Global organochlorine contamination trends: an overview

Recent trends of organochlorine concentrations in the global environment are discussed based on results of temporal trend studies. Organochlorine residue levels in human tissues from both developed and developing countries indicate continuing human exposure to PCBs, while DDT burdens in humans from...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Ambio 1994-05, Vol.23 (3), p.187-191
Main Authors: Loganathan, B.G. (Georgia Univ., Savannah (USA). Skidaway Inst. of Oceanography), Kannan, K
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
BIFENILOS POLICLORADOS
BIOACCUMULATION
BIOACUMULACION
Chlorinated hydrocarbons
COMPOSE ORGANOCHLORE
COMPUESTO ORGANICO DEL CLORO
DDT
Developing countries
Environmental pollution
Freshwater fishes
Oceans
ORGANOCHLORINE COMPOUNDS
Pesticides
POLLUTION DE L'EAU
POLLUTION DU SOL
POLUCION DEL AGUA
POLUCION DEL SUELO
POLYCHLORINATED BIPHENYLS
POLYCHLORURE DE BIPHENYLE
Seas
SOIL POLLUTION
Sustainable agriculture
Toxicity
WATER POLLUTION
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Summary:Recent trends of organochlorine concentrations in the global environment are discussed based on results of temporal trend studies. Organochlorine residue levels in human tissues from both developed and developing countries indicate continuing human exposure to PCBs, while DDT burdens in humans from developed nations are declining. The reduction rates of oragnochlorines in the terrestrial environment is slow. Organochlorine concentrations in riverine fish suggest rapid clearance rates following restriction of the use of these compounds. Semiclosed and coastal seas exhibit slow clearance rates. Results from oceanic samples indicate a continuous input of organochlorines from terrestrial regions, and the open ocean continues to serve as a sink for these compounds. Dispersal of organochlorines from tropical point source countries represents the major input affecting recent global contamination. Despite this, no comprehensive contaminant monitoring program has been carried out in the Southern Hemisphere countries due to the economic and political implications involved. Periodical monitoring surveys on organochlorine trends are needed in tropical areas, semiclosed seas and in the open-ocean environment.
ISSN:0044-7447
1654-7209