Environmental significance of the uptake and depuration of planar PCB congeners by the American Oyster (Crassostrea virginica).

Date

1992

Authors

Sericano, J.L.
Wade, T.L.
El-Husseini, A.M.
Brooks, J.M.

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Abstract

Uptake and depuration of three highly toxic PCB congeners, i.e. PCBs 77, 126, and 169, by the American oyster (Crassostrea virginica) were studied under environmental conditions. Compared with other PCB congeners, these compounds can be considerably bioconcentrated, and retained, by bivalves and constitute a potential health hazard for higher consumers. To evaluate the health risks that these PCB congeners pose for human beings, concentrations in oyster samples from two of the largest bays on the northern Gulf of Mexico coast, Galveston and Tampa Bays, sampled as part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations's National Status and Trends Mussel Watch Programme, are discussed.

Description

p. 537-543

Keywords

polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)

Citation