Congener-specific model for polychlorinated biphenyl effects on otter (Lutra lutra) and associated sediment quality criteria.
A model for risk assessment was built for simultaneous, congener-specific PCB bioaccumulation from sediment to fish to otters (Lutra lutra). Toxic equivalence factors (TEFs) were used to sum individual congeners in otters to a toxic equivalent concentration (TEQ) relative to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Microbial dechlorination and burial in sediments and bioaccumulation are modeled to predict time trends of PCB concentrations in otters. Effects of accumulated PCBs on otters were assessed for vitamin A metabolism and reproduction, taking model uncertainty into account. Three locations in The Netherlands were modeled with PCB levels in sediment of 1 to 171 pg TEQ/g organic carbon (OC). Almost 100% reduction in litter size was predicted for the most polluted area in 1996. Due to large associated uncertainty, a period of 25 to 80 years may be needed for recovery of otter vitamin A levels and litter size at this site. Calculated median sediment quality criteria (SQC) range between 1 and 12 pg TEQ/g OC, depending on the chosen effect criterion. Uncertainty in calculated effects and SQCs is substantial and is mainly caused by uncertainty in PCB congener 126 accumulation.
Traas
T P
TP
National Institute of Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), PO Box 1, 3720 BA Bilthoven, The Netherlands. tp.traas@rivm.nl
Luttik
R
R
Klepper
O
O
Beurskens
J E
JE
Smit
M D
MD
Leonards
P E
PE
van Hattum
A G
AG
Aldenberg
T
T
D000818:Animals; D002713:Chlorine / Q000032:analysis; D005260:Female; D005399:Fishes; D020387:Food Chain; D008297:Male; D008907:Mink / Q000502:physiology; D008954:Models, Biological; D009010:Monte Carlo Method; D010041:Otters / Q000502:physiology*; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D011336:Probability; D018570:Risk Assessment; D012727:Sex Characteristics; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D002713:Chlorine; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls