Publication Abstract

Global distribution of tris(4-chlorophenyl) methanol and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane in flatfish - is technical DDT the most likely source?

Global distribution of tris(4-chlorophenyl) methanol and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane in flatfish – is technical DDT the most likely source ?

M. Lebeuf, J. de Boer, M. Haarich, M.G. Ikonomou, R.J. Law, R. Roy

Tris(4-chlorophenyl) methanol and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane are globally distributed in the environment, but their source is not currently known. One possibility is the production of technical DDT, as significant associations between these two groups of compounds have been observed in environmental samples. In this collaborative study, organised through the ICES Marine Chemistry Working Group, flatfish samples from North America (Canada) and Europe (UK, Netherlands and Germany) were analysed for both these compounds and DDTs. The average concentrations of TCPMs was about 20 times higher in samples from Europe than in those from North America, although the concentrations of DDTs were similar. We conclude that it is unlikely that production of technical DDT is the major source of the TCPMs, and that further study is needed to identify the source.

Reference:

M. Lebeuf, J. de Boer, M. Haarich, M.G. Ikonomou, R.J. Law* and R. Roy  (2002) Global distribution of tris(4-chlorophenyl) methanol and tris(4-chlorophenyl)methane in flatfish - is technical DDT the most likely source? Organohalogen Compounds, 58: 445-448

M. Lebeuf, J. de Boer, M. Haarich, M.G. Ikonomou, R.J. Law* and R. Roy

Organohalogen Compounds, 58: 445-448