Implementation of the CALUX Bioassay for the Analysis of PCDD/F's and Dioxin-Like PCB's in Atmospheric Deposition Samples from the Flemish Monitoring Network

Tara Vandermarken, Kersten Van Langenhove, Marc Elskens, Marjory Desmedt, Edward Roekens, Michael S. Denison, Willy Baeyens, Kim Croes

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference paper

Abstract

Although the risks of PCDD/Fs and PCBs are well known and a lot of research has been done during the recent years, these compounds are still environmental pollutants of major concern. In Flanders, the Flemish Environment Agency (VMM) has a monthly measurement program for the monitoring of atmospheric depositions of PCDD/Fs and PCB 126 in different locations in Flanders. Since the beginning of the measurement campaign in Flanders in 1995, concentrations have decreased drastically. However, in certain locations the warning limit for agricultural and residential areas, set by the VMM based on tolerable intake values, VDI guideline 2090/1 and a model study by VITO, of 21 pg TEQ m-² day-1 for mean monthly values1 (sum of PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs) is regularly exceeded. Since PCDD/Fs and dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs) are persistent in the environment, can accumulate in the fat tissue of animals and humans and have hormone disrupting properties, it is important to have a reliable, fast and inexpensive method to monitor, on a regular basis, the concentration of these pollutants. Until now, only GC-HRMS methods are available for the quantification of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in atmospheric deposition samples2, 3. In this study, a new method for the analysis of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in atmospheric deposition samples with the CALUX bioassay was developed, optimized and validated. More than 100 samples from the Flemish monitoring network were analyzed with both CALUX and GC-HRMS to define the correlation between both techniques and to investigate whether the CALUX bioassay can be used instead of or in addition to GC-HRMS for the analysis of PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs in atmospheric deposition samples in Flanders.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationDioxin 2011, 31th International Symposium on Halogenated Persistent Organic Pollutants
Pages1924-1927
Number of pages4
Volume73
Publication statusPublished - 2011
EventUnknown -
Duration: 1 Jan 2011 → …

Conference

ConferenceUnknown
Period1/01/11 → …

Keywords

  • atmospheric depositions
  • PCDD/Fs
  • dl-PCBs
  • CALUX
  • GC-HRMS

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