Comparison of bioconcentration factors of tetrachlorobenzyltoluenes in the guppy (Poecilia reticulata) and zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha)

Preliminary bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were determined of six tetrachlorobenzyltoluenes (TCBTs) in guppies (Poecilia reticulata). BCFs and rate constants were derived by an iterative integration method. With this method BCFs and rate constants can be derived from experimental data of a bioconcentration test, even if the concentration in the water is not constant and steady state has not been reached. Log BCF values of TCBTs in guppies ranged from 1.67 to 2.68 L.kg−1 on a wet weight basis. These values are much lower than the reported log BCF values of TCBTs in zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha) determined with the same method. Biotransformation of TCBTs in guppies as an explanation for the higher log BCF values in zebramussel is discussed.