Evaluating Polymeric Sampling as a Tool for Predicting the Bioaccumulation of Polychlorinated Biphenyls by Fish and Shellfish.

Recent research has shown that polymeric sampling data generally can predict the bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic contaminants by benthic and sessile invertebrates. Based on literature data, this review evaluated polymeric sampling as a tool for predicting the bioaccumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) by pelagic and mobile fish and shellfish. Lipid-normalized concentrations (CL) were linked to corresponding equilibrium polymer concentrations (CP) to evaluate the (1) correlation between CL and CP, (2) accuracy when using CP as surrogates for CL, (3) effects of experimental variables on these results, and (4) implications associated with this approach. Generally, strong positive log-log linear correlations existed between CL and CP, meaning that increasing bioaccumulation was well-reflected by increasing polymer accumulation. Further, the majority of the regression lines, as well as individual CL to CP ratios, were within a factor of 10 from the hypothetical 1:1 relationship, suggesting that polymers accumulated concentrations comparable to body residues in fish and shellfish. Interestingly, overall stronger correlations and lower CL to CP ratios resulted when CP were based on sediment compared to water column-deployed samplers. These findings provide a tool for environmental managers when assessing and managing risk associated with PCB-contaminated sediments and waters in protecting vulnerable fish and shellfish species.