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Toxaphene in the Great Lakes

D L Swackhamer1, R F Pearson, S P Schottler

  • 1Environmental and Occupational Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis 55455, USA. dswack@cccs.umn.edu

Chemosphere
|November 26, 1998
PubMed
Summary

Toxaphene, a persistent pollutant, is present in the Laurentian Great Lakes. This study reveals toxaphene biomagnification in the aquatic foodweb, with highest concentrations in top predators like lake trout.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Chemistry
  • Ecotoxicology
  • Aquatic Ecology

Background:

  • Toxaphene is a persistent organic pollutant found in the Laurentian Great Lakes.
  • Understanding its distribution and biomagnification is crucial for ecosystem health.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To present current data on toxaphene concentrations in water, sediment, and biota of the Laurentian Great Lakes.
  • To assess the biomagnification potential of toxaphene within the Great Lakes foodweb.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of toxaphene concentrations in water, sediments, and various biota (phytoplankton to lake trout).
  • Calculation of the particle-water partition coefficient and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs).

Main Results:

  • Toxaphene concentrations in water varied, with Lake Superior showing the highest levels.
  • Sediment concentrations were similar across lakes, but homolog compositions differed.
  • Bioaccumulation factors increased significantly up the foodweb, indicating biomagnification.

Conclusions:

  • Toxaphene biomagnifies in the Laurentian Great Lakes foodweb.
  • The data highlight the ecological risk posed by toxaphene in these vital freshwater ecosystems.

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