PCB-containing paint and plaster caused extreme PCB-concentrations in biota from the Sørfjord (Western Norway)--a case study.
The Sørfjord (Western Norway) has a long history of industry and pollution, and has been monitored for several decades. The environmental monitoring has comprised analyses of different contaminants in sea water, mussel, fish, seaweed and sediments. Measurements of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) some 17 years ago indicated a local source. In 2001 severe concentrations were measured in blue mussels and further investigations disclosed the primary source of PCBs in the Sørfjord. In 2002, extreme PCB-concentrations were found in cod (Gadus morhua) from the same area. However, no induction of EROD activity was detected, indicating the limitations of this assay as marker for PCB contamination. A future scientific challenge will be to understand the specific mechanisms and effects of such PCB accumulation in fish.
Ruus
Anders
A
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), P.O. Box 173, Kjelsås, N-0411 Oslo, Norway. anders.ruus@niva.no
Green
Norman W
NW
Maage
Amund
A
Skei
Jens
J
D000818:Animals; D002133:Calcium Sulfate / Q000032:analysis; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1 / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D048388:Gadiformes / Q000378:metabolism*; D008055:Lipids / Q000032:analysis; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000201:enzymology; D049880:Mytilus edulis / Q000378:metabolism*; D009664:Norway; D010150:Paint / Q000032:analysis; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D011210:Power Plants; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis
D008055:Lipids; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; D019363:Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A1; D002133:Calcium Sulfate