Organochlorine compounds in mussels from Scottish coastal waters

Abstract

The extent of pollution of Scottish coastal waters by pesticides and PCBs was assessed using Mytilus edulis as a biological indicator. The prepared samples were examined by GC-ECD (gas chromatography-electron capture detection) and selected samples by GC-MS (gas chromatography-mass spectrometry). The compounds identified were α- and γ-HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane), HCB (hexachlorobenzene), dieldrin, total DDT ( ppDDE + ppDDD + ppDDT) and PCBs. The concentrations found ranged from one to almost three orders of magnitude, depending on the compound.