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Paulik LB, Keenan RE, Durda JL. The Case for Effective Risk Communication: Lessons from a Global Pandemic. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2020; 16:552-554. [PMID: 32881245 PMCID: PMC7461320 DOI: 10.1002/ieam.4312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
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Minick DJ, Paulik LB, Smith BW, Scott RP, Kile ML, Rohlman D, Anderson KA. A passive sampling model to predict PAHs in butter clams (Saxidomus giganteus), a traditional food source for Native American tribes of the Salish Sea Region. Mar Pollut Bull 2019; 145:28-35. [PMID: 31590789 PMCID: PMC7094077 DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 05/12/2023]
Abstract
Native Americans face disproportionate exposures to environmental pollution through traditional subsistence practices including shellfish harvesting. In this study, the collection of butter clams (Saxidomus giganteus) was spatially and temporally paired with deployment of sediment pore water passive samplers at 20 locations in the Puget Sound region of the Salish Sea in the Pacific Northwest, USA, within adjudicated usual and accustomed tribal fishing grounds and stations. Clams and passive samplers were analyzed for 62 individual PAHs. A linear regression model was constructed to predict PAH concentrations in the edible fraction of butter clams from the freely dissolved fraction (Cfree) in porewater. PAH concentrations can be predicted within a factor of 1.9 ± 0.2 on average from the freely dissolved PAH concentration in porewater using the following equation: PAHClam=4.1±0.1×PAHporewater This model offers a simplified, cost effective, and low impact approach to assess contaminant levels in butter clams which are an important traditional food.
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Affiliation(s)
- D James Minick
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - L Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Brian W Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Richard P Scott
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Molly L Kile
- College of Public Health and Human Services, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Diana Rohlman
- College of Public Health and Human Services, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, 97331, USA.
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3
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Dixon HM, Armstrong G, Barton M, Bergmann AJ, Bondy M, Halbleib ML, Hamilton W, Haynes E, Herbstman J, Hoffman P, Jepson P, Kile ML, Kincl L, Laurienti PJ, North P, Paulik LB, Petrosino J, Points GL, Poutasse CM, Rohlman D, Scott RP, Smith B, Tidwell LG, Walker C, Waters KM, Anderson KA. Discovery of common chemical exposures across three continents using silicone wristbands. R Soc Open Sci 2019; 6:181836. [PMID: 30891293 PMCID: PMC6408398 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.181836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
To assess differences and trends in personal chemical exposure, volunteers from 14 communities in Africa (Senegal, South Africa), North America (United States (U.S.)) and South America (Peru) wore 262 silicone wristbands. We analysed wristband extracts for 1530 unique chemicals, resulting in 400 860 chemical data points. The number of chemical detections ranged from 4 to 43 per wristband, with 191 different chemicals detected, and 1339 chemicals were not detected in any wristband. No two wristbands had identical chemical detections. We detected 13 potential endocrine disrupting chemicals in over 50% of all wristbands and found 36 chemicals in common between chemicals detected in three geographical wristband groups (Africa, North America and South America). U.S. children (less than or equal to 11 years) had the highest percentage of flame retardant detections compared with all other participants. Wristbands worn in Texas post-Hurricane Harvey had the highest mean number of chemical detections (28) compared with other study locations (10-25). Consumer product-related chemicals and phthalates were a high percentage of chemical detections across all study locations (36-53% and 18-42%, respectively). Chemical exposures varied among individuals; however, many individuals were exposed to similar chemical mixtures. Our exploratory investigation uncovered personal chemical exposure trends that can help prioritize certain mixtures and chemical classes for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly M. Dixon
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Georgina Armstrong
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Michael Barton
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Alan J. Bergmann
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Melissa Bondy
- Department of Medicine, Section of Epidemiology and Population Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Mary L. Halbleib
- Department of Crop and Soil Science, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Winifred Hamilton
- Department of Medicine, Environmental Health Section, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Erin Haynes
- College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Julie Herbstman
- Columbia Center for Children's Environmental Health, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Peter Hoffman
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Paul Jepson
- Integrated Plant Protection Center, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Molly L. Kile
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Paul J. Laurienti
- Department of Radiology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - Paula North
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - L. Blair Paulik
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Joe Petrosino
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Gary L. Points
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Carolyn M. Poutasse
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Diana Rohlman
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Richard P. Scott
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Brian Smith
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Lane G. Tidwell
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
| | - Cheryl Walker
- Department of Medicine, Center for Precision Environmental Health, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Katrina M. Waters
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Food Safety and Environmental Stewardship Program, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR, USA
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Paulik LB, Hobbie KA, Rohlman D, Smith BW, Scott RP, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Environmental and individual PAH exposures near rural natural gas extraction. Environ Pollut 2018; 241:397-405. [PMID: 29857308 PMCID: PMC7169985 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2018.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/03/2018] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction (NGE) has expanded rapidly in the United States in recent years. Despite concerns, there is little information about the effects of NGE on air quality or personal exposures of people living or working nearby. Recent research suggests NGE emits polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into air. This study used low-density polyethylene passive samplers to measure concentrations of PAHs in air near active (n = 3) and proposed (n = 2) NGE sites. At each site, two concentric rings of air samplers were placed around the active or proposed well pad location. Silicone wristbands were used to assess personal PAH exposures of participants (n = 19) living or working near the sampling sites. All samples were analyzed for 62 PAHs using GC-MS/MS, and point sources were estimated using the fluoranthene/pyrene isomer ratio. ∑PAH was significantly higher in air at active NGE sites (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p < 0.01). PAHs in air were also more petrogenic (petroleum-derived) at active NGE sites. This suggests that PAH mixtures at active NGE sites may have been affected by direct emissions from petroleum sources at these sites. ∑PAH was also significantly higher in wristbands from participants who had active NGE wells on their properties than from participants who did not (Wilcoxon rank sum test, p < 0.005). There was a significant positive correlation between ∑PAH in participants' wristbands and ∑PAH in air measured closest to participants' homes or workplaces (simple linear regression, p < 0.0001). These findings suggest that living or working near an active NGE well may increase personal PAH exposure. This work also supports the utility of the silicone wristband to assess personal PAH exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Kevin A Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Diana Rohlman
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Brian W Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Richard P Scott
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Erin N Haynes
- College of Medicine, Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States.
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Tidwell LG, Blair Paulik L, Anderson KA. Air-water exchange of PAHs and OPAHs at a superfund mega-site. Sci Total Environ 2017; 603-604:676-686. [PMID: 28372820 PMCID: PMC6059359 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2017.01.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2015] [Revised: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/26/2017] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Chemical fate is a concern at environmentally contaminated sites, but characterizing that fate can be difficult. Identifying and quantifying the movement of chemicals at the air-water interface are important steps in characterizing chemical fate. Superfund sites are often suspected sources of air pollution due to legacy sediment and water contamination. A quantitative assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and oxygenated PAH (OPAHs) diffusive flux in a river system that contains a Superfund Mega-site, and passes through residential, urban and agricultural land, has not been reported before. Here, passive sampling devices (PSDs) were used to measure 60 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 22 oxygenated PAH (OPAHs) in air and water. From these concentrations the magnitude and direction of contaminant flux between these two compartments was calculated. The magnitude of PAH flux was greater at sites near or within the Superfund Mega-site than outside of the Superfund Mega-site. The largest net individual PAH deposition at a single site was naphthalene at a rate of -14,200 (±5780) (ng/m2)/day. The estimated one-year total flux of phenanthrene was -7.9×105 (ng/m2)/year. Human health risk associated with inhalation of vapor phase PAHs and dermal exposure to PAHs in water were assessed by calculating benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentrations. Excess lifetime cancer risk estimates show potential increased risk associated with exposure to PAHs at sites within and in close proximity to the Superfund Mega-site. Specifically, estimated excess lifetime cancer risk associated with dermal exposure and inhalation of PAHs was above 1 in 1 million within the Superfund Mega-site. The predominant depositional flux profile observed in this study suggests that the river water in this Superfund site is largely a sink for airborne PAHs, rather than a source.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lane G Tidwell
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, Oregon State University, ALS 1007, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - L Blair Paulik
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, Oregon State University, ALS 1007, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Department, Oregon State University, ALS 1007, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States.
