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Background: Gestational exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and maternal social hardships are individually associated with impaired fetal growth, but it is unclear whether the effects of environmental chemical exposure on infant birth weight are modified by maternal hardships. Methods: We used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a pan-Canadian cohort of 1982 pregnant females enrolled between 2008 and 2011. We quantified eleven environmental chemical concentrations from two chemical classes – six organochlorine compounds (OCs) and five metals – that were detected in ≥ 70% of blood samples collected during the first trimester. We examined fetal growth using birth weight adjusted for gestational age and assessed nine maternal hardships by questionnaire. Each maternal hardship variable was dichotomized to indicate whether the females experienced the hardship. In our analysis, we used elastic net to select the environmental chemicals, maternal hardships, and 2-way interactions between maternal hardships and environmental chemicals that were most predictive of birth weight. Next, we obtained effect estimates using multiple linear regression, and plotted the relationships by hardship status for visual interpretation. Results: Elastic net selected trans-nonachlor, lead, low educational status, racially minoritized background, and low supplemental folic acid intake. All were inversely associated with birth weight. Elastic net also selected interaction terms. Among those with increasing environmental chemical exposures and reported hardships, we observed stronger negative associations and a few positive associations. For example, every two-fold increase in lead concentrations was more strongly associated with reduced infant birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = -100 g (g); 95% confidence interval (CI): -215, 16), than those with higher educational status (β = -34 g; 95% CI: -63, -3). In contrast, every two-fold increase in mercury concentrations was associated with slightly higher birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = 23 g; 95% CI: -25, 71) compared to those with higher educational status (β = -9 g; 95% CI: -24, 6). Conclusions: Our findings suggest that maternal hardships can modify the associations of gestational exposure to some OCs and metals with infant birth weight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Gestational exposure to toxic environmental chemicals and maternal social hardships are individually associated with impaired fetal growth, but it is unclear whether the effects of environmental chemical exposure on infant birth weight are modified by maternal hardships. Methods We used data from the Maternal-Infant Research on Environmental Chemicals (MIREC) Study, a pan-Canadian cohort of 1982 pregnant females enrolled between 2008 and 2011. We quantified eleven environmental chemical concentrations from two chemical classes – six organochlorine compounds (OCs) and five metals – that were detected in ≥ 70% of blood samples collected during the first trimester. We examined fetal growth using birth weight adjusted for gestational age and assessed nine maternal hardships by questionnaire. Each maternal hardship variable was dichotomized to indicate whether the females experienced the hardship. In our analysis, we used elastic net to select the environmental chemicals, maternal hardships, and 2-way interactions between maternal hardships and environmental chemicals that were most predictive of birth weight. Next, we obtained effect estimates using multiple linear regression, and plotted the relationships by hardship status for visual interpretation. Results Elastic net selected trans-nonachlor, lead, low educational status, racially minoritized background, and low supplemental folic acid intake. All were inversely associated with birth weight. Elastic net also selected interaction terms. Among those with increasing environmental chemical exposures and reported hardships, we observed stronger negative associations and a few positive associations. For example, every two-fold increase in lead concentrations was more strongly associated with reduced infant birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = -100 g (g); 95% confidence interval (CI): -215, 16), than those with higher educational status (β = -34 g; 95% CI: -63, -3). In contrast, every two-fold increase in mercury concentrations was associated with slightly higher birth weight among participants with low educational status (β = 23 g; 95% CI: -25, 71) compared to those with higher educational status (β = -9 g; 95% CI: -24, 6). Conclusions Our findings suggest that maternal hardships can modify the associations of gestational exposure to some OCs and metals with infant birth weight.

Introduction: Thyroid cancer incidence rate has increased substantially worldwide in recent years. Fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) is currently the golden standard of thyroid cancer diagnosis, which however, is invasive and costly. In contrast, breath analysis is a non-invasive, safe and simple sampling method combined with a promising metabolomics approach, which is suitable for early cancer diagnosis in high volume population. Objectives: This study aims to achieve a more comprehensive and definitive exhaled breath metabolism profile in papillary thyroid cancer patients (PTCs). Methods: We studied both end-tidal and mixed expiratory breath, solid-phase microextraction gas chromatography coupled with high resolution mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-HRMS) was used to analyze the breath samples. Multivariate combined univariate analysis was applied to identify potential breath biomarkers. Results: The biomarkers identified in end-tidal and mixed expiratory breath mainly included alkanes, olefins, enols, enones, esters, aromatic compounds, and fluorine and chlorine containing organic compounds. The area under the curve (AUC) values of combined biomarkers were 0.974 (sensitivity: 96.1%, specificity: 90.2%) and 0.909 (sensitivity: 98.0%, specificity: 74.5%), respectively, for the end-tidal and mixed expiratory breath, indicating of reliability of the sampling and analysis method Conclusion: This work not only successfully established a standard metabolomic approach for early diagnosis of PTC, but also revealed the necessity of using both the two breath types for comprehensive analysis of the biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The safety of vegetable food is compromised by various factors, including the inefficient or excessive use of sanitizers. Instances of individuals falling ill after consuming raw vegetables have been reported, with outbreaks of diseases caused by pathogens on fresh vegetables becoming increasingly prevalent globally, attracting significant media coverage and impacting the economic viability of vegetable cultivation. Measures to enhance food safety in postharvest horticultural produce involve controlling microbial proliferation and minimizing cross-contamination. Sanitizers were utilized in the food safety arsenal for a variety of purposes, including pathogen