DDT and PCB concentrations dependency on the biology and domicile of fish: an example of perch (Perca fluviatilis L.) in Estonian coastal sea

Abstract

The concentration of DDT and PCB in perch of different areas of Estonian coastal sea has been studied since 1998. The concentration of DDT and PCB of immature perch (L<15cm), feeding mostly on plankton and benthic organisms, has been low. During the maturation of perch (L=15-25cm), when the different fish species started to dominate in the ration of perch, the DDT and PCB concentration increased. After the first spawning the DDT and PCB concentration decreased: probably partially excreted during the spawning process. There were observed also differences in concentrations of toxicants in a perch living in different areas of coastal sea. At present time the contents of toxic chlororganic compounds, analyzed in the Baltic perch of Estonian coastal sea, remain below standards established by FAO/WHO in food, in which case the content of toxicants in the food does not cause symptoms of illness in case of people.