EPA-560/13-79-002
A SURVEY OF POLYBROMINATED
BIPHENYLS (PBBs) NEAR SITES OF
MANUFACTURE AND USE
IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY
w
DECEMBER 1977
U.S. ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
OFFICE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES
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A SURVEY OF POLYBROMINATED BIPHENYLS
(PBBs) NEAR SITES OF MANUFACTURE
AND USE IN NORTHEASTERN NEW JERSEY
by
Charles L. Stratton and Stuart A. Whitlock
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ENGINEERING, INC.
P. 0. Box 13454, University Station
Gainesville, Florida 32604
Task IIIA
Contract No. 68-01-3248
December 1977
Project Officers
Thomas E. Kopp
Vincent J. DeCarlo
OFFICE OF TOXIC SUBSTANCES
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Washington, D.C. 20460
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DISCLAIMER
This report has been reviewed by the Office of Toxic Substances, U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency, and approved for publication. Approval does
not signify that the contents necessarily reflect the views and policies of the
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, nor does mention of trade names or commer-
cial products constitute endorsement or recommendation for use.
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ABSTRACT
A field screening survey was conducted to determine if polybrominated bi-
phenyls (PBBs) are present in the environment near three industrial sties where
these materials have been manufactured or used in product formulations. The
sites surveyed are located in industrial areas of northeastern New Jersey and
Staten Island, New York. PBBs were detected at all three sites chosen for this
screening survey. The highest levels of PBBs detected were 9.8 ug/1 in waters,
60 ppb in aquatic sediments, 4.6 ppm in soils, 230 ppb in fish tissue, 92 ppm
accumulated on marsh vegetation, and 431 ppm in a sludge deposit. Air samples
contained traces of hexabromobiphenyl. Human hair samples contained up to 310
ppm of PBB in extractable oil. There is conclusive evidence of either past or
ongoing wastewater-borne discharge of PBBs at all three locations and indirect
evidence of airborne discharges of PBBs at two of the locations. The presence
of PBBs in human hair oils is an indication of possible human exposure to this
class of substances in the areas surveyed.
ii
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
ABSTRACT ii
LIST OF TABLES iv
LIST OF FIGURES v
1.0 INTRODUCTION 1
2.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS 5
2.1 WHITE CHEMICAL CORPORATION 5
2.2 STANDARD T CHEMICAL COMPANY 7
2.3 HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS DIVISION 9
2.4 HUMAN HAIR ANALYSIS 9
3.0 SAMPLING PROGRAM 12
3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PREPARATION 12
3.2 SAMPLE ANALYSIS 18
4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 19
4.1 WHITE CHEMICAL CORPORATION 19
4.2 STANDARD T CHEMICAL COMPANY 29
4.3 HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS DIVISION 33
5.0 REFERENCES 42
APPENDIX A—SAMPLES .COLLECTED
iii
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LIST OF TABLES
Table Page
4-1 Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity
of White Chemical Corporation, Bayonne, New Jersey 20
4-2 Percent Isomeric Composition of PBB's Detected in
Samples Taken in the Vicinity of White Chemical
Corporation 24
4-3 Brominated Compounds Detected in Sludge Samples
Taken from Head of Platti Kill, GC/MS Analysis 25
4-4 Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity
of Standard T Chemical Company, Staten Island, New
York 30
4-5 Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity
of Hexcel Fine Organics, Sayreville, New Jersey 34
4-6 Percent Composition of PBB Detected in Samples Taken
in the Vicinity of Hexcel Fine Organics Division 38
4-7 Brominated Compounds Detected in Waters Taken from
Swamp Near Main Street in Sayreville, GC/MS Analysis 40
IV
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LIST OF FIGURES
Figure Page
1-1 Location of the Three Industries Sampled 3
3-1 Assembled Sampler and Shelter with Exploded View
of the Filter Holder 13
3-2 Diagram Showing Surface Soil Sampling Method 15
4-1 Vicinity of White Chemical Corporation, Bayonne,
New Jersey 22
4-2 Ten Year Averaged Wind Rose for Newark, New Jersey 27
4-3 Vicinity of Standard T Chemical Company, Staten
Island, New York 31
4-4 Vicinity of Hexcel Fine Organics, Sayreville, New
Jersey 36
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1.0 INTRODUCTION
Polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) are a class of chemical compounds with a
chemical structure as follows:
Brx.. /=\ /=yBrx
where X can be any number from 0 to 5. These compounds were first
produced in the United States in commercial quantities in 1970. The
compounds have been used as flame retardants for plastics, textiles, and
other materials.
Firemaster BP-6® is the trade name (Michigan Chemical Corporation) for a
commercially produced PBB mixture containing approximately 75 percent
bromine by weight (Mumma and Wallace, 1975). The predominant PBB isomer
in this commercial mixture is hexabromobiphenyl (Cj^^Brg), which
constitutes approximately 62.8 percent of the total PBB content. The
Firemaster BP-6 product also contains approximately 2.0 percent
tetrabromobiphenyl (Cj^HgBr^, 10*6 percent pentabromobiphenyl
(012^5^5), 13.8 percent heptabromobiphenyl (Ci2H3Br7)» and H-4 percent
other brominated biphenyl isomers, principally octabromobiphenyl
» nonabromobiphenyls (C^HBrg), an(* decabromobiphenyl
' In addition to Firemaster BP-6, octabromobiphenyl and
decabromobiphenyl have also been produced in commercial quantities.
Monobromobiphenyl (Cj^HjjBr) an
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An ecological survey was conducted to determine the presence of
polybrominated biphenyls (PBBs) in the environment near three industrial
sites. The sites chosen for the survey were:
a) White Chemical Corporation
Bayonne Industrial Park
Bayonne, New Jersey
b) Marcor, Inc.
Standard T Chemical Company, Inc., Subsidiary
Staten Island, New York
c) Hexcel Corporation
Fine Organics Division
Sayreville, New Jersey
The locations of these three industries to the north and southwest of
Staten Island are shown in Figure 1-1.
White Chemical Corporation produced an estimated total of 45,350 kilo-
grams of octabromobiphenyl and decabromobiphenyl at the facility in
Bayonne, New Jersey during the period 1970 to 1973 (Mumma and Wallace,
1975). Production was discontinued in 1973. The amount produced
constitutes about 4 percent of the total amount of PBB produced in the
United States.
Standard T Chemical Company on Staten Island, New York was one of two
major domestic users of Firemaster BP-6. The product was blended into
various plastic resins, principally ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-
styrene) resins, to produce flame-retardant plastics.
Hexcel Corporation, Fine Organics Division in Sayreville, New Jersey is
reported (EPA, 1977) to be a producer of laboratory quantities of
various PBBs.
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..if^-v "^*i,i*«
Y-y^Sg ^ UNION"
' .>/».' '''• ^~*3f
1. White Chemical Corporation
2. Standard T Chemical Company
3. Hexcel Corporation, Fine Organics Division
Figure 1-1. LOCATION OF THE THREE INDUSTRIES SAMPLED
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Sample collection occurred during the period April 11-16, 1977 near each
of the three industries. Samples were taken of air, soil, water, waste-
water, bottom sediments, and available biota. Human hair samples were
also collected at barbershops and beauty parlors in nearby communities.
