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Organochlorine compounds in aquatic environments
Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology
|January 1, 1980
Summary
Organochlorine compounds like DDE and PCBs accumulate uniformly in marine life. However, levels of hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene vary, suggesting factors beyond simple food chain transfer influence contamination.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Marine Biology
- Ecotoxicology
Background:
- Organochlorine compounds are persistent pollutants in marine ecosystems.
- Understanding their bioaccumulation is crucial for assessing ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the body burdens of five specific organochlorine compounds in Norwegian marine organisms.
- To investigate the factors influencing the distribution and accumulation of these contaminants.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of DDE, PCBs, pentachlorobenzene, hexachlorobenzene, and octachlorostyrene in marine fish and invertebrates.
- Comparison of contaminant levels across different species and localities in Norway.
- Evaluation of bioaccumulation through food chains and passive partitioning models.
Main Results:
- DDE, PCBs, and pentachlorobenzene exhibited uniform concentrations, particularly on a fat weight basis.
- Hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene showed variable levels among species.
- Results partially supported passive partitioning but indicated other factors influencing contaminant levels.
Conclusions:
- Contaminant levels in marine organisms are influenced by a combination of factors, including food chain dynamics and passive partitioning.
- Environmental microenvironments and exposure circumstances significantly affect bioaccumulation, especially in bottom-dwelling species.