Inter-annual variation of physiological traits between urban and forest great tits.

Urbanization is characterized by rapid environmental changes such as an increase in building surface, in pollution, or a decrease in invertebrate abundance. For many bird species, morphological and physiological differences have been observed between urban and rural individuals that seem to reflect a negative impact of urban life on the health and fitness of individuals. Studies on passerine birds also showed important differences between populations and species in their responses to the urban environment. We propose to test physiological differences between urban and forest individuals over 3 years to understand whether the observed patterns are constant or subject to variations across years. For this purpose, we assessed the health parameters of adults and fledgling of great tits, Parus major, living in an urban and in a forest site in the Eurometropole of Strasbourg, for three years. Bird health was estimated with morphological parameters (body condition and size) and also with physiological parameters (oxidative status and telomere length). Our results showed lower body condition of urban fledglings regardless of the year, but no site effects on telomere length. On the contrary, for adult breeders, urban individuals had longer telomeres than forest ones except for one year which coincide with bad weather conditions during reproduction where no difference was detected. Urban birds also had higher antioxidant capacity whatever the years. These results suggest that cities act as a filter in which only good quality individuals survive and achieve successful reproduction regardless of year, whereas in the forest the selection occurs only during harsh weather years.

The use of pseudo-MRM for a sensitive and selective detection and quantification of polycyclic aromatic compounds by tandem mass spectrometry.

RATIONALE: Multiple Reaction Monitoring (MRM) is a sensitive and selective detection mode for target trace-level analysis. However, it requires the fragmentation of labile bonds which are not present in molecules such as Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their heterocyclic derivatives (PANHs, PASHs). METHODS: We present the application of an alternative tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) mode called "pseudo-MRM" for the GCMS/MS analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs). This mode is based on the monitoring of transitions with no mass loss between the precursor and the product ion. Pseudo-MRM peak areas were compared with those of classic MRM on three different mass spectrometers: two triple quadrupoles and an ion trap. RESULTS: For all non-polar PACs studied here (PAHs, PANHs and PASHs), the pseudo-MRM transition was always the most intense. The classic MRM transitions exhibited peak areas 2 to 5 times lower. On the contrary, for the functionalized PACs (oxygenated and nitrated PAHs), classic MRM was favored over pseudo-MRM. These observations were confirmed on two triple quadrupoles (QqQs), and the real-world applicability of pseudo-MRM on QqQs was validated by the successful analysis of Diesel PM. However, a comparison with an ion trap showed that pseudo-MRM was never favored on that instrument, which caused fragmentation of non-polar PACs in MS/MS. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show an important gain in sensitivity when using pseudo-MRM instead of MRM for non-polar PACs on QqQ instruments. The selectivity of MRM is preserved in pseudo-MRM by applying non-zero collision energies to which only these non-polar PACs are resistant, not the isobaric interferences. No interference issue was observed when analyzing Diesel PM, a complex matrix, with our pseudo-MRM method. Therefore, we advise for a broader use of this MS/MS mode for trace-level determination of non-polar PAHs.

Application of the QuEChERS method for the determination of pesticides, PAHs and PCBs in fish in Senegal.

Pollution of water by persistent organic pollutants is well described; however, little is known about the accumulation of these pollutants by aquatic organisms. For this reason, a method based on QuEChERS extraction and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) was developed for the determination of pesticides, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the muscles of five fish species from the bay of Soumbedioune (Dakar, Senegal). This method shows good recoveries of extraction (68.2-98.1% for pesticides, 83.87-98.10% for PAHs and 81.30-98.15% for PCBs), precision (% RSD ≤ 1%), sensitivity (LODs between 0.001 and 0.079 ng g-1), linearity (R2 ≥ 0.99) and repeatability and reproducibility, evaluated for three concentration levels (10 ng g-1, 200 ng g-1 and 500 ng g-1), ≤ 15% for the majority of pollutants under study except for alachlor, atrazine, acetochlor, dicofol, deltamethrin and dichlorvos where a RSD ≥ 20% was determined for the 10 ng g-1 concentration. Organic pollutants have been detected in fish from the Soumbedioune coast demonstrating the necessity of a regular survey of water and fish in order to protect the populations.

