Abstract
The study determined current exposure of tigerfish in Lake Pongolaqpoort to organohalogens. Levels of DDT, PCB, HCB, HCH, PBDE and CHLs were measured in tigerfish muscle on a seasonal basis. Historical use of DDT was reflected in the bioaccumulation patterns (5,400–6,000 ng/g lipid) as well as current use of HCBs (7.7–15.7 ng/g lipid) in the agricultural areas. External factors, i.e. increased flow did not play a role in organic pollutant exposure. Levels are a function of the lipid content of the muscle tissue, i.e. 3.8% during low and 9% during high flow, implying that organohalogen exposure remains fairly constant throughout the year.
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Acknowledgments
These results were obtained thanks to the support of AIRES-Sud, a programme of the French Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs implemented by the Institut de recherche pour le Développement (IRD-DSF). The University of Antwerp is thanked for the chemical analyses.
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Wepener, V., Smit, N., Covaci, A. et al. Seasonal Bioaccumulation of Organohalogens in Tigerfish, Hydrocynus vittatus Castelnau, from Lake Pongolapoort, South Africa. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 88, 277–282 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-011-0439-0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-011-0439-0