PCDD/Fs and PCBs in hen eggs from a contaminated area in Italy: a 9 years spatio-temporal monitoring study.

Eggs can represent a food susceptible to contamination, with bioaccumulation potential for POPs. The Province of Taranto, Southern Italy, is of particular relevance in this context because of the presence of industrial sources of PCDD/Fs and PCBs. The aim of this study was to analyze and report the levels of these contaminants in hen eggs sampled in farms located within a radius of 20 km from the industrial area of Taranto. Between 2013 and 2021, 227 hen eggs were collected, according to a special monitoring plan of the Prevention Department. Samples were analyzed by the National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs in Feed and Food. Median (IQR) values were: 0.28 (0.59) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for PCDD/Fs, 0.89 (1.70) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs, 0.57 (1.16) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for DL-PCBs, 2.24 (5.51) ng/g fat for NDL-PCBs. Samples not-compliant (Reg. 1881/2006/EC and amendments) for at least one contaminant were 17 (7.5%). No contaminants values or exceedances showed a statistically significant correlation with distance from industrial area (p > 0.05). Higher PCDD/Fs values were observed in first and second quarters (p < 0.05). All contaminants' values pairwise combinations showed significant (p < 0.0001) strong (ρ > 0.7) correlation. According to our epidemiological investigations, the exceedances are to be attributed to factors mainly related to farmers' wrong habits. These results confirmed the importance of the monitoring of contaminants' levels in the matrices at risk as well as to focus on enhancing good management practices on eggs-producing farms.

PCDD/Fs and PCBs in Mytilus galloprovincialis from a contaminated area in Italy: the role of mussel size, temperature and meteorological factors.

Mussels represent a food at risk of contamination because they are filter-feeding organisms with high bioaccumulation and low biotransformation potential for organic contaminants. Taranto, Southern Italy, is of particular relevance in this context due to the presence of industrial sources of POPs. The aim of this study was to analyse the role of mussel size, temperature and other meteorological factors in determining PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in mussels. Mussels were collected on a monthly basis with random sampling between 2012 and 2020 according to the extraordinary monitoring plan of the Prevention Department. Samples were analysed by the National Reference Laboratory for Halogenated POPs in food and feed. A total of 787 mussel samples were collected between 2012 and 2020. Higher median concentrations were observed in Mar Piccolo First Inlet: PCDD/Fs 1.49 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs 6.35 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; DL-PCBs 4.74 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; NDL-PCBs 65.10 ng/g ww. In all basins, PCDD/Fs + DL-PCBs, DL-PCBs and NDL-PCBs showed higher concentrations in mussels ≥ 5 cm. Temperature showed positive association with all pollutants in all basins. Higher relative humidity was associated with higher concentrations of some pollutants, while number of rain days was associated with lower values. Our findings showed higher PCDD/Fs and PCBs concentrations in adult mussels, with dependence on temperature and some other meteorological factors. These results could help guide public health strategies and mussel sampling according to mussel size and meteorological conditions in areas affected by POPs contamination.

Dioxins and PCBs contamination in milk and dairy products from Province of Taranto (Puglia Region, Southern Italy): a six years spatio-temporal monitoring study.

INTRODUCTION: Taranto Province (Puglia Region, Southern Italy) is of particular Public Health relevance due to the presence of industrial sources of dioxins and PCBs. The aim of this study was to analyze the spatio-temporal distribution of these pollutants in milk and cheese produced from 2013 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Raw milk and dairy products were sampled in the farms located within 20 km from the industrial area. RESULTS: 1005 milk samples were collected. Median (IQR) concentrations were: dioxins 0.21 (0.21) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat; dioxins+DL-PCBs 0.83 (0.71) pg WHO-TEQ/g fat; NDL-PCBs 1.92 (1.56) ng/g fat. Overall, only 6 (0.6%) samples were found to be non-compliant for at least one pollutants group. Temporal analysis showed a decreasing trend in dioxins and PCBs concentrations over the observed years and higher values in the first trimester. Spatial analysis showed higher levels of PCBs in areas closest to the industrial pole. 70 dairy products samples were collected. Median pollutants concentrations were far below the EU limits and no exceedances were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The extremely low number of exceedances appeared as an encouraging result and supported the validity of the Public Health measures adopted by the Department of Prevention of Taranto.

Dioxins and PCBs contamination in mussels from Taranto (Ionian Sea, Southern Italy): a seven years spatio-temporal monitoring study.

INTRODUCTION: Taranto is of particular Public Health relevance for the presence of industrial sources of dioxins and PCBs. The aim of this study was to monitor these pollutants in mussels produced from 2012 to 2018. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mussels were collected on a monthly basis with random sampling. Concentrations were determined through accredited methods. RESULTS: 622 samples were collected. Dioxins and PCBs showed higher median concentrations in Mar Piccolo 1st Inlet (p s <0.0001; Dioxins: 1.43 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; Dioxins+DL-PCBs: 5.98 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; DL-PCBs: 4.57 pg WHO-TEQ/g ww; NDL-PCBs: 61.54 ng/g ww) and in III trimester for all basins (p s <0.02). In Mar Piccolo 1 st Inlet, there was a linear increase of dioxins and PCBs moving North (p s <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirmed higher concentrations in Mar Piccolo 1 st Inlet during the summer period and supported the validity of the Public Health measures adopted by the Department of Prevention of Taranto.