ISSN:
1432-0703
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Energy, Environment Protection, Nuclear Power Engineering
,
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract In the period 1980 to 1982, nineteen CormorantsPhalacrocorax carbo, three Grey HeronsArdea cinerea and one Great Crested GrebePodiceps crisatus were collected in The Netherlands. The livers of these fish-eating birdspecies were analyzed for polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans. Only congeners with a 2,3,7,8-chlorine substitution pattern were found in the livers. Major components were 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran and 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin, 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and 1,2,3,7,8-pentachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin were also present. Six pooled samples of the EelAnguilla anguilla, showed the same congeneric pattern of chemicals as found in these bird species. In the Eel, 2,3,4,7,8-pentachlorodibenzofuran and 1,2,3,6,7,8-hexachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin were generally present in the 1 to 5 ng/kg range. Since the Eel is the Cormorant's 2 major food, this indicates strong bioaccumulation for both congeners in the liver of the Cormorant. Significant correlations were found between the various congeners retained in the liver of the Cormorant. It is proposed that this is a result of a continous exposure to a relatively stable background mixture, probably originating from fish consumption. Based on the congeneric patterns found in the Cormorant, polychlorinated biphenyls and pentachlorophenol are suggested as major contaminating sources for this species. Based on the results from the Cormorants, an open one compartment model was applied to estimate concentrations of 2,3,4,7,8-PnCDF in the Eel. These calculations were in good agreement with the actual measurements found in the Eels.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/BF01055796
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