A total of 340 samples were collected during the survey. Forty-eight
samples were selected for analysis of PBB by gas chromatography/mass
spectroscopy (GC/MS).
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2.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS
Environmental contamination with PBBs was detected at all three sites
chosen for this survey. The highest levels of PBBs detected were
9.8 ug/1 in waters, 60 ppb in aquatic sediments, 4.6 ppm in soils,
230 ppb in fish tissue, 92 ppm accumulated on marsh vegetation, and
431 ppm in a sludge deposit. Air samples contained traces of hexabromo-
biphenyl. Human hair samples contained up to 310 ppm of PBB in extract-
able oil. There is conclusive evidence of either past or ongoing
wastewater-borne discharge of PBBs at all three locations and indirect
evidence of airborne discharges of PBBs at White Chemical Corporation
and Standard T Chemical Company. The presence of PBBs in human hair
oils is an indication of possible human exposure to this class of
substances in the areas surveyed.
2.1 WHITE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
At White Chemical Corporation in Bayonne, New Jersey a primary
industrial wastewater treatment basin (the Platti Kill) has apparently
received PBB contaminated wastewater. Sludge accumulations in the basin
contained up to 431 ppm PBB including all isomers, except tetrabromobi-
phenyl, but predominately nonabromobiphenyl (22.5 ppm) and decabromo-
biphenyl (390 ppm). Octabromobiphenyl, which was reported to have been
manufactured by White Chemical Corporation along with decabromobiphenyl,
was present, but in a substantially lower concentration (3.6 ppm).
Numerous other brominated organic chemical compounds, including
bromobenzenes, bromotoluene, and bromodiphenyl ethers, were also
present. White Chemical Corporation manufactures bromodiphenyl ethers.
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7
The data indicate that wastewaters leaving the treatment basin carry
v.7 '
PBBs into nearby ambient waters. The absence of PBBs in bottom sedi-
ments near the discharge from the treatment basin, however, may indicate
PBBs are either chemically or biologically degraded in anaerobic bottom
sediments. The maximum sediment concentration of PBBs measured in the
vicinity was 20 ppb near the discharge of a sewage treatment plant
serving the area—and only hexa- and heptabromobiphenyl were detected
at this point.
Fish captured in the vicinity of White Chemical Corporation contained
220 ppb of PBB. Bioaccumulation of these substances has apparently
occurred in aquatic organisms in the area. Only the nonabromobiphenyl
and hexabromobiphenyl isomers were present, however, so either metab-
olism or selective bioaccumulation of PBBs is taking place. If
decabromobiphenyl, which is the predominant isomer discharged, is
bioaccumulated by the fish, then the decabromobiphenyl must be
subsequently eliminated, biodegraded, or possibly debrominated to nona-
or hexabromobiphenyl within the fish tissue. Hepta- and octabromo-
biphenyl apparently undergo a similar fate, for they too are absent in
the fish tissue. Algae collected in the vicinity did not contain PBBs,
so there is no evidence of accumulation in plant tissue.
Although an air sample taken downwind of the White Chemical Corporation
facility contained traces of hexabromobiphenyl, a sample taken during
crosswind conditions did also. Hence, there is no direct evidence of
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airborne discharge of PBBs, however, there is apparently either an
indirect or a direct source in the general area.
If airborne discharges occur or have occurred over a lengthy period of
time, accumulations of PBBs may be expected in soils near the facility.
In fact, soil concentrations of 4.2 ppm were detected in the prevailing
downwind direction and 1.1 ppm in the prevailing upwind direction. The
soil in the prevailing downwind direction (to the east) contained, in
addition to the higher concentration, the higher relative amount of the
least volatile nona- and decabromobiphenyls. The soil in the predominant
upwind direction contained greater relative amounts of the more volatile
hepta- and octabromobiphenyls. Vegetation in the area may also be
expected to accumulate airborne discharged PBBs in trapped dustfall. A
lichen taken near the facility had accumulated 1.3 ppm of PBBs. The
isoraeric composition of this accumulated dust was similar to that of the
contamination in the prevailing downwind soil sample.
2.2 STANDARD T CHEMICAL COMPANY
There is some evidence of waterborne discharges of PBBs into Kill van
Kull at Standard T Chemical Company located on Staten Island. Sediments
near an outfall contained the relatively low concentration of 60 ppb
hexa- and heptabromobiphenyls. Again, the relatively low bottom sedi-
ment concentration near the outfall may indicate PBB instability in
anaerobic sediments. Fish taken near the discharge contained 230 ppb of
PBB. This is very similar to the concentration (220 ppb) measured in
fish taken in the vicinity of White Chemical Corporation, however, the
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isomeric composition of the PBB is different. At the former location
the contamination consisted of 82 percent nonabromobiphenyl and
18 percent hexabromobiphenyl. At this location, only hexabromobiphenyl
was detected. This may reflect the fact that White Chemical Corporation
has manufactured the more highly-substituted isomers, while Standard T
Chemical Company is a major user of Firemaster BP-6, which is
predominately hexabromobiphenyl. Algae, again, did not contain PBBs.
There is indirect evidence of airborne discharge of PBBs in the vicinity
of Standard T Chemical Company. A trace of hexabromobiphenyl was
detected in a downwind air sample. Additional air samples have not been
analyzed, however, so this is certainly insubstantial direct evidence of
airborne discharge. Soil accumulations of PBBs have, however, been
detected in the vicinity. The highest soil concentration (100 ppb)
700 meters from the facility in the prevailing downwind direction
consisted entirely of pentabromobiphenyl. This isomer constitutes
approximately 10.6 percent of Firemaster BP-6. Soil samples taken at
closer (75 meters) and more distant locations (1,500 meters) from the
facility in prevailing upwind and crosswind directions contained 10 to
30 ppb of PBBs. In these samples, hexabromobiphenyl was the dominant
isomer. Selective airborne transport of the various isomers is
indicated, however, there is inadequate data to more clearly define the
nature of airborne transport.
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2.3 HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS DIVISION
Residue in receiving waters, storm sewer waters, marsh soils, and on
wetland vegetation indicates there have been waterborne discharges of
PBBs in the vicinity of Hexcel Fine Organics Division near Sayreville,
New Jersey. The discharge has entered a swampy depression where reeds
have accumulated surface concentrations of 92 ppm and waters contain up
to 210 ug/1. Decabromobiphenyl is in greatest evidence. Contaminated
waters (138 ug/1) were also discovered in the local storm sewer system,
indicating the discharge of decabromobiphenyl-contaminated wastewaters
to this system has occurred. There is no evidence of airborne PBB
discharges at this location.
2.4 HUMAN HAIR ANALYSIS
Certain human hair samples collected from barbershops and beauty parlors
located in the community nearest all three sites contained PBBs. Of the
nine samples analyzed, five contained detectable PBB levels.
Near White Chemical Corporation, one sample contained 8.1 ppm of
dibromobiphenyl in the extracted oils. Two other samples were PBB-free.
