红树植物秋茄对PCBs污染沉积物的修复

通过盆栽试验,研究了红树植物秋茄(Kandelia candel)对污染沉积物中系列浓度的PCB47(2,2′,4,4′-tetrachlorobiphenyl)和PCB155( 2,2′,4,4′,6,6′, -hexachlorophenyl)的修复作用与累积机理.结果表明:(1)经过180d处理,栽种了秋茄的沉积物中PCB47的残留浓度为53.99～528.37μg·kg-1,PCB155的残留浓度为68.25～682.90μg·kg-1,分别比对照1(加二氯化汞)低10.40%～15.46% 和6.10%～11.94%;比对照2(无二氯化汞)低7.70%～12.85% 和5.28%～8.27%;(2)秋茄对沉积物中PCB47和PCB155均具有较强的吸收积累作用,并随沉积物中PCB47和PCB155含量的增加而增大,不同种类PCBs在秋茄体内不同部位的积累趋势相同,不论是PCB47还是PCB155的累积量均是根> 叶> 茎.秋茄叶片中多氯联苯来自根部传输和空气吸收两部分,较低浓度的处理中,主要来自空气吸收,较高浓度的处理中,主要来自根部传输;(3)秋茄根对PCBs的生物富集系数(BCFs) 随着沉积物中PCB47和PCB155含量的增加而减小.不同种类PCBs 以及植物不同部位间BCFs 差异较大, PCB47的生物富集系数大于PCB155, 秋茄不同部位对PCBs生物富集系数大小不同,无论是PCB47还是PCB155,生物富集系数均是根＞叶＞茎.总体看来,秋茄能积累与去除污染沉积物中的PCB47和PCB155,表明用红树植物秋茄修复PCBs污染沉积物是一种有效、可行的方法.     

Biosynthesis of chitinases by mammals of the order Carnivora

The secretion of chitinases has been examined in six species of Mammals belonging to the order Carnivora. Chitinases were found only in the extracts of the gastric mucosa of two species not adapted to a strictly meat diet [Canidae: dog and fox] while those with exclusive carnivorous habits, [Mustelidae: stoat, ferret, marten; and Felidae: cat, seem not to secrete the enzyme. These observations confirm the existence of a correlation between the ability of a given species to synthetize chitinases in digestive svstem and the feeding habits of the species.     

Fasting in the American marten (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes americana</Emphasis>): a physiological model of the adaptations of a lean-bodied animal

The American marten (Martes americana) is a boreal forest marten with low body adiposity throughout the year. The aim of this study was to investigate the adaptations of this lean-bodied species to fasting for an ecologically relevant duration (48 h) by exposing eight farm-bred animals to total food deprivation with seven control animals. Selected morphological and hematological parameters, plasma and serum biochemistry, endocrinological variables and liver and white adipose tissue (WAT) enzyme activities were determined. After 48 h without food, the marten were within phase II of fasting with depleted liver and muscle glycogen stores, but with active lipid mobilization indicated by the high lipase activities in several WAT depots. The plasma ghrelin concentrations were higher due to food deprivation, possibly increasing appetite and enhancing foraging behavior. The lower plasma insulin and higher cortisol concentrations could mediate augmented lipolysis and the lower triiodothyronine levels could suppress the metabolic rate. Fasting did not affect the plasma levels of stress-associated catecholamines or variables indicating tissue damage. In general, the adaptations to short-term fasting exhibited some differences compared to the related farm-bred American mink (Mustela vison), an example of which was the better ability of the marten to hydrolyze lipids despite its significantly lower initial fat mass.     

Inhibition of photosynthesis ofPopulus euramericana andHelianthus annuus by SO2, NO2 and O3

Populus euramericana cv. I-214 andHelianthus annuus L. cv. Russian Mammoth were exposed to various concentrations of O₃ SO₂ or NO₂ for 2 h in a cylindrical assimilation chamber. The threshold concentrations of air pollutants for inhibition of net photosynthesis differed between the two species and also between the pollutants tested. Furthermore, the lethal concentrations where the net photosynthetic rates were completely inhibited, also differed between species and between pollutants. For SO₂ and NO₂,P. euramericana was more tolerant photosynthetically thanH. annuus when related to the concentration of pollutants used during the experiment. However, when related to the cumulative uptake rate of each pollutant, the photosynthetic tolerance of the two species was similar. In contrast to the effects of SO₂ or NO₂, the influence of O₃ on net photosynthesis was quite different. The relative rates of net photosynthesis in both species showed the same linear relationship with O₃ concentration. However, the relationship between the relative rate of net photosynthesis and the cumulative uptake rate of O₃ differed between the two species, although it was linear in both cases.     

