Modeling biomagnification and metabolism of contaminants in harp seals of the barents sea

摘要

A simple fugacity-based bioaccumulation model is presented for harp seals(Phoca groenlandica), which feed primarily on polar cod(Boreogadus saida) and a pelagic crustacean(Themisto libellula). Using concentration data reported for 15 poly- chlorinated biphenyl(PCB) congeners and 27 pesticides in the food and blubber of harp seals from the Barents Sea, the model was used to determine biomagnification factors and metabolic half-lives as well as rates of contaminant uptake and loss processes in seals, including a discussion of uncertainty in biomagnification factors and half-lives.