Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Cyclic Pesticides in Sediments and Macro-invertebrates from the Coastal Zone and Continental Slope of Kenya

摘要

Over 70% of the Earth's surface consists of oceans, coastal seas and estuarine zones. The importance of marine ecosystems is also illustrated by the fact that the coastal area is inhabited by about 60% of the world's population. Thus, in particular, estuarine and coastal systems, showing considerable biological activity, are exposed to a high degree of contamination. The load of anthropogenic compounds induces impairment of various physiological functions of individual organisms and affects the ecological quality of ecosystems. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides (e.g. DDTs, dieldrin) show a global distribution.