Venugopal Dhananjayan

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are known to be human carcinogens and increased incidences of lung, skin, and bladder cancers with occupational exposure. Foundry workers are exposed to PAHs with other pollutants in the workplace during performing duties. To evaluate the PAHs exposure, biological monitoring was conducted among the foundry works to quantify the urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) and hydroxylated phenenthrenes (OHPHE). Total 154 foundry workers including 26 controls were considered for the study and an urine sample was collected at the end of the shift of end the week to evaluate the urinary level of 1-OHP and OHPHE. It was found that mean urinary 1-OHP levels were significantly (<0.05) higher among foundry workers (1.09±1.31 µmol/mol creatinine) than control (0.38±0.73 µmol/mol creatinine). However, the mean OHPHE levels of the foundry workers (1.77±1.70 µmol/mol creatinine) were also high, but not significant compared with controls (1.65±1.38 µmol/mol creatinine). It was also observed that the mean OHPHE level was higher among the workers in shaking-out & blasting sections and the mean 1-OHP level were significantly higher in the melting and shaking-out section workers. The mean 1-OHP level of the workers with job experience ≤1, >1-≤5 and >10 years was more significant with an elevated range than control. From the present study it was observed that increased urinary level PAHs metabolites (1-OHP & OHPHE) were increasing with PAHs exposure among the foundry workers and these occupational groups of workers might be at higher risk of a long-term chronic exposure.

Environmental and biological monitoring was conducted to measure the Total Suspended Particulate Matter (TSPM), SO 2 , NOx and 1-OHP among foundry workers. Among the various sampling locations melting (2466 μg/m 3) and fettling (2951 μg/m 3) recorded higher concentration of TSPM. The concentration of NO x and SO 2 ranged between 288– 352 μg/m 3 and 3.11-10.97μg/m 3 , respectively. Among the various heavy metals analysed, the concentration of zinc and nickel was the maximum. Although the environmental monitoring study shows rarely higher values, many of the sampling was less than the recommended limits. Biological monitoring was conducted to measure the urinary 1-Hydroxypyrene and know the exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon especially pyrene. The concentration of 1-OHP ranged from 0.01 to 0.21 μg/ml of urine. The results obtained in the foundries showed that the workers are exposed to particulate matter and other pollutants including polycyclic aromatic compounds. This study highlights the risk factor and other occupational related health issues and possibilities of health risk in the long run.

Objectives: The urinary excretion of 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) was used as a biomarker of oxida-tive DNA damage. The urinary 8-oxodG levels in petrol filling station attendants (exposed) at various petrol bunks were estimated as well as in the unexposed (cashier) population. Materials and Methods: A total of 100 workers (79 petrol fillers and 21 cashiers) aged from 20 to 41 years participated in the study. An informed consent was taken from each participant. Information on personal habits and health was obtained through a questionnaire. After shifts, urine samples were collected analyzed for 8-oxodG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Fifty-three percent of workers were in the 21–30 years age group. The maximum level of 8-oxodG was observed in the age group ≥ 41 years and the minimum in the age group of 31–40 years. The maximum level of 8-oxodG was observed among those workers who had ≥ 21 years of experience. The concentrations of 8-oxodG were significantly higher in petrol fillers than those in cashiers (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the conflicting results obtained in our study it was shown that 8-oxodG is related to chemical exposure. Further research is needed embracing a bigger number of participants to highlight the correlations between the exposure and the effects.

A total of 25 non-viable eggs of Indian Peafowl, Pavo cristatus (n=8) and Grey Francolin, Francolinus pondicerianus (n=17) collected from abandoned nests during the year 2007-08 were measured for metal levels to monitor the environmental contamination. The homogenized contents of each egg were analysed by atomic absorption spectrophotometer for levels of copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb) and zinc (Zn). Cu was at a significantly greater level (approximately two fold) in eggs from Grey Francolin (1.51 ± 0.16 µg/g) than in those from Peafowl (0.76 ± 0.14 µg/g). Near equal levels of Cd (0.28 ± 0.02 µg/g) was observed in the two species. Among the metals examined, Zn levels were recorded in high concentrations (Grey Francolin: 9.31 ± 1.59 µg/g; Peafowl: 10.67 ± 1.58 µg/g). The reported Pb levels are higher than the background values (0.020 µg/g) and are suspected to cause toxicity. No significant variation could be perceived for the metal levels among the species examined except for Cu (P>0.05). The difference in metal levels may be related to species differences, different dietary habit, habitat and metabolic activity. Levels of Cu and Zn appear to be background levels; however, Pb and Cd exceeded background levels substantially for poultry and should be investigated further to evaluate potential population-level and trophic effects.

