ORGANOCHLORINE RESIDUES IN MARINE MAMMALS FROM THE GREEK WATERS

PCBs, DDTs, HCHs and HEL % (hexane extractable lipids) were examined i n various tissues of four marine mammals, one Mediterranean monk seal (Monachus monachus) and three striped dolphins (Stenella coeruleoalba) , washed out dead in Greek Seas. The composition of lipid classes was also detected in several tissues of the monk seal. In all specimens th e highest levels of these pollutants were determined in the bubbler. C onsiderable concentrations were found in the liver, the spleen, the ki dney, the tongue and the intestine. Brain although presenting high lev els of lipids, exhibited low organochlorine concentrations. Among DDTs the main compound was DDE, while in PCBs, Aroclor 1260 predominated i n relation to Aroclor 1254. The HCHs values were rather low. Abnormali ty in lipid metabolism was noticed in the liver of one dolphin.