Publication Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants in the North Sea food web.

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants in the North Sea food web.

J. P. Boon, W. E. Lewis, M. R. Tjoen-A-Choy, C. C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes, C. R. Allchin, R.J. Law, J. de Boer and B. N. Zegers.

The levels of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) were studied in animals at different trophic levels (invertebrates, fish, marine mammals) from the North Sea. The observed geographical distribution pattern in the North Sea as observed in the invertebrate species showed the highest concentrations near the east coast of the UK and on the western part of the Dogger bank. This can be explained by the assumption that dredged sediments from the contaminated river Tees are the major source. The particle-associated PBDEs are subsequently transported from the estuary by the residual bottom currents in the North Sea. These run mainly in a southerly direction in winter and to the western flank of the Dogger Bank between May and October as a result of the development of a density-driven bottom water current formed after the onset of vertical stratification of the water column in May. This distribution pattern of the PBDEs throughout the North Sea is largely independent from the distribution of PCBs and p,p’-DDE. The major biomagnification step in the food-web occurred from fish to marine mammals.

Reference:

J. P. Boon, W. E. Lewis, M. R. Tjoen-A-Choy, C. C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes, C. R. Allchin*, R.J. Law*, J. de Boer and B. N. Zegers (2002) Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants in the North Sea food web. Environmental Science and Technology, 36(19): 4025-4032

J. P. Boon, W. E. Lewis, M. R. Tjoen-A-Choy, C. C. ten Hallers-Tjabbes, C. R. Allchin*, R.J. Law*, J. de Boer and B. N. Zegers

Environmental Science and Technology, 36(19): 4025-4032