Uptake of PCBs into sediment dwellers and trophic transfer in relation to sediment conditions in the Salish Sea

We examined uptake of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into various marine sediment feeders relative to physical and geochemical factors transfer higher trophic levels. PCBs exceeding Canadian Council Ministers the Environment Guidelines by 6–55× were found in industrialized harbours some near-outfall sediments, indicating ongoing land input. Sediment correlated with organic flux content. Tissue >10× all samples highest Victoria Harbour infauna, suggesting considerable from these extremely contaminated, organically enriched, chronically disturbed sediments. primary predictor tissue lipid followed %fines. This results generally more depositional regions. The lipid/sediment (uptake rate) declined increasing PCBs, acid volatile sulfides benthos biomass turnover. PCB homologue composition did not change sediments or at levels, minimal metabolization tissues. Trophic bio-magnification occurs since 2–100× seal blubber than feeders. compared polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) for same samples. harbours, whereas PBDEs elevated but near wastewater discharges. reflects differences usage history, dynamics, affinities. appear be bio-accumulative persistent levels PBDEs.