Field evaluation of metal bioaccumulation in the gastropod Helix aspersa at agricultural and industrial sites in Lebanon.

Juvenile Helix aspersa Müller exposed in field microcosms were used to assess the spatial and temporal bioaccumulation of Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn at two agricultural and two industrial sites in Lebanon. The study was performed over a 12-week period where caged snails were sampled once every 3 weeks and assessed for metal bioaccumulation and partitioning between soft tissue and shells. Results showed that metal bioaccumulation by snails was site dependent, with Fe and Cd being the greatest and least accumulated metals, respectively. Significant differences between bioaccumulation in each of the matrices (soft tissue and shells) were also observed. Time-dependent bioaccumulation results showed an increasing accumulation trend at both agricultural sites, while a slight decline was observed at the end of the sampling campaign for the industrial sites. The study of the bioaccumulation factors (BAF) revealed that tested H. aspersa were macroconcentrators for Zn and Cd (BAF > 2) and deconcentrators for all other analyzed elements (BAF < 1). The high partitioning factor values obtained for Cu and Zn indicate an affinity of these two elements for the soft tissues of the snails. The results of this field study indicate that H. aspersa are well suited for active biomonitoring and could provide reliable information on metal pollution and bioavailability.

Environmental occurrence, spatial distribution, and source identification of PAHs in surface and groundwater samples of Abou Ali River-North Lebanon.

This paper assesses the concentrations, spatial distribution, compositional patterns, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the dissolved aqueous phase along the Abou Ali River course. The 16 priority PAHs, listed by the USEPA, were investigated in surface- and groundwater samples for 2 years starting August 2015 and ending in March 2017. Statistical analysis was done by using the ANOVA test at p < 0.05. The spatial distribution analysis and illustration were done using the ARC GIS software. The total PAHs concentration in surface and groundwater samples varied between not detected to 15.162 ng mL-1 and not detected to 0.635 ng mL-1, respectively. The highest concentration of PAHs in surface water was observed at site S16, downstream of the river. However, the absence of PAHs was noticed at sites S1 and S2 of the upstream. The contamination levels of PAHs were found to be high in surface water samples, and low in groundwater samples. The 5- and 6-ring PAHs were the most abundant species among others in surface water samples, whereas the 3-ring PAHs were the most abundant in groundwater. Pyrogenic inputs deriving from fuel combustion, incineration, and miscellaneous burning were found to be the main PAH sources in surface and groundwater without ignoring the contribution of petrogenic inputs in some areas.

Determination of 16 PAHs and 22 PCBs in honey samples originated from different region of Lebanon and used as environmental biomonitors sentinel.

In order to assess the air quality in some Lebanese regions, a biomonitoring study based on honey as biomonitor candidate was conducted. For this, 18 samples of honey collected from four regions in Lebanon, were analyzed for their contamination by 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 22 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Samples were first extracted using a multi-residue extraction method based on the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe extraction method (QuEChERS) followed by a concentration step using Solid-phase microextraction (SPME) procedures. The extraction was then followed by chromatographic analysis by gas chromatography-ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). After PAHs samples assessment, different ratios of founded PAHs were calculated in order to estimate the sources of the pollution by these compounds. The obtained results showed that the four analyzed regions were contaminated with PAHs originated from both pyro and petro genic sources while none of them was found to be contaminated by any of the 22 assessed PCBs. The results of this study show that honey can be used as potential biomonitor candidate allowing the assessment of the pollution statement of a given environment.

A sensitive method using SPME pre-concentration for the quantification of aromatic amines in indoor air.

Monitoring the levels of aliphatic and aromatic amines (AA) in indoor air is important to protect human health because of exposure to these compounds through diet and inhalation. A sampling and analytical method using XAD-2 cartridges and gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry used for assessing 25 AA in different smoking and non-smoking indoor environment was developed. After sampling and delivering 1 m3 of air (6-8 h sampling), an adsorbent was ultrasonically extracted with acetonitrile, concentrated to 1 mL and diluted in 25 mL of water (pH = 9; 5% NaCl), and then extracted for 40 min at 80 °C using a divinylbenzene/carboxen/polydimethylsiloxane (DVB/CAR/PDMS) fiber and injected in a GC/MS system. With this method, 22 of the 25 AA can be analyzed with detection limits up to five times lower than that of classic liquid injection. Benzylamine, 3-aminophenol, and 4-aminophenol were not detected with the solid-phase micro-extraction (SPME) method. It can be assumed that aminophenols required a derivatization step for their analysis by GC as these molecules were not detected regardless of the injection mode used. Graphical abstract Analysis of aromatic amines in indoor air by SPME-GC/MS.

