ASSESSMENT OF DOSES FROM INGESTION OF NATURALLY OCCURRING RADIONUCLIDES K-40 AND RA-226 IN RICE CONSUMED IN TAIWAN.

This study investigated natural gamma emitting radionuclides 40K and 226Ra in rice consumed in Taiwan. Thirty rice samples, collected from local markets, included 24 local rice and 6 imported rice samples. Radionuclide activities were 24.05 ± 10.21 and 0.62 ± 0.61 Bq/kg for 40Kand 226Ra for all rice samples. The activity of each radionuclide was insignificantly different for local and imported samples (p = 0.33 and 0.52 for 40K and 226Ra, respectively). The annual effective doses from rice consumption were estimated to be 6.80 ± 2.89 and 7.86 ± 7.81 µSv/y for 40K and 226Ra, respectively, and the sum ingestion dose of 226Ra and 40K was 14.66 ± 8.57 µSv/y. These values were one order of magnitude less than the 290 µSv/y world average of the ingestion exposure from natural sources. The results suggest that rice consumption in Taiwan is radiologically safe for the investigated radionuclides.

Investigation of free and conjugated estrogen fate and emission coefficients in three duck farms.

Concentration animal feeding operation (CAFO) is an important source of environmental estrogen. However, to the best of our knowledge, the data on estrogen discharge during duck breeding and growth is insufficient. This study used liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) to analyze the free and conjugated estrogen concentrations in the surface water, outlet water, groundwater, and duck manure/soil mixture at three duck farms in Taiwan. Natural estrogen species included estrone (E1), 17ß-estradiol (E2), estriol (E3), estrone-3-sulfate (E1-3S), 17ß-estradiol-3-sulfate (E2-3S), estrone-3-glucuronide (E1-3G), and 17ß-estradiol-3-glucuronide (E2-3G), whereas synthetic estrogen included 17α-ethynylestradiol (EE2) and diethylstilbestrol (DES). This study showed that the total estrogen concentrations in the surface water and groundwater were 15.4 and 4.5 ng/L, respectively, which constituted 56% and 58%, respectively, conjugated estrogen. From the pond to the outlet water, the total estrogen concentration decreased by 3.9 ng/L (23% loss) in the duck farms. However, the estrogenic potency was slightly reduced from 0.91 to 0.88 E2 equivalent/L, showing a negligible decrease. From the pond to the outlet water, the field results showed that converting the conjugated estrogen into free estrogen in the duck farm-released water increased their environmental hazard. Primarily E1, with an average concentration of 0.9 ± 1.6 ng/g, was present in the duck manure. The estrogen excreted by the ducks in the pond (from surface water to outlet water) was estimated to be 0.18 kg/million head-year. Although the estrogen concentration in the duck farms was low, the environmental impact of CAFO should not be neglected.

ASSESSMENT OF DOSES FROM INGESTION OF RADIONUCLIDES 40 K, 137CS, 226RA AND 232TH IN EDIBLE COMMERCIAL MUSHROOMS FROM TAIWAN.

This study analyzed activity concentration and annual effective dose of radionuclides 40K, 137Cs, 226Ra and 232Th of 44 mushrooms collected from local markets in Taiwan. The 40K activity concentrations were 1570 ± 150 Bq/kg-dw (Agaricus bisporus) > 1084 ± 183 Bq/kg-dw (Flammulina velutipe) > 736 ± 150 Bq/kg-dw (Lentinula edodes). The activity concentrations of 226Ra were 5.04 ± 2.43, 4.00 ± 2.40 and 3.43 ± 2.69 Bq/kg-dw, and 232Th were 3.96 ± 2.18, 3.86 ± 1.43 and 2.90 ± 1.99 Bq/kg-dw for F. velutipe, L. edodes and A. bisporus, respectively. In seven of the 44 samples, 137Cs activity concentrations were detected, and the samples had an average of 1.55 ± 1.75 Bq/kg-dw. The total annual effective dose ranged from 0.90 to 3.50 µSv/y, with an average of 1.94 ± 0.62 µSv/y at an ingestion rate of 0.235 kg-dw/y.

Soil to tobacco component transfer factors for natural radionuclides 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th and the risk assessment of tobacco leaf in smoking.

This study determined the activity concentrations and corresponding transfer factors (TF) of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th in three tobacco components (root, stem, and leaf). The radiation hazard index parameters were assessed for the tobacco leaf. The activity concentrations in the soil were 589-762, 32-43, and 49-59 Bq kg-dw-1 (dry weight) for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th, respectively. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th were 447, 5.41 and 5.69 Bq/kg-dw for the root, 670, 9.64 and 7.61 Bq kg-dw-1 for the stem, and 793, 6.79 and 6.15 Bq kg-dw-1 for the leaf, respectively. The TF values were 0.42-1.42, 0.10-0.49 and 0.06-0.23 for 40K, 226Ra, and 232Th, respectively. The stem and leaf 40K TF values were significantly higher than the root values. The stem 226Ra TF values were significantly higher than the root values. The 226Ra and 232Th activity concentrations and TFs of tobacco components had a significant positive correlation. Based on the activity concentrations of the tobacco leaves, the annual inhalation effective dose to the lungs for an adult smoker was 0.32-0.81 mSv y-1 (average 0.60 mSv y-1). The Excess Lifetime Cancer Risk (ELCR) caused by smoking was an average of 2.39 × 10-3.

Activity concentrations and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of natural radionuclides (40 K, 226Ra, and 232Th) from cultivated substrates to mushrooms.

This study examined 42 mushroom samples and corresponding cultivated substrates. The radionuclide activity concentrations and bioconcentration factor (BCF) from substrate-to-mushroom were determined. The substrate activity concentrations were 59.1-727.5, 4.5-37.6, and 4.0-53.0 Bq/kg dw (dry weight) for 40 K, 226Ra, and 232Th, respectively. The average 40 K concentrations were 1546.5, 1115.7, and 749.3 Bq/kg dw; the BCFs were 2.49, 3.56, and 5.58 for A. bisporus, F. velutipes, and L. edodes, respectively. The 40 K concentrations were insignificantly correlated with each species' corresponding substrate concentration. The 40 K BCFs had a significantly negative correlation with the substrate concentration for each species. Each mushroom species' 40 K concentration was almost stable, suggesting that 40 K has a regulated homeostasis for a given species. The average 226Ra concentrations were 5.5, 5.4, and 3.4 Bq/kg dw; the BCFs were 0.58, 0.17, and 0.50 for L. edodes, A. bisporus, and F. velutipes, respectively. The average 232Th concentrations were 4.7, 4.7, and 3.0 Bq/kg dw; the BCFs were 0.50, 0.11, and 0.53 for L. edodes, A. bisporus, and F. velutipes, respectively. The 226Ra and 232Th concentrations in mushrooms had a weak to moderate correlation with the cultivated substrate concentrations. The absorption of the 226Ra and 232Th from substrate-to-mushroom was similar to the hypothesis of the linear model that mushroom concentration yields a positive correlation with substrate concentration.

Sorption Constant of Bisphenol A and Octylphenol Onto Size-Fractioned Dissolved Organic Matter Using a Fluorescence Method.

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) is a complex and heterogeneous mixture ubiquitously present in aquatic systems. DOM affects octylphenol (OP) and bisphenol A (BPA) distribution, transport, bioavailability, and toxicity. This study investigated OP and BPA sorption constants, log KCOC, with three size-fractioned DOM. The molecular weights of the sized fractions were low molecular weight DOM (LDOM, <1 kDa), middle molecular weight DOM (MDOM, 1-10 kDa), and high molecular weight DOM (HDOM, 10 kDa-0.45 µm). The log KCOC ranged from 5.34 to 6.14 L/kg-C for OP and from 5.59 to 6.04 L/kg-C for BPA. The OP and BPA log KCOC values were insignificantly different (p = 0.37) and had a strong positive correlation (r = 0.85, p < 0.001). The OP and BPA LDOM log KCOC was significantly higher than the HDOM and MDOM log KCOC (p = 0.012 for BPA, p = 0.023 for OP). The average specific ultraviolet absorption (SUVA254) values were 32.0 ± 5.4, 13.8 ± 1.0, and 17.9 ± 2.8 L/mg-C/m for LDOM, MDOM, and HDOM, respectively. The log KCOC values for both OP and BPA had a moderately positive correlation with the SUVA254 values (r = 0.79-0.84, p < 0.002), which suggested the aromatic group content in the DOM had a positive impact on sorption behavior.

