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The concentrations of 19 brominated flame retardants (BFRs) (8 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), 8 methoxylated PBDEs (MeO-PBDEs) and 3 emerging flame retardants) were determined in 10 species of fish and shellfish widely consumed in Tarragona County (Catalonia, Spain), by pressurized liquid extraction followed by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. A higher occurrence of PBDEs was found in all the analyzed samples, while MeO-PBDEs were only detected in a few ones and the levels of emerging pollutants were relatively low. In contrast, hexabromobenzene was found in almost all samples at concentrations ranging between non detected and 0.2 ng g−1 wet weight (w.w.). Salmon, sole, hake, cod and tuna showed the highest concentrations of ΣPBDEs (>0.8 ng g−1 w.w.), while mussel was the species with the highest level of MeO-PBDEs (1.5 ng g−1 w.w.). The dietary exposure of BFRs through consumption of these 10 species of fish and shellfish by the population of Tarragona County was estimated for different subpopulations, classified according to age and gender. Furthermore, calculations were performed in upper-, middle- and lower-bound risk scenarios. According to our data, the current concentrations of BFRs in fish and shellfish suggest no significant health risks for the consumers.

The concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PCBs, and metals were determined in soil and air samples collected near a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) located in Mataró (Catalonia, Spain), being the health risks for the population living in the vicinity of the facility subsequently assessed. We also established the temporal trends with respect to previous surveys performed in the same zone. In general terms, the highest environmental levels of the pollutants were found in the city of Mataró and were independent on the distance to the MSWI. Soil levels of metals did not show temporal variations between the current and previous campaigns. However, the concentrations of metals in air samples collected in 2011 and 2013, were lower than those found in our 2008 survey. Regarding PCDD/Fs and PCBs, no differences were noted between the levels of the current survey and those corresponding to 2008. Anyhow, the concentrations of metals, PCDD/Fs, and PCBs in soils and air did not exceed the reference values established by regulatory organizations, being also in the low range of other similar studies recently reported. Finally, the human non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks due to exposure to metals, PCDD/Fs, and PCBs, were, for the population living in the neighborhood of the MSWI, considered as acceptable according to international standards.

The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), as well as the levels of a number of heavy metals, have been periodically measured in samples of soil and vegetation collected around a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) for approximately 20 years. Since 2007, the levels of the above-mentioned pollutants have also been determined in air samples by means of either active or passive samplers. In the present study, data regarding the environmental impact of the MSWI, in terms of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals, are updated. The temporal trends of these pollutants were evaluated by comparison with data from previous surveys. In the current survey (2013-2014), mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs in soil, vegetation, and air were 0.63 ng I-TEQ/g, 0.07 ng I-TEQ/g, and 10.1 fg WHO-TEQ/m(3), respectively. Decreases of 47 and 35 % of PCDD/Fs in soil and vegetation, respectively, were observed in relation to the background study (1999). Regarding air samples, a slight temporal decrease of the PCDD/F levels was also found with the remaining concentrations staying nearly constant through time. With respect to metals, notable fluctuations in the concentrations were noted, being dependent on each specific environmental monitor. Overall, the current exposure to PCDD/Fs and metals does not mean any additional health risks for the population living near the facility. In conclusion, the results of the present study show that the environmental impact of the Tarragona MSWI is not significant, in terms of PCDD/Fs and heavy metals, after20 years of continuous operation.

We performed a screening investigation to assess the human health risks of the Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF: mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) plant plus municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI); Ecoparc-3) of Barcelona (Spain). Air concentrations of pollutants potentially released by the MBT plant (VOCs and bioaerosols) and the MSWI (trace elements, PCDD/Fs and PCBs) were determined. Trace elements, PCDD/Fs and PCBs were also analyzed in soil samples. The concentrations of trace elements and bioaerosols were similar to those previously reported in other areas of similar characteristics, while formaldehyde was the predominant VOC. Interestingly, PCDD/F concentrations in soil and air were the highest ever reported near a MSWI in Catalonia, being maximum concentrations 10.8 ng WHO-TEQ/kg and 41.3 fg WHO-TEQ/m(3), respectively. In addition, there has not been any reduction in soils, even after the closure of a power plant located adjacently. Human health risks of PCDD/F exposure in the closest urban nucleus located downwind the MSWI are up to 10-times higher than those nearby other MSWIs in Catalonia. Although results must be considered as very preliminary, they are a serious warning for local authorities. We strongly recommend to conduct additional studies to confirm these findings and, if necessary, to implement measures to urgently mitigate the impact of the MSWI on the surrounding environment. We must also state the tremendous importance of an individual evaluation of MSWIs, rather than generalizing their environmental and health risks.

