Validating Possible Effects of Eutrophication Using PCB Concentrations in Bivalves and Sediment of the US Musselwatch and Benthic Surveillance Programs.

Abstract In order to examine the possible interactions of eutrophication and hydrophobic organic contaminants, data for polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) concentrations (CPCB) in three species of bivalves and in sediments were examined. These were correlated to total organic carbon content of sediments (TOCsed), which was assumed to represent the trophic status of the sampling sites. Almost all CPCB) on dry weight basis in the bivalves and in sediments were examined. There were correlated to total organic carbon content of sediments (TOCsed), Which was assumed to represent the trophic status of the sampling sites. Almost all CPCB on dry weight basis in the bivalves and in the sediments were positively linearly correlated to TOCsed. Regarding the sediments, this simply reflects the high affinity of these compounds for TOC, but for the bivalves the correlation wan not explained. In the bivalves, the difference in PCB homologue concentration was positively linearly correlated to TOCsed. To understand these fiel...