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Extraction into Air. Environ Sci Technol 2016. [PMID: 27400263 DOI: 10.1221/acs.est.6b02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking", has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. Levels of benzo[a]pyrene, phenanthrene, and carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were comparable to levels previously reported in rural areas in winter. Sourcing ratios indicated that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. At sites closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 0.04 in a million, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest from them. This work suggests that natural gas extraction is contributing PAHs to the air, at levels that would not be expected to increase cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Carey E Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Brian W Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Lane G Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Kevin A Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Erin N Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati , Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University , Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Retraction of "Impact of Natural Gas Extraction on PAH Levels in Ambient Air". Environ Sci Technol 2016; 50:7936. [PMID: 27353958 PMCID: PMC5206897 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Emissions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons from Natural Gas Extraction into Air. Environ Sci Technol 2016; 50:7921-9. [PMID: 27400263 PMCID: PMC5134738 DOI: 10.1021/acs.est.6b02762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking", has increased rapidly in the United States in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. Levels of benzo[a]pyrene, phenanthrene, and carcinogenic potency of PAH mixtures were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were comparable to levels previously reported in rural areas in winter. Sourcing ratios indicated that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. At sites closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 0.04 in a million, which is below the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest from them. This work suggests that natural gas extraction is contributing PAHs to the air, at levels that would not be expected to increase cancer risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Carey E. Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Brian W. Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Lane G. Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Kevin A. Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
| | - Erin N. Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45267, United States
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States
- Corresponding Author: 1007 Ag & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, Oregon 97331, United States; Phone: 541-737-8501; Fax: 541-737-0497;
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Paulik LB, Smith BW, Bergmann AJ, Sower GJ, Forsberg ND, Teeguarden JG, Anderson KA. Passive samplers accurately predict PAH levels in resident crayfish. Sci Total Environ 2016; 544:782-91. [PMID: 26674706 PMCID: PMC4747685 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2015.11.142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Revised: 11/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/26/2015] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
Contamination of resident aquatic organisms is a major concern for environmental risk assessors. However, collecting organisms to estimate risk is often prohibitively time and resource-intensive. Passive sampling accurately estimates resident organism contamination, and it saves time and resources. This study used low density polyethylene (LDPE) passive water samplers to predict polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in signal crayfish, Pacifastacus leniusculus. Resident crayfish were collected at 5 sites within and outside of the Portland Harbor Superfund Megasite (PHSM) in the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. LDPE deployment was spatially and temporally paired with crayfish collection. Crayfish visceral and tail tissue, as well as water-deployed LDPE, were extracted and analyzed for 62 PAHs using GC-MS/MS. Freely-dissolved concentrations (Cfree) of PAHs in water were calculated from concentrations in LDPE. Carcinogenic risks were estimated for all crayfish tissues, using benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentrations (BaPeq). ∑PAH were 5-20 times higher in viscera than in tails, and ∑BaPeq were 6-70 times higher in viscera than in tails. Eating only tail tissue of crayfish would therefore significantly reduce carcinogenic risk compared to also eating viscera. Additionally, PAH levels in crayfish were compared to levels in crayfish collected 10 years earlier. PAH levels in crayfish were higher upriver of the PHSM and unchanged within the PHSM after the 10-year period. Finally, a linear regression model predicted levels of 34 PAHs in crayfish viscera with an associated R-squared value of 0.52 (and a correlation coefficient of 0.72), using only the Cfree PAHs in water. On average, the model predicted PAH concentrations in crayfish tissue within a factor of 2.4 ± 1.8 of measured concentrations. This affirms that passive water sampling accurately estimates PAH contamination in crayfish. Furthermore, the strong predictive ability of this simple model suggests that it could be easily adapted to predict contamination in other shellfish of concern.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Brian W Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Alan J Bergmann
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Greg J Sower
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States; Ramboll ENVIRON US Corporation, 2111 East Highland Avenue, Suite 402, Phoenix, AZ 85016, United States
| | - Norman D Forsberg
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States
| | - Justin G Teeguarden
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States; Health Effects and Exposure Science, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA 99352, United States
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, United States.
