Accumulation Of Organochlorine Compounds Research Articles

Bioaccumulation of organochlorinated contaminants in three estuarine fish species ( Mullus barbatus, Mugil cephalus and Dicentrarcus labrax)

The bioaccumulation of organochlorinated contaminants (DDTs, PCBs and HCB) in three representative fish species from the Ebro Delta (western Mediterranean) was studied. The species, red mullet ( Mullus barbatus), sea mullet ( Mugil cephalus) and sea bass ( Dicentrarchus labrax), were selected for their characteristic habitats and feeding behaviours to investigate their potential as bioindicators in pollution monitoring studies. Higher levels of PCBs and DDTs were generally found in red mullet and could be related to the higher lipid content of this species. Red mullet and sea bass exhibited a similar distribution pattern of these pollutants, whereas DDTs and HCB (hexaclorobenzene) were relatively more abundant in sea mullet, probably as a result of a direct uptake from the water lagoons from where the latter were collected and where these pollutants have been found in higher concentrations. A decrease in concentrations with size (age) was generally observed in red mullet and sea bass, though less clearly in sea mullet. This decrease was more pronounced for DDTs, probably owing to metabolic transformations. However, when data were normalized to lipid content, evidence for a positive uptake by sea mullet was obtained, probably relating to the larger growth rate of this species. These results indicate that the accumulation of organochlorine compounds in coastal fish from the same area depends on lipid content, habitat, dietary intake, growth rate and the metabolism of each species. Although these fish can be used for pollution monitoring, the subsequent variability of pollutant body burdens that are influenced by these factors precludes the extrapolation of data from one species to another.

Relationship between biological parameters and bioaccumulation of some organochlorines (pesticides, PCB) by fishes in the River Seine (France)

The accumulation of organochlorine compounds (α, β and γ HCH, HCB, pp'DDE pp'DDT and polychlorobiphenyls) by fishes of two different species, the Roach (Rutilus rutilus) and the Perch (Perca fluviatilis), predator of the Roach, have been studied at two stations situated on the catchment basin of the Seine. Only polychlorobiphenyls show high contents in these fishes. The polychlorobiphenyl compositions of these organisms correspond to those found in most environments. There is no systematic relationship between the bioconcentration and the size of the fish. The reproductive cycle appears to have a significant impact on the organochlorine contents. Moreover, the extent of PCB amplification with trophic level depends partly on the mode of expression of their contents, related either to body weight or to lipid weight. Thus the PCB body contents in the Perch are slightly higher than in the Roach, whereas, regarding lipid weight, the contents are twice as high as in the predator species.

Accumulation of organochlorine compounds in fishes. Distribution of 2,4,5-T, α-HCH, β-HCH, τ-HCH and 2,4,6,2′,4′,6′- hexachlorobiphenyl in tissues

Accumulation of organochlorine compounds in fishes. Distribution of 2,4,5-T, α-HCH, β-HCH, τ-HCH and 2,4,6,2′,4′,6′- hexachlorobiphenyl in tissues

Accumulation of organochlorine compounds in fishes. Difference of accumulation factors by fishes

Accumulation of organochlorine compounds in fishes. Difference of accumulation factors by fishes