DIOXIN LEVELS IN LIVESTOCK AND GRASSLAND NEAR A LARGE INDUSTRIAL AREA IN TARANTO (ITALY)

摘要

Dioxin levels exceeding the European Union tolerance limits were found in sheep and goat milk samples collected in the immediate surrounding of a large industrial area near Taranto, Apulia region (Italy). An intensive monitoring effort was performed in the period March 2008 – February 2009 to investigate the extent of the contamination. A total of 96 food and feed samples were analysed. Among food, 30 samples exceeded the maximum tolerance level for dioxins (PCDD/Fs) and/or dioxins + dioxin-like PCBs (dl-PCBs). The highest concentration for PCDD/Fs + dl-PCBs was 279.2 pg WHO-TEQ/g fat for a sheep liver. Main contribution to WHO-TEQ was due to dl-PCBs (range 73-91% except for liver 48%). Feed samples were compliant although PCDD/Fs and dl-PCBs concentrations were significantly higher than background levels.