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Kepone in James River fish: 1976-2002.

Drew R Luellen1, George G Vadas, Michael A Unger

  • 1Virginia Institute of Marine Science, PO Box 1346 Gloucester Point, VA 23062, USA. Luellen@vims.edu

The Science of the Total Environment
|November 1, 2005
PubMed
Summary

Kepone pesticide contamination in the James River estuary persisted for decades, impacting fish populations and public health. A fish consumption advisory remains in effect 30 years after Kepone production ceased.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental toxicology
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Public health

Background:

  • Discovery of Kepone pesticide contamination in the James River estuary in 1975.
  • Worker exposure and severe environmental contamination necessitated public health monitoring.
  • Initiation of a statewide finfish monitoring program to assess public exposure risks.

Observation:

  • Over 13,000 finfish samples analyzed since 1975.
  • Kepone levels in most species declined after production ceased.
  • Average concentrations exceeded the 0.3 microg g(-1) action limit until the early 1980s.

Findings:

  • By 1988, few fish samples exceeded the Kepone action limit.
  • Kepone remains detectable in white perch and striped bass from the James River.

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  • A fish consumption advisory is still active 30 years post-contamination source removal.

    • Implications:

    • Demonstrates the long-term persistence of chlorinated pesticides in aquatic ecosystems.
    • Highlights the enduring public health risks associated with persistent organic pollutants.
    • Underscores the need for continued environmental monitoring and risk management strategies for contaminated sites.