues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) by using microwave-assisted extraction and gas chromatography -mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in US EPA's priority list (ΣPAHs), six indicator PCBs (ΣPCBs), 15 OCPs widely used in China (ΣOCPs) in soils ranged from 125 to 4737 ng/g (average: 854 ng/g), from not detected to 55.4 ng/g (3.16 ng/g), and from 47.9 to 820 ng/g (276 ng/g), respectively. Individual PAHs were ubiquitously found in soil samples with detected ratio of 96% and their residual levels were comparable with those of serious polluted sites. Principal component analysis in combination with diagnostic ratios suggested that the combustion of coal, wood, and plastic wastes that are closely associated with illegal and unsafe recycling operations of e-wastes was the main source of PAHs in this area. Compared with other polluted sites, the PCBs residues in soils were generally low except for those in the major recycling site. The residual levels of OCPs in this region were also relatively higher and hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolite forms including dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and dicofol were dominant species. The composition analysis indicated that the HCHs residues in soils might originate from the application of lindane (pure γ-HCH) and parts of DDTs possibly from the wide use of dicofol with high impurity of DDT compounds in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Surface soils were collected in Balang Mountain to explore the environmental process of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) during air transport. The average concentrations of ∑25PCBs and ∑13PBDEs in soils were 163 pg/g and 26 pg/g, respectively. The significant correlations between the concentrations of pollutants and total organic carbon (TOC) indicated the importance of TOC in accumulation potential of POPs. The slopes from fitted curves of PCBs were highly related with logK oa, demonstrating that TOC dominates the soil-air exchange of PCBs. The TOC-normalized concentrations of contaminants in samples from below-treeline were higher than those from alpine meadow, probably due to the forest filter effect. The increasing trends of the concentrations with altitude from the alpine meadow samples, could be attributed to the mountain cold-trapping effect. And the weak cold-trapping effect of POPs might be due to the less precipitation in 2008 when comparing with those in 2006. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are listed as persistent organic pollutant candidates in the Stockholm Convention and are receiving more and more attentions worldwide. In general, concentrations of contaminants in sewage sludge can give an important indication on their pollution levels at a local/regional basis. In this study, SCCPs were investigated in sewage sludge samples collected from 52 wastewater treatment plants in China. Concentrations of total SCCPs (ΣSCCPs) in sludge were in the range of 0.80–52.7 μg/g dry weight (dw), with a mean value of 10.7 μg/g dw. Most of SCCPs in the sludge samples showed a similar congener distribution patterns, and C11 and Cl7,8 were identified as the dominant carbon and chlorine congener groups. Significant linear relationships were found among different SCCP congener groups (r 2 ≥ 0.9). High concentrations of SCCPs in sewage sludge imply that SCCPs are widely present in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are possibly persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and are candidate POPs of the Stockholm Convention. In this study, three quantitative methods for analyzing CPs were compared using a gas chromatograph-electron capture detector (GC-ECD), gas chromatograph-electron capture negative ion low resolution mass spectrometry (GC-ECNI-LRMS) and gas chromatograph-electron ionization tandem mass spectrometry (GC-EI-MS²). A quantitative method for the analysis of total CPs in soil samples was established. The environmental levels of CPs in an e-waste dismantling area in China were evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High mountains may play significant roles in the global transport of persistent organic pollutants (POPs). This work aims to investigate the levels, patterns and distribution of semi-volatile organoclorine pollutants and to improve the understanding of the long-range atmospheric transport and fate of contaminants on the Tibetan Plateau. A total of 60 fish samples were collected from eight lakes located between 2813 and 4718 m above sea level across the Plateau. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were measured in fish muscle. The results showed that concentrations of DDT, HCH and HCB were comparable to or lower than those found in remote mountains of Europe, Canada and US, while PCB concentrations in fish were, on average, about 4–150 times lower on Tibet than at other mountain areas. The transport and fate of contaminants in the Plateau are significantly influenced by the unique climatological and meteorological conditions, particularly by the summer Indian monsoon and winter westerly jet stream. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In recent years, considerable amounts of organotin compounds have entered the environment due to the wide industrial applications in China. Organotins were found in various environmental media. An overview of organotin contamination and distribution in China from various environmental samples, including waters and sediments, is presented to better understand the current state of organotin pollution in China and to improve environmental monitoring and management of organotin contamination. Exposure to organotin contaminated water and sediments induces accumulation of organotins in molluscs and biological effects such as imposex. Potential harmful effects on human health may also result from consumption of contaminated seafoods. Detailed information on distribution, impacts and assessment of risk to human health and marine ecosystems is discussed and monitoring of TBT using biomarkers is described. This review highlights the serious organotin contamination of coastal cities in China and emphasizes the need for long-term monitoring and the development of an effective regulatory program. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polychloro-1,3-butadienes (polyCBDs) are attracting increasing concern due to their high toxicity. However, research on multiple polyCBDs in aquatic biota is still extremely limited. In this study, a sensitive method for simultaneous determination of nine polyCBD (Cl 4 –Cl 6) congeners, including six tetrachlorobutadiene (TeCBD) isomers, two pentachlorobutadiene (PeCBD) isomers, and hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD), in shellfish was developed based on accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean-up and gas chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-QqQ-MS/MS). Low method limits of detection (MDLs) in the range 0.03–0.21 ng/g dry weight for target analytes with satisfactory recoveries (47.7 %–70.6 %) were achieved. The valid method was then applied to analyze nine polyCBDs congeners in 42 shellfish and 11 fish samples collected from markets in eight coastal cities, China. Trace HCBD was detected in 14 samples, while TeCBDs and PeCBDs were under the MDLs in all the samples, indicating little contamination of these pollutants in the marketed shellfish and fish in China. Multiple polyCBDs especially TeCBDs and PeCBDs were firstly involved in the proposed method and investigation here, which lay the groundwork for future research on the environmental behavior and exposure risks of polyCBDs in aquatic biotas. [Display omitted] • A method for simultaneously detecting nine polyCBDs in shellfish was developed. • The method shows high sensitivity for the target polyCBDs with MDLs at pg/g levels. • TeCBDs and PeCBDs were firstly analyzed along with HCBD in marketed samples. • Only trace HCBD was detected in 14 of 53 shellfish and fish from Chinese markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) have been widely used as halogenated flame retardants and plasticizers since the mid-20th century. The prevalence of CPs in soil has been widely reported, but the distribution pattern of CPs in urbanized zones and their association with multiple socioeconomic variables have not been adequately explored. Herein, short-chain and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs) were investigated in surface soil samples from Tianjin, China, a typical urbanized area. The concentration distributions of SCCPs and MCCPs showed similar trends in different administrative divisions and land use types: urban areas > suburbs > outer suburbs (p < 0.001) and residential areas > greenbelts > agricultural areas (p < 0.001). The CP congeners in residential surface soils mainly included those with longer carbon chains and high degree of chlorination, while the CP congeners in agricultural surface soils mainly consisted of those with shorter carbon chains and fewer chlorine substituents. Multiple statistical approaches were used to explore the association between socioeconomic factors and CP distribution. CP concentration was significantly correlated to population density and gross domestic product (GDP) (p < 0.001), and structural equation models incorporating administrative regional planning showed an indirect impact on the distribution of MCCP concentration due to the influence of regional planning on population density. These results highlight the association between CP contamination and the degree of urbanization, and this paper provides useful information toward mitigating the exposure risk of CPs for urban inhabitants. [Display omitted] • Human urban planning played an important role in the environmental behavior of SCCPs and MCCPs. • Socio-economic factors were positively correlated with CP concentration. • The structural equation models confirmed that population density had a direct and significant effect on MCCP concentrations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and furans (PCDFs) were monitored in the ambient air of Beijing, China, from February to December 2006 to evaluate their concentrations, congener profiles and gas–particle partitioning. The PCDD/F concentrations for three different districts ranged from 275 to 10,780fgm−3, with an average of 4355fgm−3. The I-TEQs were 18–644fgI-TEQm−3, with an average of 268fgI-TEQm−3, which was comparable or slightly higher than other urban locations around the world. Severe dust event occurred during the sampling period, on 17–19 April 2006. The levels of PCDD/Fs did not increase during the dust event (average 2489fgm−3) compared to non-dust events (average 3671fgm−3) although the total suspended particulates (1109μgm−3) presented a 2.8-fold increase compared to non-dust events (392μgm−3). The PCDD/Fs were found exclusively in the particle phase. Significant linear correlations for PCDD/Fs were observed (R 2: 0.57–0.64) between the gas–particle partition coefficient (K p) and the subcooled liquid vapor pressure (). The Junge–Pankow model and the K oa absorption model were employed to predict the gas–particle partitioning of PCDD/F congeners. The K oa absorption model fitted well with the measurement results. However, the Junge–Pankow model slightly underestimated the particulate sorption of PCDD/Fs, which was contradicted with previous studies reported in the literature. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Polychlorinated diebenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated diebenzofurans (PCDFs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were monitored in the ambient air of Taizhou, an E-waste dismantling area of southeast China to evaluate their concentrations, profiles and gas-particle partitioning. The ΣPCDD/Fs concentrations ranged from 2.91 to 50.6 pg/m³, with an average of 14.3 pg/m³. The I-TEQs for PCDD/Fs were in the range of 0.20-3.45 pg/m³, with an average of 1.10 pg/m³. The ΣPCBs concentrations and TEQs ranged from 4.23 to 11.35 ng/m³, 0.050 to 0.859 pg(TEQ)/m³, respectively. The concentrations of ΣPBDEs ranged from 92 to 3086 pg/m³, with an average of 894 pg/m³. The pollution levels of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs were higher than other urban sites, which may be associated with the E-waste dismantling activities. The PCDD/Fs were found exclusively in the particle phase whereas PCBs distributed dominantly in the gas phase. The gas-particle partitioning was also assessed by correlating the gas-particle partition coefficient (Kp) with the subcooled liquid vapor pressure (PL0). The measured particulate sorptions of PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PBDEs were compared with the predictions from Junge-Pankow model and Koa absorption model. The Junge-Pankow model well estimated the particulate fractions of PCBs. However, it underestimated the sorptions of PCDD/Fs and overestimated the fractions of PBDEs. The predicted particulate fractions of PCDD/Fs and PCBs from Koa model fitted well with the measured data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Male Chinese loaches were exposed to 17β-estradiol (E2) and nonylphenol (NP) both singly and in combination for 42 days using semi-static waterborne exposure system. Plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) was chosen as determining