Persistent Organic Pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in European Conger Eel, Conger conger L., from the Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

摘要

The present study provides novel data regarding levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs) in muscle tissue of European conger eel (Conger conger) from Ionian Sea (Mediterranean Sea). The mean concentration of PCBs (891 ng g−1 lipid weight) was higher than those of DDTs (543 ng g−1 lipid weight). PCB pattern was dominated by higher chlorinated congeners (hexa-CBs: 69.3 %, penta-CBs: 17.2 %, hepta-CBs: 13.3 %). Regarding DDT pattern, p,p′-DDE was prevalent in all samples (85.5 %), suggesting no recent DDT input. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono-and non-ortho congeners was 0.41 pg g−1 wet weight (29.92 pg g−1 lipid weight). The PCB and DDT levels, as well as TEQ concentrations were lower than most of the corresponding published data for fish from Mediterranean and non-Mediterranean regions, probably reflecting a moderately contaminated area.