All three hair samples taken from the community near Standard T Chemical
Company contained PBBs. The highest level was 26 ppm in extracted oils.
This sample contained hexa-, hepta-, octa-, nona- and decabromobiphenyl,
with the latter constituting 77 percent of the total. The other two
samples (740 ppb and 440 ppb) contained only hexabromobiphenyl.
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One hair sample taken in Sayreville contained a total of 310 ppm of PBBs
consisting of hexa-, nona-, and decabromobiphenyls, with the latter
constituting 92 percent of the total. Two other samples did not contain
detectable levels of PBB.
As a result of limited knowledge of the exact origin of the hair that
was collected, only very general conclusions can be reached. These data
are, however, evidence of human exposure to PBBs. Since no data exists
for other locations, it is difficult to ascertain whether the exposure
is related to the workplace or to the ambient environment. A more
extensive and definitive sampling program would be necessary. The large
difference in concentrations for various samples, from undetected levels
«100 ppb) to 310 ppm in extracted oils, seems to indicate only selected
individuals have been exposed. Both male and female hair samples
contained PBBs.
There are identifiable differences in the isomeric composition of the
PBBs found on hair from the three locations. The samples with the
highest concentrations contained relatively large amounts of the deca-
bromobiphenyls, while the samples with lower concentrations contained
only hexabromobiphenyl. The sample containing dibromobiphenyl was
characteristically much different from the other four samples containing
PBBs. Dibromobiphenyl was not detected in any other media. It could,
perhaps, be a metabolite of a previous PBB exposure.
10
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The survey reported in this document has demonstrated that PBBs have
entered the environment in the vicinity of PBB manufacturers and users
in the Northeast New Jersey and Southern New York 'area. Contamination
of surface waters, bottom sediments, soils, vegetation, and aquatic
organisms is evident. Airborne discharge is implied but not proven by
the data. Human exposure is indicated by results for human hair
samples.
11
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3.0 SAMPLING PROGRAM
3.1 SAMPLE COLLECTION AND PREPARATION
Sample collection occurred during the period April 11-17, 1977 near each
of the three industries. Samples were taken of air, soil, water, waste-
water, bottom sediments, and available biota. Human hair samples were
also collected at barbershops and beauty parlors in nearby communities.
A total of 340 samples were collected during the survey. Forty-eight
samples were selected for analysis of PBB by gas chromatography/mass
spectroscopy (GC/MS). Appendix A is a tabulation of all the samples
taken at each site. Those samples that have not been analyzed have been
retained in cold storage or frozen for future disposition.
Air
Air samples were 6 to 24-hour, high-volume samples using porous poly-
urethane foam as the collection medium. The sampling apparatus is
depicted in Figure 3-1. Polyurethane foam plugs were cut from a 7.6 cm
sheet to fit snugly into the throat of the sampling apparatus. These
foam plugs were pre-extracted with toluene at 100°C to remove any
contaminants before sample collection. Collection efficiency studies,
using the apparatus shown in Figure 3-1, have not been conducted for
PBBs. Hence, the reported airborne PBB concentrations must be
considered to be minima. A high-collection efficiency using this
high-volume sampling apparatus has been demonstrated for polychlorinated
biphenyls (PCBs) by Stratton, Whitlock, and Allan (1977).
12
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Stainless Steel Throat Extension
Polyurethane Foam
Plug Location
Faceplate
Filter Position
Throat Extension
Wire Retainer
Motor Unit
Adapter
Exhaust Duct
(3m minimum length)
FIGURE 3-1. ASSEMBLED SAMPLE AND SHELTER WITH EXPLODED VIEW OF
THE FILTER HOLDER.
13
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The polyurethane foam plugs were exposed to the ambient air by drawing
air through the material located in the throat of the sampler at the
rate of approximately 1.0 m^/min. The flow rate is measured at the
beginning and end of the sample collection period and the average total
flow is computed. Detailed sampling procedures have been described by
Stratton, Whitlock, and Allan (1977).
Upon return to the laboratory, the polyurethane foam plugs and the
glass-fiber filters were extracted with hexane in the soxhlet extraction
apparatus. The hexane was concentrated on a Kuderna-Danish evaporator
concentrator to 1.0 ml and subjected to GC/MS analysis.
Soil
Each soil sample is constituted of an homogenized composite of five
sub-samples taken within a 10-meter radius to a depth of 2.5 cm at the
location described in the data tables. This composite sampling
technique is illustrated in Figure 3-2. Sample points were chosen that
were essentially free of vegetation and where excessive wind erosion was
not apparent.
Soil samples were extracted with hexane in a soxhlet apparatus. The
extract was concentrated to 1.0 ml on a Kuderna-Danish evaporator,
cleaned up on a florisil chromatographic column, and packaged in
hermetically sealed vials prior to GC/MS analysis.
14
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2.5
10 m
FIGURE 3-2. DIAGRAM SHOWING SURFACE SOIL SAMPLING METHOD.
Not to scale. Five sub-samples are composited to yield a single sample.
15
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Water and Wastewater
Grab samples of ambient waters were taken just below the surface and, in
addition for deeper waters, at mid-depth and one-half meter above the
bottom. The deeper samples were taken with a Van Dorn sampler. Waste-
waters were collected directly from the outfall or retention basin as
appropriate to the site. All samples were placed in solvent-rinsed
glass containers.
Each one-liter water sample was extracted three times with hexane in a
separatory funnel using the procedures described by the EPA (1974) for
PCB in waters. The hexane extract was concentrated to 1.0 ml, and
cleaned-up with florisil before GC/MS analysis.
Bottom Sediments
A Ponar dredge sampler was used to collect bottom sediments and sludges.
These samples were taken after the overlying water sampling was complete
in order to avoid atypical suspension of sediments in the water column.
Sediment samples were placed in solvent-rinsed glass containers.
Sediment and sludge samples were extracted with hexane in a soxhlet
apparatus, and the extract cleaned-up in the same manner as described
above for soils. The moisture content was determined on a separate
fraction of the homogenized sample.
16
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Biological Tissue
Samples of plant and animal biota were collected as available. Fish
were collected using an otter trawl and algae with a plankton net. All
samples were placed in sealed, solvent-rinsed glass containers and
chilled. Animal tissue was frozen shortly after collection.
Terrestrial vegetation (i.e., reeds, lichen) was analyzed for PBB by
rinsing a measured quantity with hexane in a beaker. The hexane was
subsequently concentrated on a Kuderna-Danish evaporator concentrator to
1.0 ml and subjected directly to GC/MS analysis. The resulting
analytical data was calculated as mass of PBB accumulated on a unit mass
of vegetation.
Animal tissue and algae were hard frozen. To a measured quantity of
crushed, frozen tissue was added 5 g of clean, sharp sand and 5 g of
anhydrous sodium sulfate (^2804). Whole fish were used, since
those analyzed were very small in size. The tissue was then ground to
obtain a uniform, dry granular mass. This material was extracted with
hexane in a soxhlet extraction apparatus. The hexane extract was
concentrated to 0.5 ml on a Kuderna-Danish apparatus and passed through
a florisil chromatographic column using the procedures of Fehringer
(1975) and EPA (1974). The eluate was concentrated to 1.0 ml and placed
in a hermetically sealed vial prior to GC/MS analysis. Moisture content
of the tissue was determined on a separate fraction of the homogenate.