elimination and microbe reduction, hand, tool, and vegetable contact surface cleaning, and produce shelf-life extension. Choosing an appropriate sanitizer for all vegetables is difficult due to a lack of knowledge on which sanitizers are ideal for the many types of vegetables grown on farms under different environmental circumstances. Although chlorine-based sanitizers, such as sodium or calcium hypochlorite, have been widely used for the past 50 years, recent research has revealed that chlorine reacts with an organic compound in fresh vegetables to produce trihalomethane, a carcinogen precursor, and as a result, many countries have prohibited the use of chlorine in all foods. As a result, horticulture research groups worldwide are exploring non-chlorine, ecologically friendly sanitizers for the vegetable industry. They also want to understand more about the present procedures in the vegetable business for employing alternative sanitizers, as well as the efficacy and potential dangers to the food safety of fresh salad vegetables. This review paper presents detailed information on non-chlorine sanitizers, such as their efficacy, benefits, drawbacks, regulatory requirements, and the need for additional research to lower the risk of marketed salad vegetable food safety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Adriatic Sea plays a crucial role as both a significant fishing ground and a thriving trading market for small pelagic edible fish. Recognized for their nutritional value, these fish are esteemed for their high protein content and abundance of polyunsaturated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, making them a sought-after and healthful food choice. Nevertheless, pelagic species can also serve as a reservoir for lipophilic organochlorine pollutants, posing potential risks to human health. In this study, we compared traditional classification methods traditional principal component analysis (PCA) and Ward's clustering with an advanced self-organizing map (SOM) algorithm in determining distribution patterns of 24 organochlorines and 19 fatty acids in sardine and anchovy samples taken from the eastern Adriatic. The outcomes reveal the strengths and weaknesses of the three approaches (PCA, Ward's clustering, and SOM). However, it is evident that SOM has proven to be the most effective in offering detailed information and data visualization. Although sardines and anchovies exhibit similar distribution patterns for p,p′-DDE, PCB-28, PCB-138, PCB-153, PCB-118, and PCB-170, they differ in the concentrations of fatty acids such as stearic, palmitic, myristic, oleic, docosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic acid. Our findings supply valuable insights for environmental authorities and fish consumers concerning the potential risks associated with organochlorines in these two types of fish. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite their high persistence in the environment, organochlorines (OC) are widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, in plastics, and in the manufacture of pesticides, among other applications. These compounds and the byproducts of their decomposition deserve attention and efficient proposals for their treatment. Among sustainable alternatives, the use of ligninolytic enzymes (LEs) from fungi stands out, as these molecules can catalyze the transformation of a wide range of pollutants. Among LEs, laccases (Lac) are known for their efficiency as biocatalysts in the conversion of organic pollutants. Their application in biotechnological processes is possible, but the enzymes are often unstable and difficult to recover after use, driving up costs. Immobilization of enzymes on a matrix (support or solid carrier) allows recovery and stabilization of this catalytic capacity. Agricultural residual biomass is a passive environmental asset. Although underestimated and still treated as an undesirable component, residual biomass can be used as a low‐cost adsorbent and as a support for the immobilization of enzymes. In this review, the adsorption capacity and immobilization of fungal Lac on supports made from residual biomass, including compounds such as biochar, for the removal of OC compounds are analyzed and compared with the use of synthetic supports. A qualitative and quantitative comparison of the reported results was made. In this context, the use of peanut shells is highlighted in view of the increasing peanut production worldwide. The linkage of methods with circular economy approaches that can be applied in practice is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, electrokinetic (EK) remediation technology has gained significant attention among researchers. This technology has proven effective in the remediation of low-permeability polluted soil. Organochlorines (OCs) are highly toxic, persistent, bioaccumulative, and capable of long-distance migration. They can also accumulate through the food chain, posing significant environmental risks. This paper provides a review of the reaction mechanism of combining chemical technology with EK remediation for the removal of several typical OCs. Furthermore, the factors influencing the efficiency of EK remediation, such as pH and ζ potential, voltage gradients, electrode materials, electrolytes, electrode arrangements, and soil types, are summarized. The paper also presents an overview of recent advancements in the methods of combining chemical technology with EK remediation for the treatment of OCs contaminated soil. Specifically, the research progress in surfactants-combined EK technology, chemical oxidation-combined EK technology, chemical reduction-combined EK technology, and chemical adsorption-combined EK technology is summarized. These findings serve as a foundation for ongoing and future research endeavors in the field. Further exploration and investigation in this area are essential for advancing the field and improving environmental remediation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The wearing of respirators has significantly increased over the last years mainly due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The prolonged wearing of respirators may have impacted the Heart Rate Variability (HRV) of the consumer. The scientific community has been attempting to understand the possible influential factors behind it. Unfavorable environmental factors may play a significant role in influencing the HRV for prolonged wearing of the respirators, mainly due to air pollution, and high concentrations of toxic metals and organochlorine compounds in the blood. Hence, this study aims to investigate the influence of unfavorable environmental conditions on the HRV parameters for prolonged wearing of N95 respirators. The study cohort was selected from the young volunteers living in the Aral Sea region, which is infamous for unfavorable environmental conditions due to dust storms with toxic particles, soil salinity, and high usage of pesticides. The study cohort consisted of 1110 male volunteers aged 19–22 and divided into two groups, inhabitants from unfavorable environment (North group) and inhabitants from unaffected environmental conditions (South group). HRV parameters of RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50, HF, LF/HF, SI, SBP, DBP, and SpO2 were measured and statistically compared in two stages, without wearing N95 respirators and while wearing an N95 mask for a 30–40 min period. Our analysis showed a significant increase in RMSSD, SDNN, pNN50 %, and HF parameters while wearing an N95 mask for a 30–40 min period in both groups. SI and LF/HF ratio shows a significant increase while wearing N95 in the «North » group and SI and LF/HF ratio decreased in the «South » group. The prevalence of distribution of subjects having SI more than 150 conv. units while wearing N95 marks in the «North » group were significantly higher compared to the «South » group. Autonomic tone reactivity to the N95 respirators was found in the «North » group in the form of an increase in sympathetic activity. We can conclude that the features of autonomic tone reactivity to wearing N95 respirators were found in the subjects from the environmentally unfavorable regions in the form of measuring the autonomic nervous system imbalance in favor of the increase in SNS activity. This observation is possibly related to the effects of organochlorine pesticides and heavy metals on the human nervous system in the participants living in unfavorable regions of the Aral ecological disaster.

We developed a method for oxidative destruction of organochlorines and several persistent organic pollutants (POPs) by in situ generated hydroxyl radicals using ozone gas and acetonitrile (ACN)–water (2 : 1) as a solvent under ultraviolet light irradiation at room temperature. This method degrades tough and difficult-to-be-oxidized POPs into useful and non-toxic products using ozone gas, which is eco-friendly and helps in remediation of Earth's atmosphere. Besides, we have derived a possible degradation mechanism for several organochlorine compounds and pollutants. Overall, this method is mild, operation friendly, highly efficient, and economically feasible for the degradation of various organochlorine compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is possible to remove volatile organic compounds containing chlorine (CVOCs, such as chlorobenzene) in a single device designed for selective catalytic reduction of NOX with NH3 for the industries containing CVOCs and NOX. Breaking the efficiency-selectivity trade-off in chlorobenzene oxidation remains a major challenge due to the conjugation of halogen atoms with the benzene ring and the reducing nature of NH3. A stepwise synthesis strategy is demontrated to disperse dual Ru/Cu Lewis acid sites outside and inside the zeolite channel. Under the confinement of zeolite, the Ru4+ Lewis acid site on the external surface of the zeolite promotes chlorobenzene oxidation by weakening the p-n conjugate structure of Cl and benzene ring, while the Cu2+ Lewis acid site within the internal channel converts NOX and NH3 to N2. The mutual interference between catalytic oxidation and reduction is successfully avoided. Therefore, the low toxic CO2 and HCl selectivity experience a considerable increase from 21% to 86%, and from 51% to 94% with 91% conversion of chlorobenzene, while maintaining excellent elimination performance for NO (with N2 selectivity exceeding 90%). The incorporation of separated active sites and reaction spaces into the design may offer potentials for other energy and environmental applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An integrated process of phase transfer nucleophilic substitution and coalescence is proposed to upgrade coal tar by simultaneously removing organochlorine compounds (OOCs) and water. For the phase transfer catalysts (PTCs) and nucleophiles, polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG‐400) and triethanolamine (TEOA) were the most effective to remove OOCs from coal tar. The optimal parameters of the dichlorination process in terms of molar ratio of PEG‐400 and TEOA to OOCs, reaction temperature, reaction time, and stirring speed were determined. The chloride removal efficiency reached 80.66 % when glass fiber was used for oil‐water coalescence separation. A promising method for simulllltaneously removing chloride and water from coal tar is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: For decades, the use of organochlorine (OC) pesticides has had a detrimental effect on the environment and human health. Contamination of soil, water, and air has also resulted in contaminated milk. Aim: The purpose of this study was to investigate if any OC residues dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT, Dieldrin, Endrin, and Lindane) were present in raw bovine milk from West Delta, Egypt. Methods: 200 fresh raw cow milk samples (500 ml of each sample) collected from three different governorates, west Delta, Egypt, for determination of OC pesticides residues using gas chromatography with an Agilent 6890A model gas chromatograph equipped with a 63Ni microelectron capture detector. Results: The obtained results revealed that åDDT, dieldrin, endrin, and lindane were detected in Alexandria, Behera, and Matrouh at incidence levels (22.7%, 30.7%, and 10%), (20%, 20%, and 16%), (9.33%, 13.3%, and 16%), and (12%, 10.7%, and 14%) with mean values of 232.2 ± 163.6, 156.4 ± 134.6 and 100.4 ± 85.9; 91.3 ± 61.2, 95.3 ± 59.8 and 57.6 ± 3.33; 15.7± 3.86, 15.1 ± 3.96 and 20.1 ± 7.33; 33.7 ± 10.6, 36.9 ± 5.51 and 52.2 ± 21.8 ng/g fat, respectively. El-Behera was the most contaminated province with an incidence level of 53.3% with a mean value of 136.8 ± 128.0 ng/g fat, followed by Alexandria at 44% with a mean value of 173.7 ± 155.5 ng/g fat, and finally, Matrouh 40% with a mean value of 74.5 ± 56.5 ng/g fat. Conclusion: This research demonstrated that milk samples contain varying levels of OC pesticide residues, which can be hazardous to consumer health. Therefore, to safeguard consumers, especially children, and the elderly, OC pesticide residues in milk must be closely monitored. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Occupational and environmental chemical exposure have been associated with adverse reproductive consequences. This study investigates the relationship between spontaneous abortion and blood pesticide and polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) levels. A survey was conducted, and blood samples were collected from 200 patients, consisting of 100 cases with spontaneous abortion and 100 cases with normal deliveries. A total of 150 different pesticides, including organophosphates, organochlorines, carbamates, and pyrethroids, were screened in the collected blood samples and analyzed quantitatively using Tandem mass spectrometry—specifically in combination with liquid chromatography and gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry methods. Eight types of PCBs were analyzed with the gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The groups were compared based on these analyses. The mean age of the participants was 28.09 ± 4.94 years. In 59% of the spontaneous abortion group, 5.05 ± 1.97 chemicals were detected in different amounts. (p < 0.05). Analysis of the samples identified the presence of β-Hexachlorocyclohexane (β-HCH), delta-hexachlorocyclohexane (δ HCH), Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), Pentachlorobiphenyl-28 (PCB-28), Pentachlorobiphenyl-52 (PCB-52), o,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (o,p′-DDE), p,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'DDE), o,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (o,p′-DDD), p,p′-Dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p′-DDD), Pentachlorobiphenyl-118 (PCB-118), Pentachlorobiphenyl-101 (PCB-101), Pentachlorobiphenyl-153 (PCB-153), Pentachlorobiphenyl-138 (PCB-138), Pentachlorobiphenyl-202 (PCB-202), Pentachlorobiphenyl-180 (PCB-180) as well as Fibronil, Buprimate, Acetoclor, Acemiprid, Pentimanthalin, and Triflokystrobin. The spontaneous abortion group had significantly higher exposure to PCB-101, PCB-52, PCB-138, and δ-HCH (p < 0.05). Women included in the study had high pesticide and PCB exposure rates. Many of the blood samples contained multiple pesticides with endocrine-disrupting effects. Higher exposure to organochlorine compounds in the serum was identified in the group with spontaneous abortions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present work, experimental measurements were carried out on dietary fats purchased in stores or bought online and produced in different countries of the world. Shortenings of animal origin (lard, butter) or vegetable-made (margarine, coconut oil, hydrogenated palm/soybean oil) were selected. The concentrations of organochlorines (OC pesticides and PCBs) were measured to ascertain whether the level of these contaminants in food has decreased since they were banned and to assess the today consumer exposure to such xenobiotics. Analyses were carried out by GC-ECD and GC-MS according to the United Nations Environment Program on persistent organic pollutants. Organochlorines were detected in 85% of the samples analysed. The observed levels were not high (maximum value 5.54 ± 2.33 ng g−1) and point out a slow decline over the last years. Butter from Europe was the most studied matrix showing HCB and 4,4′-DDE as the main organochlorines that were constantly detected above the limit of quantitation. This can be explained if the past use of the two pesticides is considered. Consumption data from the EFSA database were combined with the HCB and 4,4′-DDE concentrations measured in the present research to obtain the Estimated Daily Intakes (EDIs) of the two contaminants from butter. The comparison with the Tolerable Daily Intakes (TDIs) set by World Health Organization indicates that the observed EDIs are far below the TDIs, so allowing to conclude that the risk deriving from the intake of the investigated organochlorines through butter is acceptably low for European consumers. Results relating to some non-Aroclor PCBs detected in shortenings, such as PCB 47, which have recently been discovered to be released into the environment are also reported. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study report the concentration levels and distribution pattern of the organochlorine insecticides residues in water and sediments of the Harchandpur pond. The water samples were collected from three different sites and analyzed for their insecticide profile. We used liquid-liquid extraction followed by GC-ECD for the determination of these compounds. Out of 18 water samples analysis, the average residue concentration for all the six insecticides was between 0.45 and 11.11 µmg/l. The residues of dieldrin 11.11 µmg/l. constitutes the major component followed by heptachlor, aldrin, gHCH permethrin and DDT. The percent occurrence was the highest for aldrin>permethrin, dieldrin>gHCH> heptachlor>DDT. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to assess the distribution of organochlorines (OCs) in fish species, their spatio-temporal variations, bioaccumulation potential, and associated human health risks via dietary intake. The levels of twenty-three organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and thirty-five polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analyzed in six fish species collected from the riverine ecosystem of Punjab Province, Pakistan. The results indicated that the mean levels of Σ23OCPs were 74.1 ng/g ww and 184 ng/g ww, and for Σ35PCBs the levels were 38.8 ng/g ww and 74.8 ng/g ww in herbivorous and carnivorous fish species, respectively. The most abundant contaminants in all fish species were DDTs (65%) and HCHs (14%) among OCPs and heavier PCB congeners (62%) among PCBs. As for dioxin-like PCBs, the WHO toxic equivalency values (ng TEQ/g ww) were in the range of 0.21 (Cyprinus Carpio) to 2.38 (Rita Rita), exceeding the maximum allowable limit of 0.004 ng TEQ/g, ww by the European Commission. Spatio-temporal analysis indicated relatively higher OC levels in winter season with elevated concentrations in fish samples from industrial zone. The bioconcentration factor (L/kg) values ranged from 723 to 2773 for PCBs and 315 to 923 for OCPs in all fish species, with higher levels were reported in carnivorous species. The human health risk assessment at both 50th and 95th percentiles revealed the absence of any significant non-carcinogenic risk as calculated HR was less than 1. However, the critical carcinogenic risk was found to be associated for most of the contaminants, signifying the dietary exposure to OCPs and PCBs might pose the public health concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple lanthanide cyclopentadienyl (Cp) complexes can photochemically cleave the sp3 carbon–chlorine bond of unactivated chlorinated hydrocarbons including polyvinyl chloride (PVC). The excited state lifetimes of these simple complexes are among the longest observed for cerium complexes (175 ns for [(CpMe4)2Ce(μ-Cl)]2) and the light absorption by the Cp ligand is efficient, so photocatalytic reactivity is enhanced for cerium and now also made possible for neighboring, normally photoinactive, lanthanide congeners. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to discharge of hazardous organochlorine compounds and absorbable organic halogen compounds in the effluent, the pulp and paper industries are trying to alter the bleaching process to limit the use of chlorine compounds and comply with regulatory, environmental, and market demands. With progress in biotechnology, enzyme technologies can effectively pre-treat lignocellulosic biomass in the pulp and paper making process. Usually, these enzymatic processes reduce the environmental impact of traditional pulp and paper-making processes, lower the overall production cost, and enhance product quality. Microbial xylanases are the potential bio-bleaching candidate due to their renewable, mild operating, highly specific, and eco-friendly nature. Xylanase enhances the efficacy of the bleaching process by breaking the β-1, 4-glycosidic backbone of the re-precipitated xylan network and removing the trapped lignin from the pulp fibers. Xylanolytic action positively influences the kappa number, hexenuronic acid, chromophore compounds release, pulp crystallinity, morphology and many other attributes of pulp. The present review comprehensively highlights the microbial xylanolytic system, its mechanism, and its application in pulp bioleaching. With the recent development, the paper delineates the xylanase-aided bleaching effects on pulp, paper, and effluent attributes aimed to reduce bleaching chemical use, AOX formation, and energy use in the pulp refining process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are well-known contaminants that raise serious concerns, even more than 20 years after they were banned. Their worldwide distribution and persistence necessitate continuous monitoring in all components of the environment. The most challenging issues of POP regulation are associated with international water resources because their solutions require international cooperation in environment protection. This review provides data on various POPs (DDT, HCH, endrin, dieldrin, and PCBs) and their concentrations in aquatic organisms inhabiting the Amur River basin, one of the most poorly explored regions of Northeast Asia. Most studies have been conducted in the Songhua River (China), a tributary of the Amur River, which indicates that large inland bodies of water, especially those of international importance, require more extensive research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seas and oceans are contaminated by persistent organic pollutants (POPs), which are released into the environment by human activities. The chemical-physical properties of POPs induce high persistence and toxicity in marine organisms from the lowest to the highest trophic levels. Phyto- and zooplankton are at the base of the food chain, and they can adsorb and accumulate these xenobiotic compounds. Therefore, all planktophagous species, including the whale shark (Rhincodon typus), are susceptible to ingesting these contaminants during feeding. From October to December, whale sharks migrate along the north-west coast of Madagascar in search of dense patches of plankton. During scientific expeditions to the whale sharks' foraging areas in the waters of the island of Nosy Be (which is in the north-west of Madagascar), plankton samples were taken. In these samples, the presence and levels of some chlorinated xenobiotics (HCB, DDT and its metabolites, and PCBs) were evaluated in order to estimate the possible impact of whale shark diet on organochlorine (OC) accumulation. The fresh plankton biomass sampled from this region did not seem to be sufficient for the sustenance of the animals, which suggests that the daily contamination input of Rhincodon typus individuals, depending on their plankton diet, is minimal. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Early-life environmental exposures are suspected to be involved in the development of chronic diseases later in life. Most studies conducted so far considered single or few exposures and single-health parameter. Our study aimed to identify a childhood general health score and assess its association with a wide range of pre- and post-natal environmental exposures. Methods: The analysis is based on 870 children (6–12 years) from six European birth cohorts participating in the Human Early-Life Exposome project. A total of 53 prenatal and 105 childhood environmental factors were considered, including lifestyle, social, urban and chemical exposures. We built a general health score by averaging three sub-scores (cardiometabolic, respiratory/allergy and mental) built from 15 health parameters. By construct, a child with a low score has a low general health status. Penalized multivariable regression through Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was fitted in order to identify exposures associated with the general health score. Findings: The results of LASSO show that a lower general health score was associated with maternal passive and active smoking during pregnancy and postnatal exposure to methylparaben, copper, indoor air pollutants, high intake of caffeinated drinks and few contacts with friends and family. Higher child's general health score was associated with prenatal exposure to a bluespace near residency and postnatal exposures to pets, cobalt, high intakes of vegetables and more physical activity. Against our hypotheses, postnatal exposure to organochlorine compounds and perfluorooctanoate were associated with a higher child's general health score. Conclusion: By using a general health score summarizing the child cardiometabolic, respiratory/allergy and mental health, this study reinforced previously suspected environmental factors associated with various child health parameters (e.g. tobacco, air pollutants) and identified new factors (e.g. pets, bluespace) warranting further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We performed ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) simulations to benchmark bulk liquid structures and to evaluate results from all-atom force field molecular dynamics (FFMD) simulations with the generalized Amber force field (GAFF) for organophosphorus (OP) and organochlorine (OC) compounds. Our work also addresses the current and important topic of force field validation, applied here to a set of nonaqueous organic liquids. Our approach differs from standard treatments, which validate force fields based on thermodynamic data. Utilizing radial distribution functions (RDFs), our results show that GAFF reproduces the AIMD-predicted asymmetric liquid structures moderately well for OP compounds that contain bulky alkyl groups. Among the OCs, RDFs obtained from FFMD overlap well with AIMD results, with some offsets in position and peak structuring. However, re-parameterization of GAFF for some OCs is needed to reproduce fully the liquid structures predicted by AIMD. The offsets between AIMD and FFMD peak positions suggest inconsistencies in the developed force fields, but, in general, GAFF is able to capture short-ranged and long-ranged interactions of OPs and OCs observed in AIMD. Along with the local coordination structure, we also compared enthalpies of vaporization. Overall, calculated bulk properties from FFMD compared reasonably well with experimental values, suggesting that small improvements within the FF should focus on parameters that adjust the bulk liquid structures of these compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Chlorine-substituted derivatives of hydrocarbons are a large class of organic substances, many of which pose a significant threat to the biosphere. The problem of contamination with these compounds for natural dispersions, in particular, soils and bottom sediments, is complicated by the possibility of their transition into groundwater and open water bodies. The development and improvement of technologies providing the attainment of safe concentrations for organochlorine compounds in natural dispersions are among the priority directions in the field of environmental protection. The peculiarities of electrokinetic detoxication in a kaolin-based model system contaminated with dichlorodecane (DCD), a representative of hydrophobic organochlorine compounds, are investigated in this paper. The contributions of DCD electroosmotic removal and dichlorination reactions to the overall degree of dispersion decontamination are considered. It has been proven that the maximum efficiency of both processes can be attained by dispersion medium pH control