Persistent organic pollutants (PCB, DDT, HCH, HCB & BDE) in eels (Anguilla anguilla) in Scotland: current levels and temporal trends.
Eels are an ideal biomonitor for persistent organic pollutants (POPs) because of their high lipid content, longevity and tendency to remain within a defined range during their freshwater life phase. This study investigated concentrations of POPs in eels (Anguilla anguilla) from 30 sites across Scotland, including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (BDEs), DDT (and metabolites), hexachlorocyclohexanes (alpha, beta, gamma-HCH), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorobutadiene (HCBD) and pentachlorobenzene. Despite its EU-wide ban approximately 30 years ago, DDT and its derivatives were detected in almost all samples. PCB 153 and 138 were the most widely detected PCB congeners, while BDE 47 was the dominant BDE. Pentachlorobenzene was not detected, while HCBD was detected once only. alpha-HCH, beta-HCH and HCB concentrations were very low (generally <3 microg/kg or below detection). When compared with 1986 and 1995 data, the results revealed considerable decreases in p,p'-DDE concentrations. More drastic reductions were evident for gamma-HCH, reflecting the tightening restrictions on pesticide use imposed over the previous decades.
Macgregor
Kenneth
K
Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Avenue North, Heriot-Watt Research Park, Edinburgh EH14 4AP, UK. kenneth.macgregor@sepa.org.uk
Oliver
Ian W
IW
Harris
Lynsay
L
Ridgway
Ian M
IM
D000818:Animals; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D003634:DDT / Q000032:analysis; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006581:Hexachlorobenzene / Q000032:analysis*; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane / Q000032:analysis; D013058:Mass Spectrometry; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis; D012606:Scotland; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C040534:alpha-hexachlorocyclohexane; D006581:Hexachlorobenzene; D001556:Hexachlorocyclohexane; D003634:DDT; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls; C023888:beta-hexachlorocyclohexane