endpoint. The results demonstrated that 0.5 μg/L E2 could induce the enhancement of Vtg contents in male Chinese loaches after exposure for 21 days, which showed a time-related increasing manner; NP was also estrogenic to male Chinese loach, and the vitelbogenic responses showed in a time- and dose-related manner, which was less potent than that of E2. The binary mixtures of E2 and NP can significantly elicit the production of Vtg in male Chinese loaches, which was more potent than that of individual compounds, and Vtg induced in the binary mixture groups was higher than the summation of Vtg induced in the corresponding single-compound groups at the same concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been extensively used as flame retardants in consumer goods. Sufficient evidence shows that PBDEs have been rapidly accumulating in the environment worldwide. In Asia, deca-bromodiphenyl ether has been produced and used in large quantities, while penta-BDE has largely ceased in the mid-1990s. This paper summarizes and critically reviews the status of PBDE pollution in East Asia, with emphases on the comparisons with Europe and North America and the interpretation of the differences. In general, the concentrations of PBDEs in atmosphere, sludge, human and biological samples of East Asia are comparable to or lower than those in Europe and North America. However, in the sediments of waters near densely populated and heavily industrialized areas, PBDE levels are among the highest ever reported in the literature. In Japan and China, concentrations of PBDEs in sediment cores showed an increasing trend for the past 20–30 years. Also, PBDEs levels in human breast milk in Japan increased about 10-fold in the past 20 years. The presence of PBDEs in fur seal has increased about 150-fold in 1994 than that in 1972. Regional and inter-continental transport cannot be confirmed due to insufficient information. However, the detection of a number of PBDE congeners in a pristine lake on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau may be an evidence of their long-range transport. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Extracts of mollusks collected from eight cities along the coast of the Bohai Sea, China, were used to determine dioxinlike activity using an in vitro bioassay approach. Dioxinlike activity of total extracts was detected by measuring luciferase activity in a stable transfected rat hepatoma cell line, H4IIE, containing an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-responsive element linked to a luciferase reporter gene. Luciferase activity was expressed as a percentage of the maximum response observed for 2,3,7,8-TCDD (% TCDDmax). All mollusk samples elicited significant dioxinlike activity except those from Dalian (N1). The greatest magnitudes (±SD, data ex N1) of activity observed for these extracts ranged from 4. 88±0. 48% to 11. 38±1. 43% TCDDmax. The mean activity was 7. 37±1. 85% TCDDmax. Concentrations of TCDD-EQs in mollusk extracts were from 227. 4 to 547. 5pgg−1 lipid. The cytotoxic effect of the mollusk extracts on cells was assessed at the same time. Six of the mollusk extracts (N2, N3, N4, S1, S2, and S4) caused noticeable growth inhibition over the exposure period at concentrations higher than 0. 33% of the extracts concentrations (0. 83μL extract well−1). All the dilutions of sample N1 were cytotoxic to the H4IIE cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Mollusks living in seas can accumulate organochlorine pesticides (OCPs). The residue levels of selected OCPs: dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT, o,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, p,p′-DDD), hexachlorocyclohexanes (α-, β-, γ-and δ-HCH) in gastropod and bivalve species collected from ten coastal cites along the Chinese Bohai Sea were investigated from 2002 to 2004. The species included nine kinds of mollusks: Rapana venosa, Neverita didyma, Scapharca subcrenata, Mytilus edulis, Amusium, Crassostrea talienwhanensis, Meretix meretrix, Sinonovacula constricta, Ruditapes philippinarum, Mactra veneriformis. The results showed that OCPs widely existed in the mollusks organisms. P,p′-DDT, p,p′-DDE, β-HCH were the major compounds. Statistical analysis (One-way ANOVA) showed that the contents of OCPs in these mollusks did not change obviously from 2002 to 2004. Principal component analysis (PCA) was also used for determining the polluting characters existing in this selected field. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A preliminary survey of estrogenic activity of the contaminant in part of waters (Ziya River and the estuary of Haihe River) in Haihe River, Tianjin has been performed with the plasma vitellogenin (Vtg) in feral fish as a biomarker for estrogenic activity. The concentrations of bisphenol A (BPA), 4-tert-octylphenol (OP) and 4-nonylphenol (NP) in surface water were also determined. The presence of Vtg in male fish plasma as well as that in female can be detected at different sites and different seasons. The results indicate that the water in the sampling sites was contaminated by some estrogenic compounds. Although BPA, OP and NP can be detected in all of the water samples, their concentrations were much lower than the effective concentrations for those chemicals to induce Vtg production in male fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The estrogenic pollutants 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), 4-nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) were determined in surface water samples from the Haihe River, Tianjin, China. The analytes were extracted and concentrated from 300 ml acidified water samples by liquid–liquid extractions using dichloromethane, derivatized with trifluoroacetic anhydride, and quantified by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) with selected ion monitoring (SIM). Among the samples collected from 14 sampling sites, only one sample was found to have a relatively high concentration of BPA (8.30 μg l-1) and NP (0.55 μg l-1). The concentrations of OP, NP and BPA in the other samples were in the range of 18.0–20.2, 106–296 and 19.1–106 ng l-1, respectively. Recoveries for OP, NP and BPA in the spiked water samples were all over 80%. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The article cites a study on evaluation of methyltin and butyltin pollution in Guanting Reservoir and its Downriver Yongding River in Beijing, China. Water samples from these waterbodies were collected at the late fall in 2000. Butyltin compounds in water samples were monitored by capillary gas chromatography with a laboratory-made flame photometric detector using quartz surface-induced tin emission after in-situ hydride derivatization and solid phase microextraction. Results of the study revealed the wide occurrence of methyltin and butyltin compounds in Guanting reservoir and its downriver-Yongding river.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs), a type of toxic and persistent organic substances, can persist in environmental media for a long time and have adverse effects on human health. Thus, it is of great importance to investigate the accumulation and environmental behavior of CPs in industrial areas. In this study, farmland soil, water, and sediment core samples from abandoned oxidation ponds used by three chemical plants to treat wastewater over the past 38 years were investigated in detail. Results show that the concentration of CPs in sediments varied significantly with the water flow direction. The oxidation pond closest to a sewage outlet had the highest concentrations of short-chain chlorinated paraffin (SCCPs) and medium-chain chlorinated paraffin (MCCPs), within the ranges of 44.0–6.21 × 104 ng/g dw (mean 9.32 × 103 ng/g dw) and 143–1.30 × 106 ng/g dw (mean 1.22 × 105 ng/g dw), respectively. However, in the oxidation pond farthest from the sewage outlet, CP concentrations in sediments were significantly reduced, with ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs concentrations ranging from N.D.-249 ng/g dw (mean 66.8 ng/g dw) and N.D.-222 ng/g dw (mean 34.0 ng/g dw), respectively. Moreover, MCCP level in the water was below the detection limit, while the concentration of SCCP ranged from 41.0 to 1.53 × 103 ng/L (mean 267 ng/L). Finally, a remarkable spatial trend and specific congener distribution were observed in the sediment test results. The horizontal and vertical distributions of the sediments indicate that short-chain (C 10-11) and low-chlorinated (Cl 6-7) homologs are more likely to migrate deeper or farther away from the pollution source. [Display omitted] • The CPs concentration was the highest near the pollution source, which came from historical accumulation. • The CPs concentration decreased with the water flow direction. • The lighter CPs (C 10-11 , Cl 6-7) in sediment are more likely to migrate farther/deeper from pollution sources. • The concentration level of CPs in the study area may cause health risks to humans. CP homologs with shorter carbon chains (C 10-11) and fewer chlorine atoms (Cl 6-7) are more likely to migrate away from the pollution source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) have been reported to be associated with an elevated risk of type 2 diabetes, although no study has focused on such associations in Chinese populations. In this case-control study, we aimed to explore the associations between OCPs and type 2 diabetes and their potential mechanisms in a population from East China. Participants diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and nondiabetic participants from Shandong Province, East China, were enrolled in this case-control study. Six OCPs (β -HCH, trans -chlordane, trans -nonachlor, p,p' -DDE, p,p' -DDT and mirex/kepone) were detected in more than 75% of serum samples. Logistic regression analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to assess the associations between OCP exposure and the outcomes. After adjusting for potential confounding factors such as age, sex and body mass index, all six OCPs showed positive associations with type 2 diabetes in a linear dose-response manner. Serum concentrations of β -HCH and p,p' -DDE were associated with higher levels of fasting plasma glucose in participants without diabetes, although no OCPs showed significant associations with hemoglobin A1c. In addition, certain OCPs showed significantly positive associations with triglycerides, total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and negative relationships with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in nondiabetics, indicating that OCP exposure may disrupt lipid metabolism. Findings in the current study indicated that OCPs may be a diabetogenic factor in the population of this study. To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the associations between OCP exposure and type 2 diabetes in a Chinese population. • OCP exposure was positively associated with the prevalence of type 2 diabetes. • β -HCH and p,p' -DDE were associated with higher levels of FPG in nondiabetics. • OCP exposure can disrupt lipid metabolism among participants without diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Household products, in response to regulations, increasingly incorporate phthalate (PAE) alternatives instead of traditional PAEs. However, limited information exists regarding the fate and exposure risk of these PAE alternatives and their monoesters in indoor environments. The contamination levels of PAE alternatives and their monoesters in indoor dust might vary across regions due to climate, population density, industrial activities, and interior decoration practices. By analyzing indoor dust samples from six geographical regions across China, this study aims to shed light on concentrations, profiles, and human exposure to 12 PAE alternatives and 9 their monoesters. Bis(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,4-dicarboxylate (DEHTP), tributyl 2-acetyloxypropane-1,2,3-tricarboxylate (ATBC), and tris(2-ethylhexyl) benzene-1,2,4-tricarboxylate (TOTM) were the main PAE alternatives in dust across all regions. The total concentrations of 12 PAE alternatives ranged from 0.125 to 4160 μg/g in indoor dust. High molecular weight PAE alternatives had significantly correlated concentrations (p < 0.05) based on Spearman analysis, suggesting their co-use in heat-resistant plastic products. A collective of nine monoesters were identified in most samples, with total concentrations ranging from 0.048 to 29.6 μg/g. The median concentrations of PAE alternatives were highest in North China (66.8 μg/g), while those of monoesters were highest in Southwest China (6.93 μg/g). A significant correlation (p < 0.05) between the concentrations of DEHTP and its monoester suggested that degradation could be a potential source of monoesters. Although hazard quotients (HQs) have been calculated to suggest that the current exposure is unlikely to pose a significant health risk, the lack of toxicity threshold data and the existence of additional exposure pathways necessitate a further confirmation. [Display omitted] • DEHTP, ATBC, and TOTM emerged as the predominant phthalate alternatives. • Degradation of phthalate alternatives may be a potential source of monoesters. • Human risks to phthalate alternatives are minor through dust ingestion and dermal absorption. • This is the first report on spatial distribution of phthalate alternatives and their monoesters throughout China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The main objective of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) is to protect human health and the environment from overexposure to POPs. As one of the signatories to the Stockholm Convention, China has built significant capacity and carried out intensive studies on sources of emissions, levels of environmental pollution, and risk assessment associated with dioxins in recent years. Significant progress has been made in adopting and ratifying the Stockholm Convention. This article provides a brief overview of recent progress in capacity building for dioxin analysis, source identification and quantification of dioxin emissions, environmental monitoring of dioxin contamination, and risk assessment of human exposure to dioxins in China. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: China has become the largest contributor of anthropogenic atmospheric mercury (Hg) in the world owing to its fast growing economy and the largest of populations. Over the last two decades, Hg has become of increasing environmental concern in China and much has been published on its distribution, transportation, methylation, and bioaccumulation in aquatic systems and areas of geologic resource extraction contaminated sites, such as coal-fired power plants, non-ferrous smelters, Hg mining and retorting sites, Au amalgam, landfills, chemical plants, etc.. Environmental compartments, like soil, water, air, and crop from areas of geologic resource extraction contamination, especially from Hg mining regions, exhibit elevated values of total-Hg and MMHg. Risk assessments indicate that the consumption of rice, which has a high bioaccumulation of MMHg, has become the dominant pathway of MMHg exposure of inhabitants living in Hg mining areas. Low concentrations less than 5ngl−1 in total-Hg can be observed in rivers from remote areas, however, high concentrations that reached 1600ngl−1 in total-Hg can be found in rivers from industrial and urban areas. The studies of hydropower reservoirs of southwest China indicated the old reservoirs act as net sinks for total-Hg and net sources of MMHg, while newly established ones act as net sinks for both total-Hg and MMHg, which is in sharp contrast to the evolution of biomethylation in reservoirs established in the boreal belt of North America and Eurasia. Fish from those reservoirs have relatively low levels of total-Hg, which do not exceed the maximum total-Hg limit of 0.5mgkg−1 recommended by WHO. Currently, however, there is still a large data gap regarding Hg even in the areas mentioned above in China, which results in poor understanding of its environmental biogeochemistry. Moreover, for a better understanding of human and environmental health effects caused by the fast growing economy, long-term Hg monitoring campaigns are urgently needed. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Soil and sediment collected in the vicinity of an open electronic waste disposal and recycling facility located in Guiyu, Guangdong, China, were analyzed for the levels of common polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) by using soxhlet extraction and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The PBDEs were detected in the soil and sediment samples at levels of 0.26–824ng/g (dry weight). The obtained isomer profiles of PBDEs from the two soil samples collected from different contamination sites were found to be similar to various technical formulations of fire retardant products. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

• High level of PFOA was found in fluoropolymer raw materials and products made in China. • The concentration of PFOA in fluoropolymer raw materials was higher than products. • Hexafluoropropylene oxide oligomers have been heavily used to substitute PFOA in fluoropolymer manufacture in China. • HFPO-TrA, a PFOA substitute, was found in high level in some emulsion samples. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), its salts, and related compounds were listed as new persistent organic pollutants by the Stockholm Convention in 2019. In this study, the occurrence of residues of PFOA and other per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) in raw materials and fluoropolymer products from the Chinese fluoropolymer industries are reported for the first time. The PFOA concentrations in raw materials and fluoropolymer products were in the range of 6.7 to 1.1 × 106 ng/g, and

In this study, 32 surface soil samples, 24 groundwater samples, and 6 tap water samples were collected around a perfluorosulfonates (PFSAs) manufactory in China to analyze the distributions of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) including linear and branched isomers. The total concentrations of PFAAs (∑PFAAs) ranged from 1.30 to 913 ng/g on a dry weight basis (dw), 31.4–15656 ng/L, and 11.8–59.7 ng/L in soil, groundwater and tap water samples respectively. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) were the predominant PFAAs in the soil whereas PFBA was the predominant congener in groundwater. PFAA concentrations in the soil and groundwater decreased with increasing distance from the manufactory. Shorter-chain PFAAs showed higher proportions in groundwater than in soil samples and that shorter-chain PFAAs exhibited faster decreasing rates in soil samples, which may be due to the differences in the polarity and hydrophobicity of these molecules. For isomer profiles, n -PFHxS, n -PFOS, and n -PFOA were the main isomer in soil samples and groundwater samples. Direct exposure to PFOS and PFOA via the soil and tap water posed relatively low risk to the residents' health. Image 1 • PFOS and PFBA were the predominant PFAAs in soil and groundwater samples. • PFAA concentrations decreased with increasing distance from the manufactory. • Shorter-chain PFAAs showed higher proportions in groundwater than in soil samples. • Linear PFAA isomer proportions were lower in groundwater than in soil samples. • Direct exposure to PFOS and PFOA posed relatively low health risk in this study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal combustion is an important source of anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emissions. Air pollution control devices (APCDs) are widely used in coal-fired power plants (CFPPs) to reduce pollutant emissions including Hg. To gain insight into the Hg isotopic fractionation produced by APCDs, the Hg isotopic compositions of feed coal (FC) samples and combustion byproducts from 7 CFPP utility boilers in Hebei Province of China were studied. Significant mass-dependent fractionation (MDF) was