Optimization of an analytical method based on the use of zwitterionic- phosphorylcholine -HILIC column for the determination of multiple polar emerging contaminants in reclaimed water.

The aim of this study was to optimize a Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) method using a zwitterionic phosphorylcholine HILIC column for the determination of several Persistent and Mobile Organic Contaminants (PMOC) in wastewater samples. An experimental design approach was implemented to both better understand the retention mechanisms of several polar compounds and to find the optimal operating conditions for their detection and quantification. Eleven PMOCs, with logD ranging from -5.

Biomonitoring of chemicals in biota of two wetland protected areas exposed to different levels of environmental impact: results of the "PREVIENI" project.

The PREVIENI project (funded by the Ministry of Environment) investigated the exposure to endocrine disrupters in samples of human population and environmental biota in Italy. The environmental biomonitoring considered two Italian WWF Oasis, with the aim to compare the presence and effects of endocrine disruptors in organisms from two protected natural areas, respectively, upstream and downstream a chemical emission site. Chemical analysis of pollutants' tissue levels was made on tissues from earthworm, barbell, trout, and coot, selected as bioindicator organisms.

Are shipwrecks a real hazard for the ecosystem in the Mediterranean Sea?

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hazard from shipwrecks on communities by a holistic approach taking into account different effects on biological communities. Multibeam and Remotely Operated Vehicles surveys recorded ecological assessment of fish and benthic species on three shipwrecks flooded during the Second World War on Maërl beds habitats in the strait of Sicily. Pollution levels of a wide range of chemicals of ecotoxicological concern were also measured in sediments and in fish species from different trophic levels.

Levels of chemicals in two fish species from four Italian fishing areas.

This paper reports the results of an assessment of contamination by polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in two demersal species of commercial importance. The organisms considered were Mullus barbatus and Engraulis encrasicolus from three marine areas off the Italian coasts: North and South Adriatic Sea and North Tyrrhenian Sea. The instrumental analyzes have revealed, in many samples examined, the presence of most of PCB congeners and 5 of the 16 PAHs considered.

Phthalates and perfluorinated alkylated substances in Atlantic bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) specimens from Mediterranean Sea (Sardinia, Italy): Levels and risks for human consumption.

Atlantic blue fin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) is a species of great importance for Mediterranean Sea area, from both ecological and commercial points of view. The scientific literature reports few data on the contamination of this fish by emerging organic compounds such as perfluorinated alkylated substances(PFASs) and phthalates, being the latter never been studied in tuna. This study therefore investigated the presence of the PFASs perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS) and perfluoroctanoic acid (PFOA) and the phthalate di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), also monitored by its metabolite mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate(MEHP), to assess both the state of contamination of Atlantic bluefin tuna specimen and the risk due to the toxicity of these compounds for human consumption.

Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors and Nuclear Receptors Gene Expression in Infertile and Fertile Men from Italian Areas with Different Environmental Features.

Internal levels of selected endocrine disruptors (EDs) (i.e., perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate (DEHP), mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate (MEHP), and bisphenol A (BPA)) were analyzed in blood/serum of infertile and fertile men from metropolitan, urban and rural Italian areas.

High Levels of Perfluorooctane Sulfonate in Children at the Onset of Diabetes.

Background. Impairments of endocrine system may be associated with exposure to perfluorinated compounds that are able to bind nuclear receptors, including the peroxisome proliferator-activating receptors. Aim of this study was to assess perfluorooctane sulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid concentrations in children and adolescents at the onset of type 1 diabetes compared to healthy controls.

Exposure to endocrine disrupters and nuclear receptor gene expression in infertile and fertile women from different Italian areas.

Within the PREVIENI project, infertile and fertile women were enrolled from metropolitan, urban and rural Italian areas. Blood/serum levels of several endocrine disrupters (EDs) (perfluorooctane sulfonate, PFOS; perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA; di-2-ethylhexyl-phthalate, DEHP; mono-(2-ethylhexyl)-phthalate, MEHP; bisphenol A, BPA) were evaluated concurrently with nuclear receptors (NRs) gene expression levels (ERa, ERb, AR, AhR, PPARg, PXR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Infertile women from the metropolitan area displayed significantly higher levels of: BPA compared to fertile women (14.

Occurrence of perfluorooctanesulfonate and perfluorooctanoic acid and histopathology in eels from north Italian waters.

A perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) biomonitoring study was conducted in European eel (Anguilla anguilla) in Italy for the first time. Perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) concentrations were assessed in the organs of 35 wild eels from two locations, the highly impacted Po River and the Comacchio Lagoon along the north-western Adriatic coast. PFAS were extracted by ion-pairing liquid extraction procedure and measured using high performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry.

Pilot study on levels of chemical contaminants and porphyrins in Caretta caretta from the Mediterranean Sea.

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), synthetic musks compounds (SMCs), bisphenol A (BPA), para-nonylphenol (p-NP) and polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are known for their toxicity and ability to interfere with the endocrine system. The aim of this study was to determine levels and distribution of the above mentioned compounds in liver samples of Caretta caretta and levels of porphyrins that have been proposed as sensitive biomarkers of exposure to contaminants. This paper reports the results for 9 specimens yet analysed.

Perfluorinated compounds: levels, trophic web enrichments and human dietary intakes in transitional water ecosystems.

The results of a study on levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), analyzed in terms of HPLC-ESI-MS in water, sediment, macrophyte, bivalve, crustacean and fish samples, are reported here. The aim of the research is to define, for the first time, PFOA/S levels in a heavily human-stressed transitional water ecosystem (Orbetello lagoon, Italy) and evaluate trophic web enrichments and human dietary intakes. The results obtained show that: (i) levels significantly higher than those reported in the literature were found in mussels, clams and crabs; (ii) the river is a significant pollution source; (iii) although absolute levels are relatively low, macroalgae proliferation contributes to redistribute pollutants from river-affected areas throughout the entire lagoon basin; (iv) to the best of our current knowledge, water-filtering species considered in this study are the most exposed to PFOA/S pollution; (v) human daily dietary intakes of PFOA/S through Slow Food-endorsed product consumption are below maximum tolerable levels suggested by the EFSA.

Levels and spatial distribution of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in superficial sediments from the marine reserves of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Italy).

Surface sediments from marine reserves of the Tuscan Archipelago National Park (Italy), including remote islands not directly affected by anthropogenic influences, were analyzed for two dominant perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), namely perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoate (PFOA), using LC-ESI-MS/MS. The concentrations of PFOS were low, with medians ranging from 0.25 to 1.

Perfluorinated compounds in blood of Caretta caretta from the Mediterranean Sea.

Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), widely used for their hydro-oil repellent properties, are almost non-degradable in the environment; there is scientific evidence that indicate bioaccumulation. They represent a threat to many organisms, because they are toxic and are endocrine disruptors. Scientific studies have demonstrated the presence of PFCs in blood and liver samples of fish, turtles, birds and mammals of marine ecosystems in different geographical areas.

Correlation of endocrine disrupting chemicals serum levels and white blood cells gene expression of nuclear receptors in a population of infertile women.

Significant evidence supports that many endocrine disrupting chemicals could affect female reproductive health. Aim of this study was to compare the internal exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), perfluorooctane sulphonate (PFOS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), and di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) in serum samples of 111 infertile women and 44 fertile women. Levels of gene expression of nuclear receptors (ER α , ER β , AR, AhR, PXR, and PPAR γ ) were also analyzed as biomarkers of effective dose.

Pilot study on levels of perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in selected foodstuffs and human milk from Italy.

Despite the health risks associated with perfluorinated compounds (PFC) exposure and the detection of these compounds in many countries around the world, little is known on their occurrence in Italy. The results of a study on levels of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), analysed by HPLC-ESI-MS, in human milk and food samples from the city of Siena and its province (central Italy) are here reported. PFOS was found in 13 out of 49 breast milk samples (0.

Klebsiella sp. strain C2A isolated from olive oil mill waste is able to tolerate and degrade tannic acid in very high concentrations.

Four bacterial strains capable of growing in the presence of tannic acid as sole carbon and energy source were isolated from olive mill waste mixtures. 16S rRNA gene sequencing assigned them to the genus Klebsiella. The most efficient strain, Klebsiella sp.

