Variability of biological indices, biomarkers, and organochlorine contaminants in flounder (Platichthys flesus) in the Gulf of Gdańsk, southern Baltic Sea

Abstract Biological indices, biomarkers (EROD activity, DNA SB, 1-OH pyrene), and organochlorine contaminants were investigated in flounder collected in the Gulf of Gdansk during March–December 2011 to describe their seasonal variability and interrelations. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to evaluate the relations. The EROD activity positively correlated with DNA SB, both negatively correlated with CF, GSI, and HSI, and there was a moderate positive correlation for EROD and DNA SB with 1-OH pyrene. EROD highest activity corresponded to a resting stage of gonad development. DNA SB, highest during spawning, gradually decreased until late autumn. The PCBs, DDTs, HCB, HCHs, dieldrin, and heptachlor levels in muscle tissue were quantified on a wet and lipid basis. In each case, their levels decreased after spawning, fluctuated over the study period indicating that their accumulation was pronouncedly controlled by chemical-specific properties, their levels in prey, and lipid dynamics.