observed in combustion byproducts when comparing with FC samples, while mass-independent fractionation (MIF) was not identified. Compared to FC samples, no significant difference in bottom ash (BA, δ202Hg BA-FC = 0.08 ± 0.16‰, 1SD, n = 3) samples while light isotopes were enriched in fly ash (FA, δ202Hg FA-FC = −0.38 ± 0.75‰, 1SD, n = 7) samples. Boilers lacking of a selective catalytic reducer (SCR) unit produced gypsum (GY) samples with negative MDF signatures compared to FC samples (δ202Hg GY-FC, no SCR = −0.22 ± 0.10‰, 1SD, n = 3). In contrast, boilers equipped with a SCR unit produced GY samples with higher MDF signatures (δ202Hg GY-FC, SCR = 0.54 ± 0.40‰, 1SD, n = 3), probably as a result of the oxidation of Hg0 in the SCR unit. Calculated isotopic signatures of gaseous Hg in the stack emission (SE, δ202Hg SE-FC = 0.03 ± 0.20‰, 1SD, n = 7) had no significant difference from that of FC samples. The results suggested distinct isotopic compositions should be fully considered during tracing Hg pollution via Hg isotopic signatures, especially when solid produced by CFPPs were involved. Unlabelled Image • Hg isotopic mass dependent fractionation was found in air pollution control devices. • Selective catalytic reducer shifted Hg isotopic compositions in gypsums. • Regional Hg isotopic fingerprints in solid wastes and flue gas were calculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) were examined in children's toys collected from 13 families in China. The concentrations of short-chain CPs (SCCPs), medium-chain CPs (MCCPs) and NBFRs in toys were 32.8−1,220,954 ng/g, not detected−2,688,656 ng/g and 0.08−103,461 ng/g, respectively. Median concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs in toys were 1355 and 1984 ng/g, respectively, while except for pentabromobenzene (median:0.04 ng/g), the median concentrations of the other 8 NBFRs were below method detection limits. Rubber and foam toys contained higher amounts of CPs and NBFRs. Among the SCCPs and MCCPs monitored, Cl 6−8 -SCCPs/MCCPs and C 14 -MCCPs were the most abundant congener groups. On the other hand, decabromodiphenyl ethane was the predominant NBFR in toys. Moreover, to understand the role of toys in children's daily exposure to CPs and NBFRs, hand-to-mouth contact, mouthing, and dermal exposure were assessed for children aged 3 months to 6 years. Hand-to-mouth contact is the primary exposure route for children's exposure to CPs (25.4−536 ng/kg/day) and NBFRs (1.24−26.2 ng/kg/day) through toys. A low deleterious risk associated with children's toys concerning CPs and NBFRs was investigated based on the margin of exposure and hazard quotient values. [Display omitted] • This is a baseline study on the exposure risk of CPs and NBFRs in toys. • Concentrations of CPs in toys were much higher than those of NBFRs. • Rubber and foam toys contained higher amounts of CPs and NBFRs. • Hand-to-mouth contact was the primary exposure route. • Health risk of CPs and NBFRs via toys was relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percutaneous penetration and exposure risk of organophosphate esters (OPEs) from children's toys remains largely unknown. Percutaneous penetration of OPEs was evaluated by EPISkin™ model. Chlorinated OPEs (Cl-OPEs) and alkyl OPEs, except tris(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate, exhibited a fast absorption rate and good dermal penetration ability with cumulative absorptions of 57.6–127 % of dosed OPEs. Cumulative absorptions of OPEs through skin cells were inversely associated with their molecular weight and log octanol-water partition coefficient. Additionally, a quantitative structure-activity relationship model indicated that topological charge and steric features of OPEs were closely related to the transdermal permeability of these chemicals. With the clarification of the factors affecting the transdermal penetration of OPEs, the level and exposure risk of OPEs in actual toys were studied. The summation of 18 OPE concentrations in 199 toy samples collected from China ranged from 6.82 to 228,254 ng/g, of which Cl-OPEs presented the highest concentration. Concentrations of OPEs in toys exhibited clear type differences. Daily exposure to OPEs via dermal, hand-to-mouth contact, and mouthing was evaluated, and dermal contact was a significant route for children's exposure to OPEs. Hazard quotients for noncarcinogenic risk assessment were below 1, indicating that the health risk of OPEs via toys was relatively low. [Display omitted] • This is the first study on the percutaneous penetration of novel OPEs. • Chlorinated and alkyl OPEs exhibited a good dermal penetration ability. • Topological charge and steric features of OPEs affected their dermal permeability. • Dermal contact was a significant route for children's exposure to OPEs from toys. • Health risk of OPEs via toys was relatively low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A comprehensive investigation into the occurrence of Dechlorane Plus (DP) in environmental samples around a DP manufacturing plant in East China was performed. The total syn-DP and anti-DP concentrations found in the soil, sediment, active air, and passive air samples were 0.50-2,315 pg/g dry weight (dw), 0.32-20.5 ng/g dw, 5.52-3,332 pg/m, and 1.00-4,560 pg/m, respectively. There were consistent trends in the spatial distributions of DP in the soil and air samples, with the DP concentrations decreasing dramatically as the distance from the plant increased. The mean anti-DP isomer fractional abundances ( f) in the soil, sediment, active air, and passive air samples were 0.67, 0.68, 0.70, and 0.64, respectively. These f values were consistent with the f value for the technical DP produced in the DP manufacturing plant (0.68), meaning that the DP had been released during the local DP production activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is a potential risk to the environment from persistent estrogenic compounds in sewage sludge. In this study, eight bisphenols (BPs) were identified in sewage sludge collected from wastewater treatment plants in 15 cities in China. The estrogenic potencies of the eight BPs and the estrogenic activities of sludge samples were evaluated using a bioluminescence yeast estrogen screen (BLYES) assay. All sludge samples elicited considerable estrogenic activity at a range of 2.8–4.7 ng E2 g −1 dry weight (dw). All BPs exhibited estrogenic activity in the BLYES assay, but there were significant differences between the potency of individual chemicals. Bisphenol AF had the highest activity, followed by tetrachlorobisphenol A, bisphenol F, bisphenol A, bisphenol E, bisphenol S and 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone. Tetrabromobisphenol