Distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls in the water, sediment and fish from the Pearl River estuary, China

The concentrations and distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls were determined in water, surface sediments and fishes from the estuaries of Pearl River, PR China. The results showed that the concentrations ranged from 2.47 ng l−1 to 6.75 ng l−1 in water, from 11.13 ng g−1 to 23.23 ng g−1 in sediments (dry weight) and from 68.64 ng g−1 to 316.85 ng−1 in fish (lipid weight). It was found that the feeding habits of fish were very significant in the accumulation of polychlorinated biphenyls and pattern of congeners. Carnivorous and benthic fishes such as eel (Anguilla japonica) and Chinese sea catfish (Arius sinensis) were found to have high concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls and of high-chlorinated congeners, while herbivores such as shad (Clupanodon punctatus) and mullet (Mugil cephalus) exhibited an opposite trend. Congeners IUPAC Nos. 153, 138, 118, 87/81, 170 and 52 were found frequently in most samples (both sediment and fish). In comparison with other places in the world, the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls in sediment and fish from the estuary of Pearl River were low.