Since 1996, a wide surveillance programme has been developed to get overall information on the impact of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). The concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo- p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) have been periodically measured in soil and vegetation samples collected at locations in the incinerator surroundings. Furthermore, air PCDD/F levels have been also monitored by using active and passive sampling devices, generating a huge amount of information regarding the environmental status of the zone. In the last survey (2009–2010), mean PCDD/F levels in vegetation, soil and air were 0.06 ng I-TEQ kg−1, 0.58 ng I-TEQ kg−1 and 10.5 fg WHO-TEQ m−3, respectively. Both soil and herbage showed a notable reduction in the PCDD/F concentrations in comparison with the baseline study, with this decrease only being significant for soils. In contrast, PCDD/F values in air remained similar during the whole assessment period. Human exposure to PCDD/Fs was evaluated under different scenarios, and the associated non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks were assessed. The hazard quotient was below unity in all cases, while cancer risks were under 10−6, which is lower than the maximum recommended guidelines. The current results clearly show that the MSWI of Tarragona does not produce additional health risks for the population living nearby.

In 2007, a program was initiated to monitor air levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) (Tarragona, Catalonia, Spain). To investigate the temporal trends of chemical and microbiological pollutants, four 6-monthly campaigns were performed. Air samples were collected at different distances and directions from the facility, as well as in reference sites. In general terms, the concentrations of microbiological agents were very similar to those found in urban zones worldwide. The seasonal evaluation of the results showed higher levels of gram-negative bacteria in winter, contrasting with the increase of the airborne amount of total bacteria in summer. On the other hand, the concentrations of VOCs (mean range: 7.6-18.2 μg m(-3)) were typical of suburban zones. The current exposure to those compounds should not mean additional health risks for the population living nearby.

In 1998, we initiated an environmental surveillance program of the only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain. The concentrations of a number of metals (As, Be, Cd, Cr, Hg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn, Tl, and V) were analyzed in soil and vegetation samples collected around the facility. Since then, periodical measurements of these same elements have been performed in both matrices. In 2009 and 2010, soil and vegetation samples were again collected, and the levels of the above elements were determined. In general terms, the temporal trends in metal concentrations were not homogeneous, showing significant changes between the baseline and the latest surveys. Metal levels in soil and herbage samples analyzed in the current survey were similar to recent data reported for other urban and industrial areas, being notably lower than the reference values set by national regulatory organisms. Moreover, more than 10 years after regular operations of the HWI, exposure to metals would not mean, either now or in past surveys, any carcinogenic or non-carcinogenic health risks for the population living in the neighborhood.

The aim of this study was to analyze air concentrations of chemical and microbiological pollutants in the vicinity of an organic waste treatment plant, Ecoparc-2, located in Montcada i Reixac (Catalonia, Spain), as well as to determine the seasonal trends. The human health risks due to the presence of those agents were also assessed.Air samples were collected at different distances and wind directions from the Ecoparc-2 in two campaigns (winter and summer of 2010). The levels of 19 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were analyzed by GC-MS or HPLC-UV. In turn, the airborne amount of total bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi (including Aspergillus fumigatus) was also determined.Mean VOC concentrations were found to be 32.4 and 15.7 μg/m(3) in winter and summer, respectively. Fungi at 25°C presented the highest geometric mean (1,126 and 863 cfu/m(3) in winter and summer, respectively), while the concentrations of fungi at 37°C and total bacteria were also important in the hot season (332 and 250 cfu/m(3), respectively). These results are in agreement with data obtained from the scientific literature. Anyhow, no significant differences were observed between both campaigns including those related to distances and wind directions. The current pollutant levels in the surrounding environment were also various orders of magnitude lower than those recently observed inside the facility.The human exposure to VOCs near the Ecoparc-2 was estimated to be low. Furthermore, the current environmental concentrations of those chemical and microbiological agents were clearly below threshold values recommended by regulatory organizations.