This study provides information on the current status of contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in the tissues of endangered White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis in India. Chemical analyses revealed detectable amounts of PAHs, PCBs, and OCPs. Concentration ranges of ∑PAHs, ∑PCBs, and ∑OCPs in tissues were 60–2037 ng/g, 30–5790 ng/g, and 3.2–5836 ng/g wet weight, respectively. 1,1-Dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (p,p í® í°-DDE) concentrations ranged from below detectable level to 599 ng/g wet weight, representing more than 90% of the total dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT). Among the various OCPs analyzed, p,p í® í°-DDE was detected most frequently. All the contaminants recorded show higher accumulation in liver than other tissues. Levels of contaminants measured in the tissues of vulture are comparable with the levels documented in a number of avian species and are lower than those reported to have caused deleterious effects. Although no threat is expected from the current level of contamination, the presence of varying levels of contaminants and their additive or synergistic toxicity is a cause of concern to vultures. Values reported in this study can serve as guideline for future research.

This study investigated the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment samples collected along the harbour line, Mumbai, India. The PAHs quantified in water and sediment samples were ranged from 8.66 ng/L to 46.74 ng/L and from 2608 ng/g to 134134 ng/g dry wt., respectively. Significantly high concentration of PAHs was found in water samples of Sewri and sediment samples of Mahul (P < 0.05). PAH concentrations detected in the present study were several folds higher than the existing sediment quality criteria suggested by various statutory agencies. The PAH composition patterns in water and sediments suggest the dominance of high molecular weight compounds and indicate important pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The occurrence of PAHs in the marine environment has attracted the attention of the scientific community as these compounds are frequently detected in seawater and sediments at increasing levels and can have adverse health effects on marine organisms and humans. PAH concentrations detected at Sewri-Mahul site were sufficiently high to pose a risk to marine organisms if they are exposed continuously to this concentration. Hence, continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is highly warranted.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants which have caused worldwide concerns as toxic pollutant. This study reports the concentrations of 15 PAHs in 5 species of fish samples collected along the harbour line, Mumbai, between 2006 and 2008. Among 5 species of fish investigated, Mandeli, Coilia dussimieri, detected the maximum concentration of PAHs (P < 0.05) followed by Doma, Otolithes ruber. The concentration of total and carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 17.43 to 70.44 ng/g wet wt. and 9.49 to 31.23 ng/g wet wt, respectively, among the species tested. The lower-molecular-weight PAHs were detected at highest levels. Estimated intakes of PAHs by fish consumption for the general population were ranged between 1.77 and 10.70 ng/kg body weight/day. Mandeli contributed to the highest intakes of PAHs. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs were calculated using a TEQ proposed in literature, and the intake ranged from 8.39 to 15.78 pg TEQ/kg body weight/d. The estimated excess cancer risk value (2.37 × 10 −7 −1.43 × 10 −6) from fish consumption for the general population exceeded the guideline value (1.0 × 10 −6) for potential cancer risk.

This study provides information on the current status of contamination by organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in eggs and tissues of House Sparrow, Passer domesticus, in Tamil Nadu, India. The mean concentration of total hexachlorocyclohexane (P HCH) and total dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (P DDT) in eggs ranged from 0.01 to 1.81 lg/g and 0.02 to 1.29 lg/g, respectively. Concentration of 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)eth-ylene (p,p 0-DDE) ranged from below detectable limit (BDL) to 0.64 lg/g, representing more than 60% of the P DDTs. About 28% of samples had p,p 0-DDE levels above the critical concentration associated with reproductive impairment. However, the mean concentrations of cyclodiene insecticides were less than 0.5 lg/g. Although OCPs levels detected in tissues are not indicative of toxicity , continuous monitoring is recommended.

