CONGENER-SPECIFIC MODEL FOR POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYL EFFECTS ON OTTER(LUTRA LUTRA)AND ASSOCIATED SEDIMENT QUALITY CRITERIA

摘要

A model for risk assessment was built for simultaneous, congener-specific PCB bioaccumulation from sediment to fish to otters(Lutra lutra). Toxic equivalence factors(TEFs)were used to sum individual congeners in otters to a toxic equivalent concentration(TEQ)relative to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin. Microbial dechlorination and burial in sediments and bioac- cumulation are modeled to predict time trends of PCB concentrations in otters. Effects of accumulated PCBs on otters were assessed for vitamin A metabolism and reproduction, taking model uncertainty into account.