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Stefan Voorspoels

Publications and source records attributed to Stefan Voorspoels.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2006

Recent developments in the analysis of brominated flame retardants and brominated natural compounds.

This article reviews recent literature on the analysis of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and brominated natural compounds (BNCs). The main literature sources are reviews from the last five years and research articles reporting new analytical developments published between 2003 and 2006. Sample pretreatment, extraction, clean-up and fractionation, injection techniques, chromatographic separation, detection methods, quality control and method validation are discussed. Only few new techniques, such as solid-phase microextraction (SPME) or pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), have been investigated for their ability of combining the extraction and clean-up steps. With respect to the separation of BFRs, the most important developments were the use of comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography for polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and the growing tendency for liquid-chromatographic techniques for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) stereoisomers and of tetrabromobisphenol-A (TBBP-A). At the detection stage, mass spectrometry (MS) has been developed as well-established and reliable technology in the identification and quantification of BFRs. A growing attention has been paid to quality assurance. Interlaboratory exercises directed towards BFRs have grown in popularity and have enabled laboratories to validate analytical methods and to guarantee the quality of their results. The analytical procedures used for the identification and characterization of several classes of BNCs, such as methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) (also metabolites of PBDEs), halogenated methyl or dimethyl bipyrroles (DBPs), are reviewed here for the first time. These compounds were generally identified during the routine analysis of BFRs and have received little attention until recently. For each topic, an overview is presented of its current status.

Analytic Sample Preparation Methods↗
PubMed2006

Dietary PBDE intake: a market-basket study in Belgium.

A food market-basket, representative for the general Belgian population, containing various meat, fish and dairy food products, was assembled and analysed for its polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) content. Additionally, fast food samples were also investigated. Based on the measured PBDE levels, an average daily dietary intake estimate of PBDEs was calculated. Of all foods analysed, fish had the highest average sum of PBDE levels (BDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, and 183; 460 pg/g ww), followed by dairy products and eggs (260 pg/g ww), fast food (86 pg/g ww) and meat products (70 pg/g ww). One fresh salmon filet had the highest total concentration of PBDEs (2360 pg/g ww), whereas levels in steak and chicken breast were the lowest of all foods analysed. BDE 209 was never found above LOQ in any food. PBDE intake calculations were based on the average daily food consumption in Belgium and were estimated between 23 and 48 ng/day of total PBDEs (lower and upper bound). This value is in accordance with what was previously reported for diets from geographical distinct areas, such as Canada, Finland, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Although it is only a minor constituent of the Belgian diet, fish is the major contributor to the total daily PBDE-intake (around 40%) due to the high PBDE levels in this type of food. Although low contaminated, meat products account for around 30% of the total dietary intake of PBDEs. Dairy products and eggs contribute to a lesser degree (less than 30%).

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Can predatory bird feathers be used as a non-destructive biomonitoring tool of organic pollutants?

The monitoring of different types of pollutants that are released into the environment and that present risks for both humans and wildlife has become increasingly important. In this study, we examined whether feathers of predatory birds can be used as a non-destructive biomonitor of organic pollutants. We demonstrate that polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are measurable in one single tail feather of common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and that levels in this feather and internal tissues are significantly related to each other (0.35 < r < 0.76 for all 43 buzzards; 0.46 < r < 0.84 when excluding 17 starved birds). Our findings provide the first indication that feathers of predatory birds could be useful in non-destructive biomonitoring of organic pollutants, although further validation may be necessary.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) in the environment and humans: a review.

Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs) are brominated aliphatic cyclic hydrocarbons used as flame retardants in thermal insulation building materials, upholstery textiles, and electronics. As a result of their widespread use and their physical and chemical properties, HBCDs are now ubiquitous contaminants in the environment and humans. This review summarizes HBCD concentrations in several environmental compartments and analyzes these data in terms of point sources versus diffuse sources, biomagnification potential, stereoisomer profiles, time trends, and global distribution. Generally, higher concentrations were measured in samples (air, sediment, and fish) collected near point sources (plants producing or processing HBCDs), while lower concentrations were recorded in samples from locations with no obvious sources of HBCDs. High concentrations were measured in top predators, such as marine mammals and birds of prey (up to 9600 and 19 200 ng/g lipid weight, respectively), suggesting a biomagnification potential for HBCDs. Relatively low HBCD concentrations were reported in the few human studies conducted to date (median values varied between 0.35 and 1.1 ng/g lipid weight). HBCD levels in biota are increasing slowly and seem to reflect the local market demand. One important observation is the shiftfrom the high percentage of the gamma-HBCD stereoisomer in the technical products to a dominance of the alpha-HBCD stereoisomer in biological samples. A combination of factors such as variations in solubility, partitioning behavior, uptake, and, possibly, selective metabolism of individual isomers may explain the observed changes in stereoisomer patterns. Recommendations for further work include research on how HBCDs are transferred from products into the environment upon production, use, and disposal. Time trends need to be analyzed more in detail, including HBCD stereoisomers, and more data on terrestrial organisms are needed, especially for humans. Whenever possible, HBCDs should be analyzed as individual stereoisomers in order to address their fate and effects.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human umbilical cord serum, maternal serum and milk from Wielkopolska region, Poland.