Analytical results are reported on a dry weight basis.
17
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Human Hair
The human hair samples were extracted with hexane and evaporated to
determine the quantity of oil per unit mass of hair (g/g). The oil was
then redissolved in hexane, passed through a florosil column to remove
lipids, collected and analyzed for PBB. These procedures are described
by Domanski and Guthrie (1976). The analytical results are reported as
ppb in the extracted oil. The oil content ranged from 1.0 to
1.4 percent of the hair.
3.2 SAMPLE ANALYSIS
To each sample extract an internal standard of octachloronaphthalene was
added before sealing in a septum-topped vial. The extracts were stored
at 4°C in the dark until shipment to Research Triangle Institute (RTI)
for GC/MS analysis. The sample extracts were shipped to RTI on ice by
air courier. GC/MS analytical methods and the analytical results are
described by Erikson, Zweidinger, and Pellizzari (1977). The multiple
ion detection mode of analysis was used for all samples. PBB was
confirmed in several of the samples by full mass spectrum comparison
with authentic PBB standards.
18
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4.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
4.1 WHITE CHEMICAL CORPORATION
Table 4-1 is a summary of the analytical results for samples collected
in the vicinity of the White Chemical Corporation manufacturing facility
in the Bayonne Industrial Park, Bayonne, New Jersey. Figure 4-1 is a
site diagram taken from a topographic map of the area showing the
location of the samples reported in Table 4-1. The facility is located
along the waterfront as shown in Figure 1-1.
The Platti Kill is a dead-end canal directed northward off Kill van
Kull. This canal penetrates the center of the Bayonne Industrial Park
approximately 450 meters to the east of the plant site (see Figure 4-1).
The head of the Platti Kill, which is located approximately 540 meters
from Kill van Kull, is used as a primary wastewater treatment basin by a
number of industries in the area, including White Chemical Corporation.
Two booms have been placed across the head of the Platti Kill to impede
passage of oils and surface scum down the canal and into Kill van Kull.
Between the two surface booms, a dike has been placed across the canal
to impede sludge and sediment transport. At the time of sampling, a
wastewater flow of approximately 10,200 liters per minute (2,700 gal/min)
was discharging from a 0.6-meter diameter outfall into the diked basin.
Heavy oil and grease accumulations were present on the surface.
A water sample taken at a depth of one-third meter below the surface
scum in the wastewater treatment zone at the head of the Platti Kill
(sample 13W) contained 46 ug/1 PBB. The isomeric composition of the PBB
19
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Table 4-1. Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity of White Chemical Corporation, Bayonne, New Jersey*
tvJ
o
Sample
Number
10S
IIS
12W
13W
14W
15A
16A
17SE
18SE
19SE
20SE
21T
22T
23T
PBB
C12H9Br C12HgBr2 C^HyB^ C^HfcB^ C12H5Br5 C12H4Br£
123456
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 30
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 15
<0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 0.2
<0.2 <0.2 <0.2 <0.2 0.5 1.5
—
<0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.06
'
<0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 <0.05 0.06
540 2,200 4,300 <10 590 3,800
<10
<10
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10
__ — — __ __
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Table 4-1. Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity of White Chemical Corporation, Bayonne , New Jersey (cont'd)
to
PBB ISOMER
Sample C12H9Br C12H8Br2 Ci2H7Br3 Ci2H6Br4 C12H5Br5 C12H4Br6 C12H3Br7 C12H2Br8 Ci2HBr9
Number 123456789
39H <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100
40H <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100
41H <100 8,100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100
Ci2Brio
10 Total T Comments
<100 <100 Male & Female
Hair Reported as
ppb in Oil
<100 <100 Female Hair
Reported as ppb
in Oil
<100 8,100 Male & Female
Hair Reported as
ppb in Oil
* All data reported as parts per billion (ppb), or ug/1, except for the air samples ISA and 16A which are reported as
nanograms per cubic meter of air. Soil and tissue samples are reported on a dry weight basis.
ND= not detected ( — ).
t Sum of detected isomers in parts per billion (ppb), or ug/1, except air samples which are reported as ng/m^.
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^ ym^mi i .':mi
•> ••JWfe^.^mU.. *; -H i
FIGURE 4-1. VICINITY OF WHITE CHEMICAL CORPORATION. BAYONNE, NEW JERSEY
PLANT SITE
N
22
1 cm =
120 meters
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in this water sample and other samples taken in the vicinity are
summarized in Table 4-2. Decabromobiphenyl constituted 76 percent and
nonabromobiphenyl 15 percent, of the total PBB detected in the waste-
water. A water sample taken halfway up the Platti Kill (14W) did not
contain detectable PBB, but a sample taken at the mouth (12W) contained
9.8 ug/1. As shown in Table 4-2, this sample consisted of a relatively
smaller proportion of decabromobiphenyl than the sample taken in the
treatment zone, but relatively larger proportions of octa- and
nonabromobiphenyl.
A sample of the sludge (17SE) which has accumulated in the treatment
zone at the head of Platti Kill contained 431 ppm (mg/kg) of PBB on a
dry weight basis. This sample contained 90 percent decabromobiphenyl
and 5 percent nonabromobiphenyl with lesser, but detectable amounts of
all other PBB isomers, except tetrabromobiphenyl. Surprisingly, PBB was
not detected in a bottom sediment sample (18SE) taken at the mouth of
Platti Kill or in a sample (19SE) taken near the docks in the area.
GC/MS analysis of the sludge (17SE) deposit in the treatment zone at the
head of Platti Kill confirmed the presence of those compounds listed in
Table 4-3. PBBs were confirmed by full mass spectrum comparison with
authentic PBB standards. Also present are bromobenzenes, bromotoluenes,
bromoethylene, and bromodiphenyl ethers.
It appears from these data that there is presently, or has been in the
past, a discharge of the higher-substituted PBBs and other brominated
23
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Table 4-2. Percent Isomeric Composition of PBBs Detected in Samples Taken in the Vicinity of
White Chemical Corporation
Sample
Number
13W
12W
17SE
10S
.US
20SE
22T
23T
C12H5Br5
1
0
0.1
0
0
0
0
0
C12H4Br6
4
2
1
1
1
50
4
18
C12H3Br7
2
2
1
1
10
50
4
0
PBB ISOMER
C12H2Br8
2
17
1
2
13
0
4
0
Cj2HBr9 Cj2Brjo
15 76
20 58
5 90
47 49
29 47
0 0
33 55
82 0
Description
Water in treatment
zone of Platti Kill
Water at mouth of
Platti Kill
Sludge in treatment
zone of Platti Kill
Soil 150 m east of
plant
Soil 150 m west of
plant
Sediment at Port
Johnson
Lichen
Fish
-------
Table 4-3. Brominated Compounds Detected in Sludge Samples Taken From
Head of Platti Kill, GC/MS Analysis
C6H4Br2
C7H5Br3
C6H2Br4
C12H7Br3
C7H3Br5
C12H6Br4
G12H6Br4°
C12H5Br50
C12H4Br6
C12H3Br7
C12H3Br70
C12H2Br8
C12H2Br80
C12HBrg
C12Br10
C12Br100
a The bromobiphenyls were confirmed by comparison of mass spectra
and retention times with authentic standards.
b GC conditions: 2% OV-101 coated on Gas-Chrom Q; column: 45 cm x 0.2 cm
i.d., 20 cc/min helium, 100° initial, programmed at 12°/min to 300°.
