IDENTIFICATION AND QUANTIFICATION OF MONOBROMOPOLYCHLOROBIPHENYLS IN BALTIC RINGED SEAL AND A TECHNICAL PCB (CLOPHEN A50)

Monobrominated PCBs(Br-PCBs) are known to exhibit dioxin-like effects and to be more toxic than their PCB counterparts. In this study, Br-PC Bs are reported, to our knowledge for the first time, in biological sa mples, specifically in juvenile ringed seal (Phoca hispida) from the B altic Sea. Mass spectrometric techniques (ECNI and EI) have been emplo yed to gather structural and elemental composition information, respec tively, in the absence of authentic reference standards. Quantificatio n indicates total levels of Br-PCBs at a minimum of 20 ng/g extractabl e lipids. A technical PCB (Clophen A50) was investigated and also foun d to contain Br-PCBs, the results of which were compared to those from seal. Technical PCBs are thus possible environmental sources of Br-PC Bs occurring in seal. Other potential sources are also discussed.