Metabolism of PCBs by the deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsoni).
Journal Article (Journal Article)
Methylsulfonyl-PCBs (MeSO2-PCBs) are hydrophobic organic contaminants that bioaccumulate in the environment similar to their parent molecules, PCBs. Previously, MeSO2-PCBs have primarily been identified in tissues of birds, humans, and other mammals. However, evidence now supports formation of these metabolites in deepwater sculpin, Myoxocephalus thompsoni, a benthic forage fish predominant in the Great Lakes. The ability of deepwater sculpin to form MeSO2-PCBs is unprecedented for a freshwater fish species and presents a novel biochemical pathway for organochlorine metabolism. Additionally, this appears to be a unique PCB metabolic pathway resulting in a reduction of as much as 10% in the sculpin PCB burden, which is further transformed into another class of organic contaminants in the Great Lakes ecosystem.
Full Text
Duke Authors
Cited Authors
- Stapleton, HM; Letcher, RJ; Baker, JE
Published Date
- December 2001
Published In
Volume / Issue
- 35 / 24
Start / End Page
- 4747 - 4752
PubMed ID
- 11775148
Pubmed Central ID
- 11775148
Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)
- 1520-5851
International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)
- 0013-936X
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
- 10.1021/es015571l
Language
- eng