Detection of Bromochloro Alkanes in Indoor Dust Using a Novel CP-Seeker Data Integration Tool.

Bromochloro alkanes (BCAs) have been manufactured for use as flame retardants for decades, and preliminary environmental risk screening suggests they are likely to behave similarly to polychlorinated alkanes (PCAs), subclasses of which are restricted as Stockholm Convention Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). BCAs have rarely been studied in the environment, although some evidence suggests they may migrate from treated-consumer materials into indoor dust, resulting in human exposure via inadvertent ingestion. In this study, BCA-C14 mixture standards were synthesized and used to validate an analytical method. This method relies on chloride-enhanced liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-Orbitrap-high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-ESI-Orbitrap-HRMS) and a novel CP-Seeker integration software package for homologue detection and integration. Dust sample preparation via ultrasonic extraction, acidified silica cleanup, and fractionation on neutral silica cartridges was found to be suitable for BCAs, with absolute recovery of individual homologues averaging 66 to 78% and coefficients of variation ≤10% in replicated spiking experiments (n = 3). In addition, a total of 59 indoor dust samples from six countries, including Australia (n = 10), Belgium (n = 10), Colombia (n = 10), Japan (n = 10), Thailand (n = 10), and the United States of America (n = 9), were analyzed for BCAs. BCAs were detected in seven samples from the U.S.A., with carbon chain lengths of C8, C10, C12, C14, C16, C18, C24 to C28, C30 and C31 observed overall, though not detected in samples from any other countries. Bromine numbers of detected homologues in the indoor dust samples ranged Br1-4 as well as Br7, while chlorine numbers ranged Cl2-11. BCA-C18 was the most frequently detected, observed in each of the U.S.A. samples, while the most prevalent degrees of halogenation were homologues of Br2 and Cl4-5. Broad estimations of BCA concentrations in the dust samples indicated that levels may approach those of other flame retardants in at least some instances. These findings suggest that development of quantification strategies and further investigation of environmental occurrence and health implications are needed.

Assessment of silicone wristbands for monitoring personal exposure to chlorinated paraffins (C8-36): A pilot study.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are a major environmental concern due to their ubiquitous presence in the environment. Since human exposure to CPs can significantly differ among individuals, it is essential to have an effective tool for monitoring personal exposure to CPs. In this pilot study, silicone wristbands (SWBs) were employed as a personal passive sampler to measure time-weighted average exposure to CPs. Twelve participants were asked to wear a pre-cleaned wristband for a week during the summer of 2022, and three field samplers (FSs) in different micro-environments were also deployed. The samples were then analyzed for CP homologs by LC-Q-TOFMS. In worn SWBs, the median concentrations of quantifiable CP classes were 19 ng/g wb, 110 ng/g wb, and 13 ng/g wb for ∑SCCPs, ∑MCCPs, and ∑LCCPs (C18-20), respectively. For the first time, lipid content is reported in worn SWBs, which could be a potential impact factor in the kinetics of the accumulation process for CPs. Results showed that micro-environments were key contributors to dermal exposure to CPs, while a few outliers suggested other sources of exposure. CP exposure via dermal contact showed an increased contribution and thus poses a nonnegligible potential risk to humans in daily life. Results presented here provide proof of concept of the use of SWBs as a cheap and non-invasive personal sampler in exposure studies.

Levels of Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Edible Insects and Implications for Human Exposure.

This study reports on the occurrence and distribution of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) in edible insects purchased from Asia and Europe. A total of 36 edible insect samples (n = 24 from Asia, n = 12 from Europe) authorized and prepared for human consumption were purchased and analyzed for SCCPs and MCCPs via gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. SCCPs were detected in 83% of all edible insect samples with an overall median ∑SCCP concentration of 8.7 ng/g dry weight (dw) and a range of <2.0 to 410 ng/g dw, while MCCPs were present in 92% of samples with a median ∑MCCP concentration of 51 ng/g dw and a range of <6.0 to 380 ng/g dw. Median ∑SCCP and ∑MCCP levels in edible insects purchased in Asia were approximately two- and four-times higher, respectively, than those from Europe, while the difference was statistically significant for ∑MCCPs (p < 0.001). Differences in homologue patterns were also observed between Asian and European samples to suggest diverse sources of CP contamination to insects which may include environmental accumulation, industrial processing equipment and food additives. Estimated daily intake of SCCPs and MCCPs via consumption of edible insects suggested that adverse health outcomes were very unlikely, but that continued monitoring of insect farming and processing practices are warranted.

Spatial Distribution of Novel and Legacy Brominated Flame Retardants in Soils Surrounding Two Australian Electronic Waste Recycling Facilities.

