Specific accumulation of persistent organochlorines in bluefin tuna collected from Japanese coastal waters

Concentrations of persistent organochlorines (OCs) such as PCBs, DDTs, chlordanes (CHLs), HCHs and HCB were determined in the liver of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) collected from Japanese coastal waters in order to elucidate accumulation profiles and to evaluate the suitability of this species as a biomonitor for pollution in the open sea ecosystem. Concentrations of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs in bluefin tuna increased significantly with body length (30–190 cm). HCHs and HCB residues were comparable among all the sampling regions, and the levels of these chemicals did not show correlation with body length. These results suggest significance of dietary uptake of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs compared to the intake via the gill. On the other hand, equilibrium partitioning with ambient water is a major determinant of the levels of HCHs and HCB in tuna. Body-length normalized values (BLNV) of PCBs, DDTs and CHLs concentrations in bluefin tuna were calculated using the linear regression equation obtained from the plot of concentrations and body length. BLNV of these chemicals on a lipid wt basis, which was adjusted for 100 cm body length, were indicative of the present state water pollution by PCBs, DDTs and CHLs. These results suggest that bluefin tuna is a suitable bioindicator for monitoring OCs contamination in the open sea ecosystem.