Transformation of chiral polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in a stream food web.
The enantiomeric composition of chiral PCB congeners was determined in Twelvemile Creek (Clemson, SC) to examine potential mechanisms of biotransformation in a stream food web. We measured enantiomeric fractions (EFs) of six PCB atropisomers (PCBs 84, 91, 95, 136, 149, and 174) in surface sediment, fine benthic organic matter (FBOM), coarse particulate organic matter (CPOM), periphyton, Asian clam, mayflies, yellowfin shiner, and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) using gas chromatography (GC-ECD). Nonracemic EFs of PCBs 91, 95, 136, and 149 were measured in almost all samples. Enantiomeric compositions of PCBs 84 and 174 were infrequently detected with racemic EFs measured in samples except for a nonracemic EF of PCB 84 in clams. Nonracemic EFs of PCBs 91, 136, and 149 in SPMDs may be due to desorption of nonracemic residues from FBOM. EFs for some atropisomers were significantly different among FBOM, CPOM, and periphyton, suggesting that their microbial communities have different biotransformation processes. Nonracemic EFs in clams and fish suggest both in vivo biotransformation and uptake of nonracemic residues from their food sources. Longitudinal variability in EFs was generally low among congeners observed in matrices.
Dang
Viet D
VD
Department of Environmental Engineering and Earth Sciences, Clemson University, 342 Computer Court, Anderson, South Carolina 29625, USA.
Walters
David M
DM
Lee
Cindy M
CM
D000818:Animals; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D020387:Food Chain; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000378:metabolism*; D013237:Stereoisomerism
D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls