Determination of temporal and spatial changes of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations with the active-passive air samplers and bee-bee products

In this study, concentration levels, sources, relationship with meteorological factors and cancer risk indices of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in ambient air, bee, honey and pollen samples collected from urban and semi-urban areas in Bursa province were evaluated. Two types of samplers, passive and active (high volume air sampler (HVAS)) were used in the collection of air samples. As the sampling period, May 2017-April 2018 was selected for the passive air samplers (PASs); May-September 2017, which was the period of beekeeping, was selected for HVASs and bee, honey and pollen samples. The average total concentrations of 50 PCB (∑50PCB) calculated with the help of PAS were 679.57±294.24 pg/m3 and 874.05±291.78 pg/m3 for Ovaakça and Cumalıkızık sampling regions, respectively. Similarly, ∑50PCB concentrations (gas+particle phase) calculated with the help of HVAS were 659.51±159.74 pg/m3 and 586.31±151.36 pg/m3, respectively. PCB levels in bee, honey, and pollen samples were 114.44 ±20.36, 104.89±31.48 and 65.89±13.54 ng/g dry weight (dw) for the Ovaakca sampling area, respectively and 119.41±45.13, 112.75±21.57 and 46.52± 8.85 ng/g dw for the Cumalikizik sampling area. Differences/similarities between PCB sources and concentration distributions over time between both regions were determined by statistical methods such as coefficients of divergence (COD) and pearson correlation coefficient (PCC). Generally, it was found that PCB sources and concentration distributions in sampling regions were different. Looking at the relationship between sampling materials and meteorological parameters; a significant relationship between temperature and relative humidity was determined. The risk of cancer in adults (70 years) and children (9 years) was calculated by inhalation of PCBs obtained by using PAS and by digestion (consumption) of PCBs by using honey and pollen samples. According to the calculations, no cancer risk has been identified in adults and children both by inhalation and by digestion.