消浪工程对太湖底泥再悬浮及营养盐释放的影响

为了解863消浪工程对太湖底泥再悬浮及营养盐释放的抑制作用,于2005年7月15～17日在工程区投放悬浮物捕获器测定沉积物的再悬浮通量,并分层采集水样进行水体营养盐浓度的垂向分布研究。16日平均风速3 m/s时,测得的再悬浮通量上层最大值为7.22 g/d·m2,下层最大值为41.8 g/d·m2;17日平均风速5 m/s时,测得的再悬浮通量上层最小值24.7 g/d·m2,下层最小值为48.4 g/d·m2,沉积物再悬浮通量与风浪扰动强度关系密切。对比消浪工程区内外沉积物的再悬浮通量表明,消浪工程能够显著减弱风浪对底泥的扰动,抑制沉积物再悬浮,减轻营养盐的内源释放通量。实验结果还表明,太湖水体悬浮物浓度越高,悬浮物的有机质含量就越低,相应地,单位悬浮物中磷的含量也越低。随着风浪扰动的持续和增强,尽管能够将更多的沉积物间隙水中的溶解性磷带入水体,但是,野外观测中发现水体溶解性的磷含量并未相应增高甚至降低,这可能是由于水体中悬浮物浓度越高,对水体溶解性磷的吸附能力也越高,从而使得水中溶解性磷的含量增高不显著甚至降低。     

底泥厌氧环境和光照对菹草萌发和幼苗生理的影响

通过向底泥中投加不同量的蔗糖使其发生厌氧反应以模拟不同程度的底泥厌氧环境,研究这种环境和光照强度对菹草石芽萌发和幼苗生理作用的影响。实验结果表明,底泥厌氧环境能显著降低菹草石芽的最终萌发率,且低光照会加剧这种趋势;尽管低光照不一定会提高最终的萌发率,但对提早石芽的萌发是有利的。在01%蔗糖投加处理中,幼苗的叶绿素和可溶性蛋白含量最高(平均为250和1928 mg/g FW),其后随投加量的升高而降低,而游离氨基酸的含量却一直呈上升趋势,最高时达到024 mg/g FW ,但低光照却使它下降;可溶性糖含量基本不受底泥厌氧水平的影响,但随着光照减少而降低。随着厌氧水平的增加（从对照到05%蔗糖投加量）,菹草的超氧物歧化酶(SOD)活性呈现上升趋势,但在10%蔗糖投加处理中活性降至最低;而过氧化物酶(POD)活性一直处于下降趋势。研究结论是：底泥厌氧对菹草石芽萌发影响显著,这种影响可能比低光照的限制作用还要重要。轻度的厌氧环境反而能促进菹草幼苗的生理代谢,但随厌氧水平的升高对碳氮平衡和其它生理活动产生不利影响。此外,底泥厌氧环境对菹草幼苗的抗氧化系统也有明显刺激作用。     

底泥厌氧环境和光照对菹草萌发和幼苗生理的影响

通过向底泥中投加不同量的蔗糖使其发生厌氧反应以模拟不同程度的底泥厌氧环境，研究这种环境和光照强度对菹草石芽萌发和幼苗生理作用的影响。实验结果表明，底泥厌氧环境能显著降低菹草石芽的最终萌发率，且低光照会加剧这种趋势；尽管低光照不一定会提高最终的萌发率，但对提早石芽的萌发是有利的。在01%蔗糖投加处理中，幼苗的叶绿素和可溶性蛋白含量最高(平均为250和1928 mg/g FW)，其后随投加量的升高而降低，而游离氨基酸的含量却一直呈上升趋势，最高时达到024 mg/g FW ，但低光照却使它下降；可溶性糖含量基本不受底泥厌氧水平的影响，但随着光照减少而降低。随着厌氧水平的增加（从对照到05%蔗糖投加量），菹草的超氧物歧化酶(SOD)活性呈现上升趋势，但在10%蔗糖投加处理中活性降至最低；而过氧化物酶(POD)活性一直处于下降趋势。研究结论是：底泥厌氧对菹草石芽萌发影响显著，这种影响可能比低光照的限制作用还要重要。轻度的厌氧环境反而能促进菹草幼苗的生理代谢，但随厌氧水平的升高对碳氮平衡和其它生理活动产生不利影响。此外，底泥厌氧环境对菹草幼苗的抗氧化系统也有明显刺激作用。     

