Publication Abstract

Polybrominated Diphenylethers in the blubber of harbour porpoises (phocoena phocoena L.) stranded on the coasts of England and Wales

Polybrominated Diphenylethers in the blubber of harbour porpoises (phocoena phocoena L.) stranded on the coasts of England and Wales

R.J. Law, C.R. Allchin, M.E. Bennett, and S. Morris

An earlier study of the distribution of polybrominated diphenylethers (PBDEs) downstream of potential sources in the UK showed particularly high concentrations of these contaminants to occur in sediments from the Rivers Skerne and Tees, downstream of a manufacturing site. High concentrations of PBDEs (particularly bromodiphenylether (BDE) congener BDE47; 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenylether) were also found in some fish, and particularly in livers of dab and flounder from Tees Bay in NE England. Marine mammals consuming fish are therefore exposed to PBDEs in their diet, and have the potential for further accumulation of these lipophilic contaminants. In order to establish the current levels of contamination we have undertaken the analysis of PBDEs in blubber samples from a range of marine mammal species, and preliminary data are reported in this paper.

Reference:

R.J. Law, C.R. Allchin, M.E. Bennett, and S. Morris, 2000. Polybrominated Diphenylethers in the blubber of harbour porpoises (phocoena phocoena L.) stranded on the coasts of England and Wales. Organohalogen Compounds, 47: 249-252.

R. J. Law*, C. R. Allchin*, M. E. Bennett*, and S. Morris*

Organohalogen Compounds, 47: 249-252