Genetically modified Pseudomonas biosensing biodegraders to detect PCB and chlorobenzoate bioavailability and biodegradation in contaminated soils

Whole cell microbial biosensors offer excellent possibilities for assaying the complex nature of the bioavailable and bioaccessible fraction of pollutants in contaminated soils, which currently cannot be easily addressed. This paper describes the application and evaluation of three microbial biosensor strains designed to detect the bioavailability and biodegradation of PCBs (and end-products) in contaminated soils and sediments. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are considered to be one of the most wide spread, hazardous and persistent pollutants. Herein we describe that there was a positive correlation between the PCB levels within the samples and the percentage of biosensor cells that were expressing their reporter gene; gfp. Immobilisation of the biosensors in calcium alginate beads allowed easy and accurate detection of the biosensor strains in contaminated soil and sludge samples. The biosensors also showed that PCB degradation activity was occurring at a much greater level in Pea inoculated planted soil compared to inoculated unplanted soil indicating rhizoremediation (the removal of pollutants by plant root associated microbes) shows considerable promise as a solution for removing organic xenobiotics from the environment.     

Sylvatic trichinosis in Ontario, Canada

Samples of muscle from 4,773 specimens of 18 species of wild mammals from Ontario were examined for Trichinella. One of 12 mink (Mustela vison), 83 of 1,821 fisher (Martes pennanti) and 68 of 1,980 marten (Martes americana) had T. spiralis. Prevalences of infections by Trichinella were determined for fisher and marten from the Algonquin region, over a 10-yr period. Prevalences ranged from 0.9-9.2% in fisher and 1.3-8.7% in marten indicating that the parasite is well-established in the region. Prevalences of Trichinella increased with age of both fisher and marten. Intensities determined for the 1981-1982 sample ranged from 0.4-15.8 larvae/g for fisher and 22.4-159.7 larvae/g for marten. Higher intensities were not correlated with older hosts. Fisher and marten appeared to be the key hosts maintaining Trichinella in the Algonquin region, but transmission dynamics were unclear. Transmission may include an unidentified small rodent or other host and natural carrion-feeding.     

Population crash in an invasive species following the recovery of a native predator: the case of the American grey squirrel and the European pine marten in Ireland

In Ireland, the UK and Italy, the invasive North American grey squirrel, Sciurus carolinensis, threatens the survival of the Eurasian red squirrel, Sciurus vulgaris, as the effects of competition and disease almost inevitably lead to total replacement of red squirrel populations. However the results of a recent national squirrel survey suggested that the normally invasive grey squirrel had gone into decline in the Irish midlands, which was anecdotally attributed to an increase in European pine marten, Martes martes, range and numbers. This study aimed to quantify changes in squirrel distribution in Ireland and to investigate the role, if any, of the pine marten in red and grey squirrel population dynamics. A distribution survey of the midlands was carried out which confirmed the grey squirrel population has crashed in approximately 9,000 km² of its former range and the red squirrel is common after an absence of up to 30 years. At landscape level, pine marten and red squirrel abundance were positively correlated, whereas a strong negative correlation between pine marten and grey squirrel presence at woodland level was found to exist. Squirrel demographics were determined by means of live trapping programs which confirmed that the red squirrel in the midlands is now in competitive release and the grey squirrel is present at unusually low density. This study provides the first evidence of a regional grey squirrel population crash and suggests that European pine marten abundance may be a critical factor in the American grey squirrel’s success or failure as an invasive species.     