25
-------
organic compounds into the Platti Kill. Some of the PBB is carried from
the treatment zone in the water. This may be dissolved in the water,
particulate adsorbed, or dissolved in oils which are in turn carried out
by the water. The large predominance of decabromobiphenyl and
nonabromobiphenyl in the accumulated sludge would indicate selective
transport of the lesser-substituted isomers from the Platti Kill has
taken place.
A bottom sediment sample (20SE) taken near a sewage treatment plant
discharge at Port Johnson contained 10 ppb hexabromobiphenyl, plus
10 ppb heptabromobiphenyl. A filamentous green algae taken in the same
location (21T) did not contain detectable PBB, however, killifish (23T)
contained 220 ppb, consisting of 82 percent nonabromobiphenyl and
18 percent hexabromobiphenyl.
The average annual wind direction in the New Jersey/New York area is
illustrated by Figure 4-2. Winds predominate from a westerly direction.
During the sampling period of this survey, winds were blowing from the
south on April 11-12, 1977 at approximately 5 mph. A 24-hour high-
volume air sample (16A) taken downwind of White Chemical Corporation and
the Platti Kill at this time contained traces of hexabromobiphenyl
(0.06 ug/m^). A sample (15A) taken at the same location with winds
blowing from the west at 5-13 mph on April 12-13, 1977 yielded the same
analytical results. The White Chemical Corporation facility appears to
have several low velocity rooftop vents, but no emission stack.
26
-------
NW
NE
W
SW
Figure 4-2. TEN YEAR AVERAGED ANNUAL WIND ROSE FOR NEWARK, NEW JERSEY
1955-1964. Scale: 1" = 4 percent, calm winds = 0.6 percent
27
-------
Soil samples (10S, US) taken 150 meters east and west of the facility
contained 4,250 ppb and 1,100 ppb of PBB, respectively. The prevailing
downwind side (to the east) may be expected to contain the higher PBB
concentrations if airborne emissions have occurred. The isomeric
composition of the two soil samples (Table 4-2) show some differences.
The higher concentration sample taken to the east of the plant consisted
nearly exclusively of decabromobiphenyl (49 percent) and nonabromobi-
phenyl (47 percent) with traces of hexa-, hepta-, and octabromobiphenyl.
The sample taken to the west of the plant contained larger relative
amounts of hepta-and octabromobiphenyl and less nonabromobiphenyl.
There is no readily available explanation for this significant differ-
ence in isomeric composition of the two samples.
A lichen was growing attached to rocks in a shallow, wet depression
approximately 150 meters north of the facility. The lichen sample (22T)
was rinsed with hexane and the hexane was concentrated and analyzed for
PBB. The lichen contained surface deposits of 1,120 ppb based on the
total dry weight. Hexa- through decabromobiphenyl isomers were detected
on the lichen with nona- and decabromobiphenyl predominating much like
the soils. This probably represents airborne deposition of particulate
containing PBB.
Human hair (41H) taken from one Bayonne Beauty Salon contained 8.1 ppm
of dibromobiphenyl in the extractable oil, which comprised 1.1 weight
percent of the hair. This sample appeared to be of mixed male and
female origin. Samples 39H and 40H taken from two other establishments-
28
-------
in the Bayonne area did not contain detectable levels of FEB.. All three of
these establishments cater to workers and residents in the area.
4.2 STANDARD T CHEMICAL COMPANY
The analytical results for samples taken in the vicinity of the Standard
T Chemical Company facility on Staten Island are summarized in
Table 4-4. Figure 1-1 shows the location of the facility approximately
3,400 meters west of White Chemical Corporation on the south bank of
Kill van Kull. Figure 4-3 is a site diagram showing the collection
point of the samples that were analyzed for PBB.
A 24-hour high-volume air sample taken 900 meters downwind of the
facility on April 17, 1977 contained a trace (0.10 ng/m^) of hexa-
bromobiphenyl. A single, low velocity, exhaust stack exists at the
plant with a height of approximately 13.5 meters above ground level.
Emissions were not visible at the time of sampling. Prevailing winds in
this region (Figure 4-2) are most frequently from the west. If airborne
releases of PBB are common, soils in the vicinity may accumulate the
material in surface layers.
As illustrated in Figure 4-3, soil PBB concentrations were highest at
sample point 4S, which is located 700 meters east of the facility in the
prevailing downwind direction. At this location, the soils contained
100 ppb of heptabromobiphenyl. Soils 900 meters west of the facility
(2S) and 1,500 meters south (3S) each contained 10 ppb of hexabromobi-
phenyl alone, while the soil 75 meters to the southwest contained 30 ppb
29
-------
Table 4-4. Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity of Standard T Chemical Company, Staten Island, New York*
LO
O
Sample
Number
IS
2S
3S
4S
5W
6A
7SE
8T
9T
36H
37H
38H
PBB ISOMER
C^HgBr Ci2HgBr2 C^HyBrs Ci2H6Br4 Ci2H5Br5 C^I^Brfc Cj^Bry Ci2H2Brg
12345678
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 10 <10
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 10 <10 <10
<10 <10 <10 <10 100 <10 <10 <10
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 <.05 .10 <0.5 <0.5
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 40 20 <10
<10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10 <10
230 <10 <10
<100 <100 <100 <100 <100 660 890 1,100
<100 <100 <100 <100 <100 440 <100 <100
<100 <100 <100 <100 <100 740 <100 <100
Cj2HBr9 Cj2Brio
9 10 Totalt
<10 10 30
<10 <10 10
<10 <10 10
<10 <10 100
<.2 <.2 <.2
<0.5 <0.5 .10
<10 <10 60
<10 <10 <10
<10 <10 230
3,600 20,000 26,000
<100 <100 440
<100 <100 740
Comments
Soil
Soil at Air
Collection Site
Soil
Soil
Receiving Water
Discharge
Downwind Air
Sediment at
Discharge Site
Algae in Kill
van Kull
Fish at Discharge
Site
Male Hair Reported
as ppb in oil
residue
Female Hair
Reported as ppb
in oil residue
Male & Female Hair
Reported as ppb
in oil
* All data is reported as parts per billion (ppb) or ug/1, except for the air sample 6A which is reported as nanograms per
cubic meter of air. Soil and tissue samples as reported on a dry weight basis.
t Sum of detected isomers in parts per billion (ppb) or ug/1, except the air sample which is reported as ng/m3.
