Accumulation and elimination of polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAH) and persistent organochlorines in gill-breathing marine animals. A review

Abstract

A summary is given from recent literature as regards bioaccumulation, metabolism and release of PAH, PCB, DDT, PCDF/PCDD (polychlorinated dibenzofurans/dibenzo-p-dioxins), HCB, OCS (octachlorostyrene) and other persistent organochlorines in marine invertebrates and fish. Relative importance og the main principal exposure routes is heavily dependent on factors such as habitat, mode of life, size and trophic level. Except in the vicinity og point sources, food is probably the predominant exposure route in fish top predators. Biomagnification is primarily important for (biodegradation resistant) superhydrophobic substances (log Kow=5-7). Observed half-lives of DDT with metabolites and higher chlorinated PCBs in fish have been up to 1-3 years, whereas other micropollutants may have half-lives in week(e.g.PCDFG/PCDD) or days (PAH).