Fluorescence of Size-Fractioned Humic Substance Extracted from Sediment and Its Effect on the Sorption of Phenanthrene.

Phenanthrene (Phe) is a toxin and is ubiquitous in the environment. The sediment humic substances (HS) that bind Phe affect the fate, transport, degradation, and ecotoxicology of Phe. This study investigated Phe sorption constants on size-fractioned HS extracted from river sediment. Fractions were identified as HHS (10 kDa to 0.45 µm), MHS (1-10 kDa), and LHS (<1 kDa). A fluorescence quenching (FQ) method was used to determine the Phe log KHS on size-fractioned HS; the values ranged from 3.97 to 4.68 L/kg-C. The sorption constant (log KHS) is a surrogate of the binding capacity between HS and Phe, where a high log KHS reduces the toxicity and degradation of Phe. The log KHS values on HHS and MHS were significantly higher than the values on LHS (p = 0.015). The SUVA254 values of HHS and MHS were also significantly higher than the LHS value (p = 0.047), while fluorescence index (FI) and S275-295 values were significantly lower than the LHS values (p < 0.005). The HHS and MHS had a higher aromaticity and more terrestrial sources than LHS. The log KHS had a significant correlation with the selected optical indicators (p < 0.002), which suggested that the HS-bound Phe was positively affected by high aromaticity, terrestrial sources, and HS molecular weight. The results demonstrated that optical methods successfully obtained log KHS and the chemical properties of fractioned HS as well as the influenced factors of log KHS. Moreover, even the LHS had a capacity to bind with Phe.

Cadmium (Cd) and Nickel (Ni) Distribution on Size-Fractioned Soil Humic Substance (SHS).

Soil humic substances (SHS) are heterogeneous, complex mixtures, whose concentration, chemical composition, and structure affect the transport and distribution of heavy metals. This study investigated the distribution behavior of two heavy metals [cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni)] in high molecular weight SHS (HMHS, 1 kDa-0.45 µm) and low molecular weight SHS (LMHS, <1 kDa) extracted from agricultural soils. The HMHS mass fractions were 45.1 ± 19.3%, 17.1 ± 6.7%, and 57.7 ± 18.5% for dissolved organic carbon (DOC), Cd, and Ni, respectively. The metal binding affinity, unit organic carbon binding with heavy metal ratios ([Me]/[DOC]), were between 0.41 ± 0.09 µmol/g-C and 7.29 ± 2.27 µmol/g-C. Cd preferred binding with LMHS (p < 0.001), while Ni preferred binding with HMHS (p < 0.001). The optical indicators SUVA254, SR, and FI were 3.16 ± 1.62 L/mg-C/m, 0.54 ± 0.18 and 1.57 ± 0.15, respectively for HMHS and 2.65 ± 1.25 L/mg-C/m, 0.40 ± 0.17, and 1.68 ± 0.12, respectively for LMHS. The HMHS contained more aromatic and lower FI values than LMHS. Multilinear regression showed a significant positive correlation between the measured predicted [Me]/[DOC] ratios (r = 0.52-0.72, p < 0.001). The results show that the optical indices can distinguish the chemical composition and structure of different size SHS and predict the binding ability of Me-SHS.

Fluorescence Characteristics of Dissolved Organic Matter (DOM) in Percolation Water and Lateral Seepage Affected by Soil Solution (S-S) in a Lysimeter Test.

: The composition and structure of dissolved organic matter (DOM) are sensitive indicators that guide the water infiltration process in soil. The DOM chemical composition in seepage affects river water quality and changes soil organic matter (SOM). In this lysimeter test study, fluorescence spectra and optical indices were used to examine the interaction between the percolation water (P-W) and leachate water (L-W) DOMs affected by the soil solution (S-S). The L-W DOM had a higher aromaticity (SUVA254), average molecular weight (S275-295) and terrestrial source (fluorescence index (FI)), but fewer autochthonous sources (biological index (BIX)) than the P-W DOM. Organic carbon standardization (OCS) and protein- (PLF), fulvic- (FLF) and humic-like fluorescence (HLF) intensity showed that L-W DOM increased 44%, 55% and 81%, respectively, compared to the P-W DOM. The linear regression slopes between OCS FLF and PLF were 0.62, 1.74 and 1.79 for P-W, L-W and S-S, respectively. The slopes between OCS HLF and PLF were 0.15, 0.58 and 0.64 for P-W, L-W and S-S, respectively. The P-W DOM was in contact with the soil litter layer, where S-S labile lignin phenolic compounds released and dissolved into the L-W DOM. This increased its aromaticity, and extent of humification.

Identification, contribution, and estrogenic activity of potential EDCs in a river receiving concentrated livestock effluent in Southern Taiwan.

We assessed 22 selected endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) and other emerging, potentially endocrine-active compounds with estrogenic activity from the waters of the Wuluo River, southern Taiwan. This watershed receives high amounts of livestock and untreated household wastewaters. The river is surrounded by concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFOs). River water samples were analyzed for selected compounds by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), T47D-KBluc reporter gene assay, and E-screen cell proliferation in vitro bioassay. Total concentrations of ∑alkylphenolic compounds (bisphenol A, 4-nonylphenol, t-nonylphenol, octylphenol, nonylphenol mono-ethoxylate, nonylphenol di-ethoxylate) were much higher than ∑estrogens (estrone, 17 ß-estradiol, estriol, 17ß-ethynylestradiol, diethylstilbestrol), ∑preservatives (methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, propyl paraben, butyl paraben), ∑UV-filters (benzophenone, methyl benzylidene camphor, benzophenone-3), ∑antimicrobials (triclocarben, triclosan, chloroxylenol), and an insect repellent (diethyltoluamide) over four seasonal sampling periods. The highest concentration was found for bisphenol A with a mean of 302 ng/L. However, its contribution to estrogenic activity was not significant due to its relatively low estrogenic potency. Lower detection rates were found for BP, EE2, TCS, and PCMX, while DES and EP were not detected. E1 and E2 levels in raw water samples were 50% higher than the predicted no-effect concentrations (PNEC) for aquatic organisms of 6 and 2 ng/L, respectively. The potency of estrogenic activity ranged from 11.7 to 190.1 ng/L E2T47D-Kbluc and 6.63 to 84.5 ng/L E2E-Screen for extracted samples. Importantly, estrone contributed 50% of the overall activity in 60% and 44% of the samples based on T47D-KBluc and MCF-7 bioassays, followed by 17 ß-estradiol, highlighting the importance of total steroid estrogen loading. This study demonstrates that the estrogenic activity of target chemicals was comparable to levels found in different countries worldwide. More intense wastewater treatment is required in areas of intensive agriculture in order to prevent adverse impacts on the ambient environment and aquatic ecosystems.

Differences in N loading affect DOM dynamics during typhoon events in a forested mountainous catchment.

The dissolved organic matter (DOM) and nutrient dynamics in small mountainous rivers (SMRs) strongly depend on hydrologic conditions, and especially on extreme events. Here, we investigated the quantity and quality of DOM and inorganic nutrients during base-flow and typhoon events, in a chronically N-saturated mainstream and low N-loaded tributaries of a forested small mountainous reservoir catchment in Taiwan. Our results suggest that divergent transport mechanisms were triggered in the mainstream vs. tributaries during typhoons. The mainstream DON increased from 3.4 to 34.7% of the TDN pool with a static DOC:NO3-N ratio and enhanced DOM freshness, signalling a N-enriched DOM transport. Conversely, DON decreased from 46 to 6% of the TDN pool in the tributaries and was coupled with a rapid increase of the DOC:NO3-N ratio and humified DOM signals, suggesting the DON and DOC were passively and simultaneously transported. This study confirmed hydrology and spatial dimensions being the main drivers shaping the composition and concentration of DOM and inorganic nutrients in small mountainous catchments subject to hydrologic extremes. We highlighted that the dominant flow paths largely controlled the N-saturation status and DOM composition within each sub-catchment, the effect of land-use could therefore be obscured. Furthermore, N-saturation status and DOM composition are not only a result of hydrologic dynamics, but potential agents modifying the transport mechanism of solutes export from fluvial systems. We emphasize the importance of viewing elemental dynamics from the perspective of a terrestrial-aquatic continuum; and of taking hydrologic phases and individual catchment characteristics into account in water quality management.

