Temporal trend studies on tetra- and pentabrominated diphenyl ethers and hexabromocyclododecane in guillemot egg from the Baltic Sea

Environ Sci Technol. 2003 Dec 15;37(24):5496-501. doi: 10.1021/es0300766.

Abstract

Guillemot eggs from the Baltic Sea, sampled between 1969 and 2001, were analyzed for tetra- and pentabromodiphenyl ethers (2,2',4,4'-tetraBDE (BDE-47), 2,2',4,4',5-pentaBDE (BDE-99), and 2,2',4,4',6-pentaBDE (BDE-100)), and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD). This temporal trend study indicates that the concentrations of the polybrominated diphenyl ether compounds increased from the 1970s to the 1980s, peaking around the mid- to the late-1980s. These peaks are then followed by a rapid decrease in concentrations during the rest of the study period, with the concentrations of the major BDE congener below 100 ng/g lipid weight at the end of the period. This corresponds to less than 10% of its peak values. The concentrations of HBCD show a different pattern over time. After a peak in the middle of the 1970s followed by a decrease, the concentrations increased during the latter part of the 1980s. During the recent 10-yr period no significant change has occurred, and the annual mean concentrations are more or less stable at a higher level as compared to the beginning of the study period.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Baltic States
  • Birds*
  • Environmental Monitoring
  • Ethers / analysis
  • Female
  • Hydrocarbons, Brominated / analysis*
  • Ovum / chemistry
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls / analysis*
  • Time Factors
  • Tissue Distribution

Substances

  • Ethers
  • Hydrocarbons, Brominated
  • Polybrominated Biphenyls
  • hexabromocyclododecane