Monitoring of organotin compounds in seawater using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs)--tentative results.

The impact of anthropogenic pollutants on the marine ecosystem is related to the concentrations experienced by the biota in the seawater and the resulting concentration in the organism. Results from monitoring of pollutants in water samples provide snapshots that can be high or low depending on a wide range of variables. To provide more integrated information, semipermeable membrane devices, SPMDs, have been used to monitor different organic pollutants. In this survey, SPMDs were used to monitor organotin compounds in the marine environment. Time-integrated sampling using SPMDs and direct water sampling was carried out at six stations in the inner Oslofjord, Norway. The sample work-up procedure for both water and SPMDs was based on direct derivatisation using NaBEt4 and simultaneous extraction with an organic solvent. Analysis was performed using a gas chromatograph equipped with an atomic emission detector. The results show that SPMDs do accumulate organotin compounds from the water phase. Both tributyl- (TBT) and dibutyltin were detected in all of the analysed membranes while no monobutyltin was found. Levels found in SPMDs range from < 1 to 220 ng Sn SPMD(-1). Water concentrations range from 0.4 to 10 ng Sn L(-1). An investigation of relative levels of TBT showed a similar concentration gradient in the inner Oslofjord using either direct water sampling or passive sampling by SPMDs. As the membranes are able to accumulate the organotins from the water it will be possible to locate lower concentrations than with direct analyses of water samples.

Quantification of organotin compounds and determination of imposex in populations of dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus) from Norway.

Unintentional effects of the antifouling agent tributyltin (TBT) have been discovered in marine gastropods as the induction of male sex characters in females, known as imposex. The occurrence of imposex in dogwhelks (Nucella lapillus) was investigated in 41 populations sampled in 1993-1995 along the Norwegian coast. A method for quantification of organotin species using gas chromatography and atomic emission detection (GC-AED) was developed. Some degree of imposex occurred in almost all populations of dogwhelks studied, except in four from Northern Norway. The concentration of organotin compounds in the gastropods from the unaffected populations was below the detection limit (7 ng Sn/g d.w.). The concentration of TBT in dogwhelks from affected populations was in the range 48-1096 ng Sn/g d.w. A positive relation between the concentration of TBT in dogwhelks and the degree of imposex was found.

Capillary gas chromatography combined with atomic emission detection for the analysis of DDT and metabolites.

Capillary gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC-AED) was evaluated for the determination of DDT and metabolites in biological samples. Utilizing chlorine-selective detection at 479 nm, DDT, DDE, and DDD were quantified down to the 20 ng/g (fat weight) level (S/N = 10) in cod liver oil, while the detection, limit was 6 ng/g (S/N = 3). With splitless injection performed in the pressure programmed mode, DDT and related compounds were quantified based on a single chlorine calibration curve (universal calibration). The quantitative data obtained by GC-AED were in excellent accordance with similar results from capillary gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD), while the procedure for calibration was simplified with the former technique.

Environmental contaminants and biochemical responses in flatfish from the Hvaler Archipelago in Norway.

The levels of several environmental contaminants, including selected polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), organochlorines (DDT/DDE, hexachlorobenzene), 15 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and polychlorinated dibenzofurans and dibenzo-p-dioxins, PCDF/PCDD), and heavy metals (Cd, Hg, Pb, and As) were analyzed in muscle and liver of three different flatfish species (dab, Limanda limanda; flounder, Platichthys flesus; plaice, Pleuronectes platessa) caught by gill netting at different sites in the Hvaler Archipelago. Indices of biochemical effects in liver S9-fractions were studied by measuring cytochrome P450-dependent monooxygenase and UDP-glucuronyl transferase activities, and by immunoquantitating cytochrome P450 1A1 using an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Only low levels of PCDD/PCDF, Cd, and Pb were observed, whereas PCB levels were significantly elevated in fish from the inner sites of the Archipelago compared to a reference site. The contaminant gradient toward the Glomma estuary was correlated with increased cytochrome P450 1A1 activity, measured as 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD), and with immunoquantitated P450 1A1. In contrast, fish from the site at Idefjorden, although containing elevated contaminant levels, did not show elevated EROD activity, but apparently elevated P450 1A1 protein. These findings may reflect different pollution histories of the sites, and indicate the applicability of biochemical effect indices (i.e., EROD and P450 1A1 immunoquantitation) to monitoring studies. The integrated chemical-biochemical approach employed in this study can obviously be expanded to give fruitful information about cause-effect relationships in other contaminant situations.

[Mercury and selenium in wild mink (Mustela vision) from Norway]. / Kvikksølv og selen i villmink (Mustela vision) fra Norge.