The only hazardous waste incinerator (HWI) in Spain has been operating in Constantí (Tarragona County, Catalonia) since 1999. Before its construction, a surveillance program was initiated to monitor the concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) in the neighborhood of the facility. In 2008, 40 soil and 40 vegetation samples were collected and PCDD/F levels determined. The median PCDD/F concentration in soil was 0.49 ng international toxic equivalents (I-TEQ)/kg. Although it meant a nonsignificant decrease of 44% with respect to the preoperational survey, important fluctuations of the levels of PCDD/Fs through time were found in some specific sites. Therefore, a new survey was performed 1 year later (2009) by deleting those sampling sites with inconstant values, which mostly coincided with urban zones. In 2009, the median level of PCDD/Fs in soils was found to be 0.42 ng I-TEQ/kg. In contrast, median PCDD/F levels in vegetation were 1.11 ng I-TEQ/kg, a significant increase compared with previous surveys (range of the median 0.21-0.25 ng I-TEQ/kg). However, this increase was uniformly observed in the entire sampling area, suggesting that lack of rainfall was a key parameter for decreasing plant dilution and wash-up of pollutants on vegetation. This indicates that in surveillance programs, information must be obtained from different sources because the use of a single compartment may yield significant misinterpretation when evaluating temporal trends of environmental pollutants. Human health risks derived from exposure to PCDD/Fs were also assessed for the local population. The results indicated that current concentrations of these contaminants do not pose any additional carcinogenic or noncarcinogenic risk for those people living near the HWI.

The mechanical–biological treatment (MBT) of municipal solid waste (MSW) has a number of advantages in comparison to other MSW management possibilities. However, adverse health effects related to this practice are not well known yet, as a varied typology of microbiological and chemical agents may be generated and released. In 2010, we initiated an environmental monitoring program to control air levels of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and microbiological pollutants near an MBT plant in Montcada i Reixac (Catalonia, Spain). In order to assess any temporal and seasonal trends, four 6-monthly campaigns were performed. Important fluctuations were observed in the levels of different biological indicators (total and Gram-negative bacteria, fungi grown at 25 °C and 37 °C, and more specifically, Aspergillus fumigatus ). Although overall bioaerosols concentrations were rather low, a certain increase in the mean values of bacteria and fungi was observed in summer. In contrast, higher concentrations of VOCs were found in winter, with the only exception of formaldehyde. Interestingly, although this compound was not detected in one of the sampling campaigns, current airborne levels of formaldehyde were higher than those previously reported in urban areas across Europe. Furthermore, the non-carcinogenic risks (Hazard Quotient), particularly in winter, as well as the cancer risks associated with the inhalation of VOCs, exceeded the threshold values (1 and 10 −5 , respectively), reaffirming the need of continuing with the monitoring program, with special emphasis on formaldehyde, a carcinogenic/mutagenic substance.

This study aimed at determining the air concentrations of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) near a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain) by means of passive air sampling. Seasonal trends in airborne levels were also assessed by comparing the results of 6-month surveys conducted between spring of 2010 and autumn of 2011. These data were used to estimate exposure for the population living nearby and to evaluate the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated to inhalation of those persistent organic pollutants (POPs). No seasonal differences were noted in POP concentrations among the sampling campaigns. The highest levels of PCDD/Fs were found in the 3rd campaign, while significantly lower levels of PCNs were found in the 4th survey. The concentrations of PCDD/F and PCB congeners, as well as those of PCN homologues, did not change significantly with time, which indicates that the MSWI does not have an important influence on the surrounding environment. The levels of POPs near the facility are at the lower part of the range, when compared with data from the scientific literature. Consequently, the current levels of POPs in ambient air around the MSWI are associated to a low human exposure to PCDD/Fs, PCBs and PCNs, which means a lack of additional health risks for the local population. In addition, passive samplers have been confirmed to be a good tool for local environmental monitoring, as well as a good method to study seasonal trends in POP concentrations in air.