太湖流域沉积物中有机氯农药空间分布特征及风险评价

为了解太湖流域表层沉积物中有机氯农药的空间分布和污染特征,采集全流域111个表层沉积物样品,用GC-μECD分析了20种有机氯农药的含量,并基于沉积物质量基准法对沉积物污染风险进行评价。结果表明:太湖流域沉积物中20种有机氯农药(OCPs)的总含量介于16. 3～96. 9 ng/g dw之间,平均值为35. 0ng/g dw,其中HCHs和DDTs是主要的检出成分,平均含量分别为12. 1、7. 6 ng/g dw,两者含量之和占总OCPs的25. 5%～85. 5%。特征化合物指数法分析结果表明,HCHs主要来源于林丹,而且该区域仍然有新的DDT输入,并且大部分p,p’-DDT通过好氧生物降解为p,p’-DDE。沉积物质量基准法评价结果显示,γ-HCH、DDTs潜在生物毒性较大。     

底泥悬浮对营养盐释放和水华生长影响的模拟

通过室内模拟实验研究了扰动引起的太湖底泥悬浮对水体氮磷营养盐和蓝藻水华的影响,其中底泥和上覆水均来自太湖,扰动强度以悬浮物浓度表示。实验监测了底泥扰动过程中以及扰动停止后48 h之内水体氮磷营养盐和叶绿素a的变化,采样间隔为6 h。实验结果表明,扰动明显增加了水体中总氮、总磷、活性磷等含量,但是可溶性无机氮的增加不明显,叶绿素a含量没有出现明显的增长。水华没有出现明显增长很可能是氮限制的原因。由此推测太湖一次风浪扰动过程引起的底泥营养盐释放不一定就能够加剧蓝藻水华的暴发。底泥中释放的营养盐对蓝藻水华的影响需要进一步研究     

绵阳市代表性点位土壤多环芳烃剖面分布特征

通过挑选绵阳市有代表性的点位土壤柱,应用GC MS分析土壤柱垂直剖面中多环芳烃的含量水平,得出其垂直剖面分布特征。结果表明：5~20 cm深度中的PAHs含量最高,40 cm以下则含量锐减。由于表层（0～5 cm）土壤与大气之间的土气交换频繁,PAHs含量相对较低,而5~20 cm处土壤受到表层土壤的遮盖,PAHs富集较高,含量达到整个土壤柱最高值。多环芳烃总体垂直剖面分布特征表现出随深度增加含量减少的趋势。PAHs总含量以江油市点位(33024 ng/g)最高,其次是三台县点位(29989 ng/g),最低是游仙区点位(11274 ng/g)。研究区主要污染物为Nap、Phe和Chr/y。其中不同的土质、种植物都能影响PAHs的富集和迁移速率,导致含量在不同深度上产生变化。此外,参照有关环境质量标准,发现PAHs总量上江油市点位与三台县点位属于轻微污染、游仙区点位则属于无污染。     

