Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in mussels from cultures and natural population.
Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) mass fractions were determined in mussel samples collected from 6 locations around Thermaikos Gulf in north Greece. PBDEs were present in all sampling sites and the average total (ΣPBDEs) ranged from 17.7 to 32.3ng/g l.w., characterising Thermaikos as low polluted, a fact further supported by congener ratios and literature comparison. Distribution was even among stations with one exception. Congener profiles exhibited predominance of penta-/octa-BDEs as well as BDE-209. Statistical analysis showed significant difference in pollution levels between the two types of mussel cultures. No variations were observed for mussel bunch position or between cultures and natural population. Congener correlation analysis suggested different pollution sources between higher and lower brominated congeners as well as different metabolic/degradation processes. Bioaccumulation factors indicated that an increase in congener bromination degree leads to bioaccumulation capacity reduction. Consumption of mussels from Thermaikos gulf area poses no threat for public health concerning PBDEs.
Department of Ecology and Protection of the Environment, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Univ. Box 404, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece. Electronic address: idosis@vet.auth.gr.
Ioannis
I
Dosis
Department of Environmental Science and Analytical Chemistry, Stockholm University, SE-11418 Stockholm, Sweden.
Ioannis
I
Athanassiadis
Department of Ecology and Protection of the Environment, School of Veterinary Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Univ. Box 404, 54124 Thessaloniki, Greece.
Xanthippos
X
Karamanlis
D000818:Animals; D049872:Bivalvia; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D006115:Greece; D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers / Q000032:analysis*; D006801:Humans; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D055768:Halogenated Diphenyl Ethers; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
Aquatic ecosystem; BFR; Bivalves; Brominated flame retardants; Environmental pollution; Mytilus galloprovincialis