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Adrian Covaci

Publications and source records attributed to Adrian Covaci.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Levels and distribution of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in sediments and biota from the Danube Delta, Romania.

Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and analogues, hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB), were measured in sediments and biota (invertebrates, 11 fish species and cormorant tissues) collected in 2001 from the Danube Delta, the biggest European wetland. DDTs were the predominant pollutants in all samples. A high variability in the concentrations of pollutants within the same species was observed and this was related to sampling location, age, length and sex. DDTs were also the main organohalogenated contaminants in cormorant muscle and liver, followed by PCBs, HCHs, HCB and PBDEs. The present levels of DDTs in cormorant tissues are lower than levels measured in cormorant eggs sampled from the Danube Delta in 1982 and 1997, respectively. The variance of delta15N for herbivores was much greater than for carnivores, while carp and bream showed higher delta15N signatures than expected, probably due to a higher dietary proportion of benthos, typically more delta15N enriched relative to pelagic biota.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Hair as an indicator of endogenous tissue levels of brominated flame retardants in mammals.

Few data are available on brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in terrestrial mammalian wildlife. Moreover, the use of hair in nondestructive monitoring of BFRs in mammals or humans has not been investigated. In the present study, concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and brominated biphenyl 153 (BB 153) were analyzed in tissues of the European hedgehog Erinaceus europaeus. Road kills and carcasses from wildlife rescue centers were used to investigate relationships between concentrations of BFRs in hair and internal tissues, BFR tissue distribution (hair, liver, kidney, muscle, and adipose tissue), and PBDE congener tissue pattern dissimilarities. Liver concentrations of PBDEs and BB 153 were in the ranges 1-1178 and 0-2.5 ng/g of liver wet weight, respectively. PBDEs were predominant in adipose tissue and liver, while accumulation of BB 153 was tissue independent. The less persistent compound BDE 99 was more dominant in hair than in internal tissues. We observed positive relationships between BFR levels in hair and internal tissues for sum PBDEs and BDE 47 (0.37 < r < 0.78). The present study demonstrated that hair is a suitable indicator of PBDE exposure in terrestrial mammals which can be used in nondestructive monitoring schemes.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Evaluation of biochemical effects related to perfluorooctane sulfonic acid exposure in organohalogen-contaminated great tit (Parus major) and blue tit (Parus caeruleus) nestlings.

A perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) biomonitoring survey was conducted on great tit (Parus major) and blue tit (Parus caeruleus) nestlings from Blokkersdijk, a bird reserve in the proximity of a fluorochemical plant in Antwerp (Belgium) and Fort IV, a control area. PFOS, together with 11 organochlorine pesticides, 20 polychlorinated biphenyl congeners and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers were measured in liver tissue. The hepatic PFOS concentrations at Blokkersdijk (86-2788 and 317-3322 ng/g wet weight (ww) for great and blue tit, respectively) were among the highest ever measured and were significantly higher than at the control area (17-206 and 69-514 ng/g ww for great and blue tit, respectively). The hepatic PFOS concentration was species- and sex-independent and correlated significantly and positively with the serum alanine aminotransferase activity and negatively with the serum cholesterol and triglyceride levels in both species but did not correlate with condition or serum protein concentration. In the great tit, a significant positive correlation was observed between the liver PFOS concentration and the relative liver weight. In the blue tit, the hepatic PFOS concentration correlated positively and significantly with hematocrite values. None of the investigated organohalogen pollutants except for PFOS were suggested to be involved in the observed biological alterations.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2005

Hexabromocyclododecane in marine species from the Western Scheldt Estuary: diastereoisomer- and enantiomer-specific accumulation.

Hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) is a widely used brominated flame retardant, which is increasingly reported in the environment. Here, we report on the diastereomeric and, for the first time, on the enantiomeric composition of HBCD in muscle and liver of several fish species caught in the Western Scheldt Estuary (The Netherlands). The total HBCD content (sum of alpha-, beta-, and gamma-diastereoisomers), as well as the distribution of diastereoisomers and enantiomers, varied between the species. The levels of total HBCD (9-1110 ng/g lipid weight) found in fish tissues were higher than those measured in fish from European rivers with no known point sources of HBCD but lower than in fish samples collected near factories producing or using HBCD. The concentrations of total HBCD expressed on a lipid weight basis were higher in liver than in muscle for bib and whiting, while in sole, HBCD had no preferential distribution between the tissues. A similar pattern for liver and muscle distribution was already observed for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in these species. The alpha-HBCD diastereoisomer was most abundant in all fish samples with a higher contribution to the total HBCD levels in liver compared to muscle for bib and whiting. The gamma-HBCD diastereoisomer accumulated less in liver than in muscle of sole, bib, and whiting. For the first time, enantiomer fractions were determined for HBCD diastereoisomers in liver of three fish species and in muscle of two fish species. A significant enrichment of the (+) alpha-HBCD enantiomer was found in whiting and bib liver samples. A high enantioselectivity has also been seen for the gamma-HBCD diastereoisomer in whiting liver.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Use of transplanted Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) to assess the bioavailability of microcontaminants in Flemish surface waters.

Zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) were translocated in cages to 56 water bodies in Flanders (Belgium) during summer 2001. After six weeks, concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), p,p'-DDE, and trace metals were measured in the transplanted mussels. It was investigated whether total dissolved water and sediment pollutant levels or bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) and biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) were predictive for mussel tissue levels. The sample sites covered a broad range both in terms of the type and concentration of the pollutants, and this was reflected in large differences in tissue concentrations of all pollutants among the sites. The highest pollutant levels in mussels were among the highest reported in the literature. For Cd and Zn levels up to 33 and 1994 microg/g dry wt. respectively were found. The lowest levels were comparable to those from uncontaminated sites in Europe and the U.S. For Cd and Zn respectively 51 and 75% of the variation in tissue levels was described. For both metals, dissolved and particulate metal contributed to the variation in accumulation. For other pollutants, relationships between tissue concentration and water or sediment concentration were weak or nonsignificant. Then the measured environmental factors (dissolved calcium, pH, oxygen, organic carbon and clay content in the sediment) were taken into account applying multiple regression analysis, and no increase in the described variation of pollutant accumulation was observed. The BAF and BSAF for all pollutants varied up to 1000-fold even after TOC-normalization. Clear negative relationships were found between BAFs/ BSAFs and environmental levels. However, even at constant environmental concentrations a 10- to 100-fold variation in BAFs/BSAFs was observed. This study illustrated the need for biological monitoring since neither environmental

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Retention-time database of 126 polybrominated diphenyl ether congeners and two bromkal technical mixtures on seven capillary gas chromatographic columns.

The elution order of 126 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) was determined for seven different gas chromatographic (GC) stationary phases. The resulting database facilitates selection of the most suitable GC columns for developing a quantitative, congener-specific BDE analysis and the testing of retention prediction algorithms based on structure relationships of GC phases and congener substitution patterns. In addition, co-elutions of the principal BDE congeners with other BDEs and/or with other brominated flame retardants were investigated and, as an application, the composition of two Bromkal mixtures (70-5DE and 79-8DE) was studied.

Algorithms↗
PubMed2005

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in freshwater mussels and fish from Flanders, Belgium.

The levels and distribution of PBDEs in zebra mussels and several freshwater fish species (eel, carp and gibel carp) were investigated for different sites in Flanders, Belgium. In parallel, other organohalogenated contaminants, such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p[prime or minute]-DDE and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were also measured and their relationship with PBDEs was investigated. At most sites, individual PBDE congeners were present at detectable levels in mussel tissue, with the mean [summation operator]PBDE concentration ranging from 0.15 to 1.8 ng g(-1) wet weight (ww). The PCB concentrations in mussels ranged from 6.2 to 102 ng g(-1) ww. HCB and p,p[prime or minute]-DDE could be measured in mussels from most sites, mean values ranging from below the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 0.58 ng g(-1) ww and from 0.66 to 6.5 ng g(-1) ww, respectively. Except for one site (Blokkersdijk, Antwerp) where PBDEs were below the LOQ in carp muscle, all fish samples from other sites contained detectable PBDE levels, with the highest concentrations (14 +/- 14 ng g(-1) ww) being measured in eel liver from Watersportbaan (Ghent). The sampled sites covered a broad concentration range of organohalogenated pollutants with the highest values being consistently measured in eel liver. With few exceptions, all correlations between PBDEs and organochlorine pollutants for each species were low (r < 0.50) and most were statistically not significant (p > 0.05). This suggests that the exposure to contaminants arises from local sources possessing different signatures of PBDEs and organochlorine pollutants.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Levels of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in fish species from Kahramanmaras, Turkey.