南京城区黑臭河道底泥污染特征及生态风险评价

河道黑臭是目前我国许多城市面临的环境问题,研究其底泥中的污染物如有机质、氮磷和重金属的污染特征并据此进行生态风险评价,对城市黑臭河道的污染控制与生态修复具有十分重要的意义。选取南京城区内8条典型黑臭河道,采集其表层底泥样品进行分析,测得其中有机质、总氮、总磷的含量分别为0.75%～10.86%、0.05%～0.68%、0.04%～0.23%,三者之间呈显著正相关关系,表明了它们较好的同源性,应用沉积物质量标准评价发现,这3种污染物污染程度总体介于严重级与最低级之间,但氮磷的污染比有机质更为严重。底泥中6种重金属的平均含量均超过背景值,相关性分析结果表明Cu、Cr、Ni、Zn之间均呈极显著正相关关系,而重金属与营养物之间未发现较好的相关性,潜在生态风险评价结果表明底泥中重金属污染严重,84.2%的河道具有高潜在生态风险,各元素的潜在生态风险顺序依次为 Cd >Cu >Pb >Cr >Ni >Zn,Cd为主要污染物,具有很高潜在生态风险。与国内其他典型受污染水体相比,南京城区黑臭河道底泥中总氮、总磷与重金属Cd的污染更为严重。     

绵阳市代表性点位土壤多环芳烃剖面分布特征

通过挑选绵阳市有代表性的点位土壤柱，应用GC MS分析土壤柱垂直剖面中多环芳烃的含量水平，得出其垂直剖面分布特征。结果表明：5~20 cm深度中的PAHs含量最高，40 cm以下则含量锐减。由于表层（0～5 cm）土壤与大气之间的土气交换频繁，PAHs含量相对较低，而5~20 cm处土壤受到表层土壤的遮盖，PAHs富集较高，含量达到整个土壤柱最高值。多环芳烃总体垂直剖面分布特征表现出随深度增加含量减少的趋势。PAHs总含量以江油市点位(33024 ng/g)最高，其次是三台县点位(29989 ng/g)，最低是游仙区点位(11274 ng/g)。研究区主要污染物为Nap、Phe和Chr/y。其中不同的土质、种植物都能影响PAHs的富集和迁移速率，导致含量在不同深度上产生变化。此外，参照有关环境质量标准，发现PAHs总量上江油市点位与三台县点位属于轻微污染、游仙区点位则属于无污染。     

基于底泥再悬浮试验的太湖水质模拟

为探索浅水湖泊水动力扰动作用对底泥再悬浮影响的规律,在室内矩形水槽内模拟了各种水动力条件下太湖底泥的起动规律,得到了太湖底泥在3种不同起动标准下的起动流速,通过考察上覆水中悬浮物浓度的变化,建立了底泥沉积物再悬浮通量与水体流速的定量化关系。结果表明:太湖底泥在个别动、少量动、普遍动3种标准下的起动流速分别为15、30和40 cm/s,且底泥沉积物再悬浮通量与流速呈现线性正相关关系,再悬浮通量随流速增大而增大,且相关性较好。将该试验结果应用于太湖的水量水质数学模型中,并和太湖实测资料进行了对比,取得了比较满意的效果。该模拟装置能够在室内可控条件下较好地反映太湖沉积物再悬浮特征,对太湖的富营养化治理具有重要意义。     

上海市郊中小河流夏季水污染特征研究

在夏季对上海郊区一典型的中、小河流河网水质进行监测 ,结果表明 :(1)河流水体普遍有很高的氮磷和有机负荷 ,其CODcr、总磷、总氮等指标均数倍于《地面水环境质量标准》中规定的V类水最大允许值 ,水体正处于严重的富营养化状态。位于集镇居民区和养殖场附近河流的污染更为严重。 (2 )受富营养化和河流底泥污染物释放的影响 ,河流水质还存在分层现象 ,尤其是水流滞缓、水深不足两米的小河流更为明显。主要表现为 :底层水氨氮 ,TRP(总反应态磷 )和SRP(溶解反应态磷 )的含量明显高于表层水 ;而表层水的 pH和DO高于底层水 ;同时 ,由于底层水处于厌氧的环境下 ,NO- 3-N、NO- 2 -N含量低于表层水。 (3)由于长期受纳污水、污物 ,中、小河流底泥有很高的氮磷累积 ,凯氏氮平均达 3.5 2 6 (N ,mg) / g ;总磷平均达 2 0 5 2 .2 5 0 (P ,mg) /kg。集镇居民区河流底泥总磷含量高达 5 813.838(P ,mg) /kg ;养殖场附近河流底泥凯氏氮高达 5 .96 4 (N ,mg) / g。底泥孔隙水中的NO- 3-N、NO- 2 -N含量很低 ;NH+4的含量是河流底层水的 3～ 2 4倍 ;SRP的含量约是河流底层水的 2～ 16倍。由于底泥有机污染重 ,耗氧量大 ,处于厌氧的环境 ,其交换态Fe2 +的含量很高     

