Identification and Quantification of Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers and Methoxy-Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers in Baltic Biota

Abstract

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDPEs) and, for the first time, methoxy-polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDPEs) have been positively identified and quantified in various biotic samples including herring, salmon, seal, man (only PBDPEs), and commercial fish oils. The presence of these compounds was confirmed in the above samples by mass spectra and accurate mass determinations and verified by comparisons to gas chromatography− mass spectrometry (GC−MS) of available reference material. Concentrations were measured by GC−MS and found to vary from the low to moderate nanogram per gram of lipid range, with the highest levels in seal blubber and salmon muscle. Data for the studied samples suggest that these compounds bioconcentrate. The presence of polychlorinated diphenyl ethers and methoxy polychlorinated diphenyl ethers was indicated in a screened seal tissue. Potential environmental sources of the MeO-PBDPEs are discussed.