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Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in abiotic and biotic compartments of the Ross Sea Ecosystems: from the past to the future
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PBDEs and PCBs in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems of the Victoria Land, Antarctica
No full textThe Victoria Land (East Antarctica) is characterized by the presence of lakes and ponds where rare water is found during the Summer months. These freshwater ecosystems are an important resource for migrating seabirds that use them and leave there their droppings and feathers, contributing to enrich the water with organic matter.
Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are long-range transported to polar regions and their detection in the Antarctic ecosystems date back to the 1960s. Most studies have been related to POP concentrations in marine environment, and terrestrial ecosystems have been poorly investigated. This study reports the concentration of PBDEs (23 congeners) and PCBs (21 among non-, mono-, di-, and ortho congeners) in lake sediment, soil and vegetation mat (community of algae, cyanobacteria, bryophites) collected close to six lakes in the Victoria Land (74°31′S-74°97′S, 165°07′E-162°51′E): Edmonson Point 14 and 15A, Carezza, Enigma, Tarn Flat 20, Inexpressible Island 10B.
The ∑PBDEs averaged 0.09–0.28 ng/g and BDEs 28, 47 and 154 were higher in mat and soils, while BDEs 183 and 47 in sediment samples. PCBs ranged <0.003–0.807 ng/g and congeners nos. 114, 138, and 187 were the most abundant. In addition, TEQs were derived for the non-and mono-ortho PCBs detected and values were very low in each matrix (0.010 pg/g in the soil, 0.012 pg/g in sediment and mat). The long-range atmospheric transport can be confirmed as the most important POP source in Antarctica, although the scientific stations and seabird colonies may be potential local sources and contribute to contaminant release
Environmental pollution from plasticiser compounds: Do we know enough about atmospheric levels and their contribution to human exposure in Europe?
No full textThe information available for the levels of plasticizers in urban air for the European region was reviewed. Wide variability in phthalates and BPA concentrations between differently urbanised areas emerged, due to the influence of vehicular traffic, waste management practices and presence of buildings, from which plasticizers are emitted. The ambient air levels measured have not shown a significant influence on human exposure, confirming that other pathways play a fundamental role. Anyway, given their toxicity, it would be important to intensify measurements campaigns, at least for DEHP and BPA, to monitor and improve air quality, and, finally, limit the health risks deriving from the exposure to a mixture of air toxic molecules
Have the iceberg B15 affected the POPs bioaccumulation in the Ross Sea? The case of Trematomus bernacchii
No full textThe T. bernacchii is a Antarctic fish with a widespread distribution and high abundance in near-shore seawaters; thus it is considered a good bio-indicator for contamination study, assessment of changes in Antarctic ecosystem quality (1), and temporal trend evaluation.
In this study, levels of various POPs were evaluated in Trematomus bernacchii. POP concentrations determined in different years (data from the literature) were analyzed in order to investigate their concentration trends and the possible influence of iceberg melting
Knowledge about microplastic in Mediterranean tributary river ecosystems: lack of data and research needs on such a crucial marine pollution source
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PCBs and PBDEs in soil, sediment and moss community from ponds across Victoria Land, Antarctica
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