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Based on a comparative approach using PCB isomer and congener compositions in higher animals and their food organisms, the capacity and mode of PCB metabolism in small cetaceans were studied and the following conclusions were drawn: (1) Small cetaceans can metabolize some of the lower chlorinated biphenyls and this capacity seems to be the same in all species of these animals. (2) The values of MI, an index to evaluate the capacity of PCB metabolism, showed that the metabolic capacity of small cetaceans was extremely low as compared to those of birds and terrestrial mammals. (3) The structural requirements for PCB metabolism were different in animal species, in that small cetaceans have no capacity to metabolize a group of PCBs with adjacent non‐chlorinated meta and para carbons in biphenyl rings. (4) No development of PB (phenobarbital)‐type enzymes, and a lower activity of MC (3‐methylcholanthrene)‐type enzymes were suggested in small cetaceans, which implies long‐term accumulation and possible reproductive toxicity of persistent organochlorines in these animals. The present approach should provide an important insight into the physiological responses of small cetaceans to persistent toxic chemicals.

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