Association between arsenic and different-sized dissolved organic matter in the groundwater of black-foot disease area, Taiwan.

The formation of an arsenic (As)-dissolved organic matter (DOM) complex is important in driving the release of arsenic in groundwater. This study collected groundwater samples from a 20 m deep well throughout 2014 and separated each into three subsamples by ultrafiltration: high molecular weight-DOM (HDOM, 0.45 µm-10 kDa), medium molecular weight-DOM (MDOM, 10-1 kDa), and low molecular weight-DOM (LDOM, <1 kDa) solutions. The fractional DOM was measured with a three-dimensional excitation-emission matrix (EEM) via fluorescence spectroscopy. A fluorescence quenching method was used to calculate the apparent stability constant (Ks) between arsenic and the fractional DOM. Based on the EEM records, three fluorescence indicators were further calculated to characterize the DOM sources, including the fluorescence index (FI), the biological index (BI), and the humification index (HI). The experimental results indicated that arsenic in the groundwater was mainly partitioned into the MDOM and LDOM fractions. All fractional DOMs contained humic acid-like substances and were considered as microbial sources. LDOM had the highest humification degree and aromaticity, followed by MDOM and HDOM. The As and DOM association could be formed by a Fe-bridge, which was demonstrated by the Ks values and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the DOM. The formation of AsFe-DOM complex was only significant in the MDOM and LDOM.

Combination of a fast cleanup procedure and a DR-CALUX® bioassay for dioxin surveillance in Taiwanese soils.

Our goal was to determine dioxin levels in 800 soil samples collected from Taiwan. An in vitro DR-CALUX® assay was carried out with the help of an automated Soxhlet system and fast cleanup column. The mean dioxin level of 800 soil samples was 36.0 pg-bioanalytical equivalents (BEQs)/g dry weight (d.w.). Soil dioxin-BEQs were higher in northern Taiwan (61.8 pg-BEQ/g d.w.) than in central, southern, and eastern Taiwan (22.2, 24.9, and 7.80 pg-BEQ/g d.w., respectively). Analysis of multiple linear regression models identified four major predictors of dioxin-BEQs including soil sampling location (ß = 0.097, p < 0.001), land use (ß = 0.065, p < 0.001), soil brightness (ß = 0.170, p < 0.001), and soil moisture (ß = 0.051, p = 0.020), with adjusted R2 = 0.947 (p < 0.001) (n = 662). An univariate logistic regression analysis with the cut-off point of 33.4 pg-BEQ/g d.w. showed significant odds ratios (ORs) for soil sampling location (OR = 2.43, p < 0.001), land use (OR = 1.47, p < 0.001), and soil brightness (OR = 2.83, p = 0.009). In conclusion, four variables, including soil sampling location, land use, soil brightness, and soil moisture, may be related to soil-dioxin contamination. Soil samples collected in northern Taiwan, and especially in Bade City, soils near industrial areas, and soils with darker color may contain higher dioxin-BEQ levels.

Use of fluorescence quenching method to measure sorption constants of phenolic xenoestrogens onto humic fractions from sediment.