A multiresidue method for the analysis of 90 pesticides, 16 PAHs, and 22 PCBs in honey using QuEChERS-SPME.

An optimized analytical method was developed for the simultaneous analysis of 90 pesticides, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and 22 polychlorinated biphenyls. The method was based on quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe (QuEChERS) extraction using acetonitrile followed by a dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup using primary-secondary amine and octadecyl (C18). The extract obtained was concentrated by evaporation and then reconstituted with acetonitrile to prepare it for chromatographic analysis by liquid chromatography-triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry and gas chromatography-ion-trap tandem mass spectrometry, which was preceded by a preconcentration step using solid-phase microextraction with appropriate fibers. The combination of the two extraction steps ensured efficient extract cleanup. The use of the two analytical instruments allowed the analysis of a large number of pollutants with a high reliability rate. The method developed was validated for linearity, which was studied with use of matrix-matched calibration curves in the concentration range between 10 and 3000 ng g-1. The correlation coefficient (R 2) obtained was higher than 0.98 for most of the target compounds, with a relative standard deviation lower than 20% for repeatability and reproducibility. The limits of detection and quantification were lower than 20 and 60 ng g-1 respectively for the compounds analyzed, and the recoveries were between 60% and 103% for most compounds. Finally, the method was tested for its efficiency on real samples by the analysis of three honey samples in which seven pesticides and nine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were determined. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.

Comparison of atmospheric concentrations of currently used pesticides between urban and rural areas during intensive application period in Alsace (France) by using XAD-2® based passive samplers.

XAD-2® passive samplers (PAS) have been exposed simultaneously for 14 days on two sites, one rural and one urban, situated in Alsace (East of France) during intensive pesticides application in agriculture (between March and September). PAS have been extracted and analyzed for current-used pesticides and lindane with an analytical method coupling accelerated solvent extraction (ASE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME) and GC/MS/MS. Results show the detection of pesticides is linked to the period of application and spatial and temporal variabilities can be observed with these PAS during the selected sampling period. The spatial and temporal variability is comparable to the one previously observed by comparing data obtained with PAS with data from Hi.-Vol. samplers in an urban area. Sampling rates were calculated for some pesticides and values are comparable to the data already available in the literature. From these sampling rates, concentrations in ng m-3 of pesticides in PAS have been calculated and are in the same order of magnitude as those obtained with Hi.Vol. sampling during the same period of time.

Genotoxicity assessment of particulate matter emitted from heavy-duty diesel-powered vehicles using the in vivo Vicia faba L. micronucleus test.

Diesel exhaust particulate matter (PM) can have an impact on the environment due to its chemical constitution. A large number of substances such as organic compounds, sulfates, nitrogen derivatives and metals are adsorbed to the particles and desorption of these contaminants could promote genotoxic effects. The objective of this study was to assess the in vivo genotoxicity profile of diesel exhaust PM from heavy-duty engines. Extracts were obtained through leaching with pure water and chemical extraction using three organic solvents (dichloromethane, hexane, and acetone). The in vivo Vicia faba micronucleus test (ISO 29200 protocol) was used to assess the environmental impact of the samples collected from diesel exhaust PM. The solid diesel PM (soot) dissolved in water, and the different extracts, showed positive results for micronucleus formation. After the addition of EDTA, the aqueous extracts did not show a genotoxic effect. The absence of metals in the organic solvent extract indicated that organic compounds also had a genotoxic effect, which was not observed for a similar sample cleaned in a C18 column. Thus, considering the ecological importance of higher plants in relation to ecosystems (in contrast to Salmonella spp., which are commonly used in mutagenicity studies), the Vicia micronucleus test was demonstrated to be appropriate for complementing prokaryotic or in vitro tests on diesel exhaust particulate matter included in risk assessments.