The levels of organohalogenated contaminants, such as organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were measured in four fish species (Acanthobrama marmid (kalashpa), Cyprinus carpio (carp), Chondrostoma regium (nose-carp), and Silurus glanis (wels)) from the Sir Dam Lake, Kahramanmaras, Turkey. These species were selected for their characteristic feeding behaviour and their importance to local human fish consumption. DDTs were the predominant organohalogenated contaminants in all species, with the p,p'-DDE contributing to more than 90% to the total DDTs. Other OCPs, such as hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, chlordanes and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were found at much lower levels in all five species. The levels of PCBs and PBDEs (on wet weight basis) were lower than in similar species from European or American freshwater systems. PBDE data were measured for the first time in fish species from Turkish environment. Lipid-based concentrations of OCPs, PCBs and PBDEs were higher in wels than in the other species and this was related to its piscivorous feeding mode and to its higher lipid content. Contrarily, concentrations of pollutants in nose-carp were the lowest, in agreement with its more herbivorous diet. A preferential accumulation in muscle compared to liver was observed for all OCPs, PCBs, and PBDEs in wels and carp, while in nose-carp, a preferential accumulation in liver was observed only for PBDEs, p,p'-DDT and PCBs. Racemic amounts for alpha-HCH were measured in all investigated muscle and liver samples, except for carp muscle.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Brominated flame retardants and organochlorine pollutants in eggs of little owls (Athene noctua) from Belgium.

Residues of brominated diphenylethers (PBDEs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were measured in 40 eggs of little owls (Athene noctua), a terrestrial top predator from Belgium. The major organohalogens detected were PCBs (median 2,600 ng/g lipid, range 790-23 000 ng/g lipid). PCB 153,138/163, 170, 180 and 187 were the predominant congeners and constituted 71% of total sum PCBs. PBDEs were measurable in all samples, but their concentrations were much lower than for PCBs, with a range from 29-572 ng/g lipid (median 108 ng/g lipid). The most prevalent PBDE congeners in little owl egg samples were BDE 47, 99 and 153. This profile differs from the profile in marine bird species, for which BDE 47 was the dominant congener, indicating that terrestrial birds may be more exposed to higher brominated BDE congeners than marine birds. The fully brominated BDE 209 could be detected in one egg sample (17 ng/g lipid), suggesting that higher brominated BDEs may accumulate in terrestrial food chains. Brominated biphenyl (BB) 153 was determined in all egg samples, with levels ranging from 0.6 to 5.6 ng/g lipid (median 1.3 ng/g lipid). Additionally, hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) could be identified and quantified in only two eggs at levels of 20 and 50 ng/g lipid. OCPs were present at low concentrations, suggesting a rather low contamination of the sampled environment with OCPs (median concentrations of sum DDTs: 826 ng/g lipid, sum chlordanes: 1,016 ng/g lipid, sum HCHs: 273 ng/g lipid). Hexachlorobenzene (HCB) and octachlorostyrene (OCS) were also found at low median levels of 134 and 3.4 ng/g lipid, respectively. Concentrations of most analytes were significantly higher in eggs collected from deserted nests in comparison to addled (unhatched) eggs, while eggshell thickness did not differ between deserted and addled eggs. No significant correlations were found between eggshell thickness and the analysed organohalogens.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid and organohalogen pollutants in liver of three freshwater fish species in Flanders (Belgium): relationships with biochemical and organismal effects.

A perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) assessment was conducted on gibel carp (Carassius auratus gibelio), carp (Cyprinus carpio), and eel (Anguilla anguilla) in Flanders (Belgium). The liver PFOS concentrations in fish from the Ieperlee canal (Boezinge, 250-9031 ng/g wet weight, respectively) and the Blokkersdijk pond (Antwerp, 633-1822 ng/g wet weight) were higher than at the Zuun basin (Sint-Pieters-Leeuw, 11.2-162 ng/g wet weight) and among the highest in feral fish worldwide. Eel from the Oude Maas pond (Dilsen-Stokkem) and Watersportbaan basin (Ghent) had PFOS concentrations ranging between 212 and 857 ng/g wet weight. The hepatic PFOS concentration was significantly and positively related with the serum alanine aminotransferase activity, and negatively with the serum protein content in eel and carp. The hepatic PFOS concentration in carp correlated significantly and negatively with the serum electrolyte concentrations whereas a significant positive relation was found with the hematocrit in eel. Although 13 organochlorine pesticides, 22 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were also measured in the liver tissue, only PCB 28, PCB 74, gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) and hexachlorobenzene (HCB) were suggested to contribute to the observed serological alterations in eel.

Alanine Transaminase↗
PubMed2005

Feathers as a nondestructive biomonitor for persistent organic pollutants.

Keratinous tissues of mammals and humans, such as hair, have been used to determine the exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides. In the present study, we investigated the accumulation of persistent organic pollutants (POPs; PCBs, p,p'-DDT, p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane [DDD], p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene [DDE], hexachlorobenzene [HCB], oxychlordane, trans-nonachlor, polybrominated diphenyl ethers, and polybrominated biphenyls [PBBs]) in feathers of the great tit (Parus major). The accumulation of POPs in feathers and fat samples of 27 adult great tits collected in April 2000 and December 2002 was compared with regard to possible temporal and spatial differences. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers, PBBs, trans-nonachlor, and HCB could not be quantified in feathers. Most PCB congeners and DDTs (p,p'-DDE, p,p'-DDD, and p,p'-DDT) could be determined in feathers, although concentrations in feathers were markedly lower (sigmaPCB concentration range, 28.2-87.1 ng/g) than concentrations in fat (sigmaPCB concentration range, 1244-10074 ng/g). Feathers had relatively higher levels of low-chlorinated PCBs (tetra- and pentachlorinated biphenyls) and p,p'-DDD compared to levels in fat, presumably reflecting levels in blood. Persistent organic pollutant concentrations did not increase with the age of the feather, suggesting that exogenous or aerial depositions of POPs onto the feather surface had no, or only minimal, influence on levels in feathers. For almost all compounds studied, POPs in feathers and fat were significantly positively correlated in samples collected during the breeding season but not in samples collected during the winter. This temporal difference may have been caused by seasonal changes in lipid reserves. Although further research is required, feathers appear to be a promising new, nondestructive biomonitor for PCBs and DDTs in avian wildlife.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Uptake and tissue-specific distribution of selected polychlorinated biphenyls in developing chicken embryos.

Fertilized chicken eggs were injected with high doses of individual polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners (0.5 microg of PCB 77, 9.8 microg of PCB 153, or 10.9 microg of PCB 180) before incubation to investigate the structure-specific uptake of these compounds by the embryo and their accumulation in brain and liver tissue. In accordance with earlier publications, a gradual uptake and accumulation of these compounds was observed during the last week of embryonic development. The PCB uptake and distribution to the specific tissues did not appear to be structure dependent. Wet-weight liver PCB concentrations (18, 266, and 278 ng/g at hatching for PCB 77, PCB 153, and PCB 180, respectively) were consistently two- to fourfold higher than carcass levels (7 ng/g of PCB 77, 117 ng/g of PCB 153, and 81 ng/g of PCB 180 at hatching). Whereas liver and carcass concentrations increased exponentially between day 13 of incubation and hatching, PCB levels in brain tissue remained unaltered (range, 0.6-1.0 ng/g of PCB 77 and 8-12 ng/g of PCB 153 and PCB 180 throughout the last week of incubation). Lipid analysis of the organs suggested that the lipid composition of brain may be an important factor explaining the low PCB accumulation in this tissue.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Determination of persistent organohalogenated pollutants in human hair reference material (BCR 397): an interlaboratory study.

A human powdered hair material (BCR 397) was tested for its content in persistent organic pollutants (POPs), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Using different methods, three laboratories (two from Canada and one from Belgium) analysed a powdered hair sample to evaluate some methodologies and to obtain consensus values for selected POPs. Measured values for all PCB congeners and p,p'-DDE were within a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 15%. These first results contribute to the accuracy and precision for POPs quantification in hair and render test results more comparable among different laboratories.

Environmental Pollutants↗
PubMed2004

PBDEs in marine and freshwater sediments from Belgium: levels, profiles and relations with biota.

Sediments from the Belgian North Sea (BNS), the Western Scheldt Estuary (SE) and freshwater watercourses from the Scheldt basin were analysed for eight PBDE congeners, namely BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183 and 209. Previously analysed biological samples from the same locations in the BNS and the SE have been shown to contain large amounts of PBDEs. Surprisingly, PBDE concentrations in the sediments were below the LOQ for samples from the BNS (except BDE 209), while in those from the SE the sum of PBDEs (not including BDE 209) were higher and ranged from 0.20 to 0.41 ng g(-1) dw. BDE 209 could be detected in 83% of the samples from the BNS and in all the samples from the SE. Concentrations up to 1200 ng g(-1) were hereby measured in the SE. Compared to the marine and estuarine locations, the sediments from the freshwater watercourses were relatively more polluted with the lower brominated PBDEs (<0.20-19 ng g(-1) dw). BDE 209 concentrations up to 320 ng g(-1) dw were measured in those sediments. However, the contribution of BDE 209 to the total amount of PBDEs varied much more at the freshwater locations than in the SE, which suggests a different input of pollutants. PBDE profiles observed in biological samples do not match the profiles of the sediments. BDE 183 and 209 could not be quantified in biota, although these congeners were undoubtedly present in the sediments. This raises questions about the bioavailability of these congeners in the environment.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Time trend investigation of PCBs, PBDEs, and organochlorine pesticides in selected n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid rich dietary fish oil and vegetable oil supplements; nutritional relevance for human essential n-3 fatty acid requirements.

In addition to being used in the food and animal feed industry, fish oils have also been used traditionally as dietary supplements. Due to the presence of long-chain n-3 fatty acids, fish oils have therapeutic benefits in the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular, immunological, and arthritic diseases, as well as childhood deficiency diseases such as rickets, because of a high content of vitamin D. However, fish oils are also susceptible to contamination with lipophilic organic chemicals that are now ubiquitous contaminants of marine ecosystems. Many vegetable oils are sources of the shorter chain precursor forms of n-3 fatty acids, and in recent years the specialist dietary supplement market has expanded to include these oils in a variety of different formulations. This paper reports analytical results of selected contaminants, including polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides, and polybrominated diphenyl ethers, for a range of commercially available n-3 fatty acid rich fish and vegetable oil dietary supplements. Using principal component analysis, the values are compared with historic samples to elucidate time trends in contamination profiles. Levels of contaminants are discussed in relation to the nutritional benefits to the consumer of long- and short-chain forms of n-3 fatty acids.

Dietary Supplements↗
PubMed2004

Distribution of organochlorine pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls and alpha-HCH enantiomers in pork tissues.

The distribution of HCH isomers, DDT analogues and selected PCB congeners in pork organs collected from the same individuals raised in Romanian farms was investigated. Organochlorine pesticides (HCHs and DDTs) were the principal contaminants in all samples, while PCB concentrations were low, in accordance with previously reported concentrations from Romanian animal farms. The most part of the pollutant load in the body is retained in the adipose tissue, with HCHs ranging between 16 and 27.7 ng/g lipid and with higher concentrations of DDTs ranging between 65.9 and 334.5 ng/g lipid. The highest PCB levels (up to 32 ng/g lipid) were measured in lung and liver. The lipid-normalized concentrations in the brain were lower than in all other tissues due to the presence of the blood-brain barrier or due to a lower proportion of the neutral lipids such as triglycerides. The highest concentrations of DDTs were measured in muscle and fat, with p,p'-DDE being the principal contributor and with a variable contribution of p,p'-DDD and p,p'-DDT. In liver, p,p'-DDD has a higher contribution to the sum DDTs, while in all analyzed livers, the concentration of p,p'-DDT was very low. beta-HCH was the most persistent HCH isomer in all tissues, accounting for 40-97% of sum HCHs. For all animals, the highest concentrations of beta-HCH and HCHs were found in liver, while the lowest HCH concentrations were measured in brain and spinal marrow. Additionally, the distribution of alpha-HCH enantiomers in the tissues was discussed. In all samples (except 2 brain samples), (+) alpha-HCH was depleted and (-) alpha-HCH was enantioenriched. Enantiomeric ratios in brain were the highest measured values between all organs. For all studied animals, ERs increased in the order fat < muscle < liver < brain.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2004

Levels of organohalogenated persistent pollutants in human milk from Kahramanmaraş region, Turkey.

The levels of 1,1,1-trichloro-bis-2,2'-(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (p,p'-DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordanes (trans- and cis-chlordane, oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor), 11 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were measured in 37 individual human milk samples from Kahramanmaraş region, Turkey. Organochlorine pesticides were the major contaminants in the milk samples. p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT were detected in all samples, while beta-HCH had a detection frequency of 97%. The sum of the DDTs in human milk samples varied between 0.52 and 315.8 ng/g wet weight (ww) with a mean ratio between p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT equal to 31.1. p,p'-DDD could be measured only in six samples. beta-HCH was the most prevalent HCH isomer with a mean value of 2.08 ng/g ww. The mean concentration of gamma-HCH was 0.38 ng/g ww, while alpha-HCH was not detected in any sample. HCB is found in 95% of the milk samples with a mean concentration of 0.30 ng/g ww. The mean value for the sum of chlordanes was 0.39 ng/g ww, with oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor being the principal contributors. PCBs could be measured only in 8 out of 37 samples and their concentration ranged between <0.15 and 1.92 ng/g ww for the sum of PCBs. PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 153, 180 and 138. PBDEs were detected only in 3 out of 37 samples, with the highest value being 0.014 ng/g ww (0.40 ng/g lipid weight) and BDE 47 was the dominant congener. Although the number of samples is relatively low and they are not representative for the whole Turkish population, the results of the present study are important to provide additional data on the concentrations of persistent organochlorinated pollutants in Turkey and show as first the PBDE levels in Turkish population.

Adult↗