The levels of organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs): p,p'-DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordanes and their metabolites, and 18 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and human milk collected from 22 mothers living in the Wielkopolska region, Poland. Additionally, 11 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were measured in the human milk samples. p,p'-DDT and its major metabolite, p,p'-DDE, together with HCB, were found in all milk and serum samples. Median concentrations of p,p'-DDE in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and milk were 343, 329 and 634ng/g lipid weight (lw). PCB congeners 138, 153 and 180 were the major congeners measured in all serum samples, while CB 170 was detected in 74% and 100% of umbilical cord and maternal serum, respectively. Except for CBs 74, 101 and 105, which had a detection frequency of 77%, 23% and 82%, respectively, all investigated PCB congeners were measured in all human milk samples. The median concentrations of sum PCBs in maternal serum, umbilical cord serum and milk were 79, 60 and 133 ng/g lw, respectively. A good correlation (Spearman R(S)>0.75, p<0.001) was found for major PCBs, p,p'-DDT and p,p'-DDE, between maternal and umbilical cord serum, while the correlation was weaker between milk and serum. The median of sum PBDEs in human milk was 2.0 ng/g lw (range 0.8 to 8.4), with BDE 47 being always the most abundant PBDE congener and, together with BDE 153, being present in all samples. In general, results found in the investigated group are at the low end of the concentration range measured in Europe.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Remarkable findings concerning PBDEs in the terrestrial top-predator red fox (Vulpes vulpes).

In the present study, we have analyzed muscle, liver, and adipose tissue of 33 red foxes from Belgium for their content of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). Median sums of seven tri- to hepta-BDEs (BDE 28, BDE 47, BDE 99, BDE 100, BDE 153, BDE 154, and BDE 183) were 2.2, 2.4, and 3.4 ng/g lipid weight in adipose tissue, liver, and muscle, respectively. These levels were lower than those found in various species of voles and mice, the main prey species of the red fox. This is probably related to the high capacity of the foxes to metabolize and eliminate lower brominated congeners. BDE 209 generally dominated the PBDE congener profiles in the red fox samples. In samples containing BDE 209, this congener contributed, on the average, approximately 70% to the total PBDE content. BDE 209 was measured in concentrations as high as 760 ng/g lipid weight in the liver, but the detection frequency was not more than 40%. In animals with the highest BDE 209 levels, this congener was detected in muscle, liver, as well as in adipose tissue. Other abundant congeners were BDE 153 and BDE 47, which prevail in other terrestrial species. The particular PBDE congener profile observed in the red fox resembles that seen in grizzly bears from Canada, but differs from those previously reported for terrestrial avian species. Our data confirms unambiguously that BDE 209 does bioaccumulate in terrestrial top predators, such as the red fox.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2006

Evaluation of total lipids using enzymatic methods for the normalization of persistent organic pollutant levels in serum.

The human exposure to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) is conveniently assessed through analysis of blood serum or plasma and the POPs concentrations are traditionally expressed on a lipid weight basis. Enzymatic determinations of total lipid (TL) content in serum, which imply the measurement of individual lipid classes, such as triglycerides (TG), cholesterol (CHOL) and phospholipid (PL), use small amounts of serum/plasma (<100 microl). These have also become a more precise and less laborious alternative for the gravimetric lipid determinations which were preferred in the past. However, PL are not routinely measured in most clinical laboratories and therefore, TL values are often predicted from formulas based on measurements of only TG and CHOL. In the present study, a large data set (n=483) from Belgian, Swedish and Norwegian populations was used to compute a new formula for TL [TL=1.33*TG+1.12*CHOL+1.48 (g/l)] by means of multiple linear regression. A very good correlation (r=0.949, p<0.001) was found between TL values calculated with the proposed formula and TL values obtained by summation of TG, CHOL and PL. Statistically different values of TL were computed when different previously published formulas were compared, which can have a strong influence on the calculation of lipid-normalized concentrations of POPs. Nevertheless, TL values derived using a mathematical formula which includes only TG and CHOL will be less accurate than TL values obtained by summation of TG, CHOL and PL, which should be the calculation method of choice if PL measurements are available.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Levels and distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in various tissues of birds of prey.