aimed at achieving high pH values in the presence of a solubilizing agent, which provides the desorption of a contaminant into the pore solution. The effect of the electric field strength on the kinetics of reaching and the achieved pH value in the pore solution is studied. It is shown that a decrease in the field strength from 3 to 1.5 V/cm slows down the rate of pH increase and reduces its value from ~13 to 9.5, which is not enough for the dechlorination reactions to occur. Electrokinetic treatment in the presence of a surfactant solution (Triton X-100) at an electrical field strength of 3 V/cm ensures the residual DCD content at the level of ~1%, when the degree of dechlorination attains ~20%. This indicates that the electroosmotic flow makes a major contribution to the detoxication of a DCD-containing dispersion. The obtained results show that the electrodecontamination of clay natural dispersions contaminated with organochlorine substances, whose availability is much lower for electroosmotic transfer, can be intensified by means of their chemical destruction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The widespread use of nanoparticles (NPs) and organic pollutants increases the risk of their coexistence in the aquatic environments. It is uncertain how the combined toxicities of NPs and OCs affect aquatic organisms in surface waters. In this study, the binary combined toxicities of TiO2 NPs with three different organochlorines (OCs)-pentachlorobenzene (PeCB), 3,3,4,4-tetrachlorobiphenyl (PCB-77), and atrazine on Chlorella pyrenoidosa in three karst surface water bodies were investigated. The correlation analysis results indicated that the toxicities of TiO2 NPs and OCs to algae were mainly related to the total organic carbon (TOC) and ionic strength of surface water. Surface water relieved the growth inhibition of the pollutants on algae as compared with ultrapure water (UW). The combined toxic effect caused by the co-exposure of TiO2 NPs-atrazine was synergistic and had an antagonistic effect for TiO2 NPs-PCB-77 in four types of water bodies. However, the co-exposure of TiO2 NPs-PeCB had an additive effect in the Huaxi Reservoir (HX) and synergistic effects in Baihua Lake (BH), Hongfeng Lake (HF), and UW. TiO2 NPs increased the bioaccumulation of OCs by algae. Both PeCB and atrazine significantly increased the bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs by algae, except for PeCB in HX; however, PCB-77 reduced the bioaccumulation of TiO2 NPs by algae. The toxic effects of TiO2 NPs and OCs on algae in different water bodies were the result of the nature of the pollutants, bioaccumulation, hydrochemical properties, and other factors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Feasibility was demonstrated for the use of CG/MS for determining the content of organochlorine compounds in chemical reagents. The analysis of a model mixture of organochlorine compounds indicated the optimal conditions for the CG/MS procedure and isooctane as the best solvent for carrying out the extraction. Calibration curves in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode were constructed for each individual compound. Depending on the physicochemical characteristics of the chemical reagent, various approaches were proposed for sample preparation involving dilution and/or extraction. For analysis of chemical reagents having a strong hydrocarbon background in the full ion current scanning mode, the identification of organochlorine compounds and subsequent quantitative determination were carried out using mass fragmentograms. The efficiency of these procedures was estimated by assessing the completeness of extraction by adding a marker to the working solution and evaluating the results relative to the extent of extraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sources of organochlorine waste (OCW) generation in the production of vinyl chloride, their toxicity and impact on the environment were analyzed. A comparative analysis of methods of waste disposal was performed. It was established that the method of thermal decontamination has gained the widest application. Methods of identification of organochlorine compounds and methods of separation and concentration of substances were considered. It was determined that one of the effective methods of their extraction is liquid extraction using oxalic and hydrochloric acids as extractants. As a result of the analysis of the composition of insoluble compounds in the cubic residues of the vinyl chloride rectification stage before submitting them to incineration, the presence of two following compounds was established: Fe2O3 and Fe3O4 with a predominant content of the Fe3O4 phase. The rational conditions for the extraction of iron compounds from OCW have been established: the type of extractant (chloric acid), the ratio of OCW:extractant; number of extraction cycles, and temperature. The rational concentration of hydrochloric acid as an extractant is 1%. Reduction of the content of iron compounds in OCW will contribute to increasing the operational life of the incineration plant from 20 days to three or more months. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paper presents the results of a comprehensive analysis of bottom sediment samples taken in 2020 during the Roshydromet marine scientific research in Stepovoi and Litke bays of the Novaya Zemlya archipelago and in the coastal zone of the Kara Sea near Amderma village. All sediment samples were analyzed for the concentration of radionuclides 137Cs, 90Sr, 238Pu, 239 + 240Pu, and some samples were analyzed for the content of toxic chemicals: heavy metals, persistent organochlorine compounds, and aliphatic hydrocarbons. The analysis of the results showed that the levels of radionuclides and toxic chemicals in bottom sediments of Stepovoi Bay are generally consistent with the data of similar surveys in previous years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between 2019 and 2021, 21 bottlenose dolphins were found stranded dead along the Ligurian Pelagos Sanctuary coast (Italy). For 11 animals, out of a total of 14 recovered, the cause of death was classified as natural, anthropic, or not determined based on gross and histological pathology and ancillary testing. Hexachlorobenzene (HCB), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were examined in their blubber, and results were discussed according to their toxicological properties. All specimens showed the following trend: PCBs > DDTs >> HCB, and the levels of cancerogenic, mutagenic, and teratogenic organochlorine compounds (T-OCs) were >50% of total OCs. Immunosuppressant organochlorine compound (IS-OC) levels in 10 out of 11 animals were above 50% of the total OCs. PCB levels always exceeded the threshold of 17 mg/kg lipid weight for PCB-induced adverse health effects. The results suggest that bottlenose dolphins living in the Pelagos Sanctuary undergo a high level of exposure to pathogens and OCs, betraying the designation of the Cetacean Sanctuary and, consequently, of a region created for their conservation. Immune dysfunction and infectious disease susceptibility appear to be highly connected with high levels of OC xenobiotics. These data are useful to understand health and mortality trends in cetacean populations, as well as for developing policies for cetacean conservation and management in this important protected area of the Mediterranean. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction. In July 2021, a mass mortality of seabirds of unclear etiology occurred on the coast of the Sea of Japan in the Khasansky district of Primorsky Krai. According to the Department for Protection of Wildlife and Specially Protected Natural Territories of Primorsky Krai, over a thousand dead birds were found on the coast. The main case occurred in the population of birds Rhinoceros auklets (Cerorhinca monocerata, Alcidae), also among the dead birds were found several dozens of gulls (Larus spp.) and terns (Sterna spp.), single individuals of other species. The peak of mortality in bird populations occurred on July 13–17, 2021. This territory is a recreational area, in the summer months a large number of people rest there. The current situation has caused increased attention of the entire scientific community, as well as organizations that protect the citizens health and the environment. The aim. To establish possible etiology of the epizootic outbreak and describe the cause of birds’ death.Materials and methods. Comprehensive examination using classical methods of virology, microbiology and toxicology, as well as the most modern research methods such as MALDI TOF-mass spectrometry and NGS.Conclusion. As a result of the studies, it was determined that the cause of birds’ death was infectious peritonitis with endogenous intoxication syndrome induced by a complex of pathogenic microorganisms, such as enteropathogenic Escherichia coli, Proteus vulgaris, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus pennery, Enterococcus faecalis and Wickerhamomyces anomalus, related to Candida pelliculosa.

The aim of the present study was to determine the occurrence, spatio-temporal variations, source apportioning, and ecological risk assessment of selected PCBs and OCPs in surface water and sediments collected riverine environment of Punjab province, Pakistan. The concentration of ΣOCPs (water: 64–455 ng/L; sediments: 117–616 ng/g) and ΣPCBs (water: 2–132 ng/L; sediments: 3.27–200 ng/g) was found comparatively higher than the levels reported from other parts of the world. The higher concentrations of DDTs and HCHs were detected in both studied matrices, whereas among PCBs, CB-28, 49 and CB-37, 82 were dominant in water and sediments, respectively. The isomeric ratios including α-HCH/γ-HCH, (DDE + DDD) / DDTs, and α /β-endosulfan reflected the recent use of lindane, technical DDT, and endosulfan in the study area. The WHO–TEQ values of DL-PCBs ranged from 3.6 × 10−6 to 0.115 ng/L and 8.7 × 10−6 to 0.157 ng/g in surface water and sediments in both seasons, respectively. The spatial variation analysis revealed that the sites in the industrial and agricultural zones were highly contaminated. The OCPs and PCBs fluxes to downstream areas were estimated to be 12.4 tons/year and 1.9 tons/year, respectively. The significant ecological risks were estimated to be posed by OCPs and PCBs, as their levels in 67% and 62% of surface water and sediment samples were exceeding the threshold limits, highlighting effects to ecological integrities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that even at very low levels can cause cancer by increasing the activity of tumor cells and suppressing the immune system. There is also little information on OCPs and survival after diagnosis. The aim of this study was to monitor the concentration of OCPs in the blood serum of cancer patients and its relationship with their socio-demographic characteristics and ultimately that impact on survival time and hazard ratio (HR). This cross-sectional study included 89 diagnosed patients with cancer in Isfahan, Iran. 12 types of OCPs were measured in serum by gas chromatography (7GC) with an electron capture detector and equipped with mass spectrometer (MS). Also, participants' questionnaire was completed to collect information. T-test, ANOVA, and Chi-square tests were used to evaluate the association between serum levels of OCPs and quantitative and qualitative information of patients. Survival analysis was also examined based on Kaplan–Meier method, log-rank test, and Cox model. The mean of total OCPs in patients' serum was calculated to be 1.82 ± 1.36 μg/L. Concentration of 2,4′ DDE had a significant relationship with body mass index (BMI) (kg/m2) (P < 0.05). In addition, gender revealed a significant correlation in estimating survival time (P < 0.05). Non-exposure to OCPs showed a positive effect on increasing the life expectancy of patients. Lindane and endosulfan increased the risk of death by 16% and 37%, respectively, with insignificant P value (P > 0.05). The findings of the present study showed adverse effects of OCPs on patients' survival time and increased mortality of HR. Moreover, as the first research conducted in the study area, it is suggested management of environmental, individual and social factors that could be influenced the biological accumulation of OCPs in humans and cause health promotion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A concept was proposed for integrated catalytic processing of organochlorine waste using self-organizing nickel-based catalysts. The process of carbon erosion of a bulk Ni–Cr alloy to form dispersed particles catalyzing the growth of carbon nanofibers was studied using 1,2-dichloroethane as an example. This approach was found to be universal and applicable to the processing of multicomponent mixtures of organochlorine compounds, including polyvinyl chloride production waste. The potential of using the carbon nanomaterial obtained by the waste processing for the production of polymer composites was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Honey is considered to be a health-promoting food product. Therefore, it is assumed that it should be free of contaminants. Although the use of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) was banned a few decades ago in developed countries, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are still detected in various environmental and biological matrices, including food. These contaminants exhibit toxic properties and bioaccumulate in some food chains. The validation of a modified QuEChERS extraction method was successfully performed for o,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, heptachlor and dieldrin. 