-------
w.%. -*"•
Vijflf J/ Playgr
^5^-4
LJL
rouna
Ruins
Shooters
Island
x
I ••
Rums
/SLAND REACH
J/ZI&Z&"
••
tir.
li«-
St Marys/
*i
lit1 M. • !^»^. ' • "** •"• •». i « •
!i^vsiig,'')^. ., ,..-^TTv^ v-
Ni—|2SRS»£pl}"" !U>^'t
r^r--*.. -..-— ••
^ep
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f L_ ^i '' '
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fiiftq^H
-Micljlaels; iil .J"
'^^^ "• ?_'.- ""'V T-l1'_ *•*•—T ... it *
^nii^Tf^l ^IL.
aygrJTCTn?-^ ^S"«
—li-^.^ '•* ** " TI
Jfifi^-:
c
/
3/cTh^^r "a fa- mis$f^Lj:-^& 'Vp^Ca
jrr^) '^SN.''-./' \*5R. '_v ^>.
36
• I4/-, fcth
frr^Mt^:...! H
rOTHfetes
"*^v. i_^V/ ^5v
o7/- r^/^H^^- ^^-
f;-*// / ."
Jf^-
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^L ISfc^
Figure 4-3. VICINITY OF STANDARD T CHEMICAL COMPANY. STATEN ISLAND, NEW YORK
PLANT SITE
N
1 cm =
120 meters
31
-------
total PBB, consisting of hexa-, hepta-, and decabromobiphenyl. There is
some indication, therefore, of higher levels of soil contamination on
the prevailing downwind side of the facility. However, there is no
correlation between the isomer detected in the air sample (hexabromo-
biphenyl) at the time of sampling and that detected in downwind soils
(heptabromobiphenyl).
The Standard T Chemical Company facility is located on a bulkheaded area
projecting into Kill van Kull (Figure 4-3). Immediately to the west of
the building is a 180-meter long finger canal. At low tide, this canal
is nearly dry; at high tide water is present at a depth of 0.9 meters to
1.2 meters. One 10 cm diameter outfall into this finger canal appeared
to originate at the Standard T facility. There was no discharge at the
time of sampling.
A sample of the water (5W) in the finger canal at high tide did not
contain detectable levels of PBB. Bottom sediments near the outfall
(7SE) contained 40 ppb of hexabromobiphenyl and 20 ppb of heptabromo-
biphenyl. Killifish taken within the canal contained 230 ppb hexa-
bromobiphenyl alone. Algae from Kill van Kull (8T) just to the east of
the discharge point did not contain detectable levels of PBB.
A sample of male human hair (36H) taken from a barbershop on Richmond
Avenue , Staten Island contained 26 ppm of PBB in the extracted
oils. The oil content was 1.6 percent of the total sample weight.
32
-------
Decabromobiphenyl comprised 77 percent of the PBB detected, nonabromo-
biphenyl 14 percent, and 2 to 4 percent each of octa-, hepta-, and
hexabromobiphenyl. This barbershop is frequented by residents employed
in the area. Samples of female hair (37H) taken from a beauty salon
on Richmond Avenue contained 440 ppb of hexabromobiphenyl
only, based on oil content. A sample (38H) taken at a second barbershop
on Richmond Avenue, contained 740 ppb of hexabromobiphenyl.
4.3 HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS DIVISION
The Hexcel Fine Organics Division facility is located on Main Street
east of Sayreville, New Jersey (see Figure 1-1). Table 4-5 summarizes
the analytical results of samples taken from the surrounding area.
Figure 4-4 is a site diagram from a topographic map showing the plant
location and a swampy depression approximately 150 meters west of the
plant. A roadside drainage ditch channels runoff waters from the
elevated plant site and the road to the swamp. A 5 cm diameter outfall
into the drainage ditch appeared to originate at Hexcel. There was no
discharge from this outfall at the time of sampling; however, there was
a standing pool of water in the eroded basin created by discharge from
the outfall. A clear stream flows just to the south of the property and
through a larger swampy area to the south.
A sample of the water standing in the roadside ditch immediately beneath
the Hexcel outfall (30W) did not contain detectable PBB. However, a
soil sample taken at that point (26S) contained 3.4 ppm of PBB. The
percent composition of this and other samples taken in this area are
33
-------
Table 4-5. Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity of Hexcel Fine Organics, Sayreville, New Jersey*
Sample Cj^HgBr C^2HgBr2 Cj2HyBr3
Number 123
24S <10 <10 <10
25S <10 <10 <10
26S <10 <10 <10
27W <.2 <.2 <.2
28W <.2 <.2 <.2
to
^ 29W
30W
31W
32A
33T <10 <10 <10
34T <10 <10 <10
35T
42H <100 <100 <100
PBB ISOMER
^12^6^r4 ^12^5^r5 ^12^4^r6 ^12^3^r7 ^12^2^r8
45678
<10 <10 40 <10 <10
<10 <10 30 <10 <10
<10 <10 90 90 170
<.2 <.2 6.8 2.3 1.5
<.2 <.2 .2 .3 1.7
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.05 <.05 <.05
<10 <10 <10 <10 140
<10 <10 10 10 <10
20 <10 <10
<100 <100 <100 <100 <100
C}2HBr9 Cj2BrjQ
9 10 Total T
<10 <10 40
80 4,500 4,600
440 2,600 3,400
1.5 126 138
5.4 200 210
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.2 <.2 <.2
<.05 <.05 <.05
4,500 87,000 92,000
3,000 34,500 38,000
<10 <10 20
<100 <100 <100
Comments
Soil
Marsh Soil
Soil in Roadside
Ditch
Water from Storm
Sewer
Water in
Receiving Swamp
Near Manhole
Water from
Artesian Well
Water from
Drainage Ditch
Water from
Receiving Swamp
Downwind Air
Reeds in
Receiving Swamp
Reeds at Outfall
Turtle
Female Hair
43H
<100 <100
<100
<100
<100
480
<100
<100 22,500 285,000 310,000
Reported as ppb
in Oil
Male Hair
Reported as ppb
in Oil
-------
Table 4-5. Analytical Results for Samples Taken in the Vicinity of Hexcel Fine Organics, Sayreville, New Jersey* (cont'd)
Sample C^HgBr
Number 1
44H <100
PBB ISOMER
Cl2H8Br2 ^12^7Br3 ^12H6Br4 ^12H5Br5 012^48*6 Cj2H3Br7 Cl2H2Br8 C^HBrg C^Br^o
23456789 10 Totalt Comments
<100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 <100 Male Hair
Reported as
in Oil
ppb
* All data reported as parts per billion (ppb) or ug/1, except for air sample 32A which is reported as nanograms per cubic
meter of air. Soil and tissue samples are reported on a dry weight basis.
t Sura of the detected isomers in parts per billion (ppb) or ug/1, except the air sample which is reported in ng/m-*.
U)
-------
Figure 44.. VICINITY OF HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS, SAYREVILLE, NEW JERSEY
PLANT SITE
1 cm =
120 meters
36
-------
summarized in Table 4-6. The PBB was 77 percent decabromobiphenyl,
13 percent nonabromobiphenyl, 5 percent octabromobiphenyl, and lesser
quantities of hexa- and heptabromobiphenyl. Reeds growing immediately
adjacent to the outfall (34T) contained a surface accumulated concen-
tration of 38 mg PBB per kilogram of dried tissue in the form of
predominantly (92 percent) decabromobiphenyl and some (8 percent)
nonabromobiphenyl. These data seem to indicate that PBBs have been
discharged at this location in the past.