Relationships between tissue contaminant concentrations in a small sample of seabirds

1. The metal and organochlorine contaminant concentrations were measured in a small sample of three seabird species collected from St Kilda, Scotland, UK, and the relationship between concentrations of different contaminants within and between tissues was compared. 2. There was little evidence that the concentration of a contaminant in one tissue was indicative of the concentration in any other tissue. 3. Generally, different contaminants had not co-accumulated in tissues; this was so even for the lipophilic compounds (DDE and PCBs), with the exception of puffin fat. 4. There was a tendency for the species containing the most fat to contain the highest concentrations of lipophilic contaminants and there was some suggestion that the fat in muscle could play a role in determining PCB concentrations.     

Nemertines as predators on tidal flats – High Noon at low tide

Malformations in fish embryos have been monitored for several years in the southern part of the North Sea. Their occurrence was thought to be related to pollution because malformation rates were highest in coastal waters, known to receive high pollution loads. For the embryos of all species synchronous trends for the fluctuation of the occurrence of malformations over time were registered in the areas covered, with intermediate prevalences at the beginning of the studies in 1984 and maxima in 1987. Thereafter,malformations in all species decreased significantly,followed by an abrupt increase in 1996. It was found that in addition to a close correlation between the concentrations of environmental pollutants in the water and in the fish a significant negative correlation existed between surface water temperature and the occurrence of malformed embryos of dab (Limanda limanda). These same correlations were also observed for other fish species over time and space. This temperature-related correlation became increasingly visible with decreasing concentrations of organochlorines in fish. From these findings it is concluded that aside from environmental pollutants,natural factors such as temperature may predispose developing fish embryos to the impact of pollutants. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

A species distribution model for pine marten (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Martes martes</Emphasis>) in the least forested region of Europe

Species distribution modelling is a useful technique that provides data on factors that can influence a species range, identify high suitability areas and model future scenarios. The pine marten (Martes martes) has undergone major historical declines in abundance and distribution in Northern Ireland, similar to that which has occurred throughout its range. Currently, the species is in a phase of range expansion in Northern Ireland, in what is the least forested landscape in Europe. To assess the suitability of this environment for pine marten re-establishment, presence only distribution data combined with landcover data at a 10-km scale were used in a species distribution modelling study using Maxent. The results indicated that approximately 32% (4500 km²) of the land area of Northern Ireland had a high probability of pine marten occurrence. Pine marten distribution was positively associated with the extent of conifer forest landcover types, which also had the highest single attribute contribution to the model. Landcover types that were negatively associated with pine marten distribution included the extent of open, dwarf and urban areas.     

Levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Three Organochlorine Pesticides in Fish from the Aleutian Islands of Alaska

Background

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs), including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and chlorinated pesticides, have been shown to have many adverse human health effects. These contaminants therefore may pose a risk to Alaska Natives that follow a traditional diet high in marine mammals and fish, in which POPs bioaccumulate.

Methods and Findings

This study examined the levels of PCBs and three pesticides [p, p′-DDE, mirex, and hexachlorobenzene (HCB)] in muscle tissue from nine fish species from several locations around the Aleutian Islands of Alaska. The highest median PCB level was found in rock sole (Lepidopsetta bilineata, 285 ppb, wet weight), while the lowest level was found in rock greenling (Hexagrammos lagocephalus, 104 ppb, wet weight). Lipid adjusted PCB values were also calculated and significant interspecies differences were found. Again, rock sole had the highest level (68,536 ppb, lipid weight). Concerning the PCB congener patterns, the more highly chlorinated congeners were most common as would be expected due to their greater persistence. Among the pesticides, p, p′-DDE generally dominated, and the highest level was found in sockeye salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka, 6.9 ppb, wet weight). The methodology developed by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) was used to calculate risk-based consumption limits for the analyzed fish species. For cancer health endpoints for PCBs, all species would trigger strict advisories of between two and six meals per year, depending upon species. For noncancer effects by PCBs, advisories of between seven and twenty-two meals per year were triggered. None of the pesticides triggered consumption limits.

Conclusion

The fish analyzed, mainly from Adak, contain significant concentrations of POPs, in particular PCBs, which raises the question whether these fish are safe to eat, particularly for sensitive populations. However when assessing any risk of the traditional diet, one must also consider the many health and cultural benefits from eating fish.     