Utilization of long duration high-volume sampling coupled to SPME-GC-MS/MS for the assessment of airborne pesticides variability in an urban area (Strasbourg, France) during agricultural application.

Atmospheric samples have been collected between 14 March and 12 September 2012 on a 2-week basis (15 days of sampling and exchange of traps each 7 days) in Strasbourg (east of France) for the analysis of 43 pesticides. Samples (particle and gas phases) were separately extracted using Accelerated Solvent Extraction (ASE) and pre-concentrated by Solid Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) before analysis by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Four SPME consecutive injections at distinct temperatures were made in order to increase the sensitivity of detection for the all monitored pesticides. Currently used detected pesticides can be grouped in four classes; those used in maize crops (acetochlor, benoxacor, dicamba, s-metolachlor, pendimethalin, and bromoxynil), in cereal crops (benoxacor, chlorothalonil, fenpropimorph, and propiconazole), in vineyards (tebuconazole), and as herbicides for orchards, meadows of green spaces (2,4-MCPA, trichlopyr). This is in accordance with the diversity of crops found in the Alsace region and trends observed are in accordance with the period of application of these pesticides. Variations observed permit also to demonstrate that the long time sampling duration used in this study is efficient to visualize temporal variations of airborne pesticides concentrations. Then, long time high-volume sampling could be a simple method permitting atmospheric survey of atmospheric contamination without any long analysis time and consequently low cost.

Genetic material present in hospital wastewaters: Evaluation of the efficiency of DNA denaturation by ozonolysis and ozonolysis/sonolysis treatments.

Hospital wastewater treatments must ensure that all genetic material is destroyed, since nuclear and extra-nuclear DNA can show antimicrobial resistance and contain recombinant genes, which promote vertical and/or horizontal gene transfer, amplifying the current problem of the emergence of antibiotic-resistant microorganisms. In this study, we investigated whether ozonolysis or ozonolysis/sonolysis in combination can denature genetic material, i.e., destroy the integrity of DNA molecules, present in hospital wastewaters. To achieve this goal, hospital wastewaters were treated by ozonolysis or ozonolysis/sonolysis in combination (at 70 and 100 W L(-1)) and both raw and treated wastewaters were analyzed in terms of disinfection and DNA denaturation efficiency quantified by viable cell counts and by agarose gel electrophoresis. In the ozonolysis treatment, the agarose gel electrophoresis technique showed that the ozone-treated samples contained DNA molecules, while combined ozonolysis/sonolysis destroyed the DNA in a power density-dependent manner (64% at 70 W L(-1) and 81% at 100 W L(-1)). Care must be taken by environmental managers to distinguish disinfection processes from DNA denaturation processes, since these two terms are not synonymous.

Contribution to the food products' analysis: A research and evaluation on the hemolytic effect of some pesticides used in Lebanon.

Pesticides are a real concern for the society as their use has become critical, leading sometimes to their accumulation as residues in fruits and vegetables. After examining the pesticides sold in Northern Lebanon, this study is focused on the analysis and identification of pesticides residues in fruits and vegetables that are harvested in this region and treated with the locally sold pesticides. Results show: first, (i) a use of Zineb by the name of another pesticide Micronized Sulfur to avoid prosecution; (ii) a significant presence of Metalaxyl in lemons and oranges; (iii) a significant presence of Trifluralin in strawberries; and (iv) a significant presence of Zineb in lemons and tomatoes. Second, with the use of hemolytic tests on human blood results show: (i) a critical concentration and a significant hemolytic effect of some pesticides used in Lebanon; and (ii) an absence of hemolytic effect in the collected fractions of the different analyzed fruit extracts containing pesticides. Finally, this work is the first step for pesticides' analysis in vegetables and fruits in Lebanon, initiating a wider analytical study in order to control and examine the use of pesticides which, according to our results, could have an adverse effect on human health over a long term.

Investigation of differences in sensitivity between 3 strains of Daphnia magna (crustacean Cladocera) exposed to malathion (organophosphorous pesticide).

Acute and chronic ecotoxic effects of organophosphorous insecticide malathion (Fyfanon 50 EC 500 g L(-1)) were investigated on three strains of Daphnia magna. The nominal effective concentrations immobilizing 50% (EC50) of Daphnia after 24 and 48 h were 0.53 and 0.36 µg L(-1), 0.70 and 0.44 µg L(-1), and 0.75 and 0.46 µg L(-1) for the strains 1, 2, and 3 respectively. There was an increase in malathion ecotoxicity with time of exposure as confirmed by chronic studies. In fact, after 21 days of exposure, significant effects on survival (lowest observed effect concentration or LOECs) were recorded at malathion concentrations of 22, 220 and 230 ng L(-1) for strains 1, 2 and 3 respectively. Other endpoints were also examined, including reproduction (with different parameters), body length and embryo toxicity. ICs10 and ICs20 were calculated for these different parameters. ICs10 ranged from 4.7 to more than 220 ng L(-1) for the three tested strains. The most sensitive parameter was the number of neonates per adult (ICs10 = 4.7 and 10.8 ng L(-1) for strains 1 and 2 respectively) or the number of broods (IC10 = 10 ng L(-1) for strain 3). Moreover, an increase in embryo development abnormalities was observed at the two highest tested malathion concentrations. Abnormalities comprised undeveloped second antennae, curved or unextended shell spines, and curved post-abdomen spines in live neonates. Results suggest that malathion could act as an endocrine disruptor in D. magna as it interferes with development. It also induces a significant decrease in acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activities for the three strains. Both strains 2 and 3 seemed more sensitive (LOECs = 60 ng L(-1)) than strain 1 (LOEC = 120 ng L(-1)). Our results suggest that the AChE activity response can also be used as a biomarker of inter-strain (or inter-clonal) susceptibility (i.e. strain (or clone)-specific response).

Use of PLE-ATD-GC/MSMS for the Quantification of Airborne Pesticides in Active and Passive Samples and in Dust.

An analytical method coupling pressurized liquid extraction (PLE), pre-concentration by thermal desorption (ATD) and analysis by GC/MSMS was developed for the quantification of pesticides in air and dust near vineyards crops to evaluate potential exposure of residents living near these crops. PLE was done using acetonitrile and extracts were concentrated under fume hood to 1 mL. 100 µL of the extract was spiked in a Tenax TA tube and internal standards and N-tert-butyldimethylsilyl-N-methyltrifluoroacetamide were added before thermal desorption at 300°C for 30 min. GC/MSMS analysis was done in MRM mode and limits of quantification and limits of detection were determined for each matrix (passive air sample, active air sample and dust). The method was applied in the field and shows good sensitivity and accuracy.

Radiolytic degradation of 1,2,4-trichlorobenzene (TCB) in some organic solvents by gamma rays: The kinetic properties of complete dechlorination of TCB and its pathway.

This study investigates the degradation of TCB in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions using gamma radiolysis. Kinetic properties of TCB dechlorination and its pathway are examined, with TCB selected as a representative chlorinated organic compound. Chromatograms of irradiated samples and mass spectra of liquid-phase products are presented. The change in concentration of TCB, dichlorobenzenes (DCB), chlorobenzene (MCB), and benzene with absorbed doses are observed. The radiation-chemical yield (G values) of TCB in the solvents are calculated as 1.83, 2.56, 1.93, and 1.84 100eV-1 in methanol, ethanol, hexane, and benzene solutions, respectively. 100 % degradation of TCB by gamma irradiation is found to be efficient in polar solvents but leads to a wide variety of byproducts in low polar solvents, particularly the formation of polychlorinated biphenyls in TCB + benzene solutions, making benzene an incompatible medium. The main dechlorination pathway of TCB involves the formation of 1,4-DCB, MCB, and benzene. Environmental Implication. The gamma irradiation of chlorinated organic compounds, focusing on TCB as a model compound, was investigated due to its status as a hazardous material for the environment and living organisms. TCB is a byproduct of the dechlorination of certain chlorinated pesticides listed under the Stockholm Convention's Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) list, which prohibits their production and use. Gamma irradiation was found to be an effective method for the degradation of chlorinated compounds, achieving 100 % degradation during irradiation. The study underscores the potential of gamma irradiation as a viable approach for the treatment of chlorinated compounds, particularly in addressing environmental and health concerns associated with TCB and related compounds.

