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Analysis of volatile halogenated organic compounds in fish
The Science of the Total Environment
|October 1, 1981
Summary
A new method accurately analyzes volatile halogenated hydrocarbons in fish, detecting them at sub-parts per billion levels. This research identified chloroform, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene in Norwegian fish samples.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Toxicology
Background:
- Volatile halogenated hydrocarbons (VHHCs) are environmental contaminants.
- Assessing VHHCs in biological samples is crucial for environmental monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a method for analyzing VHHCs in biological samples.
- To determine the presence and concentration of VHHCs in fish from Norwegian waters.
- To estimate bioaccumulation factors for specific VHHCs.
Main Methods:
- Development of an extraction and analysis method for C1 and C2 halocarbons.
- Application of the method to fish samples from polluted and unpolluted Norwegian sites.
- Analysis of corresponding water and fish samples to calculate accumulation factors.
Main Results:
- Achieved extraction efficiencies of 63-82% for C1 and C2 halocarbons.
- Established detection limits in the sub-ppb range (0.1-1 ppb).
- Identified chloroform, trichloroethylene, and tetrachloroethylene in fish at concentrations of 10-1000 ppb.
Conclusions:
- The developed method is effective for analyzing VHHCs in fish.
- VHHCs are present in fish from Norwegian environments.
- Estimated accumulation factors for chloroform (200-500) and trichloroethylene (1400) indicate significant bioaccumulation potential.