A material balance study of polychlorinated biphenyls in Lake Michigan

This paper integrates the known chemical and physical properties of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) derived in the laboratory with a mathematical model describing their behavior in Lake Michigan. The conclusion that emerges is that the observed levels of PCB both in Lake Michigan and the fish biomass are consistent with these laboratory measurements. In addition, it is concluded that it will take several years for this ecosystem to cleanse itself of the compounds even if no new input is made. The final sink for PCB is predicted to be degradation in the atmosphere, with some fraction being buried in the underlying sediments of the lake.