Abstract
Blubber from long-finned pilot whales, Atlantic white-sided dolphins and harbour porpoises caught off the Faroe Islands, and from fin whales, sei whales, and sperm whales from Iceland were analysed for organochlorine pollutants. Pollutant levels were positively correlated with increasing trophic level and inversely with body size. For any given species, the %DDE/ Σp, p′-DDT ratio increased with Σp, p′-DDT burden, probably reflecting increased detoxification activity of liver enzymes at higher contaminant concentrations. The % Σp, p′-DDT/PCB ratio decreased with increasing trophic level suggesting differential transfer rates of the two organochlorine groups through food webs. Because of the effect of transfer of organochlorines through gestation and lactation, Σp, p′-DDT and PCB levels, %DDE/ Σp, p′-DDT and % Σp, p′-DDT/PCB ratios were higher in males than in females.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
