Inter-tissue distribution and evaluation of potential toxicity of PCBs in Baltic cod (Gadus morhua L.)

PCBs measured in the muscle, liver, and gonads of cod collected from two locations in the southern Baltic were evaluated as total (Sigma PCBs), indicator (Sigma PCB7), and dioxin-like (Sigma DL-PCEs) concentrations. Gender, tissue lipid content, and collection site were important determinants of PCB levels. Irrespective of collection site, lipid-normalized Sigma PCBs, Sigma PCB7, and Sigma DL-PCBs in females were the lowest in the muscle, and of similar levels in liver and gonads. In males the concentrations had a decreasing order of liver > muscle > gonads. Despite the gender differences in tissue levels, the profiles were fairly similar in both genders and sites. Significant relationships were found for both Sigma DL-PCBs and Sigma TEQ(DL-PCB) and concentrations of Sigma PCBs and Sigma PCB7. The levels of Sigma TEQ(DL-PCB) in the livers of both genders and in female gonads, in addition to the total PCBs load in these organs, raise concern and suggest that the species can suffer from PCBs toxic effects. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.