Seasonal variation of hepatic EROD activity in flounder (Platichthys flesus) in the Dutch Wadden Sea

The use of hepatic 7-ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase (EROD) activity in flounder (Platichthys flesus) as a potential biomarker of marine pollution by organic chemicals (as indicated by hepatic PCB-153 concentration) was investigated in the Dutch Wadden Sea in 1989 and 1990. Particular attention was paid to the seasonal variation. The results indicate that EROD activity was reasonably stable during the year, except for a period in January–February when a marked peak occurred. This peak coincided with the absence of mature flounder from the sampling area probably due to the spawning migration. Generally a good relationship existed between hepatic EROD activity and PCB-153 concentration, with one exception. During the period January–April 1990 a peak in PCB-153 concentration occurred immediately after the observed peak in EROD activity. It is concluded that the best period for monitoring EROD activity in flounder is the summer, corresponding to the non-migratory period of the species.