Measuring and Estimating the Bioconcentration Factor of Chemicals in Fish

摘要

A method of estimating the bioconcentration factor of organic chemicals in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) is described. Water at 25C was intermittently dosed with the chemical at a nontoxic concentration in a flow-through aquarium. Thirty minnows are placed in the aquarium, and composite samples of five fish are removed for analysis after 2, 4, 8, 16, 24, and 32 d of exposure. The bioconcentration process is summarized by using the first-order uptake model, and the steady-state bioconcentration factor is calculated from the 32 d exposure.