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in blood plasma of 13 species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India. Among the various OCPs determined, HCHs and its isomers had higher contribution to the total OCPs. Concentration of P HCHs varied from 11.4 ng/mL in White ibis Threskiornis mela-nocephalus to 286 ng/mL in Sarus Crane Grus antigone, while P DDT ranged between 19 ng/mL in Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa and 147 ng/mL in Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala. p,p 0-DDE was accounted for more than 50% of total DDT in many of the samples analysed. However, a p,p 0-DDT to p,p 0-DDE ratio higher than one obtained for many species of birds indicates the recent use of DDT in this study region. The concentrations of cyclo-diene insecticides, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and total endosulfan ranged from 15.8 to 296.2 ng/mL, below detectable level to 15 and 41.1–153.2 ng/mL, respectively. The pattern of total OCP load generally occurred in the following order: granivores \ insectivores \ omnivores \ piscivores \ carnivores. Although, the organochlorine residues detected in blood plasma of birds are not indicative of toxicity, the presence of residues in birds over the years (2005–2007) indicates continued exposure to orga-nochlorine compounds. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to facilitate the early identification of risks to the survival of a species.

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in 10 species of fishes caught at Cochin and Rameshwaram coast, and sold in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Species were selected on the basis of their regular availability throughout the year and commercial value. A total of 389 fishes were analyzed for organochlorine residues and their suitability for human consumption was evaluated. Results show varying levels of residues of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), DDT, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan and dieldrin. Among the 10 species, high concentration of pesticide residues were recorded in Sardinella longiceps, Carangoides malabaricus, Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Saurida tumbil and Rastrelliger kanagurta. The variation in total organochlorine residues among species and between places was not significant (P40.05). Only five species of fishes showed monthly variation in residue levels and there was no significant correlation between the body size and residue levels in the tissue. About 22% of the fishes exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRL) of total HCH prescribed by FAO/WHO for fish products. The calculated dietary intake of total HCH through consumption of C. malabaricus, C. agassizi and S. longiceps exceeded the maximum acceptable dietary intake (ADI) limits prescribed for human consumption. The present study recommends continuous monitoring of environmental contaminants in marine fishes to assess the possible impact on human health.

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in tissues of five Indian white-backed vultures and two of their eggs collected from different locations in India. All the samples had varying levels of residues. p,p 0-DDE ranged between 0.002 lg/g in muscle of vulture from Mudumali and 7.30 lg/g in liver of vulture from Delhi. Relatively higher levels of p,p 0-DDT and its metabolites were documented in the bird from Delhi than other places. Dieldrin was 0.003 and 0.015 lg/g while p,p 0-DDE was 2.46 and 3.26 lg/g in egg one and two respectively. Dieldrin appeared to be lower than the threshold level of 0.5 lg/g. p,p 0-DDE exceeded the levels reported to have created toxic effects in eggs of other wild birds. Although varying levels of DDT, HCH, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide and endosulfan residues were detected in the vulture tissues , they do not appear to be responsible for the present status of population in India.

Concentrations of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in blood plasma of 13 species of birds collected from Ahmedabad, India. Among the various OCPs determined, HCHs and its isomers had higher contribution to the total OCPs. Concentration of ∑HCHs varied from 11.4 ng/mL in White ibis Threskiornis melanocephalus to 286 ng/mL in Sarus Crane Grus antigone, while ∑DDT ranged between 19 ng/mL in Black Ibis Pseudibis papillosa and 147 ng/mL in Painted Stork Mycteria leucocephala. p,p′-DDE was accounted for more than 50% of total DDT in many of the samples analysed. However, a p,p′-DDT to p,p′-DDE ratio higher than one obtained for many species of birds indicates the recent use of DDT in this study region. The concentrations of cyclodiene insecticides, heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and total endosulfan ranged from 15.8 to 296.2 ng/mL, below detectable level to 15 and 41.1–153.2 ng/mL, respectively. The pattern of total OCP load generally occurred in the following order: granivores < insectivores < omnivores < piscivores < carnivores. Although, the organochlorine residues detected in blood plasma of birds are not indicative of toxicity, the presence of residues in birds over the years (2005–2007) indicates continued exposure to organochlorine compounds. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to facilitate the early identification of risks to the survival of a species.

