Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are synthetic chemicals that are added to a variety of consumer products as flame-retardants. The ubiquitous nature and endocrine disrupting properties of PBDEs are a public concern. A pilot study was performed to investigate whether in utero PBDE exposure, as measured in maternal hair, is associated with genitourinary tract malformations in male infants. In addition, we compared PBDE levels in maternal and infant hair and used segmental analysis to investigate how PBDEs varied along the shaft. Preliminary results suggest a trend toward an elevated PBDE body burden in mothers whose infants were born with genitourinary tract malformations; this was significant for some PBDEs. The sum of PBDEs (ΣPBDEs) in maternal hair did not correlate with infant hair levels; children had significantly greater levels. A significant increase in the ΣPBDEs was observed in distal hair suggesting hair PBDEs may be reflective of both internal and external exposure.

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The environmental occurrence and behaviour of the brominated flame retardant (BFR) decabromodiphenyl ethane (dbdpe) has only been studied to a limited extent. It is structurally similar to decabromodiphenyl ether (decaBDE), which makes it conceivable that dbdpe may also become an environmental contaminant of concern. A method for environmental analysis and comparative assessments of dbdpe and decaBDE was developed. Both BFRs were studied in: a mass balance of the Henriksdal WWTP in Stockholm (Paper I); an international survey of sewage sludge (Paper II); sediment along a transect from Henriksdal WWTP to the outer archipelago of Stockholm and from isolated Swedish lakes (Paper III); and a benthic food web from the Scheldt estuary (Paper IV). Dbdpe was found in sludge from every country surveyed, indicating that it may be a worldwide concern. The WWTP mass balance showed that virtually all of the BFRs were transferred from wastewater to sludge. A small fraction was emitted via the effluent, confirming emissions to the aquatic environment. In the marine sediment, the BFR levels close to the WWTP outfall were high. They decreased along the transect to low levels in the outer archipelago. The study of lake sediment showed a widespread presence of dbdpe in the Swedish environment and provided evidence that it originates from long range atmospheric transport. In the food web, dbdpe did bioaccumulate to a small extent which was similar to decaBDE. The transfer of the BFRs from sediment to benthic invertebrates was low, while transfer from prey to predator was higher. Biodilution was observed rather than biomagnification. This work suggests that the persistence, the susceptibility to long range atmospheric transport, and the potential for bioaccumulation are similar for dbdpe and the regulated decaBDE that it is replacing. Thus, there is a risk that a problematic environmental pollutant is being replaced with a chemical that is equally problematic. / At the time of the doctoral defense, the following papers were unpublished and had a status as follows: Paper 3: Submitted. Paper 4: Manuscript.

Demosponges possess a skeleton made of a composite material with various organic constituents and/or siliceous spicules. Chitin is an integral part of the skeleton of different sponges of the order Verongida. Moreover, sponges of the order Verongida, such as Aplysina cavernicola or Ianthella basta, are well-known for the biosynthesis of brominated tyrosine derivates, characteristic bioactive natural products. It has been unknown so far whether these compounds are exclusively present in the cellular matrix or whether they may also be incorporated into the chitin-based skeletons. In the present study, we therefore examined the skeletons of A. cavernicola and I. basta with respect to the presence of bromotyrosine metabolites. The chitin-based-skeletons isolated from these sponges indeed contain significant amounts of brominated compounds, which are not easily extractable from the skeletons by common solvents, such as MeOH, as shown by HPLC analyses in combination with NMR and IR spectroscopic measurements. Quantitative potentiometric analyses confirm that the skeleton-associated bromine mainly withstands the MeOH-based extraction. This observation suggests that the respective, but yet unidentified, brominated compounds are strongly bound to the sponge skeletons, possibly by covalent bonding. Moreover, gene fragments of halogenases suggested to be responsible for the incorporation of bromine into organic molecules could be amplified from DNA isolated from sponge samples enriched for sponge-associated bacteria.