Depuration of PCBs in the Lake Michigan Ecosystem

A suite of physical processes controls the rate at which polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations change in Lake Michigan fauna. To the extent that these processes are homogenous in space, predator and forage fish species are exposed to the same water column and sediment concentrations of PCB in Lake Michigan, whereas exposure due to diet varies with trophic position. We can think of observed PCB concentrations in a particular species as realizations of an unknown process consisting of many sources of variability. Because all species are utilizing the resources of the same ecosystem, a component of variability of PCB concentration is shared by all organisms in the system, whereas other components are not. Individual species were modeled with parameters that were estimated as the overall, or reference mean and a shared rate of change, plus an individual species offset from that reference mean and shared rate of change. This approach allows species-specific differences to be manifest via the offset, whereas the shared components of variability are known with greater precision than would be possible if we considered only a single species. The objective of this work is to determine the extent to which observed declines in PCB concentrations in various species in the Lake Michigan ecosystem are similar and synchronous. A high degree of similarity and synchrony between species would imply a high degree of spatial homogeneity of the physical processes controlling PCB concentrations in Lake Michigan fauna. A lack of synchrony suggests that other factors, such as food web interactions or spatial patterns, may be important. Received 9 March 1999; accepted 29 February 2000.     

Chromosomal rearrangements and karyotype evolution in carnivores revealed by chromosome painting

Chromosomal evolution in carnivores has been revisited extensively using cross-species chromosome painting. Painting probes derived from flow-sorted chromosomes of the domestic dog, which has one of the most rearranged karyotypes in mammals and the highest dipoid number (2n=78) in carnivores, are a powerful tool in detecting both evolutionary intra- and inter-chromosomal rearrangements. However, only a few comparative maps have been established between dog and other non-Canidae species. Here, we extended cross-species painting with dog probes to seven more species representing six carnivore families: Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx), the stone marten (Martes foina), the small Indian civet (Viverricula indica), the Asian palm civet (Paradoxurus hermaphrodites), Javan mongoose (Hepestes javanicas), the raccoon (Procyon lotor) and the giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca). The numbers and positions of intra-chromosomal rearrangements were found to differ among these carnivore species. A comparative map between human and stone marten, and a map among the Yangtze finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides asiaeorientalis), stone marten and human were also established to facilitate outgroup comparison and to integrate comparative maps between stone marten and other carnivores with such maps between human and other species. These comparative maps give further insight into genome evolution and karyotype phylogenetic relationships among carnivores, and will facilitate the transfer of gene mapping data from human, domestic dog and cat to other species.     

Disruption of neuroendocrine control of luteinizing hormone secretion by aroclor 1254 involves inhibition of hypothalamic tryptophan hydroxylase activity

Mechanisms governing the effect of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) toxicity on hypothalamic serotonergic function and the neuroendocrine system controlling LH secretion were investigated in Atlantic croaker (Micropogonias unulatus) exposed to the PCB mixture Aroclor 1254 (1 microg x g body weight(-1) x day(-1)) in the diet for 30 days. PCB treatment caused a decrease in hypothalamic 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) concentrations and significant inhibition of hypothalamic tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH), the rate-limiting enzyme in 5-HT synthesis, but did not alter the activity of monoamine oxidase, the catabolic enzyme. Further, PCB treatment caused significant decreases in GnRH content in the preoptic-anterior hypothalamic area. Significant decreases in pituitary GnRH receptor concentrations and the LH response to the GnRH analogue (GnRHa) were also observed in PCB-exposed fish, possibly as a consequence of a decline in GnRH release. The possible association between impaired serotonergic and neuroendocrine functions after PCB treatment was explored using serotonergic drugs. Treatment of croaker with p-chlorophenylalanine, an irreversible TPH inhibitor, mimicked the effects of PCB on the GnRH system and the LH response to GnRHa. Bypassing the TPH-dependent hydroxylation step with the administration of 5-hydroxytryptophan restored 5-HT to control levels and prevented the deleterious effects of PCB on the neuroendocrine parameters. Moreover, slow-release GnRH implants prevented the PCB-induced decline in GnRH receptors and restored the LH response to GnRHa, suggesting that GnRH therapy can reverse PCB-induced disruption of LH secretion. These results demonstrate that TPH is one of the targets of PCB neurotoxicity and indicate that a decrease in 5-HT availability in PCB-exposed croaker results in disruption of the stimulatory 5-HT/GnRH pathway controlling LH secretion.     

Dioxin/polychlorinated biphenyl body burden, diabetes and endometriosis: findings in a population-based study in Belgium

Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants widely distributed in the food chain, which is the main source of human exposure. Their effects on human health at background exposure levels are still poorly understood. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests a possible association between these pollutants and diabetes. We report here the results of a population-based study in Belgium on 257 (142 women and 115 men) environmentally exposed subjects, including 10 cases of endometriosis and nine cases of diabetes. Seventeen 2,3,7,8-polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs or dioxins), four coplanar PCBs (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry [IUPAC] nos 77, 81, 126 and 169) and 12 PCB markers (IUPAC nos 3, 8, 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180, 194, 206 and 209) were quantified in serum fat from fasting blood samples in order to estimate the body burden of these pollutants. Whilst no difference was found between women with endometriosis and their controls, diabetic patients had significantly increased serum levels of dioxins, coplanar PCBs and the 12 PCB markers. After adjustment for age and other covariates, serum total toxic equivalent activity (sum of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs) and 12 PCB marker concentrations in diabetics were 62% (p=0.0005) and 39% (p=0.0067) higher, respectively, than in controls. The risk of diabetes was significantly increased in subjects in the top decile for adjusted concentrations of dioxins (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18-21.7), coplanar PCBs (odds ratio 13.3, 95% CI 3.31-53.2) or 12 PCB markers (odds ratio 7.6, 95% CI 1.58-36.3). These findings warrant further studies to assess the significance of the associations between diabetes and environmental exposure to polychlorinated pollutants.     

Dioxin/polychlorinated biphenyl body burden,diabetes and endometriosis: findings in a population-based study in Belgium

Dioxins and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are persistent organic pollutants widely distributed in the food chain, which is the main source of human exposure. Their effects on human health at background exposure levels are still poorly understood. Recent epidemiological evidence suggests a possible association between these pollutants and diabetes. We report here the results of a population-based study in Belgium on 257 (142 women and 115 men) environmentally exposed subjects, including 10 cases of endometriosis and nine cases of diabetes. Seventeen 2,3,7,8-polychlorinated dibenzodioxins/dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs or dioxins), four coplanar PCBs (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry [IUPAC] nos 77, 81, 126 and 169) and 12 PCB markers (IUPAC nos 3, 8, 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180, 194, 206 and 209) were quantified in serum fat from fasting blood samples in order to estimate the body burden of these pollutants. Whilst no difference was found between women with endometriosis and their controls, diabetic patients had significantly increased serum levels of dioxins, coplanar PCBs and the 12 PCB markers. After adjustment for age and other covariates, serum total toxic equivalent activity (sum of PCDD/Fs and coplanar PCBs) and 12 PCB marker concentrations in diabetics were 62% (p=0.0005) and 39% (p=0.0067) higher, respectively, than in controls. The risk of diabetes was significantly increased in subjects in the top decile for adjusted concentrations of dioxins (odds ratio 5.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.18–21.7), coplanar PCBs (odds ratio 13.3, 95% CI 3.31–53.2) or 12 PCB markers (odds ratio 7.6, 95% CI 1.58–36.3). These findings warrant further studies to assess the significance of the associations between diabetes and environmental exposure to polychlorinated pollutants.     

Using Betula pendula and Telephora caryophyllea for Soil Pollution Assessment

The concentrations of available arsenic, copper, lead, and zinc in the soil, and the concentration of these elements in vegetal tissues were measured. The most common species at the sites were studied. All the species that were analyzed took up pollutants and could indicate polluted soil. However, all the studied species did not fit to map pollution. The birch (Betula pendula) and most of the fungi species had still quite low concentrations in their tissues compared with the available concentrations in the soil. No direct correlation between the pollution content in the soil and in the vegetation tissues could be observed. Specimens of Thlaspi caerulescens were accumulating zinc. Of the four fungi species collected, only Thelephora caryophyllea seemed to accumulate actively in the studied pollutants. Moreover, it was possible to use an arsenic test with the fungi, which is also interesting from the perspective of preliminary assessment of the degree of pollution. A qualitative judgement of the soil pollution is possible by examining the plant material. To obtain a more quantitative and complete mapping, the method has to be developed further and completed with other investigations when vegetation is missing.     

