Assessment of bioaccumulation of biphenyls in the trophic chain of a coastal area of Parana, Brazil

Abstract

The presence of biphenyl was investigated in sediments and water in Paranagua Bay. Chemicals compounds like biphenyl can cause several effects on the ecosystems such as bioaccumulation. Biphenyl and similar compounds are subject to bioaccumulation, which in turn may harm the local ecosystem. The bioaccumulation in the local trophic chain was evaluated using a mathematical model based on toxicokinetic properties of the compound in the organisms. The results showed that even in water, the concentration of biphenyl was high, 0.82 ng/L. Also, in the fishes, the concentrations calculated by the model were higher than the maximum than the maximum allowed for human consumption.

Predicting bioaccumulation of PAHs in the trophic chain in the estuary region of Paranagua, Brazil

“…Figure 3 shows the trophic chain used to predict the bioaccumulation and the interactions between each level. The same trophic chain was used previously to assess the bioaccumulation of byphenyl in the same area (Froehner and Maceno 2009). The importance of sediment in the accumulation process is due to the retention and absorption of poorly water soluble compounds; thus, sediments with higher organic carbon content retain a greater amount of synthetic and natural organic substances.…”

“…The presence of such compounds put not only humans but also the ecosystem at risk (Froehner and Maceno 2009). Most compounds found in the environment are persistent due to the characteristics of compounds such as low water solubility.…”

“…The physiological models are based on the diet at each trophic level (Froehner and Maceno 2009). Some models for bioaccumulation in fish include the absorption of organic compounds from water via the gills and through food consumption (Thomann 1989).…”

“…Although most compounds are poorly water soluble, the bioaccumulation can be predicted by the octanol-water partitioning constant (K ow ). Compounds with log K ow values between 4 and 7 tend to bioaccumulate (Froehner and Maceno 2009).…”

“…PAHs partially dissolved in water tend to be adsorbed in sediments and suspended solids in the water column, which is justified by the high value of K oc (partition coefficient correlated with organic substances). Due to low solubility, PAHs in water bodies can accumulate in the fatty tissues of organisms through the food chain (Froehner and Maceno 2009). As the PAHs have the tendency to bioaccumulate, this behavior represents a potential ecological risk, and the risk means a carcinogenic process, interference in reproduction, etc.…”