Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) in Great Lakes fish

Session: Poster session

Sarah Gewurtz, University of Windsor, [email protected]
Nilima Gandhi, Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Ken Drouillard, University of Windsor, Great Lakes Institute for Environmental Research, [email protected]
Terry Kolic, OMOECC, [email protected]
Karen MacPherson, OMOECC, [email protected]
Eric Reiner, Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]
Satyendra Bhavsar, Ontario Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, [email protected]

Abstract

Polychlorinated naphthalenes (PCNs) were used extensively during the 1930s to 50s, and then phased out around the 1960s (replaced by the supposedly less toxic PCBs) before reliable analytical methods were developed.  As such, limited environmental data exist for PCNs.  Since resources are limited, it is important to understand the current status of PCNs, and if continued monitoring is necessary.  We present a comprehensive view on PCNs in fish from the Canadian waters of the Great Lakes.  PCN-42, -52/60, 53, -64/68, -66/67, -69, and -71/72 were the only congeners that were above the detection limits in >70% of total 470 samples.  The average congener-specific concentrations ranged from 0.40-92 pg/g ww contributing 0.2-34% to ?PCN.  PCN-52/60 contributed most (34%) followed by PCN-42 (21%) and -66/67 (15%); however, PCN-66/67 were the predominant congeners contributing to 2,3,7,8-TCDD Toxic Equivalent (TEQ) concentration.  A limited analysis of short-term temporal change between 2006-07 and 2012 in PCN-66/67 indicated a decline mostly in the range of 24-77%.  The PCN-TEQ contribution to total TEQ (i.e., PCNs+Dioxins+Furans+dlPCB) ranged (25th-75th percentile) from 4.7-12%.  Based on the findings, a continued regular widespread monitoring of PCNs in Great Lakes fish is not necessary except for certain locations such as the Detroit River.

1. Keyword
fish toxins

2. Keyword
human health

3. Keyword
environmental health

4. Additional Keyword
PCN

5. Additional Keyword
Emerging contaminant