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Calibration of the freshwater mussel, Elliptio complanata, for quantitative biomonitoring of hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene in aquatic systems

Journal Article · · Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01701938· OSTI ID:6789148

The fresh water mussel Elliptio complanata has been frequently used to monitor organic contaminant exposure in the Great Lakes. However, to translate observed body burdens in the mussel to chemical concentrations in the water, the relationship between chemical concentrations in the water and the mussel should be established. This relationship is controlled by the uptake and elimination kinetics of chemicals in the mussel. This study reports a bioconcentration experiment in Elliptio complanata for hexachlorobenzene and octachlorostyrene. It demonstrates (i) the derivation of uptake and elimination rate constants from the experimental data, (ii) the use of kinetic rate constants in establishing chemical specific relationships for chemical concentrations in the mussel and the water and (iii) the role of these relationships in the planning and interpretation of biomonitoring studies.

OSTI ID:
6789148
Journal Information:
Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA), Journal Name: Bulletin of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology; (USA) Vol. 43:4; ISSN 0007-4861; ISSN BECTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English