A storm sewer manhole access is located within the swamp west of the
facility described above. The swamp receives any flow from the roadside
drainage ditch and the Hexcel outfall. The access is located approxi-
mately 15 meters from the edge of the swamp. The access cover was
approximately one-half meter above the level of the water in the swamp,
but the cover was broken around the top. During the morning, extremely
noxious fumes, (an odor similar to chloroform) emanated from the manhole
access. A sample of the swamp water adjacent to the manhole (28W)
contained 210 ug/1 PBB, consisting of predominately decabromobiphenyl
with uniformly lesser amounts of lower-substituted isomers to hexabromo-
biphenyl. A sample of water taken from the storm sewer (27W) through
the manhole access contained 138 ug/1 PBB with decabromobiphenyl
predominant (Table 4-6). Reeds from the same location (33T) contained
accumulations of 92 mg/kg decabromobiphenyl and nonabromobiphenyl with
traces of octabromobiphenyl. The presence of decabromobiphenyl in this
sample was confirmed by full spectrum GC/MS. A water sample taken near
the west edge of the swamp (31W) did not contain detectable levels of
37
-------
Table 4-6. Percent Composition of PBB Detected in Samples Taken in the Vicinity of Hexcel Fine
Organics Division
U)
oo
Sample Ci^Brfc C12H3Bry
25S <1 0
26S 2.5 2.5
27W 5 1.6
28W <1 <1
33T 0 ' 0
34T 0 0
43H <1 0
C12H2Br8
0
5
1
1
<1
0
0
PBB ISOMER
C12HBr9
2
13
1
2.6
5
8
7
Cl2Br10
98
77
91
96
95
92
92
Description
Marsh Soil
Soil in Roadside Ditch
Water from Storm Sewer
Water in Receiving Swamp
Near Manhole
Reeds in Receiving Swamp
Reeds at Outfall
Male Human Hair Oil
-------
PBB, however, a marsh soil sample (25S) contained 4.6 ppm of PBB, almost
all of which was decabromobiphenyl. More detailed GC/MS analysis of the
water taken from the swamp adjacent to the manhole access (28W),
resulted in the identification of both PBBs and polybrominated diphenyl
ethers as listed in Table 4-7.
Apparently PBBs have entered the swamp by drainage from the outfall into
the roadside ditch. Furthermore, PBB-containing wastewaters are present
in the storm sewer. Waters from this swamp overflow through two
concrete pipes, under a dirt road, into a pond, and eventually into the
Raritan River through Burt Creek. The discharge from the swamp was
approximately 2,720 1/min (720 gpm) at the time of sampling. A snapping
turtle taken from Burt Creek contained a tissue concentration of 20 ppb
hexabromobiphenyl.
A soil sample taken 75 meters southeast of the Hexcel facility (24S)
contained 40 ppb of hexabromobiphenyl. An air sample taken downwind of
the plant did not contain PBB.
A free-flowing artesian well frequently used by local people for potable
water is located approximately 1,000 meters to the west of the Hexcel
facility. Analysis of the artesian well water failed to detect any PBB.
Human hair samples were taken from a barbershop and a beauty salon at
a shopping center and from a barbershop near Sayreville. One barber-
shop sample contained detectable levels of PBB. This sample contained PBB at a
39
-------
Table 4-7. Brominated Compounds Detected in Waters Taken From Swamp
Near Main Street in Sayreville, GC/MS Analysis
C12H4Br60
C^HBrgO
C12Br10
C12Bri00
aThe bromobiphenyls were confirmed by comparison of mass spectra
and retention times with authentic standards.
bGC conditions: 2% OV-101 coated on Gas-Chrom Q; column: 45 cm x 0.2 cm
i.d., 20 cc/min helium, 100° initial, programmed at 12°/min to 300°.
40
-------
level of 310 ppm in the oil residue which constitutes 1.1 percent of the
total weight of the sample. The PBB consisted of 92 percent decabromo-
biphenyl, 7 percent nonabromobiphenyl, and 1 percent hexabromobiphenyl.
It is estimated that approximately half of this sample was from adult
white males and the other half from juvenile white males. The female
hair sample taken from the nearby beauty salon was free of PBB. The
male hair sample from the third shop was also free of PBB.
41
-------
5.0 REFERENCES
Domanski, J.J. and Guthrie, F.E. 1976. Hair and Its Associated Lipids
as an Excretory Pathway for Chlorinated Hydrocarbons, Xenobiotica 6\
425-429.
Environmental Protection Agency. 1977. Personal Communication.
Dr. George E. Parris.
Environmental Protection Agency. 1974. Analysis of Pesticide Residues
in Human and Environmental Samples. National Environmental Research
Center, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
Erikson, M.D., Zweidinger, R.A., and Pellizzari, E.D. 1977. Analysis
of a Series of Samples for Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs).
Research Triangle Institute, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina
for Environmental Protection Agency, Office of Toxic Substances,
Washington, D.C. EPA-560/6-77-020.
Fehringer, N.V. 1975. Journal American Association of Official
Analytical Chemists 58, 978-982.
Mumma, C.E. and Wallace, D.D. 1975. Survey of Industrial Processing
Data: Pollution Potential for Polybrominated Biphenyls. Midwest
Research Institute, Kansas City, Missouri.
•
Stratton, C.L., Whitlock, S.A., and Allan, J.M. 1977. A Method for
Sampling and Analysis of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Ambient
Air. Environmental Protection Agency, Environmental Monitoring and
Support Laboratory, Research Triangle Park, North Carolina.
EPA-600/4-78-048.
42
-------
APPENDIX A
LIST OF SAMPLES COLLECTED
-------
White Chemical Company
Sample Type
Air
Soil
Receiving
Waters
Location
Plant
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
1500
750
750
150
150
150
300
1500
375
375
1500
1500
1500
750
<20
<20
<20
100
100
100
500
500
500
100
500
Head
Relative to
in Meters
North
South
West
North
North
North
West
North
West
East
West
South
West
West
West
North
East
South
North
East
In front
West
East
In front
West
East
In front
West
In Platti Kill
In Platti Kill
of Platti-Ki41
Amount
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
24 Hrs.
18 Hrs.
18 Hrs.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
4 liters
at top
samples
1 liter
for middle
and bottom
1 1-iter
Comments
Crosswind 5-13mph
Crosswind 5-15mph
Upwind 5-15mph
Downwind 5mph
Downwind 5mph
Downwind 5mph
No rain or
problem weather
during sampling.
Top, middle, and
bottom sample taken
at all sites.
5- samples were
Sediments
100 West on dock
200 West on canal
200 West on canal
1 liter
1 liter
1 liter
taken here at various
depths and locations.
Kill van Kull
One sediment was taken at each water sampling site for a
total of nine sediments in the Kill van Kull. 1 Kg. of
sample was obtained.