Ces travaux de thèse portent sur la photodégradation de retardateurs de flamme bromés  (RFB) : décabromodiphényléther (BDE -209), tétrabromobisphénol A (TBBPA), TBBPA bis (allyl) éther (TBBPA-BAE) et TBBPA bis (2,3-dibromopropyl) éther (TBBPA- DBPE) en milieu solide et dans des échantillons réels. Nous avons d’abord caractérisé par chromatographie en phase liquide-haute résolution couplée à la spectrométrie de masse (LC-HR-MS) le BDE-209 et ses produits de dégradation dans des échantillons de textiles issus de sièges auto des véhicules hors usage (VHUs) des années 90. Puis, nous avons mené des expériences prouvant que ces produits de dégradation étaient d’origine photochimique. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié l’effet du polystyrène sur la photodégradation du BDE-209, TBBPA et ses dérivés et l’effet de ces RFBs sur la photodégradation du polystyrène. Des analyses par différentes techniques spectroscopiques et chromatographiques (IR, ATR-FTIR, GC-MS, SEC) ont mis en évidence un net effet d’accélération réciproque. La SEC (chromatographie d’exclusion stérique) a révélé une augmentation drastique des coupures de chaîne du PS avec fragmentation. En outre, des photoproduits résultant de l'oxydation du PS et de sa bromation par Br· ont été observés pour la première fois. L’existence de ces sous-produits suggère un nouveau mécanisme de transformation de PS en présence de RFB. Certains de ces photoproduits migrent dans l’eau et l’air, pouvant causer une pollution environnementale. / The main objective of this PhD thesis was to evaluate the photodegradation of brominated flame retardants (BFRs): decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-209), tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), TBBPA bis (allyl) ether (TBBPA-BAE) and TBBPA bis(2,3-dibromopropyl) ether (TBBPA-DBPE) in solid medium and real samples. As a first step, we characterized by liquid chromatography high-resolution-mass spectrometry (LC-HR-MS) the BDE-209 and its degradation products in textile samples from car seats of end-of-life vehicles (ELVs) of the 1990s. Then we demonstrated that these products were formed by photodegradation. In a second step, we investigated the effect of polystyrene on the photodegradation of BDE-209, TBBPA and its derivatives and the effect of these RFBs on the photodegradation of polystyrene. Analyses carried out by chromatography and spectroscopy techniques (IR, ATR-FTIR, GC-MS, SEC) revealed significant and mutual acceleration effects. SEC (exclusion size chromatography) showed a drastic increase in chain breaks of PS. Morover, additional photoproducts that may result from PS oxidation and Br • bromination has been observed for the first time. The formation of these byproducts suggests a new PS transformation mechanism in the presence of BFR. Some of these photoproducts can migrate into water and air causing environmental pollution.

Problemställning och syfte: Bromerade flamskyddsmedel (BFR) används i många varor och produkter. Polybromerade difenyletrar (PBDEs) är en av dessa och deras kemiska struktur liknar den i miljögiftet PCB och kan på samma sätt lagras upp i miljön samt skada människor och djur. På arbetsplatser där BFR förekommer riskerar medarbetarna att exponeras. I den här studien har olika BFR undersökts i samband med servicearbete på flygplan. Målet har varit att jämföra förekomsten i damm och luft, samt blod (serum) med resultat från tidi­gare studier. Metod: Damm- och luftprovtagning har genomförts vid olika faser av service­arbetet. Proverna har analyserats med avseende på olika typer av BRF. Dess­utom har medarbetarnas upptag av BRF via blodprov (serum) undersökts. Resultat: Undersökningen har visat att samtliga former av PBDE samt övriga BFR förekommer i höga koncentrationer i damm och luft i flygplanen, men med ojämn fördelning. Analyserna av serum visade att flygmekanikerna har förhöjda nivåer jämfört med svensk allmänhet och jämförbar nivå med högexponerade yrkesgrupper. Medarbetarnas ålder, år i yrke och arbetad tid i flygplan den senaste månaden uppvisade inget samband i förhållande till PBDE i serum. Slutsats: Koncentrationerna av BFR i damm och luft är högre än i de flesta andra miljöer och koncentrationerna i serum är högre än de flesta referens­gruppers. För att minska risken för exponering behöver insatserna för att mini­mera dammet via städning förbättras. Dessutom bör informationen gällande hygien och användning av personlig skyddsutrustning repeteras för medarbe­tarna. Samtliga yrkeshygieniska åtgärder bör fastställas och hanteras i det systematiska arbetsmiljöarbetet via rutiner och handlingsplaner. / Presentation and aim: Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) are used in many materials and products. Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are the most well known and because of their structures, similar to that of PCB, they have been proposed to possibly affect health and environment. Occupational exposure has been an issue for years and this study investigated BRF in aircraft mainte­nance. The aim of this study was to assess the presence and levels of BRFs in dust, air and blood (serum) and compare the results with different references. Method: Dust and air were sampled in different phases of the work with the air­craft and analysis of a spectrum of BFR was performed. In addition, serum from employees was sampled and analyzed for the presence of PBDEs. Result: PBDEs and other BFRs were found in dust and air samples at high con­centrations. Serum concentrations in the technicians were slightly higher to those observed in the general Swedish population and in the same magnitude as some highly exposed occupational references. Years of work, age or time spent in the aircraft before giving blood seems not to have an impact on the level of BFRs in serum. Conclusion: This study shows high concentrations of BFR in dust and air in the aircraft and the concentrations of PBDEs in serum were high compared to most reference groups. To minimize the risk for exposure, it is important to focus on industrial hygiene improvements to minimize the amount of dust in working areas. The personal hygiene and use of personal safety equipment can also be improved and the routines should be described and included in the appropriate documentation regarding work environment.

京都大学 / 新制・課程博士 / 博士(工学) / 甲第23183号 / 工博第4827号 / 新制||工||1754(附属図書館) / 京都大学大学院工学研究科都市環境工学専攻 / (主査)教授 酒井 伸一, 教授 田中 宏明, 准教授 平井 康宏 / 学位規則第4条第1項該当 / Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) / Kyoto University / DFAM

Polymers are subjected to physical and chemical changes during their processing, service life, and further recovery, and they may also interact with impurities that can alter their composition. These changes substantially modify the stabilisation mechanisms and mechanical properties of recycled polymers. The assessment of the quality properties of recycled polymers is therefore crucial to guarantee the performance of recyclates in further applications. Three key quality properties have been defined for this quality analysis: degree of mixing (composition), degree of degradation, and presence of low molecular weight compounds (degradation products, contaminants, additives). Furthermore, detailed knowledge about how the different stages of their life cycle affect the degree of degradation of polymeric materials is important when discussing their further waste recovery possibilities and the performance of recycled plastics. A dual-pronged experimental approach employing multiple processing and thermo-oxidation has been proposed to model the life cycle of recycled high-impact polystyrene (HIPS used in packaging applications, and electrical and electronic equipment (E&E). Both reprocessing and thermo-oxidative degradation are responsible for coexistent physical and chemical effects (chain scission, crosslinking, apparition of oxidative moieties, polymeric chain rearrangements, and physical ageing) on the microstructure and morphology of polybutadiene (PB) and polystyrene (PS) phases; these effects ultimately influence the long-term stability, and the rheological and mechanical behaviour of HIPS. The PB phase has proved to be the initiation point of HIPS degradation throughout the life cycle. Thermo-oxidation seems to have more severe effects on HIPS properties; therefore, it can be concluded that previous service life may be the part of the life cycle with the greatest influence on the recycling possibilities and performance of HIPS recyclates in second-market applicat / Vilaplana Domingo, FJ. (2008). Analytical strategies for the quality assessment of recycled high-impact polystyrene (HIPS) [Tesis doctoral]. Universitat Politècnica de València. https://doi.org/10.4995/Thesis/10251/2186

The first of a series of mass mortalities of Nile crocodiles in the Olifants and Letaba rivers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) was reported in the winter of 2008. The present study investigated the levels and possible effects on eggshell thickness of inorganic elements and organic pollutants in Nile crocodile eggs from these rivers, and comparing them with eggs from a reference crocodile farm and a reference dam inside the KNP. The egg contents were analyzed for chlorinated organic compounds and brominated flame retardants. Eggshells and egg contents were analyzed for inorganic elements. The elemental concentrations in the eggshells and contents were low when compared with previous studies. The highest concentrations were found in the eggs from the reference crocodile farm. The eggs from the reference dam and the crocodile farm had thicker shells, and the eggs from the Olifants and Letaba rivers had thinner shells. Not all eggs in a female develop at the same rate, while eggshell formation presumably occurs at the same time for all eggs. As a result, the elemental profile of egg contents may differ between eggs of the same clutch, but less so for the shells. Weak or no associations were found between the elemental concentrations of the content and eggshells and eggshell thinning. A possible organic pollutant–induced eggshell thinning effect was found. The compounds found were not at levels that could have caused the mortalities, but may affect the sex ratios through endocrine disruption. Further studies are therefore required. / Thesis (M.Sc (Environmental Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The first of a series of mass mortalities of Nile crocodiles in the Olifants and Letaba rivers in the Kruger National Park (KNP) was reported in the winter of 2008. The present study investigated the levels and possible effects on eggshell thickness of inorganic elements and organic pollutants in Nile crocodile eggs from these rivers, and comparing them with eggs from a reference crocodile farm and a reference dam inside the KNP. The egg contents were analyzed for chlorinated organic compounds and brominated flame retardants. Eggshells and egg contents were analyzed for inorganic elements. The elemental concentrations in the eggshells and contents were low when compared with previous studies. The highest concentrations were found in the eggs from the reference crocodile farm. The eggs from the reference dam and the crocodile farm had thicker shells, and the eggs from the Olifants and Letaba rivers had thinner shells. Not all eggs in a female develop at the same rate, while eggshell formation presumably occurs at the same time for all eggs. As a result, the elemental profile of egg contents may differ between eggs of the same clutch, but less so for the shells. Weak or no associations were found between the elemental concentrations of the content and eggshells and eggshell thinning. A possible organic pollutant–induced eggshell thinning effect was found. The compounds found were not at levels that could have caused the mortalities, but may affect the sex ratios through endocrine disruption. Further studies are therefore required. / Thesis (M.Sc (Environmental Science))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.