Informal recycling of electronic waste (e-waste) has been shown to cause significant brominated flame retardant (BFR) contamination of surrounding soils in a number of Asian and West African countries. However, to the authors' knowledge, there have been no published studies demonstrating polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and novel brominated flame retardant (NBFR) soil contamination from regulated "formal" e-waste processing facilities in developed countries. This study reports on PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183, and -209) and NBFRs (PBT, PBEB, HBB, EH-TBB, BTBPE and DBDPE) in 36 soil samples surrounding two Australian e-waste recycling plants and a further eight reference soils. Overall ∑PBDE concentrations ranged 0.10-98 000 ng/g dw (median; 92 ng/g dw) and ∑NBFRs ranged ND-37 000 ng/g dw (median 2.0 ng/g dw). Concentrations in soils were found to be significantly negatively associated with distance from one of the e-waste facilities for ∑penta-BDEs, BDE-183, BDE-209, and ∑NBFR compound groups. ANOVA tests further illustrated the potential for e-waste recycling to significantly elevate concentrations of some BFRs in soils over distances up to 900 m compared to references sites. This study provides the first evidence of soil contamination with PBDEs and NBFRs originating from formal e-waste recycling facilities in Australia, which may have implications for e-waste recycling practices throughout the world.

An international investigation of chlorinated paraffin concentrations and homologue distributions in indoor dust.

In this study, very short-, short-, medium-, and long-chain chlorinated paraffins (vSCCPs, SCCPs, MCCPs and LCCPs, respectively) were measured in 40 indoor dust samples from four countries including Japan (n = 10), Australia (n = 10), Colombia (n = 10) and Thailand (n = 10). Homologues of the chemical formula CxH(2x+2-y)Cly ranging C6-36 and Cl3-30 were analysed using liquid chromatography coupled to Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry (LC-Orbitrap-HRMS) and integrated using novel custom-built CP-Seeker software. CPs were detected in all dust samples with MCCPs the dominant homologue group in all countries. Overall median ∑SCCP, ∑MCCP and ∑LCCP (C18-20) concentrations determined in dust samples were 30 µg/g (range; 4.0-290 µg/g), 65 µg/g (range; 6.9-540 µg/g) and 8.6 µg/g (range; <1.0-230 µg/g), respectively. Of the quantified CP classes, overall concentrations were generally highest in the samples from Thailand and Colombia, followed by Australia and Japan. vSCCPs with C≤9 were detected in dust from each country with an overall frequency of 48%, while LCCPs (C21-36) were present in 100% of samples. Estimated daily intakes (EDIs) calculated for SCCPs and MCCPs relating to ingestion of contaminated indoor dust were considered not to represent health risks based on currently available toxicological data using the margin of exposure (MOE) approach. To the authors' knowledge, this study provides the first data on CPs in indoor dust from Japan, Colombia and Thailand, and is among the first reports of vSCCPs in indoor dust, globally. These findings indicate that further toxicological data and the availability of appropriate analytical standards are needed to evaluate the potential for negative health outcomes deriving from exposure to vSCCPs and LCCPs.

Seasonal variation of short-, medium- and long-chain chlorinated paraffin distribution in Belgian indoor dust.

Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are high production volume plasticizers and flame retardants, which have exhibited bioaccumulative and toxic properties. CPs may be released from treated consumer goods and bind with indoor dust, leading to human exposure via unintentional dust ingestion. In this study, the concentrations and homologue distribution of CPs were measured in 50 indoor dust samples collected in paired winter and summer sampling campaigns from 25 homes in Flanders, Belgium. Short-, medium- and long-chain CPs (SCCPs (C10-13), MCCPs (C14-17) and LCCPs (C18-20), respectively) were each detected in all Belgian indoor dust samples with overall median concentrations of 6.1 µg/g (range 0.61 to 120 µg/g), 45 µg/g (range 4.5 to 520 µg/g) and 4.5 µg/g (range 0.3 to 50 µg/g), respectively. Concentrations were significantly higher in the winter samples than summer for each of the three groups (p < 0.05). LCCPs homologues ranging from C21-32 were also detected in dust samples and accounted for approximately half of the LCCP relative abundance based on instrumental peak area, although a lack of appropriate analytical standards prevented quantification of these homologues. While clear sources of CP contamination in dust could not be identified, significant associations between concentrations of ∑SCCPs, ∑MCCPs and ∑LCCPs (C18-20) (p < 0.05) suggested the combined application within materials or products in homes. Based on typical exposure scenarios, estimated daily intake of ∑CPs (C10-20) for adults and toddlers were 14 and 270 ng/kg bw/day, respectively, though margin of exposure assessments for SCCPs and MCCPs indicated that adverse health effects were unlikely for all exposure scenarios. This study presents the first evidence of seasonal variation in the levels and distribution for each of the SCCP, MCCP and LCCP classes in indoor dust and highlights the urgent need for appropriate analytical standards for LCCP quantification.

