Analysis of organochlorine compounds and extractable organic halogen in three subspecies of ringed seal from northeast Europe
Organochlorine compounds in blubber samples of the ringed seal (Phoca hispida saimensis, P. H. ladogensis, and P. h. hispida) were analyzed in order to estimate the state of pollution in three different water areas in Northeast Europe, namely, Lake Saimaa in Finland, Lake Lodoga, and the White Sea in Russia. Geographic differences in concentrations and in relative concentrations of tri- and tetrachlorocymenes, hexachlorobenzene, {alpha}-HCH, {beta}-HCH, {gamma}-HCH (Lindane), seven polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and p,p{prime}-DDT and its metabolites in ringed seals were compared. Concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons varied between the water areas. The highest concentrations were found in Saimaa ringed seals, followed by Lodaga ringed seals, and the lowest concentrations were detected in ringed seals from the White Sea. Extractable organic halogen (EOX) concentrations in blubber were also analyzed. The concentrations showed a geographic trend similar to those for the individual compounds identified. In Lakes Ladoga and Saimaa, the concentrations of EOX and chlorinated hydrocarbons in the blubber were dependent on the age and sex of the seals, but no such relationship was observed in samples from the White Sea.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Joensuu (FI)
- OSTI ID:
- 20080473
- Journal Information:
- Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Vol. 19, Issue 4; Other Information: PBD: Apr 2000; ISSN 0730-7268
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Use of stable isotopes of N and C to explain unexpectedly high levels of PCBs and other organochlorines in walrus
Chlorinated hydrocarbon residues in Baikal seal (Phoca sibirica) from Lake Baikal: Levels, patterns, and metabolism