Humic substance (HS) in sediment can affect hydrophobic organic compound distribution, transportation, bioavailability, and toxicity. This study investigated the HS (BKHS) extracted from sediment and separated it into low molecular humic (LMHS, <1kDa) and high molecular humic substances (HMHS, 1kDa-0.45µm). Nonylphenol (NP), octylphenol (OP), and bisphenol A (BPA) have a significant sorption capacity for HMHS and BKHS solutions. They are xenoestrogenic endocrine-disrupting compounds that are widely produced and discharged to the environment. The log KHS values of the BKHS and HMHS solutions were between 4.74-5.09Lkg-C(-1) and 4.57-5.09Lkg-C(-1), respectively. However, the three compounds were not sorbed by the LMHS solution. The average values of SUVA254 for HMHS and LMHS were 4.29 and 1.31Lm(-1)mg-C(-1) and the average values of A250-400 for HMHS and LMHS were 18.1 and 4.51nmcm(-1), respectively. The HMHS peak position in the fluorescence excitation/emission matrix at longer wavelengths corresponded to the peak position of LMHS, which indicates that the HMHS had a higher degree of humification than the LMHS. The results suggested that the KHS value's dominant factor was the degree of HS humification.

Estrogen degradation and sorption onto colloids in a constructed wetland with different hydraulic retention times.

Endocrine disrupting compounds are a global concern, owing to their interference with the endocrine system of wildlife. In particular, natural estrogens at concentrations as low as ng/L level can interrupt the endocrine system of many organisms. A constructed wetland is an effective means of removing the residual levels of estrogen. This study investigates the estrogen degradation and sorption on colloids in a constructed wetland at hydraulic retention times (HRTs) of 27.5, 45.9, and 137.5h. Three natural estrogens (i.e. estrone (E1), 17ß-estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3)) are analyzed with liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. At HRT=27.5h, no degradation occurs; at HRT=45.9h, the degradation rates are 0-46.2%; and at HRT=137.5h, the degradation rates are 40-84.3%. Additionally, estrogen sorption coefficients (logKCOC values) range from 3.37 to 4.89. Average logKCOC values are 4.08±0.33, 4.04±0.34, and 4.11±0.28 for E1, E2, and E3, respectively. At different HRTs, values of logKCOC increase with an increasing HRT. Analytical results indicate that constructed wetlands can remove residual natural estrogens. With an increasing HRT, the estrogen degradation rate increases as well as the estrogen sorption on colloids.

Tributyltin distribution and producing androgenic activity in water, sediment, and fish muscle.

This study investigated the concentrations of Tributyltin (TBT) in water, sediment, and fish muscle samples taken from Kaohsiung Harbor and Kaoping River estuary, Taiwan. TBT concentrations in water and sediment samples ranged from less than 18.5 to 34.1 ng Sn L(-1) and from 2.44 to 29.7 ng Sn g(-1) weight per weight (w/w), respectively. Concentrations in the TBT-contaminated fish muscle samples ranged from 10.8 to 79.6 ng Sn g(-1) w/w. The TBT concentrations in fish muscle were higher than those in water and sediment samples. The fish muscle/water TBT bioconcentration factor (BCF) ranged from 590 to 3363 L kg(-1). Additionally, the water samples were assessed for androgenic activity with an MCF7-AR1 human breast cancer cell line. The androgenic activity ranged from 0.94 to 3.1 ng-dihydrotestosterone per litre water (ng-DHT L(-1)). Higher concentrations of TBT in water and sediment samples occurred in the dry season, but the androgenic activity had higher values in the rainy season.

Health risk-based assessment and management of heavy metals-contaminated soil sites in Taiwan.

Risk-based assessment is a way to evaluate the potential hazards of contaminated sites and is based on considering linkages between pollution sources, pathways, and receptors. These linkages can be broken by source reduction, pathway management, and modifying exposure of the receptors. In Taiwan, the Soil and Groundwater Pollution Remediation Act (SGWPR Act) uses one target regulation to evaluate the contamination status of soil and groundwater pollution. More than 600 sites contaminated with heavy metals (HMs) have been remediated and the costs of this process are always high. Besides using soil remediation techniques to remove contaminants from these sites, the selection of possible remediation methods to obtain rapid risk reduction is permissible and of increasing interest. This paper discusses previous soil remediation techniques applied to different sites in Taiwan and also clarified the differences of risk assessment before and after soil remediation obtained by applying different risk assessment models. This paper also includes many case studies on: (1) food safety risk assessment for brown rice growing in a HMs-contaminated site; (2) a tiered approach to health risk assessment for a contaminated site; (3) risk assessment for phytoremediation techniques applied in HMs-contaminated sites; and (4) soil remediation cost analysis for contaminated sites in Taiwan.