In the present study, concentrations and tissue distribution of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; IUPAC # 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, and 209) were examined in brain, adipose tissue, liver, muscle, and serum of birds of prey. Median SigmaPBDE levels (BDE 28-183) in the tissues of sparrowhawks ranged from 360 to 1900 ng/g lipid weight (lw), which was in general one order of magnitude higher than in the tissues of common buzzards (26-130 ng/g lw). There were no differences in PBDE congener patterns between the various tissues within individuals of a certain species. Inter-species differences in PBDE patterns and in particular the percentage of BDE 99, 100 and 153 were, however, pronounced between sparrowhawk and common buzzard. BDE 209 was detected in nearly all serum and in some liver samples, but not in any other tissues. This observation suggests that exposure to BDE 209 is low or that this congener is poorly accumulated. Passive (lipid content related) diffusion could not completely describe the PBDE tissue distribution, e.g. the lowest PBDE-load was measured in brain, a fairly lipid rich tissue.

Adipose Tissue↗
PubMed2005

Optimization of the determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in human serum using solid-phase extraction and gas chromatography-electron capture negative ionization mass spectrometry.

A simple, rapid, sensitive and reproducible method based on solid-phase extraction (SPE) and acidified silica clean-up was developed for the measurement of 12 polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), including BDE 209, and 2,2',4,4',5,5'-hexabromobiphenyl (BB 153) in human serum. Several solid-phase sorbents (Empore C(18), Isolute Phenyl, Isolute ENV+ and OASIS HLB) were tested and it was found that OASIStrade mark HLB (500 mg) gives the highest absolute recoveries (between 64% and 95%, R.S.D.<17%, n=3) for all tested analytes and internal standards. Removal of co-extracted biogenic materials was performed using a 6 ml disposable cartridge containing (from bottom to top) silica impregnated with sulphuric acid, activated silica and anhydrous sodium sulphate. PBDEs and BB 153 were quantified using a gas chromatograph coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS) operated in electron-capture negative ionization mode. The method limits of quantification (LOQ) ranged between 0.2 and 25 pg/ml serum (0.1 and 4 ng/g lipid weight). LOQs were dependent on the analyte levels in procedural blanks which resulted in the highest LOQs for PBDE congeners found in higher concentrations in blanks (e.g. BDE 47, 99 and 209). The use of OASIS HLB SPE cartridge allowed a good method repeatability (within- and between-day precision<12% for all congeners, except for BDE 209<17%, n=3). The method was applied to serum samples from a random Belgian population. The obtained results were within the range of PBDE levels in other non-exposed population from Europe.

Chemical Fractionation↗
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

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

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

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

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

Levels and profiles of PCBs and OCPs in marine benthic species from the Belgian North Sea and the Western Scheldt Estuary.

Various benthic invertebrates (flying crab, common shrimp, and red starfish), small fish (sand goby), benthic flatfish (dab, plaice, and sole) and gadoids (bib and whiting) were collected in the Belgian North Sea and along the Scheldt Estuary, both representing areas impacted by various contaminants to different degrees. The levels of 25 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and 15 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), which included penta- and hexachlorobenzene, alpha-, beta-, and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane isomers, chlordanes, and DDT and metabolites, were determined. Sum of PCBs and OCPs in benthic invertebrates and goby ranged from 1.5 to 280 ng/g wet weight (ww) and from 0.27 to 23 ng/g ww, respectively. The fish livers revealed total PCB and OCP levels ranging from 20 to 3200 ng/g ww and from 6.0 to 410 ng/g ww, respectively. Levels of both contaminant groups were significantly higher in samples from the Scheldt Estuary compared to the Belgian North Sea. For most species a highly inverse correlation was found between the concentration of contaminants and the distance to Antwerp (r between 0.812 and 0.901, p < 0.05), pointing to a higher degree of exposure further upstream. PCB and OCP exposures are highly correlated (r between 0.836 and 1.000, p < 0.05), which suggests that the pollution can be classified as historical. However, because urban and industrial centres may still be emitting these compounds, more recent point and non-point sources cannot be ruled out.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Levels and enantiomeric signatures of methyl sulfonyl PCB and DDE metabolites in livers of harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) from the Southern North Sea.

