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Congener‐specific model for polychlorinated biphenyl effects on otter ( Lutra lutra ) and associated sediment quality criteria
Author(s) -
Traas Theo P.,
Luttik Robert,
Klepper Olivier,
Beurskens Jacobus E. M.,
Smit Maarten D.,
Leonards Pim E. G.,
van Hattum Albertus G. M.,
Aldenberg Tom
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
environmental toxicology and chemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.1
H-Index - 171
eISSN - 1552-8618
pISSN - 0730-7268
DOI - 10.1002/etc.5620200124
Subject(s) - otter , congener , lutra , bioaccumulation , polychlorinated biphenyl , environmental science , environmental chemistry , sediment , gammarus pulex , persistent organic pollutant , ecology , contamination , biology , chemistry , amphipoda , crustacean , paleontology
Abstract A model for risk assessment was built for simultaneous, congener‐specific PCB bioaccumulation from sediment to fish to otters ( Lutra lutra ). Toxic equivalence factors (TEFs) were used to sum individual congeners in otters to a toxic equivalent concentration (TEQ) relative to 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐ p ‐dioxin. Microbial dechlorination and burial in sediments and bioac‐cumulation are modeled to predict time trends of PCB concentrations in otters. Effects of accumulated PCBs on otters were assessed for vitamin A metabolism and reproduction, taking model uncertainty into account. Three locations in The Netherlands were modeled with PCB levels in sediment of 1 to 171 pg TEQ/g organic carbon (OC). Almost 100% reduction in litter size was predicted for the most polluted area in 1996. Due to large associated uncertainty, a period of 25 to 80 years may be needed for recovery of otter vitamin A levels and litter size at this site. Calculated median sediment quality criteria (SQC) range between 1 and 12 pg TEQ/g OC, depending on the chosen effect criterion. Uncertainty in calculated effects and SQCs is substantial and is mainly caused by uncertainty in PCB congener 126 accumulation.