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Hexabromocyclododecane diastereomers in fish and suspended particulate matter from selected European waters—trend monitoring and environmental quality standard compliance
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This study monitored hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) — a brominated flame retardant found in plastics and textiles — in fish and river sediments across multiple European sites over seven years, finding declining concentrations after regulatory restrictions were implemented. The results show that policy interventions to reduce specific plastic additives can lead to measurable environmental improvements.
The brominated flame retardant hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) was monitored in fish and sediment (from one lake) or suspended particulate matter (SPM; from five rivers) at European freshwater sites to study the effects of reduction measures implemented by HBCD producers and users in recent years. Bream (Abramis brama) were sampled annually between 2007 and 2013 in the rivers Götaälv/SE, Rhône/FR, Western Scheldt/NL, Mersey/UK, and Tees/UK and in Lake Belau/DE. Sediment/SPM was taken every second year between 2008 and 2014. HBCD was analyzed by LC/MS/MS allowing the determination of the alpha-, beta-, and gamma-diastereomers. For most sites, a decrease in ∑HBCD was observed in fish (e.g., in the Rhône and Western Scheldt by about 80 and 60%, respectively, with significantly decreasing trends, p < 0.01). In the Rhône, HBCD also decreased in SPM. At the sampling site in the Tees which was impacted by a former HBCD point source, fish HBCD levels decreased only after a major flood event in 2013. While fish data indicate a decline in environmental HBCD concentrations at most sites with diffuse emissions, SPM data were less conclusive. The European environmental quality standard for HBCD in fish of 167 μg kg-1 wet weight was met by all fish samples in 2013.
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The distribution and metabolism of hexabromocyclododecane isomers varies in the tissues of Nibea albiflora
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This paper is not about microplastics — it investigates how hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a brominated flame retardant, accumulates in different tissues of a marine fish species, and how it transfers from parent fish to offspring, including the finding that beta and gamma isomers convert to the more persistent alpha-HBCD within fish tissues.
Expanded polystyrene buoys as an important source of hexabromocyclododecanes for aquatic ecosystem: Evidence from field exposure with different substrates
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Field exposure experiments showed that expanded polystyrene (EPS) buoys are a significant source of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) flame retardants in aquatic ecosystems, with organisms living on EPS substrates accumulating far higher HBCD concentrations than those on other substrates. Both aqueous and dietary exposure routes were identified, while direct microplastic ingestion contributed minimally to HBCD uptake.
Evaluating the fate of hexabromocyclododecanes in the coastal environment: Fugacity analysis using field data
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This study used chemical modeling to track the environmental fate of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a flame retardant added to polystyrene plastic, in coastal waters and sediments. The analysis showed that microplastics carrying HBCD pose a persistent contamination risk in marine environments long after plastic arrives.
New brominated flame retardant decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE) in water sediments: A review of contamination characteristics, exposure pathways, ecotoxicological effects and health risks
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This review examines DBDPE, a newer flame retardant chemical that is increasingly found in water sediments worldwide as it replaces older banned compounds. Evidence indicates that DBDPE concentrations are rising rapidly and the chemical poses ecological and health risks through bioaccumulation in aquatic food chains. The findings are relevant to microplastic research because flame retardants are common plastic additives that leach into the environment.
The contribution of polymer additives to microplastic toxicity: A long-term study with Oncorhynchus mykiss exposed to polystyrene microparticles with different hexabromocyclododecane content
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Scientists fed rainbow trout microplastics mixed with a common flame retardant chemical (HBCD) and found the combo caused more liver damage, inflammation, and hormone disruption than either one alone — even though the chemical itself didn't build up much in the fish's body. This suggests plastic particles can act like tiny delivery trucks, making the chemicals attached to them more harmful than expected, which matters because these same flame retardants are found in everyday products and environments where humans are also exposed to microplastics.
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