2,2′,4,4′,5,5′-hexachlorobiphenyl (PCB 153) was used as an internal standard. The modification involved changing the solvent from acetonitrile to n-hexane after extraction. Quantitation was carried out using gas chromatography with an electron capture detector (µECD). The mean recovery values for o,p'-DDT, o,p'-DDE, o,p'-DDD, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD and dieldrin, spiked at 2.9 ng/g and 20 ng/g, ranged from 64.7% to 129.3%, and, for heptachlor spiked at 5.6 ng/g and 20 ng/g, ranged from 68.0% to 88.3%. The relative standard deviation (RSD) for these concentrations did not exceed 20%, and the within-laboratory reproducibility was below 20%, except o,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT, which were 25.2% and 20.7%, respectively. This modified QuEChERS extraction method for selected organochlorine compounds was demonstrated as effective for routine testing in honey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Total gaseous chlorine (TCl g) measurements can improve our understanding of unknown sources of Cl in the atmosphere. Existing techniques for measuring TCl g have been limited to offline analysis of extracted filters and do not provide suitable temporal information on fast atmospheric processes. We describe high-time-resolution in situ measurements of TCl g by thermolyzing air over a heated platinum (Pt) substrate coupled to a cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS). The method relies on the complete decomposition of TCl g to release Cl atoms that react to form HCl, for which detection by CRDS has previously been shown to be fast and reliable. The method was validated using custom organochlorine permeation devices (PDs) that generated gas-phase dichloromethane (DCM), 1-chlorobutane (CB), and 1,3-dichloropropene (DCP). The optimal conversion temperature and residence time through the high-temperature furnace was 825 ∘ C and 1.5 s, respectively. Complete conversion was observed for six organochlorine compounds, including alkyl, allyl, and aryl C–Cl bonds, which are amongst the strongest Cl-containing bonds. The quantitative conversion of these strong C–Cl bonds suggests complete conversion of similar or weaker bonds that characterize all other TCl g. We applied this technique to both outdoor and indoor environments and found reasonable agreements in ambient background mixing ratios with the sum of expected HCl from known long-lived Cl species. We measured the converted TCl g in an indoor environment during cleaning activities and observed varying levels of TCl g comparable to previous studies. The method validated here is capable of measuring in situ TCl g and has a broad range of potential applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to analyze the flavonoid composition and organochlorine compounds (OCs) in honey samples from different floral sources on the Ryukyu Islands of Japan, and to determine their nutritional characteristics and the risk of intaking hazardous pollutants. Design/methodology/approach: Honey samples were collected from various regions of the Ryukyu Islands. Thirty-one samples were analyzed for six flavonoid compounds by high-performance liquid chromatography, and OCs from 14 samples were analyzed by gas chromatography. The differences in flavonoid composition among the samples from different floral sources were determined. Findings: Honey from Bidens pilosa L. var. radiata Sch. Bip. contained high concentrations of luteolin and apigenin. One sample with polychlorinated biphenyls and two with chlordane compounds were detected in one region; however, their concentrations were lower than those for food regulations. Originality/value: Novel chemical characteristics in Ryukyu honey, including high amounts of luteolin and apigenin from B. pilosa, were discovered, whereas low OC contamination was observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the spatial and long-term variations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the snow at 55 industrial, urban, rural, and remote stations in Eastern Siberia, Russia, in 2021 in comparison to data obtained from the 1990s to the 2010s. In 2021, the mean levels of the organochlorine compounds in snow amounted to 76 ng/L ∑PCB36, 5.8 ng/L hexachlorobenzene (HCB), 0.02 ng/L α-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), and 1.01 ng/L dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites. The spatial distribution of organochlorines was shown to result from the presence of industrial and urban sources, as well as atmospheric transport. The PCB and HCB temporal distributions from the 1990s to the 2020s were represented as V-shaped curves. The PCB homological patterns show that, in some of the samples, the abundance of lower chlorinated homologues in 2021 is greater than in previous years. Over the last three decades, the HCH and DDT levels have significantly decreased. The relationship between PCBs and suspended particulate matter became stronger with the increase in PCB chlorination levels from lighter to heavier chlorinated congeners. Deposition with wet precipitation in the wintertime provided 3–8% of the annual deposition flux. Massive POP deposition with wet precipitation occurred in May (about 12–18%) and from July to September (60–65%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A chromatographic method for determining the mass fraction of organochlorine compounds in oil and its refined products has been developed. An inert gas is bubbled through a container filled with the analyzed liquid; the flow of the inert gas containing vapors of organochlorine compounds is divided into two parallel flows in the chromatograph; one of the two flows is separated with a capillary chromatographic column, while the other, with a polycapillary chromatographic column, both at a constant temperature. The organochlorine compounds are detected with a single electron-capture detector connected to each of the two flows in accordance with the release time of a definite organochlorine compound. The developed method allows automated measurements of mass fraction of organochlorine compounds in oil and its refined products using flow gas chromatographs of explosion-proof design; the analysis time decreases, and the losses due to contamination of feedstock with organochlorine compounds at oil refineries and oil transportation enterprises are reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Whereas the close associations of cesium ion with organochlorine compounds have been previously documented, the present report is the first attempt to exploit these interactions to create a trichloroethylene (TCE)-selective sensor. Gold monolayer-protected clusters peripherally functionalized with Cs+ ions were used to prepare a chemiresistance film on MEMS-fabricated interdigitated electrodes. Vapor sensing properties of the cesium-rich chemiresistor were determined using a panel of chlorinated hydrocarbons including TCE as well as polar and non-polar VOCs for comparison. The sensor was selective and highly sensitive toward VOCs containing a 1,2-dichloro group at concentrations as low as 0.1 ppm. The results suggest the key interaction contributing to sensor response is a bidentate, metallocycle-like coordination of the 1,2-dichloro group to the cesium cations at the sensor surface. [Display omitted] • Gold monolayer-protected clusters peripherally functionalized with Cs+ ions were synthesized to prepare a chemiresistor sensor. • Vapor sensing properties of the cesium-rich chemiresistor were determined using a panel of chlorinated hydrocarbons. • The sensor was selective and highly sensitive toward VOCs containing a 1,2-dichloro group \. • The key interaction contributing to sensor response is a metallocycle-like coordination of the 1,2-dichloro group to cesium cations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]