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Paulik LB, Donald CE, Smith BW, Tidwell LG, Hobbie KA, Kincl L, Haynes EN, Anderson KA. Impact of natural gas extraction on PAH levels in ambient air. Environ Sci Technol 2015; 49:5203-10. [PMID: 25810398 PMCID: PMC4415607 DOI: 10.1021/es506095e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Natural gas extraction, often referred to as "fracking," has increased rapidly in the U.S. in recent years. To address potential health impacts, passive air samplers were deployed in a rural community heavily affected by the natural gas boom. Samplers were analyzed for 62 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Results were grouped based on distance from each sampler to the nearest active well. PAH levels were highest when samplers were closest to active wells. Additionally, PAH levels closest to natural gas activity were an order of magnitude higher than levels previously reported in rural areas. Sourcing ratios indicate that PAHs were predominantly petrogenic, suggesting that elevated PAH levels were influenced by direct releases from the earth. Quantitative human health risk assessment estimated the excess lifetime cancer risks associated with exposure to the measured PAHs. Closest to active wells, the risk estimated for maximum residential exposure was 2.9 in 10 000, which is above the U.S. EPA's acceptable risk level. Overall, risk estimates decreased 30% when comparing results from samplers closest to active wells to those farthest. This work suggests that natural gas extraction may be contributing significantly to PAHs in air, at levels that are relevant to human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- L. Blair Paulik
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Carey E. Donald
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Brian W. Smith
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Lane G. Tidwell
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Kevin A. Hobbie
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Laurel Kincl
- College of Public Health and Human Sciences, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
| | - Erin N. Haynes
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267
| | - Kim A. Anderson
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331
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O'Connell SG, McCartney MA, Paulik LB, Allan SE, Tidwell LG, Wilson G, Anderson KA. Improvements in pollutant monitoring: optimizing silicone for co-deployment with polyethylene passive sampling devices. Environ Pollut 2014; 193:71-78. [PMID: 25009960 PMCID: PMC4140445 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2014.06.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 06/13/2014] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Sequestering semi-polar compounds can be difficult with low-density polyethylene (LDPE), but those pollutants may be more efficiently absorbed using silicone. In this work, optimized methods for cleaning, infusing reference standards, and polymer extraction are reported along with field comparisons of several silicone materials for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and pesticides. In a final field demonstration, the most optimal silicone material is coupled with LDPE in a large-scale study to examine PAHs in addition to oxygenated-PAHs (OPAHs) at a Superfund site. OPAHs exemplify a sensitive range of chemical properties to compare polymers (log Kow 0.2-5.3), and transformation products of commonly studied parent PAHs. On average, while polymer concentrations differed nearly 7-fold, water-calculated values were more similar (about 3.5-fold or less) for both PAHs (17) and OPAHs (7). Individual water concentrations of OPAHs differed dramatically between silicone and LDPE, highlighting the advantages of choosing appropriate polymers and optimized methods for pollutant monitoring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven G O'Connell
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Melissa A McCartney
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - L Blair Paulik
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Sarah E Allan
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Lane G Tidwell
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Glenn Wilson
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
| | - Kim A Anderson
- Oregon State University, Department of Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, 1007 Agriculture & Life Sciences Building, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA.
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