10.1080/10807039.2012.701990 The use of passive air samplers (PAS) in recent years to monitor the occurrence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in air has been increasing, not only globally, but also at regional and/or local scales. The present study was aimed at analyzing the airborne concentrations of the POPs: polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). Mean air levels of PCBs, PBDEs, and PCNs were 44.1, 65.0, and 6.65 pg/m3, respectively. No differences were noted according to the distance or direction from the plant for any chemical. Furthermore, this information was used to estimate the air inhalation of POPs for the local population. Environmental exposure to POPs through air accounted for only

The concentrations of arsenic (As), beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), mercury (Hg), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), antimony (Sb), tin (Sn), thallium (Tl), and vanadium (V) were determined in 30 soil samples collected in April 2011 near a hazardous waste incinerator (HWI; Constanti, Catalonia, Spain), which is under regular operations since 1999. The results were compared with those of recent surveys performed in the same zone, as well as with data from a background study (1996–1998). We also assessed the human health risks derived from metal exposure in the area under potential influence of the emissions of the HWI. Manganese was the most abundant element in soils, with a mean value of 316.4 μg/g, followed by Pb and Cu (mean values, 42.5 and 38.2 μg/g, respectively). In contrast, Sb, Cd, and Tl presented the lowest values (0.12, 0.27, and 0.29 μg/g, respectively), while Hg was below its limit of detection. In the period 1998–2011, only As, Cr, Sn, Tl, and V levels presented significant increases in soils. The estimated carcinogenic and noncarcinogenic risks derived from exposure to these metals from soils should not mean any special concern for the population living in the surroundings of the HWI.

Since the mid-90s, an environmental surveillance program has been on-going to provide information on the levels of PCDD/Fs and various metals in soil and vegetation samples collected in the vicinity of a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). However, the presence of other potential sources of pollution in the zone, such as traffic, forest fires, local industries, etc., makes hard to determine the impact concerning the MSWI. Therefore, in 2007 a change in the monitoring program was implemented by collecting additional ambient air samples through active and passive sampling devices. Mean PCDD/F levels in herbage and soil were 0.10 ng I-TEQ/kg dry weight (range: 0.05-0.17 ng I-TEQ/kg dw) and 0.64 ng I-TEQ/kg dw (range: 0.13-2.41 ng I-TEQ/kg dw), respectively. A significant reduction of the PCDD/F concentration in both monitors was observed with respect to our previous surveys. Air mean concentrations of PCDD/Fs were 12.04 and 15.21 fg WHO-TEQ/m(3) in 2007 and 2008, respectively, meaning a non-significant increase of 26%. In addition, a generalized increase of environmental metal levels with respect to our baseline study was not observed. The current concentrations of PCDD/Fs and metals in the vicinity of the MSWI of Tarragona are relatively low in comparison with other areas under the influence of emissions from waste incinerators. This indicates that the environmental impact of the MSWI of Tarragona is not significant. Moreover, the modification of the surveillance program has proven to be successful.

New waste management programs are currently aimed at developing alternative treatment technologies such as mechanical-biological treatment (MBT) and composting plants. However, there is still a high uncertainty concerning the chemical and microbiological risks for human health, not only for workers of these facilities, but also for the population living in the neighborhood. A new MBT plant is planned to be constructed adjacently to a municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) in Tarragona (Catalonia, Spain). In order to evaluate its potential impact and to differentiate the impacts of MSWI from those of the MBT when the latter is operative, a pre-operational survey was initiated by determining the concentrations of 20 volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and bioaerosols (total bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, fungi and Aspergillus fumigatus) in airborne samples around the MSWI. The results indicated that the current concentrations of bioaerosols (ranges: 382-3882, 18-790, 44-926, and