Short- and Medium-Chain Chlorinated Paraffins in Polyvinylchloride and Rubber Consumer Products and Toys Purchased on the Belgian Market.

This study investigates the presence of Stockholm Convention listed short-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) and their replacement medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (MCCPs) counterparts in polyvinyl chloride and rubber consumer products and toys purchased on the Belgian market in 2019. SCCPs were detected in 27/28 samples at concentrations ranging from

Concentrations and distribution of chlorinated paraffins in Belgian foods.

This study reports on concentrations of short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) in a wide range of food samples (n = 211) purchased in Belgium during 2020. Samples were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and quantified using chlorine content calibration. ∑SCCPs were present above LOQ in 25% of samples with an overall range of

A simplified screening method for short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins in food by gas chromatography-low resolution mass spectrometry.

This study evaluates the performance of a simplified screening method for short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs and MCCPs, respectively) based on gas chromatography-electron capture negative ionization/mass spectrometry (GC-ECNI/MS) analysis and chlorine content quantification. The response from different combinations of 'indicator' congener groups present in technical mixture standards were used within calibration calculations to test the hypothesis that ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs could be quantified with acceptable accuracy using only a subset of the commonly analysed C10 to C17 and Cl5 to Cl10 groups. Potential combinations were assessed with respect to calibration curve performance and accuracy of SCCP and MCCP analysis of spiked food samples (olive oil, salmon, pork sausage, breakfast cereal, cow's milk and lard). Based on these trials, a screening method which quantifies ∑SCCPs and ∑MCCPs using only congener groups with 6 and 8 chlorine atoms for each carbon chain length was proposed. Concentrations of SCCPs and MCCPs in triplicate analyses of spiked food samples calculated using the proposed screening method deviated by ≤ 25% for the vast majority of samples (maximum deviation 37%) from levels determined using all analysed congener groups. The mean trueness of the screening method as applied to each of the spiked food samples and lard samples from a previous European Union Reference Laboratory (EURL) interlaboratory study ranged from 65 to 110% for ∑SCCPs and 102 to 175% for ∑MCCPs. Relative standard deviations (RSDs) were ≤ 25% for all triplicate analyses and matrix specific LOQs ranged from 0.7 to 6 ng/g ww for ∑SCCPs and from 1.3 to 12 ng/g ww for ∑MCCPs. The proposed screening method has the potential to deliver substantial time savings in instrumental analysis and manual labour without greatly reducing the overall accuracy and sensitivity of SCCP and MCCP quantification.

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in Western Australian biosolids and implications for land application.

This study evaluates the prevalence of eight priority polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs; -28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183 and -209) and six novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs; pentabromotoluene (PBT), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB), hexabromobenzene (HBB), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB), 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE)) in biosolids samples from 15 wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in Western Australia. Analytes were extracted using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and quantified by gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) operated in electron impact (EI) ionization mode. ∑8PBDE levels in biosolids ranged from 11 to 18,000 µg/kg dw with a median concentration of 1800 µg/kg dw. BDE-209 was the most prevalent congener constituting a median of 98% of ∑8PBDE concentrations in samples with BDE-99, -47 and -100 each typically contributing less than 3% to total levels. NBFRs were detected in 71% of samples with ∑6NBFR levels ranging between ND-1100 µg/kg dw (median; 600 µg/kg dw). Levels of DBDPE greatly exceeded those of all other NBFRs, while the next most prevalent compounds were EH-TBB and HBB. Australia produced approximately 327,000 dry tonnes of biosolids in 2017, of which approximately 75% was beneficially utilized on farmland as a fertilizer. Based on these results, an estimated 440 kg of BDE-209 and 150 kg of DBDPE are applied to agricultural land via biosolids applications annually in Australia. This study provides the first account of NBFR concentrations in Australian biosolids.

Adélie penguin colonies as indicators of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in East Antarctica.

