Occurrence of non-ortho, mono-ortho and di-ortho substituted PCB congeners in polecats, stone martens and badgers from the state of Baden-Württemberg, Germany

The concentrations of non-ortho, mono-ortho and di-ortho substituted PCB congeners in tissues of three European mustelid species - polecat, stone marten and badger - were determined. Median congener concentrations are comparable in the three species and are lower than in previous studies on polecats. In all samples PCB-126 contributes most to the TCDD-TEQ; it occurs in considerably higher concentrations in polecats. Additionally, amphibs, the main prey of polecats, were analysed. The total PCB intake of polecats feeding solely on amphibs would be below a critical level, considering the NOAEL for the reproduction of mink, a closely related species.