-------
White Chemical Company (continued)
Sample Type
Standing
Water
Wastewater
Polyurethane
Foam (PUF)
Hair
Location Relative to
Plant in Meters
Amount
Comments
Sediments
Biota
Head
100
500
100
20
200
200
of Platti Kill
West on Dock
East
West on dock
North
Northeast
West on canal
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
100 g.
100 g.
100 g.
100 g.
Kill van Kul
Platti Kill
Algae
Lichen
Algae
Fish
1
Several samples of fish were taken by trap in the canal
200 meters from the plant. These were resident fish and
will be divided into species before analysis.
300
200
400
60
200
100
100
200
100
100
100
100
North
Northeast
Northwest
South
West
Northeast
Northeast
West
West
West
Northeast
Northeast
1 i ter
liter
liter
liter
liter
liter
liter
liter
1 i ter
liter
1 i ter
liter
Puddles in reeds
Near apts.
Sewage outfall
Oil skim pond
Oil skim pond
Steam line
Outfall
Sewage outfall
Oil skim pond outfall
Oil skim pond
100
100
100
100
Northeast
Northeast
Northeast
Northeast
Head..of Plalti Kill
Head of Platti Kill
Oil
Oil
Oil
Oil
Oil
Oil
skim pond
skim pond
skim pond
skim pond
skim
skim
3 hair samples were taken from both men's and women's
shops.
-------
Table 2. Standard T Chemical Company
Sample Type
Location Relative to
Plant in Meters
Amount
Comments
Air
Soil
Receiving
Water
Sediments
Standing Water
Biota
900
75
75
900
900
750
750
1500
1500
1500
<20
<20
<20
100
100
500
500
500
<10
<10
<10
<10
400
West
Southwest
Southeast
West
West
South
East
East
South
West
East
North
West
North
East
East
North
West
West
West
West
West
East
Sediments were taken
at each
<10
400
400
1500
1500
<10
400
400
500
<10
water site
West
East
South
-West
East
West
West
West
West
West
24 Hr.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
Top is
4 liters
bottom
and middle
are 1 liter
1 liter
1 liter
1 liter
1 liter
1 liter
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 liter
1 liter
100 g
100 g
400 g
1000 g
Several types
species were
Downwind 15-20 mph
No change in
weather while
sampling.
All locations include
surface middle and
bottom samples.
a
Canal beside plant
Concrete plant
Canal by plant
Concrete plant
RR Bridge
Drainage- ditch
Drainage ditch
Canal by plant
Algae
Rodent
Cat
of fish and marine
seined.
Hair
3 hair samples were taken from both men's and women's
shops.
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Table 3. HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS
Location
Sample Type Plant
Air 750
1500
1500
1500
750
750
750
750
Soil 150
750
1500
300
750
1500
150
750
1200
750
750
1500
7500
80
Waters 100
200
100
200
50
1200
400
75
750
750
400
75
20
20
750
Sediments 100
100
200
Relative To
in Meters
North
South
East
West
Southeast
Southeast
Southeast
Southeast
East
East
East
West
West
West
North
North
North
North
South
South
Southeast
West
West
Southwest
West
Southwest
North
North
North
West
South
South
Southeast
West
East-
Southeast
West
West
West
West
Amount
6 Hour
12 Hour .
15 Hour
15 Hour
6 Hour
18 Hour
6 Hour
18 Hour
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Lrter-
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Liter
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
1 Kg.
Comments
Upwind - lOmph.
Crosswind - lOmph
Downwind - lOmph
Upwind _ iQmph
Downwind _ lOmph
Downwind _ iQmph
Downwind _ lOmph
Downwind - IQmph
No weather
change during
sampling period.
Road Bed
Pond
Swamp
Drainage Ditch
Outfall to Pond
Storm Sewer
Toward Raritan
Toward Raritan
Arourrd manhole
JFK Park
JFK Park
From manhole
Possibly Essex Co.
Runoff
From artesian well
Pond
Swamp
Outfall at Pond
-------
HEXCEL FINE ORGANICS (continued)
Sample Type
Biota
Polyurethane
Foam (PUF)
Location
Plant
50
100
400
500
500
500
50
400
Relative To
in Meters
West
North
Northeast
Southeast
Southeast
Northwest
West
North
Amount
100 g
100 g
100 g
1000 g
1000 g
100000 g
Comments
Swamp
Algae
Vegetation
Tadpoles
Fish
Turtle
Swamp
Stream
Hair
Samples obtained from a shop in Sayreville
-------
TECHNICAL REPORT DATA
(fleast rnd Intavetiont on the reverse before completing)
. REPORT NO.
EPA 560/13-7Q-nn?
3. RECIPIENT'S ACCESSION NO.
. TITLE AND SUBTITLE
A Survey of Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) Near Sites
of Manufacture and Use in Northeastern New Jersey
6. REPORT DATE
2/15/79
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION COO6
. AUTHOR(S)
Charles L. Stratton and Stuart A. Whitlock
8. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION REPORT NO.
75-057-023
9. PERFORMING ORGANIZATION NAME ANO AOORESS
Environmental Science and Engineering, Inc.
P.O. Box 13454
Gainesville, Florida 32604
10. PROGRAM ELEMENT NO.
Task IIIA
11. CONTRACT/GRANTNO.
68-01-3248
12. SPONSORING AGENCY NAME ANO AOORESS
Environmental Protection Agency
Office of Toxic Substances
Washington, D.C. 20460
13. TYPE OF REPORT ANO PERIOD COVERED
Final 5/77-12/77
14. SPONSORING AGENCY CODE
IS. SUPPLEMENTARY NOTES
16. ABSTRACT
A field screening survey was conducted to determine if polybrominated biphenyls
(PBBs) are present in the environment near three industrial sites where these
materials have been manufactured or used in product formulations. The sites sur-
veyed are located in industrial areas of northeastern New Jersey and Staten Island,
New York. PBBs were detected at all three sites chosen for this screening survey.
The highest levels of PBBs detected were 9.8 ug/1 in waters, 60 ppb in aquatic
sediments, 4.6 ppm in soils, 230 ppb in fish tissue, 92 ppm accumulated on marsh
vegetation, and 431 ppm in a sludge deposit. Air samples contained traces of hexa-
bromobiphenyl. Human hair samples contained up to 310 ppm of PBB in extractable
oil. There is conclusive evidence of either past or ongoing wastewater-borne
discharge of PBBs at all three locations and indirect evidence of airborne dis-
charges of PBBs at two of the locations. The presence of PBBs in human hair oils
is an indication of possible human exposure to this class; of substances in the
areas surveyed.
17.
KEY WORDS ANO DOCUMENT ANALYSIS
DESCRIPTORS
b.lOENTIFIERS/OPEN ENDED TERMS
c. COSATI Field/Croup
Polybrominated biphenyls, PBBs,
Firemaster BP-6, fire retardant
IS. DISTRIBUTION STATEMENT
Unlimited
19. SECURITY CLASS iDiu Rtporti
Unclassified
21. NO. Of= PAGtS
2O. SECURITY CLASS (Ttiil p*
Unclassified
22. PRICE
EPA Form 1J2O-1 (••71)
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