Emerging contaminants related to the occurrence of forest fires in the Spanish Mediterranean

Abstract

Forest fires can be a source of contamination because, among others, of the use of chemicals to their extinction (flame retardants, FRs), or by the production of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) derived from high temperature alteration of organic matter. Up to our knowledge, this study is the first to assess the direct (PAHs 16 on the USA EPA's priority list), and indirect [tri- to hepta- brominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), organophosphorus flame retardants (PFRs) and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs)] contamination related to forest fires. The abundance and distribution of these contaminants were monitored on two Mediterranean hillslopes, one burned and one unburned, near Azuébar (SE Spain). Samples were taken in the foot, middle, and top of the slope, at two depths, and in two environments (under canopy and bare soil). Sediments were collected from sediment fences after erosive rainfall events. Most of the screened compounds were found in both, burned and control hillslopes, though significant differences were found between both. In burned soil, low concentrations of PBDEs (maximum ΣPBDEs: 7.3ngg), PFRs (664.4ngg) and PFASs (56.4ngg) were detected in relation to PAHs (Σ16 PAHs=1255.3ngg). No significant influence of the hillslope position was observed for any of the contaminants but differences based on depth and vegetation presence tended to be significant, particularly for the PAHs. After the first erosive event, concentrations of PBDEs and PAHs were higher in sediment than in soil (ΣPBDEs: 17.8ngg and Σ16 PAHs=3154.2ngg) pointing out the importance of connectivity processes, especially shortly after fire.

Determination of organophosphate flame retardants in soil and fish using ultrasound‐assisted extraction, solid‐phase clean‐up, and liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry

“…The most abundant compounds were TCIPP (14.1-89.7 ng/g dw) and TDCIPP (16.3-33.5 ng/g dw). Due to the lack of published data about PFR concentrations in soil, values only can be compared with those of a previous study determining these compounds in burned and unburned forest soils [26]. PFRs reached total values (sum of all PFRs in the sample) up to 664.4 ng/g, which are of the same order of magnitude than those obtained in this study.…”

“…Wang et al [24] developed an early LC-MS/MS method to determine PFRs in water samples with high performance and quick determination. In recent years, the use of LC-MS/MS has been generalized for screening PFRs in environmental samples as sediment [25][26][27], soil [26], biota [25,[27][28][29], water [16,24], and wastewater [16,30]. The main issues in the analysis of PFRs by LC-MS/MS are interferences and background contamination.…”

A Case Study Describing a Community-Engaged Approach for Evaluating Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Exposure in a Native American Community

“…Diesel locomotives are also a known non-point source of PAH emissions [21]. Additionally, PAHs are produced by other sources including tobacco smoke [22], gas or wood burning stoves or fireplaces [23], burning candles or incense [24], vehicle and engine exhaust [25], wildfires or vegetative burning [26] and asphalt or tar [27]. Subsequently, PAHs are ubiquitous environmental contaminants in the ambient and indoor environment [28,29].…”

Occurrence and fate of pharmaceuticals, personal care products (PPCPs) and pesticides in African water systems: A need for timely intervention

“…Studies have established a priority list for the regulatory framework for future treatment and monitoring programs in Africa based on the incidence and concentration levels of different contaminants in wastewaters [ 47 ]. Pesticides and PPCPs have been found in wastewater released into surface water worldwide at quantities exceeding 100 μg L −1 [ 48 , 49 , 50 , 51 ]. Matongo et al.…”