Metabolism of PCBs by the deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsoni).
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.
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Related Subject Headings
- Water Pollutants, Chemical
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls
- Great Lakes Region
- Geologic Sediments
- Fresh Water
- Food Chain
- Fishes
- Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Pollutants
- Animals
Citation
Published In
DOI
EISSN
ISSN
Publication Date
Volume
Issue
Start / End Page
Related Subject Headings
- Water Pollutants, Chemical
- Polychlorinated Biphenyls
- Great Lakes Region
- Geologic Sediments
- Fresh Water
- Food Chain
- Fishes
- Environmental Sciences
- Environmental Pollutants
- Animals