Leptin administration improves skeletal muscle insulin responsiveness in diet-induced insulin-resistant rats

In addition to suppressing appetite, leptin may also modulate insulin secretion and action. Leptin was administered here to insulin-resistant rats to determine its effects on secretagogue-stimulated insulin release, whole body glucose disposal, and insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake and transport. Male Wistar rats were fed either a normal (Con) or a high-fat (HF) diet for 3 or 6 mo. HF rats were then treated with either vehicle (HF), leptin (HF-Lep, 10 mg. kg(-1). day(-1) sc), or food restriction (HF-FR) for 12-15 days. Glucose tolerance and skeletal muscle glucose uptake and transport were significantly impaired in HF compared with Con. Whole body glucose tolerance and rates of insulin-stimulated skeletal muscle glucose uptake and transport in HF-Lep were similar to those of Con and greater than those of HF and HF-FR. The insulin secretory response to either glucose or tolbutamide (a pancreatic beta-cell secretagogue) was not significantly diminished in HF-Lep. Total and plasma membrane skeletal muscle GLUT-4 protein concentrations were similar in Con and HF-Lep and greater than those in HF and HF-FR. The findings suggest that chronic leptin administration reversed a high-fat diet-induced insulin-resistant state, without compromising insulin secretion.     

Spatial Niche Segregation of Sympatric Stone Marten and Pine Marten – Avoidance of Competition or Selection of Optimal Habitat?

Coexistence of ecologically similar species relies on differences in one or more dimensions of their ecological niches, such as space, time and resources in diel and/or seasonal scales. However, niche differentiation may result from other mechanisms such as avoidance of high predation pressure, different adaptations or requirements of ecologically similar species. Stone marten (Martes foina) and pine marten (Martes martes) occur sympatrically over a large area in Central Europe and utilize similar habitats and food, therefore it is expected that their coexistence requires differentiation in at least one of their niche dimensions or the mechanisms through which these dimensions are used. To test this hypothesis, we used differences in the species activity patterns and habitat selection, estimated with a resource selection function (RSF), to predict the relative probability of occurrence of the two species within a large forest complex in the northern geographic range of the stone marten. Stone martens were significantly heavier, have a longer body and a better body condition than pine martens. We found weak evidence for temporal niche segregation between the species. Stone and pine martens were both primarily nocturnal, but pine martens were active more frequently during the day and significantly reduced the duration of activity during autumn-winter. Stone and pine martens utilized different habitats and almost completely separated their habitat niches. Stone marten strongly preferred developed areas and avoided meadows and coniferous or deciduous forests. Pine marten preferred deciduous forest and small patches covered by trees, and avoided developed areas and meadows. We conclude that complete habitat segregation of the two marten species facilitates sympatric coexistence in this area. However, spatial niche segregation between these species was more likely due to differences in adaptation to cold climate, avoidance of high predator pressure and/or food preferences by both species than competitive interaction between them.     

Accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls in turbot(Scophthalmus maximus) from seawater sediments and food

Juvenile turbot,Scophthalmus maximus (L.), were exposed to 0.58 μg 1⁻¹ Aroclor 1254 in seawater, to sediments containing 100, 60 and 1 ppm or fed with cockle containing 20 ppm PCB (polychlorinated biphenyls). Concentration factors for liver and muscle were 10⁴ and 10³, respectively, for uptake of PCB from seawater. Contamination of muscle was similar to that of sediments containing 1 and 60 ppm PCB to which turbot were exposed, but less than the 20 ppm in their experimental diet. Contamination of flatfish in the North Sea area is compared with the levels of PCB in the flounder,Platichthys flesus (L.), in the River Thames and predictable values for uptake of PCB from different pathways discussed.