Metabolism of PCBs by the deepwater sculpin (Myoxocephalus thompsoni)

Environ Sci Technol. 2001 Dec 15;35(24):4747-52. doi: 10.1021/es015571l.

Abstract

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.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Environmental Pollutants / metabolism*
  • Fishes / metabolism*
  • Food Chain
  • Fresh Water
  • Geologic Sediments
  • Great Lakes Region
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / chemistry
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls / metabolism*
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / metabolism*

Substances

  • Environmental Pollutants
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Polychlorinated Biphenyls