While persistent organic pollutant (POP) contamination within Antarctica is largely caused by long-range atmospheric transport (LRAT), Antarctic research bases have been shown to be local sources of POPs such as brominated flame retardants (BFRs). This study compared concentrations of seven polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) congeners and five novel flame retardants (NBFRs) found in Adélie penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) colony soils near the Australian research stations, Mawson and Davis, to assess the stations as local sources of these contaminants and provide a much needed baseline for contamination of BFRs in East Antarctica. Soil samples (n = 46) were collected from Adélie colonies at close proximity to the research stations as well as further afield during the 2016-17 austral summer. Samples were analysed using selective pressurised liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). PBDEs (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154 and -183) were detected in 45/46 samples with ∑7PBDE concentrations ranging from <0.01 to 1.63 ng/g dry weight (dw) and NBFRs (2,3,4,5,6-pentabromotoluene (PBT), 2,3,4,5,6-pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB), hexabromobenzene (HBB), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE)) detected in 20/46 samples, with a range of ∑5NBFR from not detected (ND) to 0.16 ng/g dw. Soils taken from around the Davis and Mawson research stations were more highly contaminated (n = 10) than penguin colonies (n = 27) and control areas not affiliated with breeding seabirds (n = 8). The most common congener detected was BDE-99, reflecting inputs from LRAT. However, the congener profiles of station soils supported the hypothesis that research stations are a local source of PBDEs to the Antarctic environment. In addition, the NBFR pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) was quantified for the first time in Antarctic soils, providing essential information for baseline contamination within the region and highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring as global regulations for the use of BFRs continuously change.

A baseline for POPs contamination in Australian seabirds: little penguins vs. short-tailed shearwaters.

While globally distributed throughout the world's ecosystems, there is little baseline information on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in marine environments in Australia and, more broadly, the Southern Hemisphere. To fill this knowledge gap, we collected baseline information on POPs in migratory short-tailed shearwaters (Ardenna tenuirostris) from Fisher Island, Tasmania, and resident little penguins (Eudyptula minor) from Phillip Island, Victoria. Levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) were determined from blood samples, with total contamination ranging 7.6-47.7 ng/g ww for short-tailed shearwaters and 0.12-46.9 ng/g ww for little penguins. In both species contamination followed the same pattern where PCBs>OCPs>BFRs. BFR levels included the presence of the novel flame retardant hexabromobenzene (HBB). These novel results of POPs in seabirds in southeast Australia provide important information on the local (penguins) and global (shearwaters) distribution of POPs in the marine environment.

Concentrations of legacy and novel brominated flame retardants in indoor dust in Melbourne, Australia: An assessment of human exposure.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFR) have been used in a range of polymers to inhibit the spread of fires but also have a propensity to migrate out of consumer materials and contaminate indoor dust. In this study, a total of 57 dust samples were collected from 12 homes, eight offices and eight vehicles in Melbourne, Australia and analysed for eight PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183 and -209) and seven NBFRs (PBT, PBEB, HBB, EH-TBB, BEH-TEBP, BTBPE and DBDPE) to determine human exposure risks from dust ingestion. Samples were analysed using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). Legacy and replacement flame retardants were detected in all samples with overall ∑PBDE concentrations ranging from 120 to 1700,000 ng/g (median 2100 ng/g) and ∑NBFRs ranging from 1.1 to 10,000 ng/g (median 1800 ng/g). BDE-209 and DBDPE were the dominant compounds in dust samples, followed by congeners associated with commercial Penta-BDE formulations (-47, -99, -100, -153 and -154) and then EH-TBB of the FireMaster 550 and BZ-54 products. ∑Penta-BDE concentrations were elevated in office samples compared with homes and vehicles, while EH-TBB and BDE-209 measured higher concentrations in vehicles compared with their respective levels in homes and offices. Risk assessment estimates revealed the majority of exposure to occur in the home for both adults and toddlers in the City of Melbourne. Generally, body weight adjusted exposure to PBDEs and NBFRs was predicted to be 1 to 2 orders of magnitude higher for toddlers than adults. Estimated rates of BDE-47, -99, -153 and -209 ingestion were each 2 orders of magnitude or more below the USEPA's prescribed oral reference dose values (RfDs) for typical exposure scenarios. However, exposure rates for BDE-47 and -99 reached as high as 52 and 95% of RfDs, respectively, for adults and 4.4 and 7.4%, respectively, for toddlers in high exposure scenarios. This study provides the first wide-ranging survey of NBFRs in indoor dust from homes, offices and vehicles in Australia and offers further evidence of human exposure to legacy and novel brominated flame retardants via dust ingestion.