Pesticide occurrence and distribution in fogwater collected at four sites at Strasbourg metropolitan between 2015 and 2021.

The presence of pesticides in fogwater plays a major role in accumulating relatively substantial levels of trace compounds due to their unique physico-chemical characteristics. The radiation wintertime fog in Alsace has been studied in the past few years (between 2015 and 2021) at four sites (Geispolsheim, Erstein, Strasbourg, and Cronenbourg). Fog samples are extracted using the liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) performed on the XTR Chromabond cartridge coupled with gas/liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS). The samples are found to be contaminated by 25 semi- and non-volatile currently-used and previously-banned pesticides (like procymidone) and 16 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) at notable levels and high detection frequency (DF). The analysis also reveals that Cronenbourg is the most contaminated site (31.5 ± 3.0 µg. L-1), followed by Erstein (23.1 ± 17.0 µg. L-1), Strasbourg (23.0 ± 3.5 µg. L-1), and Geispolsheim (22.8 ± 7.7 µg. L-1). Pearson and principal component analyses (PCA) prove the simultaneous application of fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides, and their atmospheric transport, mainly through west-southern air currents, from highly impacted sites to near-by urban and less impact sites (Strasbourg and Cronenbourg). The levels of OCPs are found at lower concentrations at all sites than other pesticides, of which dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites have the highest contribution (27%), while hexachlorobenzene (HCB) has the least contribution (3%). Ratio analysis indicates the historical emission of DDTs, whereas a recent and local input of lindane and endosulfan has been observed.

Organic farming reduces pesticide load in a bird of prey.

Human activities have led to the contamination of all environmental compartments worldwide, including bird species. In birds, both the environment and maternal transfer lead to high inter-brood variability in contamination levels of pollutants, whereas intra-brood variability is generally low. However, most existing studies focused on heavy metals or persistent compounds and none, to our knowledge, addressed the variability in contamination levels of multiple pesticides and the factors influencing it. In this study, the number of pesticides detected (of 104 compounds searched) and the sum of their concentrations in the blood of 55 Montagu's harrier (Circus pygargus) nestlings from 22 nests sampled in 2021 were used as metrics of contamination levels. We investigated the effect of organic farming at the size of male's home range (i.e., 14 km2) and chicks' sex and hatching order on contamination levels. We did not find a difference between inter-brood and intra-brood variability in pesticide contamination levels, suggesting a different exposure of siblings through food items. While chicks' sex or rank did not affect their contamination level, we found that the percentage of organic farming around the nests significantly decreased the number of pesticides detected, although it did not decrease the total concentrations. This finding highlights the potential role of organic farming in reducing the exposure of birds to a pesticide cocktail.

Biomonitoring of PAHs and PCBs in industrial, suburban, and rural areas using snails as sentinel organisms.

There is a worldwide concern about the presence of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in the environment because of their toxicity, bioaccumulation, and resistance to degradation. Various conventional monitoring techniques have been used to assess their presence in diverse environmental compartments. Most currently available methods, however, have limitations with regards to long-term monitoring. In the present work, juvenile Cornu aspersum (O. F. Müller, 1774) snails were tested in field microcosms as biomonitors for two major classes of organic pollutants, namely, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The study assessed their deployment in one suburban, one rural, and two industrial sites over an 18-week period and monitored for temporal variations of 16 PAHs and 22 PCBs. Sampling was conducted once every 3 weeks. Targeted pollutants were extracted from the caged snails using the QuEChERS extraction procedure and subsequently analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The results showed that the bioaccumulation of specific pollutants was site dependent; significantly higher levels of PCBs were observed at the industrial sites as compared to the suburban and rural ones. PAHs were bioaccumulated by the snails via ingestion of air and soil whereas PCBs were mainly bioaccumulated via soil contact and ingestion. The findings of this study indicate that C. aspersum is a reliable model organism for the biomonitoring of organic pollutants in air and soil compartments and can be used as part of an integrated environmental assessment.