Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) monitored by tree bark in an E-waste recycling area

Chemosphere. 2009 Feb;74(7):981-7. doi: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2008.10.002. Epub 2008 Dec 31.

Abstract

To investigate the environmental levels and profiles of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), tree bark samples (n=22) were collected from Luqiao, an E-waste recycling area, in east China in July 11-13, 2006. The average concentrations of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PCBs determined by isotope dilution-high resolution gas chromatography (HRGC) coupled with high resolution mass spectrometer (HRMS) were 0.1+/-0.0, 1.4+/-0.2, and 6.5+/-0.8 microg g(-1) lipid weight, respectively. PCDD/F-toxic equivalent (TEQ, WHO-1998), PCB-TEQs, and total dioxin-like TEQs were 1.3+/-0.1, 0.5+/-0.0, and 1.8+/-0.2 ng g(-1) lipid weight, respectively. The profiles of these pollutants in the tree bark were also discussed. Tetra-CDFs, deca-BDE and tri-CBs were the main homologues and accounted for 47% of total PCDD/Fs, 79.3% of total PBDEs, and 33.2% of total PCBs, respectively; As for TEQs, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF and PCB126 were the main contributors and accounted for 36% of the total PCDD/F-TEQs and 81.2% of the total PCB-TEQs, respectively. High accumulation of PCDD/Fs, PBDEs, and PCBs detected in the tree bark indicated heavy contaminations of these pollutants in Luqiao area.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benzofurans / analysis*
  • Conservation of Natural Resources
  • Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
  • Electronics
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Environmental Pollutants / analysis*
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / analysis*
  • Industrial Waste
  • Plant Bark / chemistry*
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / analysis*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analogs & derivatives*
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins / analysis

Substances

  • Benzofurans
  • Dibenzofurans, Polychlorinated
  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers
  • Industrial Waste
  • Polychlorinated Dibenzodioxins
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls