Occurrence and biological fate of persistent organic Contaminants in yellow sea fish

Abstract

Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), namely, Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), DDTs, HCHs, HCB, aldrin, endrin, dieldrin, endosulfan, heptachlors, mirex and chlordane compounds were investigated in muscle and liver tissues of Yellow Sea croakers (Collichthys niveatus and Pseudosciaena crocea) from 16 stations on the off shore waters of South Korea within the Yellow Sea Large Marine Ecosystem (YSLME). The sum concentration (minimum-maximum -ng/g lipid wt.) was: PCBs: non-detectable to 21; Pesticides non-detectable to 63. Among the 26 individual pesticide compounds measured in fishes, except 1,2,4,5-tetrachlorobenzene (TCBZ), all the other compounds were determined in almost in all samples. The levels in Yellow Sea croakers were similar to levels reported in the Baltic fish. The differential ratios of isomers/congeners in biota in comparison to the original commercial mixtures suggest possible metabolism by cytochrome P450 isozymes. The induction of such drug metabolizing enzymes suggests an ecotoxicological stress. Principle Component Analysis identifies 'hot spots', within the sampled area including the Korean off shore sewage dumpsite.