Trends in PCB Contamination in Fishes from Wisconsin Waters of Lake Michigan, 1978-1986
Abstract
Data from 1,969 samples of 36 fish species collected from Wisconsin waters of Lake Michigan were examined to determine trends in polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination from 1978 through 1986, and to assess ambient PCB body burdens in 13 selected species, primarily sport fishes. PCB levels were generally higher in fishes collected in coastal waters compared with fishes collected in offshore waters, and in fishes from southern Green Bay compared with those from northern Green Bay. Body burdens in all regions and most species have declined over the time period, with dramatic declines since 1978 in northern pike (Esox lucius), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum), and carp (Cyprinus carpio) from coastal waters. By 1986, mean PCB levels in most species had declined below the U.S. Food and Drug Administration action level of 2 4g/g wet weight; exceptions included channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus), chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha), coho salmon (0. kisutch), and walleye. PCB concentrations tended to increase with fish weight, length, and percent lipid, although strong correlations were rarely noted. Highest mean PCB concentrations occurred in some top predators and some bottom-feeding species, suggesting that food chain biomagnification and partitioning from contaminated sediments may both be important mechanisms for PCB bioaccumulation in Lake Michigan fishes. PCB levels were significantly higher in whole fish samples than in fillets in only 6 of the 13 species considered; lipid content was significantly higher in whole fish than in fillets in 4 of those 6 species. Bioaccumulation, Percent lipid, Regional trends, Fish, Polychlorinated, Sample type, Lake Michigan, Biphenyls (PCBS), Temporal trends.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA269749
Entities
People
- Joan U. Clarke
- John Dorkin
- Paul L. Whitman