Disposition of, and biomarker responses to organochlorine contaminants within a marine food web

Summary

Comprising more than 70 % of the earth's surface, the world oceans are an enormous recipient of environmental contaminants, such as organochlorines (OCs). Persistence and high lipid solubility render OCs subject to bioaccumulation and biomagnification. The highest concentrations of these compounds are, therefore, found in top predators such as sea birds and marine mammals. In the present study, we investigate the bioaccumulation of selected OC compounds (PCBs DDTs, chlordanes, HCHs, and HCB) in a marine food web consisting of harbour seal (Phoca vitulina), herring gull (Larus argentatus), cod (Gadus morhua), bull rout (Myoxocephalus scorpius), sandeel (Ammodytes tobianus), various gobys (Gobiidae), and the polycheat Nereis diversicolor. The trophic positions of the organisms are determined by the use of stable N- and C-isotopes. Activities of selected hepatic xenobiotic metabolising enzymes (CYP1A CYP2B, GST and UDP-GT) are also measured. The fate of isotope-labeled lindane and PCB, orally administered to cod and bull rout, is investigated by the use of whole body autoradiography.