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Title: Concentrations of PCBs, DDTr, and metals in fish from Tellico Reservoir

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:6221241

A study was initiated in autumn 1985 to examine levels of selected contaminants in composited flesh from channel catfish, largemouth bass, and carp and livers from channel catfish. Fish were collected in, upstream of, and downstream of the area of the reservoir where industrial development is expected to occur. Results showed levels of DDTr were low in all species from all locations. PCB levels were low in largemouth bass and carp but not in channel catfish. Four of the 12 composite channel catfish samples exceeded the Food and Drug Administration tolerance of 2.0 ..mu..g/g (max 3.2 ..mu..g/g and only one sample had a level less than 1.0 ..mu..g/g. There was no statistically significant difference in PCB levels among the four sample locations, although there was a tendency toward high levels at downstream locations. Further examination of PCB levels in catfish was recommended. Of all the metals on the EPA priority list, only Cr, Ni, and Hg were found in significant amounts. Catfish analyzed for PCB should also be analyzed for metals.

Research Organization:
Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville (USA). Office of Natural Resources and Economic Development; Tennessee Valley Authority, Knoxville (USA). Div. of Air and Water Resources
OSTI ID:
6221241
Report Number(s):
TVA/ONRED/AWR-87/25; ON: DE87900852
Resource Relation:
Other Information: Portions of this document are illegible in microfiche products
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English