Possibilities of Persistent Organic Pollutants Determination and Detection in Environment and Biological Samples. Summary of the Doctoral Thesis

Abstract

Possiblities of persistent organic pollutants detection and determination in environment and biological samples. Sudmalis P., scientific tutors: Assoc.prof., Dr. chem. Juris Rotbergs Dr.med. sc. Mārīte Ārija Baķe. Promotion Paper, 89 pages, 23 figures, 22 tables, 114 reference sources, 9 appendices. Executed in Latvian language. The Paper contains discussion of different methods applied to detect persistent organic pollutants, and the selected and approved methods are the most appropriate to the existing laboratory facilities. The work includes analysis of 30 human milk samples, 116 blood serum samples, and 5 samples of cod-liver oil. Analysis of working environment has been conducted at five enterprises to detect the presence of POPs. The risk posed to health of mothers, children and employees of the enterprises in Latvia has been assessed on the basis of the obtained results. The POP levels fluctuate in very wide concentration ranges on all occasions. Correlation has been established between the weight built up by prospective mothers during the pregnancy period and the level of PCBs in milk; such fact indicates to food products as the key source of PCBs. Assessment of the working enironment to detect the presence of POPs has identified that such environment may have effect on the quantity of POPs in human body, while cod-liver oil presents no significant risk. The obtained results are comparable to the European and global levels.