CALUX Bioassay analysis of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs in Bovine milk and Municipal dumping site Ash samples from Indian environment

Abstract

This study showed the distribution of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in bovine milk and ash samples collected from urban and rural areas of south Tamil Nadu and one milk sample from Japan. Around 25 bovine milk samples and 16 ash samples were collected accordingly. The total TEQ for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs were ranged from 0.028 to 7.331 pg TEQ/g fat. Some of the districts were showed higher PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs concentration in milk and ash samples. Further, BM14 (7.331 pg-TEQ/g fat) and BM21 (6.406 pg-TEQ/g fat) area exceed level of PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs than WHO regulation limits (6 pg-TEQ/g fat). Likewise, BM3, BM8, and BM14 areas showed higher milk contamination by dioxins, which exceed the WHO regulation limit (3pg-TEQ/g fat). Similarly, the total TEQ for PCDD/Fs and DL-PCBs in ash samples was ranged from 0.02 to 1.2 ng TEQ/g. AS3 (1.2 ng-TEQ/g) and AS11 (1.06 ng-TEQ/g) areas showed higher dioxins and DL-PCBs among the samples. This study provides an overview of dioxins and dioxin-related compounds contamination in bovine milk and ash samples. Further, the CALUX assay method validation has simplifies the monitoring of dioxin contamination in the environment.