As part of a larger study assessing contamination status of inland wetlands of India, we evaluated the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) residues in fishes collected from different inland wetlands in Karnataka, India and their suitability for human consumption. Among the OCPs tested, isomers of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) were the most frequently detected with β- and γ-HCH as the main pollutants. Average concentration of ∑HCH and ∑DDT ranged from 2.1 to 51.7 μg/kg and below detection level to 12.3 μg/kg respectively. Other organochlorine pesticides such as heptachlor epoxide, dieldrin and endosulphan were found at lower levels. Among various fish species tested, the higher pesticide burden was recorded in Anguilla bicolor bicolour (77.9 μg/kg) and the lower was in Heteropneustes fossilis (2.1 μg/kg). OCPs detected in the present study were well below the tolerance limits recommended for fishes. The calculated daily dietary intake of OCPs in all the species examined was lower than the maximum acceptable dietary intake (ADI) limits prescribed for human consumption. However, continuous monitoring is recommended to facilitate the early identification of risks.

The study reports residues of diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti inflammatory drug, in tissues of 11 White-backed Vulture, Gyps bengalensis collected between 2005 and 2007 and blood plasma of 12 White-backed Vulture, four Egyptian Vulture, Neophron percnopterus and two Griffon Vulture, Gyps fulvus collected during 2005. Samples were analysed using High Performance Liquid Chromatograhy (HPLC) equipped with UV detector. One of the White-backed Vultures collected during 2005 had substantial urate deposits on its viscera and diclofenac was detected in its liver (1.42 ppm wet weight) and kidney (1.18 ppm wet weight), which is suggestive of diclofenac exposure and intoxication. Although uric acid crystals were not observed in the remaining birds received during 2005, the residues of diclofenac detected were at levels higher than the toxic limits (0.25–1 ppm). No residues were detected in any of the tissues of birds collected during 2006 and 2007 (6 birds). About 89% (16 of 18) of plasma samples collected during 2005 had diclofenac residues (White-backed vulture: BDL to 0.17 ppm; Egyptian vulture: BDL to 0.09 ppm; Griffon vulture: 0.07–0.14 ppm). However, plasma diclofenac concentrations were less than the concentrations reported to be toxic. Although use of diclofenac for treating cattle has been banned in India, regular monitoring is recommended to assess the effectiveness of the ban on the drug in support of the conservation of these species.

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in 10 species of fishes caught at Cochin and Rameshwaram coast, and sold in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, India. Species were selected on the basis of their regular availability throughout the year and commercial value. A total of 389 fishes were analyzed for organochlorine residues and their suitability for human consumption was evaluated. Results show varying levels of residues of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH), DDT, heptachlor epoxide, endosulfan and dieldrin. Among the 10 species, high concentration of pesticide residues were recorded in Sardinella longiceps, Carangoides malabaricus, Chlorophthalmus agassizi, Saurida tumbil and Rastrelliger kanagurta. The variation in total organochlorine residues among species and between places was not significant (P>0.05). Only five species of fishes showed monthly variation in residue levels and there was no significant correlation between the body size and residue levels in the tissue. About 22% of the fishes exceeded the maximum residue limits (MRL) of total HCH prescribed by FAO/WHO for fish products. The calculated dietary intake of total HCH through consumption of C. malabaricus, C. agassizi and S. longiceps exceeded the maximum acceptable dietary intake (ADI) limits prescribed for human consumption. The present study recommends continuous monitoring of environmental contaminants in marine fishes to assess the possible impact on human health.

Organochlorine pesticide residues were determined in tissues of five Indian white-backed vultures and two of their eggs collected from different locations in India. All the samples had varying levels of residues. p,p′-DDE ranged between 0.002 μg/g in muscle of vulture from Mudumali and 7.30 μg/g in liver of vulture from Delhi. Relatively higher levels of p,p′-DDT and its metabolites were documented in the bird from Delhi than other places. Dieldrin was 0.003 and 0.015 μg/g while p,p′-DDE was 2.46 and 3.26 μg/g in egg one and two respectively. Dieldrin appeared to be lower than the threshold level of 0.5 μg/g. p,p′-DDE exceeded the levels reported to have created toxic effects in eggs of other wild birds. Although varying levels of DDT, HCH, dieldrin, heptachlor epoxide and endosulfan residues were detected in the vulture tissues, they do not appear to be responsible for the present status of population in India.