Instrumental neutron activation analysis of extractable organohalogens in marine mammal, harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and its feed, Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus), from the Baltic Sea

Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was conducted for the analysis of extractable organohalogens (EOX) in the blubber samples of harbour porpoise (Phocoena phocoena) and whole body samples of Atlantic herring (Clupea harengus) from the Baltic Sea. The concentration order of EOX was: extractable organochlorine (EOCl) > extractable organobromine (EOBr) > extractable organoiodine (EOI). As the results of investigation into the biomagnification properties of EOX, EOBr in low molecular weight fraction was the highest among the organic halogens investigated, suggesting the presence of high persistent organic bromine compounds in the marine environment, and accumulation through food chains.