Determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in Antarctic macroalgae Desmarestia sp.

Selected polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners were measured in Desmares tia sp., an abundant algae in the Antarctica Peninsula and South Shetlands. Samples were collected from various points of Admiralty Bay, King George I sland, Antarctic Peninsula, during the 1993-1994 austral summer. Total PCB concentrations ranged from 0.46 to 3.86 ng g(-1) (dry weight). Predominant PCB congeners were 52, 101, 110, 138 and 153. The low levels of PCBs found on all samples and the predominance of low molecular weight congeners indic ate that there are no significant local PCBs sources in the area of study. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.