A showed weak estrogenic activity at 1 × 10 4 nM, but significant cytotoxicity above this concentration. The total estradiol equivalency quantities (EEQs) of BPs were in the range of 2.16–49.13 pg E2 g −1 dw, accounting for 0.05–1.47% of the total EEQs in sewage sludge samples. The results indicate that BPs made a minor contribution to the estrogenic activity of the investigated sewage sludge. Nevertheless, our results suggest that considerable attention should be directed to the estrogenic potentials of emerging organic pollutants because of their widespread use and their potential to persist in the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead exposure in the environment is a major hazard affecting human health, particularly for children. The blood lead levels in the local children living around the largest coking area in China were measured, and the source of blood lead and the main pathways of lead exposure were investigated based on lead isotopic ratios ( 207 Pb/ 206 Pb and 208 Pb/ 206 Pb) in blood and in a variety of media, including food, airborne particulate matter, soil, dust and drinking water. The children's blood lead level was 5.25 (1.59 to 34.36 as range) μg dL − 1 , lower than the threshold in the current criteria of China defined by the US Centers for Disease Control (10 μg dL − 1 ). The isotopic ratios in the blood were 2.111 ± 0.018 for 208 Pb/ 206 Pb and 0.864 ± 0.005 for 207 Pb/ 206 Pb, similar to those of vegetables, wheat, drinking water, airborne particulate matter, but different from those of vehicle emission and soil/dust, suggesting that the formers were the main pathway of lead exposure among the children. The exposure pathway analysis based on the isotopic ratios and the human health risk assessment showed that dietary intake of food and drinking water contributed 93.67% of total exposed lead. The study further indicated that the coal used in the coking plant is the dominant pollution source of lead in children's blood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are widely used as food additives to delay the oxidation rate of oils and oil products. The concentrations and compositions of SPAs in Chinese residents' most popular daily foods and the resulting exposure risk of SPAs are not clear. Therefore, this study collected food samples in 13 food categories (n = 289) from 10 provinces in China. At least one of the SPAs was detected in approximately 99.7% of foodstuffs, and the concentration of ∑SPAs ranged from not detected to 7830 (geometric mean (GM): 296 ng/g wet weight). 2,6-2 tert butyl p-1,4-benzoquinone (BHT-Q) was the main transformation product, but SPAs in food tend to exist in the parent form. A significant difference between food categories was analyzed. The highest GM of ΣSPAs occurred in cereals and cereal products, which was approximately 8 times higher than that in beverages. The estimated daily intakes of ΣSPAs in Chinese preschoolers, school-age children, adults and elderly individuals were 22200, 9970, 7540 and 7700 ng/kg bw/day, respectively. The exposure risks of SPAs decreased with age. This is the first simultaneous analysis of SPAs in multiple provinces and multiple categories of foodstuffs. [Display omitted] • SPAs were measured in 289 food samples in 13 categories from 10 provinces in China. • The concentrations of ∑ 9 SPAs in foods were of n.d.-7830 ng/g wet weight. • The highest GM concentrations of ∑ 9 SPAs were found in cereals and cereal products. • The preschoolers are at the highest risk of exposure to SPAs through food intake. • The first simultaneous analysis of SPAs in multiprovince and multicategory of foods in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peanut oil, edible vegetable oil largely consumed in China, may be polluted with pesticides during both peanut cultivation and processing. In this study, we analyzed organochlorine pesticides, five currently used pesticides and two degradation products, in soils, seeds, peanuts, oil and dregs and systematically tracked variations of their levels in field soils and during the pressing process. The results showed that the application of metolachlor, pirimicarb and quizalofop-p-ethyl pesticides during peanut cultivation caused their concentrations in peanuts to increase. In most samples, the concentration of 3-phenoxybenzoic acid was higher than that of λ-cyhalothrin, and the variation trends of λ-cyhalothrin and 3-phenoxybenzoic acid in soil samples were similar, which indicate that after application, most λ-cyhalothrin may rapidly be degraded to 3-phenoxybenzoic acid. Regarding the pressing process of peanut oil, the sum of mass of oil and shells was less than the mass of the corresponding raw peanut. Compared with that in peanuts, the total mass of most pesticides in oil and shells was lower, while that of two degradation products was higher, an indication that the degradation products were still generated during the pressing process. Finally, the assessment of health risk of different age groups consuming the studied peanuts and peanut oil showed that the risk was very low. [Display omitted] ● Various pesticides and two degradation products in soils, seeds, peanuts, oil and dregs were analyzed. ● The application of metolachlor, pirimicarb and quizalofop-p-ethyl caused their concentrations in peanuts to increase. ● Most λ-cyhalothrin may rapidly be degraded to 3-phenoxybenzoic acid after application. ● The total mass of most pesticides in oil and shells was lower than peanuts, while that of degradation products was higher. ● The health risk of different age groups was low. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were nominated as persistent organic pollutants candidate in the Stockholm Convention in 2011. In this study, the profiles, concentrations and spatial distributions of PCNs were analyzed in 30 sewage sludge samples from wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in China. Concentrations of Σ 75 PCNs in sludge samples were in the range of 1.05–10.9 ng/g dry weight (dw) with a mean value of 3.98 ng/g dw. The predominant homologues in the sludge were mono- to tetra-CNs, accounting for approximately 85% of total PCNs. The total toxic equivalent quantities (TEQs) of dioxin-like PCN congeners ranged from 0.04 to 2.28 pg/g dw with a mean value of 0.36 pg/g dw, which were lower than the maximum permissible TEQ concentrations in sludge for land application in China. Levels of PCNs and TEQs in sludge were relatively higher in samples from highly industrialized and developed cities in eastern China, implying a possible link between PCN contamination and the local economic development, but more studies are warranted to corroborate this. Industrial sources might be important contributors of PCNs to sewage sludge in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] PCB11 and other PCB congeners were analyzed with HRGC coupled with HRMS. [•] High concentrations of PCB11 and PCBs were detected in all pigment samples. [•] PCB 11 was the major contributor of total PCB concentration. [•] 12 Dioxin-like PCBs were investigated and WHO-TEQ were calculated. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Human exposure to endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) is a health concern due to their wide use and interference with the human endocrine system. Parabens, bisphenols, benzophenones, triclosan (TCC), triclocarban (TCS), and tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBPA) and its derivatives tetrachlorobisphenol-A (TCBPA) and tetrabromobisphenol-S (TBBPS), are typical EDCs that are frequently detected in environmental and human samples. However, only a few studies have assessed the co-exposure of these chemicals in humans. In this study, urine samples were collected from the general population in the city of Wuxi (n = 121) and a county, Taishun (n = 120), eastern China, and analyzed for these EDCs. Parabens, bisphenols, TCS, and benzophenones were frequently detected in urine, whereas TBBPA and its derivatives were not detected. The geometric mean concentrations of parabens, bisphenols, and benzophenones in urine from the Wuxi population were 25.7, 2.45, and 2.34 ng/mL, respectively, which were substantially higher than those from the Taishun population (17.2, 1.70, and 2.65 ng/mL). These results suggest an urban-rural difference in urinary EDCs. The exposure risks to these EDCs were estimated based on the measured urinary concentrations and acceptable daily intakes (ADIs). Hazard quotient values for EDCs in humans from both locations were generally less than 1, indicating a low exposure risk of EDCs in these regions. Nonetheless, the health risks caused by co-exposure to such EDCs cannot be ignored. [Display omitted] • Several classes of typical EDCs analyzed in human urines from two regions in China. •Parabens frequently found in urine at concentrations of up to hundreds of ng/mL. •The exposure doses of EDCs were higher in the population from city than county. •Despite low health risk for individual EDCs, co-exposure to EDCs is non-negligible. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Uncontrolled e-waste recycling produces multiple toxic pollutants. • Highly essential to prohibit illegal imports, and centralize up-to-standard recycling. • Small and efficient gas treatment plants are recommended before air emission. • Low-cost pollutant barriers and ex-situ water treatment are encouraged. • Soil washing with biodegradable agent and microbe-assisted vegetation are suggested. The use of primitive techniques in recycling electronic waste (e-waste) has led to severe soil pollution in recent decades, posing great threats to environmental and human health. It is urgently needed to remediate e-waste-contaminated sites effectively. This is especially true for the new e-waste-receiving countries/regions, after China has banned import of e-waste since 2016. The major aim of this article is to provide a comprehensive review of the policy, management, and remediation techniques (of contaminated sites) related to e-waste recycling, based on the information gained in two mega e-waste recycling sites in China (i.e., Guiyu town and Taizhou city). The article focuses on the remediation techniques developed to decontaminate soil/sediment/water contaminated by mixtures of toxic metals and persistent organic pollutants. Recommended innovative remediation technologies include: 1) integrating the techniques of spray tower, electronic precipitation, and photocatalysis significantly reduces health risk (e.g., VOC: ∼39%; bromomethane: ∼46%) due to the gas emitted by e-waste recycling; 2) enhanced ex-situ soil washing (using biodegradable vegetable oil) with pollutant removal efficiencies of 30–97%, depending on types of agents and pollutants; 3) enhanced phytoremediation using suitable plants, microbes, and/or soil amendments. Hyperaccumulators can extract metals, e.g., cadmium up to 14.8 kg/km2. Proper vegetation further extracts, stabilizes, and degrades pollutants and restores soil functions and health. Approximately 25–90% of the residual organic pollutants can be degraded depending on types of pollutants and plant species. Since the primary principle of remediation is universal, it is hoped that remediation techniques are applicable to emerging e-waste sites in other countries/regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are ubiquitous in the environment, and human exposure to these pollutants has caused great public concern. Five groups of EDCs, including parabens, antimicrobials (triclosan (TCS) and triclocarban (TCC)), bisphenols (BPs), tetrabromobisphenol A and its alternatives (TBBPAs), and benzophenones, in urines of general populations from three cities with different economic levels in China were determined simultaneously to evaluate the coexposure levels of such chemicals. The total concentration of target compounds was approximately two times higher in the urines from Chengdu (a first-tier city; geometric mean: 2.50 μg/L) than that from Nantong (a second-tier city; 1.34 μg/L), and was one order of magnitude higher than that from Shehong (a fifth-tier city; 0.73 μg/L). Urinary target compounds were significantly correlated with gender, age, body mass index (BMI), education level, occupation, and diet. The estimated daily intakes of target chemicals ranged from 0.002 (benzophenones) to 10.2 µg/kg-bw/day (parabens). The exposure estimate showed that females were more vulnerable to exposure to these EDCs. This study profiles the regional and demographic-related differences in the concentrations and exposure risks of several typical EDCs in urines from general populations in three cities with different economic levels in China. [Display omitted] • Several typical EDCs were ubiquitous in human urines from three cities in China. • The economic level of cities influenced human exposure to such EDCs. • Urinary EDCs were correlated with gender, age, and BMI in the general population. • Females are at higher risk of exposure to these EDCs than males. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] OH-PBDEs and MeO-PBDEs were determined in mollusks from Chinese coastal areas. [•] Significant correlations were found between OH- and MeO-PBDEs. [•] Crassostrea talienwhanensis accumulated more OH- and MeO-PBDEs. [•] Temporal trends of OH- and MeO-PBDEs in mollusks were studied. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]