High estrogen concentrations in receiving river discharge from a concentrated livestock feedlot.

Environmental estrogenic chemicals interrupt endocrine systems and generate reproductive abnormalities in wildlife, especially natural and synthetic estrogenic steroid hormones such as 17beta-estradiol (E2), estrone (E1), estriol (E3), 17alpha-ethynylestradiol (EE2), and diethylstilbestrol (DES). Concentrated animal feedlot operations (CAFOs) are of particular concern since large amounts of naturally excreted estrogens are discharged into aquatic environments. This study investigated E2, E1, E3, EE2, and DES with high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass (HPLC-MS/MS) analyses along Wulo Creek in southern Taiwan, near a concentrated livestock feedlot containing 1,030,000 broiler chickens, 934,000 laying hens, 85,000 pigs, and 1500 cattle. Sampling was performed from December 2008 to May 2009, in which 54 samples were collected. Experimental results indicate that concentrations of EE2 were lower than the limit of detection (LOD), and concentrations of DES were only detected twice. Concentrations ranged from 7.4 to 1267 ng/L for E1, from not detected (ND) to 313.6 ng/L for E2, and from ND to 210 ng/L for E3. E1 had the highest average mass fraction (72.2 + or - 3.6%), which was significantly higher than E3 (16.2 + or - 1.7%) and E2 (11.5 + or - 2.6%). Additionally, the mean E2 equivalent quotient (EEQ) ranged from 17.3 to 137.9 ng-E2/L. Despite having a markedly lower concentration than E1, E2 more significantly contributed (52.4 + or - 6.0%) EEQ than E1 (19.7 + or - 3.5%). Moreover, the concentrations of E2, E1, and E3 upstream were significantly higher than concentrations downstream, suggesting a high attenuation effect and fast degradation in the study water. Most concentrations in winter season were higher than those of spring season due to the low dilution effect and low microbial activity in the winter season. Based on the results of this study, we recommend further treatment of the wastewater discharge from the feedlot.

Total estrogenic activity and nonylphenol concentration in the Donggang River, Taiwan.

We report a survey on the occurrence and distribution of nonylphenol (NP) and 17beta-estradiol equivalent quotient (EEQ) concentrations in Donggang River, Taiwan. Concentrations of NP were measured with a high-performance liquid chromatography/fluorescent system and EEQs were carried with an MVLN cell line. Concentrations of NP ranged from less than 93 to 511 ng/L; EEQs ranged from less than 0.16 to 8.64 ng-E2/L. Concentrations of NP were higher in the dry season than in the wet season, which was affected by a high flow rate. In the main water course, higher EEQ occurred in the wet season than in the dry season; rainfall may have flushed substances containing estrogenic activity. NP and EEQ concentrations occurred in seawater only in the dry season, especially high EEQ values, and were not detected in the wet season. The reasons are not clear at this moment. Furthermore, NP concentrations provided low contribution to the total estrogenic activity.

Bisphenol A occurred in Kao-Pin River and its tributaries in Taiwan.

Bisphenol A (BPA), one of the endocrine-disrupting chemicals, was detected in water collected from Kao-Pin River and its tributaries. Results indicated that 59% of the water samples contained BPA. Concentrations ranged from less than the limit of detection (LOD, 0.037) to 4.23 microg/L. The mean concentrations were 0.16, 0.20, 1.02, 1.30, and 0.30 microg/L for sampling sites S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5, respectively. Concentrations were not significantly different between high and low-flow periods in sites S2, S3, and S4. In site S1, concentrations in the high-flow period were significantly greater than during the lower flow period, and in site S5, BPA concentration in the low-flow period was significantly greater than in the high-flow period. The BPA mass flow rate in site S5 was greater in the high-flow period than in the low-flow period.