Critical review of soil contamination by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs); concentrations, sources and congener profiles.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used in a broad array of polymeric materials such as plastics, foams, resins and adhesives to inhibit the spread of fires since the 1970s. The widespread environmental contamination and well documented toxic effects of PBDEs have led to bans and voluntary withdrawals in many jurisdictions. Replacement novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have, however, exhibited many of the same toxic characteristics as PBDEs and appear to share similar environmental fate. This paper presents a critical review of the scientific literature regarding PBDE and NBFR contamination of surface soils internationally, with the secondary objective of identifying probable pollution sources. An evaluation of NBFR distribution in soil was also conducted to assess the suitability of the newer compounds as replacements for PBDEs, with respect to their land contamination potential. Principle production of PBDEs and NBFRs and their consequent use in secondary polymer manufacture appear to be processes with strong potential to contaminate surrounding soils. Evidence suggests that PBDEs and NBFRs are also released from flame retarded products during disposal via landfill, dumping, incineration and recycling. While the land application of sewage sludge represents another major pathway of soil contamination it is not considered in this review as it is extensively covered elsewhere. Both PBDEs and NBFRs were commonly detected at background locations including Antarctica and northern polar regions. PBDE congener profiles in soil were broadly representative of the major constituents in Penta-, Octa- and Deca-BDE commercial mixtures and related to predicted market place demand. BDE-209 dominated soil profiles, followed by BDE-99 and BDE-47. Although further research is required to gain baseline data on NBFRs in soil, the current state of scientific literature suggests that NBFRs pose a similar risk to land contamination as PBDEs.

Selective pressurized liquid extraction of replacement and legacy brominated flame retardants from soil.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a class of flame retardant registered as UN POPs due to their persistence in the environment, bioaccumulation potential and toxicity. Replacement novel brominated flame retardants (NBFRs) have exhibited similar health hazards and environmental distribution, becoming recognized as significant contaminants. This work describes the development and validation of a sensitive and reliable method for the simultaneous quantitation of PBDEs and NBFRs in environmental soil samples using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-(EI)-MS/MS). Under optimal conditions, extraction of eight PBDEs (-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154, -183 and -209) and five NBFRs; pentabromotoluene (PBT), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB), hexabromobenzene (HBB), 2-ethylhexyl-2,3,4,5-tetrabromobenzoate (EH-TBB) and bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE) was performed at 100°C and 1500psi using a 1:1 mixture of hexane and dichloromethane. The method utilized 33mL capacity PLE cells containing, from bottom to top, a single cellulose filter, 3g activated Florisil, 6g acid silica (10% w/w), 3g Na2SO4, another cellulose filter, 2g activated copper powder and 3g soil sample dispersed in 2g Na2SO4 and 1g of Hydromatrix. The method was evaluated by repeated extraction and analysis of all analytes from 3g soil at three spike concentrations. Good recoveries were observed for most analytes at each of the spiking levels with RSD values generally below 20%. MDLs ranged from 0.01 to 4.8ng/g dw for PBDEs and 0.01-0.55ng/g dw for NBFRs. The described one-step combined extraction and cleanup method reduces sample processing times compared with traditional procedures, while delivering comparable analytical performance. The method was successfully applied to environmental soil samples (n=5), detecting PBDEs in each sample and providing the first account of NBFR contamination in Australian soils.

Widespread polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) contamination of urban soils in Melbourne, Australia.

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have been used as flame retardants in a variety of materials and products. PBDEs have been shown to accumulate in the environment and human populations while exhibiting a range of toxic effects. In this study, surface soil samples from 30 sites in the city of Melbourne, Australia, were analysed for PBDEs. Eight congeners of environmental concern (BDE-28, -47, -99, -100, -153, -154 -183 and -209) were assessed using selective pressurized liquid extraction (S-PLE) and gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). PBDEs were detected in 29/30 samples with Σ8PBDE soil concentrations ranging nd-13,200 ng/g dw and Σ7PBDEs (excluding BDE-209) levels of nd-70.5 ng/g dw. Soils from waste disposal sites (n = 6) contained the highest median Σ7PBDE and Σ8PBDE concentrations, followed by manufacturing sites (n = 18) and then non-source sites (n = 6). Electronics recycling facilities contained the greatest levels of Σ8PBDEs by a significant margin (p < 0.05) to indicate that these industries are a potential source of contamination. BDE-209 was the dominant congener, contributing an average of 75.5% to Σ8PBDEs soil concentrations, followed by BDE-47, BDE-99 and BDE-183 at 7.90, 5.64 and 4.31%, respectively. Congener profiles reflected global estimates of Deca-BDE, Octa-BDE and Penta- BDE commercial production, with the most significant congener correlation existing between BDE-47 and BDE-99 (p < 0.001, r = 0.943). This first assessment of PBDEs in Melbourne soils indicates widespread contamination of the urban environment, including locations where direct sources to soil are not clear.