The concentration of 26 methyl sulfonyl metabolites of polychlorinated biphenyls (MeSO2-PCBs) and of p,p'-DDE (MeSO2-DDE) were determined in 19 liver samples from harbor porpoises (Phocoena phocoena) stranded between 1997 and 2000 on the Belgian and French North Sea Coasts. The total concentration of MeSO2-PCBs ranged from 39 to 4221 ng/g lipid weight (lw) and were generally higher in adults (age > 2 yr, range 969-4,221 ng/g lw) than in juveniles (age < 2 yr, range 39-1815 ng/g lw). The concentrations of MeSO2-DDE were generally also higher in adults (21-96 ng/g lw) than in juveniles (0.5-60 ng/g lw). Congeners 3- and 4-MeSO2-CB101 were the dominating metabolites in all samples. Due to their preferential retention in the liver, the MeSO2-PCB congeners could be divided into two groups. The first group was dominated by the 3-MeSO2-PCB congeners and consisted of MeSO2-CB31, -CB49, -CB52, -CB87, and -CB101, which all have a 2,5-chlorine substitution in the phenyl ring containing the methyl sulfonyl group. The second group was dominated by the 4-MeSO2-PCB congeners and consisted of MeSO2-CB64, -CB91, -CB110, and -CB132, which all have a 2,3,6-chlorine substitution. The ratios of sum of PCBs/sum of MeSO2-PCBs and p,p'-DDE/MeSO2-DDE differed greatly between individual subjects and ranged from 15 to 419 and from 17 to 1088, respectively. The ratio between the precursor PCB congeners and their corresponding metabolites ranged from 0.6 (CB49) to 175 (CB174). Enantiomeric fractions (EFs) for MeSO2-PCB atropisomers, which include 3-MeSO2-CB132, 3-MeSO2-CB149, 4-MeSO2-CB149, 3-MeSO2-CB174, and 4-MeSO2-CB174, were also measured in 8 out of the 19 subjects. High enantiomeric excess (EF > 0.73 or EF < 0.23) for the measured chiral MeSO2-PCB congeners was found in all samples. This result may suggest that one atropisomer may be preferentially formed in harbor porpoises or that the atropisomers are retained in a highly selective manner.

Animals↗
PubMed2003

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers in marine species from the Belgian North Sea and the Western Scheldt Estuary: levels, profiles, and distribution.

The Western Scheldt Estuary (SE) is subjected to a variety of suspected PBDE sources, such as a brominated flame retardant manufacturing plant, the Antwerp harbor, and the textile industry located further upstream the river. The Belgian North Sea (BNS) was included in this study to analyze the influence of the SE on the levels found in biota from the BNS locations. Benthic invertebrates, such as shrimp, crab, and starfish, benthic fish, such as goby, dab, plaice, and sole, and gadoid fish, such as bib and whiting, were sampled in the BNS (nonpolluted area) and the SE (polluted area) and analyzed to determine the concentrations and spatial variation of eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154, 183, and 209). Levels found in the SE samples were up to 30 times higher than those found in BNS samples, with a gradient increasing toward Antwerp. Levels in BNS ranged from 0.02 to 1.5 ng/g ww in benthic invertebrates and goby, from 0.06 to 0.94 ng/g ww in fish muscle, and from 0.84 to 128 ng/g ww in fish liver. For the SE samples, levels ranged from 0.20 to 29.9 ng/g ww in benthic invertebrates and goby, from 0.08 to 6.9 ng/g ww in fish muscle, and from 15.0 to 984 ng/g ww in fish liver. BDE 209 could only be detected in eight liver samples from the SE and levels ranged between 3.4 and 37.2 ng/g ww. PBDE profiles of the various species at the different locations were compared. Differences in profile were attributed to different exposure and to differences in metabolism among species. Ratios between BDE 99 and 100 were found to be highly location and species dependent, which could be related to differences in metabolism. Some species, such as dab, plaice bib, and whiting, showed preferential accumulation of PBDEs in the liver. Higher brominated congeners in general showed higher affinity for liver than for muscle tissue.

Animals↗