[Biogenic organochlorine compounds--occurrence, function and ecological relevance]

Organic chlorinated compounds are of increasing interest due to their almost ubiquitous occurrence in the biosphere, their toxic and cancerogenic activity, and their environmental relevance. Despite the relatively high level of knowledge on anthropogenic chlorine compounds, knowledge about biogenic chlorine compounds is comparatively poor. This is astonishing because the quantity of natural emissions of particular organic chlorinated compounds into the ecosphere exceeds that from industrial production considerably. An overview of the occurrence, biosynthesis, and ecological significance of biogenic chlorine-containing organics is given in this article. Results of recent investigations on this topic are discussed and the natural elimination processes of organic chlorinated compounds presented.