Analysis and occurrence of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in Washington state freshwater fish.
A method is described for analyzing polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in fish tissue using gas chromatography with atomic emission detection (GC/AED) and quantitation by compound independent calibration (CIC). The method has the advantage of an element-selective response, including selectivity between bromine and chlorine. An analysis of fish tissue samples from selected locations in Washington State showed total PBDE concentrations ranged from 1.4 microg/kg (wet weight) in rainbow trout from a remote spring-fed stream to 1,250 microg/kg in mountain whitefish from the urbanized Spokane River. Tetra and penta isomers were the major compounds present. There appear to be substantial between-species differences in the ability of fish to metabolize PBDEs.
Johnson
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A
Washington State Department of Ecology, Environmental Assessment Program, 300 Desmond Drive, Olympia, Washington 98504-7710, USA. arjo461@ecy.wa.gov
Olson
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N
D000818:Animals; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D005399:Fishes; D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism; D014018:Tissue Distribution; D014861:Washington; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000378:metabolism
D011075:Polybrominated Biphenyls; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical