Survey of the contamination of Dutch coastal waters by chlorinated hydrocarbons, including the occurrence of methylthio-pentachlorobenzene and di-(methylthio)tetrachlorobenzene

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 1979-01, Vol.13 (3), p.225-233
• Main Authors: Quirijns, J.K., Van der Paauw, C.G., Ten Noever de Brauw, M.C., de Vos, R.H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/0048-9697(79)90103-7

In 1976 contamination of Dutch coastal waters by organochlorine compounds was assessed by analysing mussels, Mytilus edulis, as an indicator-organism. HCB, dieldrin, endrin, p, p′-DDT, p, p′-TDE and PCB's were detected, and also two new compounds previously unknown in the aquatic fauna. Using gas-liquid chromatography, mass spectrometry and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometry these could be identified as methylthiopentachlorobenzene and 1,4-di(methylthio)-2,3,5,6-tetrachlorobenzene. Their concentrations in the mussels ranged from 0.005 to 0.40 mg/kg on a fresh weight basis, depending on sampling site. Their presence is associated with the exposure of mussels to water from the river Rhine. Further work is required to establish the origin of these compounds and their possible precursors.