The influence of endocrine disruptors in a selected population of infertile women.

Several studies report that endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDC) able to interfere with endocrine homeostasis may affect women's reproductive health. We analyzed EDC serum levels and nuclear receptors (NRs) expression in order to have an indication of the internal dose of biologically active compounds and a measurement of indicators of their effects, as a result of the repeated uptake from environmental source. The percentage of patients with detectable bisphenol A (BPA) concentrations was significantly higher in the infertile patients compared with fertile subjects.

Determination of acrylamide in local and commercial cultivar of potatoes from biological farm.

This paper reports the results of a preliminary study on the characterization of parameters influencing formation of acrylamide in fried potatoes, from biological cultivation. The formation of acrylamide was investigated in relation to frying in biological extra virgin olive oil and commercial seed oil. Three different cultivars (Rossa di Colfiorito, Quarantina bianca genovese and Kennebec) were chosen.

Sandhopper Talitrus saltator (Montagu) as a bioindicator of contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.

This study evaluates the use of the sandhopper Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of PAHs contamination of the supralittoral zone of sandy beaches. Adult amphipods were collected at eight localities on the Tuscany shore in summer. Concentrations of 16 PAHs indicated as priority pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency were determined.

Phase I and II biotransformation enzymes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) collected in front of an oil refinery.

The aim of the present study was to investigate the responses of phase I and II biotransformation enzymes and levels of PAHs in the Mediterranean mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) collected from three sites at different distance from an oil refinery. Phase I enzyme activities as NAD(P)H-cyt c red, NADH ferry red, B(a)PMO and phase II as UDPGT, GST were measured in digestive gland while 16 PAHs (US-EPA) in whole soft tissue. An added value to the data obtained in the present study rely on the RDA analysis which showed close correlations between PAHs levels and phase I enzyme activities in mussels collected in front of the refinery.

Exposure and effective dose biomarkers for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in infertile subjects: preliminary results of the PREVIENI project.

Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) have been used as surfactants in various industry and consumer products. PFOS/PFOA are very persistent in the environment and bioaccumulate in humans. They are potential reproductive and developmental toxicants and are considered to be emerging endocrine disrupters (EDs).

Modulation of CYP1A and genotoxic effects in European seabass (Dicentrarchus labrax) exposed to weathered oil: a mesocosm study.

The aim of this study was to assess medium-term toxicity of weathered oil on European seabass. A mesocosm system reproducing an oil spill at sea was applied. Fish were collected after 48 h, 7, 30 and 60 days.

Alteration of potential harmful elements levels in sediments and biota from the central Mediterranean Sea (Aeolian Archipelago) following an episode of intense volcanic activity.

In this paper levels of four (Hg, Cd, Pb, As) potential harmful elements (PHE) were measured in three different environmental matrices (sediments, macroalgae and fishes) from the Aeolian Archipelago and control areas both after 1 and 10 months from a volcanic activity of particular relevance occurred at the end of October 2002. Results were analysed on a multivariate statistical basis with the aim to evaluate: (I) general levels of pollution and increase of PHE due to the event; (II) differences observed among tested matrices in the time of recovery after the occurrence of the critical event; (III) the biological enrichment of PHE along the trophic web produced by the geological event. Results evidenced that volcanic emissions could represent a local source of particular relevance able to determine great enrichments of considered PHE in sediments and biological species.

Trace element distribution and 235U/238U ratios in Euphrates waters and in soils and tree barks of Dhi Qar province (southern Iraq).

To assess the quality of the environment in southern Iraq after the Gulf War II, a geochemical survey was carried out. The survey provided data on the chemistry of Euphrates waters, as well as the trace element contents, U and Pb isotopic composition, and PAH levels in soil and tree bark samples. The trace element concentrations and the (235)U/(238)U ratio values in the Euphrates waters were within the usual natural range, except for the high contents of Sr due to a widespread presence of gypsum in soils of this area.

Levels and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from Lenga Estuary, central Chile.

The Lenga Estuary is a small brackish wetland located southwest of San Vicente Bay, Region VIII, Chile. Surface sediment from nine sites in the estuary were analysed for PAHs and compared to Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQG). Sediment samples were freeze dried and soxhlet extracted for 16 h using DCM.