ORGANOCHLORINES IN WILD MINK (MUSTELA-VISION) FROM NORWAY

  • 1 January 1981
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 33  (6-8) , 366-370
Abstract
Levels of PCB [polychlorinated biphenyl], DDE and HCB [hexachlorobenzene] were determined in abdominal adipose tissue from wild mink caught in the Norwegian counties of Sogn and Fjordane, Rogaland and Hedmark. Average organochlorine levels based on fat weight was .apprx. 1 ppm DDE, 0.1 ppm HCB and 1-15 ppm PCB. No significant differences (P < 0.05) were found in organochlorine levels in wild mink from these counties. A comparison of the levels (fat weight basis) of organochlorines in mink and cod from relatively uncontaminated waters along the Norwegian coastline and lagesild (Coregonus albula) from Lake Mjosa, located in the eastern region of Norway, was done. No dramatic differences in organochlorine levels in mink and fish were found. In mink DDT was detected in 2 samples. In cod from Norwegian fjords DDT accounted for 24-65% of total DDT. Metabolism of DDT in the food chain may be of importance for the accumulation of DDE in mink. The distribution pattern of PCB in mink differed from that observed in fish. In mink, as in arctic fox, a greater portion of PCB were present as the more highly chlorinated PCB isomers. The metabolism of PCB throughout the natural food chain resulted in accumulation of higher chlorinated, more persistant and less biodegradable PCB isomers in mink and arctic fox.

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