Occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and 2,2’,4,4’,5,5’-hexabromobiphenyl (BB-153) in water samples from the Diep River, Cape Town, South Africa

Abstract

Until recently, studies reporting the concentrations of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) as well as polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are generally scarce in the literature. Consequently, this study was aimed to investigate the occurrence and concentrations of certain PBDE congeners (BDE 28, 47, 100, 99, 154, 153, 183 and 209) and BB 153 in river water samples collected bi-monthly from the Diep River. The routine analyses of the target compounds were performed using a high-capillary GC-microelectron capture detection, while their structural elucidation was assessed using GC-TOF-MS technique. The overall mean concentrations of the sum of the eight PBDE congeners were 2.60, 4.83 and 4.29 ng/L for the upstream, point of discharge and downstream sampling points, respectively. Similarly, the overall mean concentrations of BB 153 were 0.25, 4.85 and 1.56 ng/L for the upstream, point of discharge and downstream sampling points, respectively. BDE 47 was the dominant congener found in these samples contributing between 19 and 26 % to the total PBDEs across the sampling points. The statistical analyses performed on the results obtained showed that all the congeners, except BDE 209 in certain instances, had strong positive correlations with one another, thus suggesting that these contaminants could be emanating from the same source. In this study, potential sources of these pollutants other than WWTP discharges into the investigated river were also identified. However, the relatively high concentrations of the target compounds found at the point of discharge sampling point coupled with the large volume of treated effluent being discharged suggested that the contributions from this source could be very significant over time.

Occurrence, distribution and risk assessment of polychlorinated biphenyls and polybrominated diphenyl ethers in nine water sources

“…Fig. 2 showed the patterns of PBDEs homologues in nine water sources, South China, indicating congeners with three and four (Daso et al, 2013). It was of interest to compare the behavior of the different organohalogen compounds and detect similar patterns in the samples using SOM.…”

“…However, organic chemicals of concern for protection of ecological and human health are less emphasized in the water quality assessment criteria. Organohalogen compounds in water are of great concern for human health due to their persistent, toxic and bioaccumulative nature (Daso et al, 2013;Hellar-Kihampa et al, 2013;Moon et al, 2012;Yang et al, 2013), such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs). PCBs have been manufactured and used largely worldwide, especially in the developing countries such as China, Malaysia, India, Kenya, and various African countries (Wong et al, 2007).…”

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in eggshells of the Southern Ground-Hornbill (Bucorvus leadbeateri) and Wattled Crane (Bugeranus carunculatus) in South Africa

“…However, the recent evaluation of the freshwater systems within the Western Cape region with respect to PBDEs implicates wastewater discharges and grey water intrusion as important sources of these pollutants in the investigated river systems Daso et al, 2013b). Therefore, the female WC populations which spend considerable time foraging on aquatic flora and on small fauna within such wetland ecosystems could preferentially accumulate these pollutants in their body tissues and thus eliminate them via egg laying.…”

“…The possible synergistic effects of complex chemical substances on wild bird populations cannot be over-emphasised. The evaluation of the cumulative effects of highly toxic and persistent organic pollutants such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxins, furans, organochlorine pesticides, PBDEs, amongst others, in avian habitat is critical, given the fact that these harmful chemicals are commonly detected in different environmental matrices associated with these birds (Quinn et al, 2011;Daso et al, 2013b).…”

Determining Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Surface Waters of Western Pomerania Using Gas Chromatography with Electron Capture Detection

“…Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are classified as persistent organic pollutants. They are added to plastics, paints, coatings, and textiles, as well as resins and polymeric materials to reduce their flammability without the formation of chemical bonds between the additives and the polymeric materials [1][2][3][4]. PBDEs are a major danger in the environment because of their constancy, potential ease of getting into it, and toxicity [1][2][3].…”