Application of the equilibrium partitioning theory for the prediction of the bioaccumulation of organic pollutants in aquatic biota

The scope of this study is to assess the suitability of the equilibrium par titioning theory for the prediction of the bioaccumulation of organic chemi cals in aquatic biota. It is found that the equilibrium partitioning approa ch gives accurate bioaccumulation factor predictions when it is compared wi th data measured under laboratory conditions and with field data for plankt on. However, equilibrium partitioning theory gives progressively poorer res ults for the higher levels of an aquatic food web, since it does not take i nto account biomagnification along the food chain.