Uptake of PCBs from sediment byNereis virens andCrangon septemspinosa

Abstract

The concentration of PCB, as Aroclor 1254^®, accumulated from sandy sediment byNereis virens is directly related to PCB concentration in sediment and to exposure time, and is inversely related to worm size. There was no indication of equilibrium concentrations being attained during 32 days' exposure. Concentration factors at 32 days ranged from 10.8 for 0.6-g worms to 3.8 for 4.7-g worms. There was no obvious excretion of PCB byN. virens during 26 days' post exposure. Accumulation of PCB byCrangon septemspinosa is directly related to PCB concentration in sediment and inversely related to animal size. Concentration factors at 32 days ranged from 3.5 for 0.1-g shrimp to 1.9 for 2.9-g shrimp. Field collectedN. virens ranging in weight from 1.3 to 20.0 g were analyzed for PCB, ΣDDT and dieldrin. Smaller worms had accumulated more per unit weight of each compound than larger worms.