Characteristic chlorinated hydrocarbon patterns in the blubber of seals from different marine regions.

Abstract Samples of seal blubber from several marine regions (Arctic, Iceland, North Sea, Baltic, and Antarctic) were analysed for chlorinated hydrocarbon contamination. Varying concentrations of organochlorine compounds (PCB, DDT and its metabolites, HCB, and HCH-isomeres) lead to characteristic residue patterns. Evaluation of the data demonstrated significant geographical differences in both level and pattern of the contaminants analyzed, thus giving an insight into the global distribution of organochlorine pollution.