Comparison of persistent organic pollutant residues in serum and adipose tissue in a female population in Belgium, 1996-1998

This study was performed to determine and compare persistent organic pollut ant (POP) levels in different matrices in a female population. A total of 9 6 serum and 46 adipose tissue samples were collected from infertile women ( n = 101) attending Centers for Reproductive Medicine in Belgium from 1996 t o 1998. Gas chromatography with electron-capture detection was used to quan tify residue levels on a lipid basis of seven organochlorine pesticides (OC Ps) and seven polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). There was a strong associat ion between adipose tissue and serum residues. The adipose tissue levels of CB-138, 153, 180 and p,p'-DDE were explained by the serum residues. Beside s, the accumulation pattern for CB-153 and CB-180 in serum and adipose tiss ue are mirror images of each other.