Influence of trophic position and spatial location on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccumulation in a stream food web

David M. Walters; Ken M. Fritz; Brent R. Johnson; James M. Lazorchak; Frank H. McCormick

Treesearch

Influence of trophic position and spatial location on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccumulation in a stream food web

Formally Refereed

Authors:

David M. Walters, Ken M. Fritz, Brent R. Johnson, James M. Lazorchak, Frank H. McCormick

Year:

2008

Type:

Miscellaneous Publication

Station:

Rocky Mountain Research Station

Source:

Environmental Science Technology. 42: 2316-2322.

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Abstract

Bioaccumulation of persistent organic contaminants (OCs) is well documented in lentic and marine ecosystems, but few studies have addressed OC bioaccumulation in streams. The limited research in streams is surprising given the magnitude and extent of OC pollution. Approximately 9% of wadeable stream length in the U.S. is underlain by contaminated sediments including OCs; atmospheric deposition of OCs into streams is widespread, and OCs in stream fishes often exceed wildlife risk values, even in remote locations. Human health risks from consumption of lotic fishes are widespread, with 38% of U.S. stream length listed as "impaired" for fish consumption, primarily due to bioaccumulative compounds such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs).

Keywords

polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), streams, bioaccumulation, persistent organic contaminants (OCs), fish consumption

Citation

Walters, David M.; Fritz, Ken M.; Johnson, Brent R.; Lazorchak, James M.; McCormick, Frank H. 2008. Influence of trophic position and spatial location on polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) bioaccumulation in a stream food web. Environmental Science Technology. 42: 2316-2322.