Polychlorinated biphenyls and other persistent chlorinated contaminants in fish as indicators of pollution of aquatic ecosystem in Czech Republic

Abstract

Fillets obtained from three sets of fish species—carps, breams and pike perches, collected in Mušov lake were analysed for PCBs and other persistent organochlorine contaminants. Although some differences in concentrations of analytes are evident, their relative abundances in samples were very similar. The reasons for the expression of contaminants levels preferably on the fresh weight basis were discussed. Good correlation was found between the concentrations of indicator PCBs and content of fat in fillets for all examined species. PCB 153 was proved to be—in this particular locality—a representative indicator of PCBs content.