Dietary exposure and screening-level risk assessment of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechloran plus (DP) in wheat, rice, soil and air along two tributaries of the River Chenab, Pakistan

No scientific report is available for screening level-risk assessment of newly emerging contaminants, including polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and dechloran plus (DP) in food crops and environmental compartments of Pakistan. Dietary exposure of PBDEs and DP via food crops; screening levels, spatial distribution pattern of PBDEs and DP in air, soil, wheat and rice were assessed along the stretch of upstream feeding tributaries (Nullah Aik and Nullah Palkhu), River Chenab, Pakistan. ∑PBDE levels in air, soil, wheat and rice ranged between 0.59 and 7.80 pg m−3, 6.88 and 37.7 ng g−1, 0.30 ng g−1 and 1.43 ng g−1 and 0.07 and 46.0 ng g−1, respectively. ∑DP concentrations calculated in air, soil, wheat and rice ranged between 0.80 and 0.10 pg m−3, 0.17 and 2.61 ng g−1, 0.90 and 0.49 ng g−1 and 0.00 and 12.5 ng g−1, respectively. The trend of PBDEs and DP distribution pattern was found as follows; industrial/urban areas > industrial/peri-urban areas > agricultural/rural areas. Estimated daily intake (EDI) for wheat and rice was ranged between 0.002 and 0.035 pg kg−1 d−1 and 0.033 and 0.680 pg kg−1 d−1. Human health risks for adults on the basis of EDI were lower than the recommended MRL (minimal risk level) and lowest observed adverse effect of level (LOAEL).