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Comparison of nonplanar and coplanar PCB congener partitioning in seawater and bioaccumulation in blue mussels (Mytilus edulis)

Journal Article · · Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry
; ;  [1]
  1. Environmental Protection Agency, Narragansett, RI (United States). Atlantic Ecology Div.
The partitioning of 18 nonplanar and three coplanar polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners was quantified in New Bedford Harbor, Massachusetts. Concurrently, bioaccumulation of these congeners was measured in blue mussels deployed for 7 and 28 d in New Bedford Harbor, and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were calculated for each congener. The PCB concentrations measured in the dissolved and particulate fractions of seawater samples were used to calculate partition coefficients (K{sub p}) for each congener. These values were correlated with reported octanol/water partition coefficients (K{sub ow}). No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in the relationships between K{sub p} and K{sub ow} for the coplanar congeners relative to the nonplanar congeners. Coplanar congeners reached steady state faster than the nonplanar congeners; however, after 28 d a similar relationship was observed between BCF and K{sub ow} in coplanar and nonplanar congeners. These data indicate that coplanar PCBs partition in seawater and accumulate in mussels similarly to nonplanar PCBs with the same number of chlorines.
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE
OSTI ID:
377800
Journal Information:
Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, Journal Name: Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry Journal Issue: 9 Vol. 15; ISSN 0730-7268; ISSN ETOCDK
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English