Levels of mercury, methylmercuri and selenium were determined in liver samples from wild mink (Mustela vision) caught in the Norwegian countries of Rogaland (38 samples), Sogn og Fjordane (15 samples) and Hedmark (18 samples). The average mercury levels from these counties were 2.6, 3.1 and 2.1 micrograms Hg/g wet weight, respectively. No significant differences in mercury levels were found. The methyl mercury levels (MeHg) were determined in 30 samples. A very strong positive correlation between total mercury (Hg) and methyl mercury (r = 0.91, P less than 0.001) was found. The average methyl mercury level was 35 per cent of total mercury. This indicates that wild mink has the ability to demethylate mercury. The selenium levels were determined in 35 samples. A strong positive correlation between the levels of total mercury and selenium (r = 0.87, P less than 0.001) was found. There was no correlation between age or nutritional condition and mercury level. In the present study mink was examined to see of it could be recommended as an indicator species for monitoring the local environment for mercury contamination. No definite answer to this question could be found. The study did reveal, however, that in all the counties studied there are individuals that are considerably contaminated with mercury.

Distribution and elimination of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) after single oral exposure in Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

The distribution and excretion of hexachlorobenzene (HCB) after administration to quails of a single oral dose of 4.5 microCi [14C] HCB per 100 g body weight was studied by whole-body autoradiography and liquid scintillation counting. Radiolabeled HCB was distributed throughout the body in 2 h. Peak levels were found 4-8 d after administration, with the highest concentrations in the subcutaneous and abdominal fat, uropygial gland, bone marrow, adrenals, ovarian stroma, and liver, in that order. After 3 wk, substantial amounts of radiolabeled substance were present only in the adipose tissue and the uropygial gland. The main routes of excretion were the egg yolk, uropygial gland, and bile. About 75% of the administered dose was excreted through the egg yolk and about 25% in the feces.

Organochlorines in wild mink (Mustela vison) from Norway.

Levels of PCBs, DDE, and HCB have been determined in wild mink caught in the Norwegian counties of Sogn and Fjordane, Rogaland, and Hedmark. No significant differences were founds in organochlorine levels in wild mink from these counties, and the average level, based on fat weight, in abdominal adipose tissue was about 1 ppm DDE, 0.1 ppm HCB and for PCB ranging from 1 to 15 ppm.

Organochlorine compounds in aquatic environments.

The body burdens of five organochlorine compounds were determined in several marine fishes and invertebrates from two localities in Norway. DDE, PCBs, and pentachlorobenzene showed uniform levels, especially on a fat weight basis, while hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene were detected at various levels in the different species. The results are discussed with respect to the concept of accumulation through food chains, and passive partition of chemicals between water and the organism's fat. Although the results to some extent support the idea of partition, other factors may have a decisive effect on the levels found in the different species. This is true for the bottom dweller, where magnitude and circumstances of exposure may vary considerably between the different microenvironments.

Organochlorines in fish and crabs from the Kristiansand fjord in Norway.

The levels of sum-DDT, PCBs, and HCB in fish liver and crab hepatopancreas from the Kristiansand fjord area in Norway have been determined (fig. 1). The respective mean levels (fat weight basis) in stationary fish species and crabs are given in table I. The levels of PCBs and sum-DDT were about the same, and the HCB level two to one hundred times higher than corresponding levels reported for codfish (liver) from several harbours along the Norwegian coasts (Brevik et al. in press). The levels calculated on a wet weight basis, found is stationary fish from the harbour of Kristiansand and Topdals-fjord were two to three times higher than those in crabs. Calculated on a fat weight basis, however, the levels in stationary fish and crabs were much more similar (table II). The harbour area was more contaminated with PCBs and HCB than the other sites examined. It seems impossible, however, on the basis of present data to further pinpoint sources of the relatively high degree of HCB contamination in the Kristiansand fjord area.

Organochlorine compounds in Norwegian human fat and milk.

Analyses were carried out in 1975/76 of samples of human, perirenal fatty tissue and 45 samples of human milk with regard to persistent organochlorine compounds. A corresponding investigation was carried out in 1969/70. A comparison of the results suggests that a decrease in the content of DDT and its metabolites occurs. The PCB content showed a significant increase as compared with 1969/70. HCB levels of approx. 0.25 ppm and 0.0054 ppm were demonstrated in fatty tissue and in human milk, respectively. Concentrations of DDT plus metabolites, PCB and HCB in older people were significantly higher than those found in younger subjects.

[Toxicity of the PVC-plasticizer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (author's transl)]. / Toksikologisk vurdering av PVC-plastmykgjøreren di(2-etylheksyl)ftalat

The plastizicer di(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (DEHP) is produced in hundreds of thousands tons and has got a widespread use in a multitude of PVC-plast products. In the present review the toxicology and possible harmful environmental effects of DEHP is discussed. The four following topics have also been considered: 1. The solubility of DEHP in water and the complex between DEHP and fulvic acid. 2. Residues and metabolites of DEHP in fish and invertebrates. 3. The metabolites of DEHP in rat, where four major metabolites have been found (fig. 1). 4. The problem concerning residues of DEHP in blood stored in PVC plastic bags for transfusion and the relationship of DEHP to microaggregation of platelets in stored blood. Although the oral LD50 in the rat, mouse and rabbit is about 30 g/kg, its toxicology reveals problematic features such as high toxicity to some invertebrates, specific effects on the nervous system of fish and teratogenic effects in rats.