Bioaccumulation of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in wild aquatic species from an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling site in South China

Water and several wild aquatic species including Chinese mysterysnail, prawn, fish, and water snake were collected from a reservoir surrounded by several e-waste recycling workshops in South China. The samples were examined to investigate the levels and bioaccumulation extent of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) released from electronic waste (e-waste) which was processed by crude recycling method. Elevated levels of PBDEs [52.7 to 1702 ng/g wet weight (ww)] and PCBs (20.2-25958 ng/g ww) were found in the collected biota species compared to that in the reference samples (13.0-20.5 ng/g ww for PBDEs and 75.4-82.8 ng/g ww for PCBs). log BAF (bioaccumulation factor) ranged from 2.9 to 5.3 for PBDEs and from 1.2 to 8.4 for PCBs, depending on congeners and species. The relationship between log BAFs and log K(OW) (octanol-water partition coefficient) can be adequately described by species-specific parabolic models wherein log BAFs generally increased at log K(OW)<7 then decreased with further increasing log K(OW) both for PBDEs and PCBs. The exceptions were for Chinese mysterysnail and prawn, in which the log BAFs showed a positive linear correlation with log K(OW) for PBDEs. Some PBDE and PCB congeners showed BAF values declining from the general trend predicted by K(OW), largely attributing to metabolism of these congeners in species sampled.     

What can we learn from monitoring PCBs in the European eel? A Belgian experience

Between 2000 and 2007 pooled muscle tissue samples of the European eel (Anguilla anguilla) from 48 sites in Flanders (Belgium) were analysed for 30 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. There was a large variation between individual sites (range 11-7752 ng/g wet weight (ww) for the sum of the ICES 7 PCBs), eels from the River Meuse basin (mean 1545 ng/g ww) being considerably more polluted than those from the River Scheldt (615) and IJzer (61) basins. Overall, PCB 153, PCB 138 and PCB 180 were the most prominent congeners, however PCB patterns varied between the monitored locations. Analysis of the weight percentage of congeners demonstrates obvious differences in PCB composition between sites, indicating differential sources of pollution. Due to the variation in patterns, atmospheric fallout does not seem to be the main source of the PCB spread, but instead both local and upstream sources linked to industrial activities seem to be the main cause for PCB presence in Flanders. Considering the levels of the Sum 7 PCBs, eels are not compliant with the Belgian legal limits for consumption (75 ng/g ww) in 71% of the sites. Regular consumption of eels from polluted sites leads to a considerable excess of the WHO Acceptable Daily Intake value. Consumption of wild eels should by all means be prevented, as it presents risks for human health, especially for local anglers consuming their catch.     

Organohalogenated pollutants in human serum from Iassy, Romania and their relation with age and gender

Human serum samples (n=142) from Iassy county (Eastern Romania) collected in 2005 were analyzed for p,p'-DDT and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene, hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers, chlordane and metabolites and 14 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. In all samples, p,p'-DDE (principal metabolite of p,p'-DDT) and beta-HCH (most persistent HCH isomer) were the most abundant organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) with median concentrations of 1975 and 923 ng/g lipid weight (lw), respectively. Hexachlorobenzene and p,p'-DDT were also detected in all samples, but at a lower median concentration of 30 and 340 ng/g lw, respectively. The large variation of the ratio p,p'-DDT/p,p'-DDE (range between 0.02 and 0.80) suggests various degrees of exposure to DDT, including recent exposure, at least to some subgroups of the population. Chlordane and its metabolites were in most cases close to the limit of quantification suggesting a very low use of chlordane formulations in Eastern Romania. Unexpectedly, PCBs were present in all samples at sometimes considerable levels (up to 4970 ng/g lw for sum of 14 PCB congeners) indicating a higher exposure of the Romanian population than previously reported. The PCB profile consisted of persistent congeners such as 138, 153, 170 and 180 which contributed for approximately 75% to the sum PCBs. Concentrations of most pollutants correlated significantly with age (r>0.86, p<0.01). Except for p,p'-DDT and gamma-HCH, the mean levels of OCPs in females were statistically higher than in males, while, except for octa-CBs, no gender differences were found for PCBs. Levels of p,p'-DDE, penta-CBs, hexa-CBs and hepta-CBs were significantly higher in individuals with a rural main residence. In a pooled serum sample, 6 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were measured at a level of 1.04 ng/g lw. Compared to results available from Central and Eastern European countries, human serum samples from Romania contained higher levels of contamination. This emphasizes that an extensive and rigorous program for the monitoring of OCPs and PCBs in Romanian population is highly needed in the light of possible adverse health effects acknowledged for these pollutants.     

Polychlorinated biphenyl levels in adipose tissue of primiparous women in Turkey

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a mixture of 209 possible congeners with different chlorine substitutions and they are potentially hazardous compounds in the environment for human beings. The high lipophilicity and the resistance to biodegradation of PCBs allow the bioaccumulation of these chemicals in the fatty tissues of organisms. The objective of this study was to determine the levels of PCBs in the adipose tissue of women living in Ankara, Turkey. For this purpose, levels of seven major persistent PCB congeners (IUPAC Numbers: 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153, 180) were measured in 29 primiparous mothers' adipose tissue samples by gas chromatography with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). PCB IUPAC numbers 138, 153 and 180 were the most abundant congeners, each accounting for > 20% of the total PCB content of adipose tissue. PCB 153 was the dominant congener in all the samples (141.7 +/- 132.3 ng/g lipid wt. basis). The results are compared with the similar studies from other countries. The concentrations of PCB 28, PCB 52 and PCB 101 were found to be higher than those found in industrialized countries. This study is important in terms of being the first study of determination of PCB levels in adipose tissue samples in Turkey.     

Brominated flame retardants and other organochlorine pollutants in human adipose tissue samples from the Czech Republic

Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) represented by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) together with major persistent organochlorine pollutants, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and selected organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), were determined in adipose tissue samples (n=98) obtained by liposuction of Czech subjects. Compared to other organochlorine pollutants (mostly PCBs and DDTs), levels of PBDE were lower by 2 orders of magnitude ranging from 0.2 to 54.3 ng/g lipid weight. PBDE congeners No. 47, 99, 153 and 183 were the most abundant constituting up to 90% of these pollutants in adipose tissue. The PBDEs content measured in this study was comparable with data reported in similar samples collected in Spain, Sweden, Belgium and Japan, whilst slightly lower than in the United States. Regarding PCBs, the dominating congeners were No. 138, 153 and 180 representing up to 90% of indicator congeners. The levels of PCBs were similar to those found in other European countries. While no age dependency was found for PBDEs, an increase of PCB and OCP levels with age was observed. Different exposure routes of donors were documented by the absence of the relationship between PCBs and OCPs.     

Levels of organohalogenated persistent pollutants in human milk from Kahramanmaraş region, Turkey

The levels of 1,1,1-trichloro-bis-2,2'-(4-chlorophenyl) ethane (p,p'-DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene (HCB), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordanes (trans- and cis-chlordane, oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor), 11 polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners, and 7 polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) congeners were measured in 37 individual human milk samples from Kahramanmara? region, Turkey. Organochlorine pesticides were the major contaminants in the milk samples. p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT were detected in all samples, while beta-HCH had a detection frequency of 97%. The sum of the DDTs in human milk samples varied between 0.52 and 315.8 ng/g wet weight (ww) with a mean ratio between p,p'-DDE and p,p'-DDT equal to 31.1. p,p'-DDD could be measured only in six samples. beta-HCH was the most prevalent HCH isomer with a mean value of 2.08 ng/g ww. The mean concentration of gamma-HCH was 0.38 ng/g ww, while alpha-HCH was not detected in any sample. HCB is found in 95% of the milk samples with a mean concentration of 0.30 ng/g ww. The mean value for the sum of chlordanes was 0.39 ng/g ww, with oxychlordane and trans-nonachlor being the principal contributors. PCBs could be measured only in 8 out of 37 samples and their concentration ranged between <0.15 and 1.92 ng/g ww for the sum of PCBs. PCB profiles were dominated by congeners 153, 180 and 138. PBDEs were detected only in 3 out of 37 samples, with the highest value being 0.014 ng/g ww (0.40 ng/g lipid weight) and BDE 47 was the dominant congener. Although the number of samples is relatively low and they are not representative for the whole Turkish population, the results of the present study are important to provide additional data on the concentrations of persistent organochlorinated pollutants in Turkey and show as first the PBDE levels in Turkish population.     

Persistent organic pollutants (PCBs and DDTs) in small size specimens of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from the Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea)

The concentration levels and pattern distribution of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs), were investigated in liver of small size specimens of bluefin tuna (Thunnus thynnus) from Mediterranean Sea (Ionian Sea). PCB concentrations (average: 526 ng g(-1) lipid wt) were comparable with DDT levels (average: 435 ng g(-1) lipid wt). The specific analysis of PCB congeners revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta- and heptachlorinated congeners, while among DDTs, the compounds with the higher concentration was p,p'-DDE, constituting 91.9% of the total DDT. The total 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalent (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs, including mono- and non-ortho congeners, was 0.55 pg g(-1) wet weight with. The congeners with highest TEQs values were non-ortho congeners followed by mono-ortho ones.     

Environmental impact and human exposure to PCBs in Guiyu, an electronic waste recycling site in China

PCB levels in fish (collected from local rivers), atmosphere and human milk samples have been studied to determine the exposure levels of PCBs for local residents and e-waste workers in Guiyu, a major electronic waste scrapping center in China. The source appointment and correlation analyses showed that homologue composition of PCBs in 7 species of fish were consistent and similar to commercial PCBs Aroclor 1248. PCB levels in air surrounding the open burning site were significantly higher than those in residential area. Inhalation exposure contributed 27% and 93% to the total body loadings (the sum of dietary and inhalation exposure) of the local residents, and e-waste workers engaged in open burning respectively. Total PCB concentrations in human milk ranged from N.D. to 57.6 ng/g lipid, with an average of 9.50 ng/g lipid. The present results indicated that commercial PCBs derived from e-waste recycling are major sources of PCBs accumulating in different environmental media, leading to the accumulation of high chlorinated biphenyls in human beings.     

Levels and congener pattern of polychlorinated biphenyls in the blubber of the Mediterranean bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus

Isomer specific concentrations of individual polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) including toxic non-ortho (IUPAC 77, 126, 169) and mono-ortho (105, 118, 156) coplanar congeners were determined in the blubber of nine bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) stranded along the Eastern Italian coast. The total PCB concentrations ranged from 3534 to 24375 ng/g wet wt. The PCB profile was dominated by congeners 138 and 153 collectively accounting for 55% of the total PCB concentrations. Among the most toxic congeners the order of abundance was 126>169>77. The mean total 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) equivalent of six coplanar PCBs in the blubber of bottlenose dolphins was 45596 pg/g. Non-ortho congeners contributed greater to the 2,3,7,8-TCDD toxic equivalents than mono-ortho members. Particularly, PCB 126 was the major contributor to the estimated toxic potency of PCBs in dolphins.     

Polychlorinated biphenyl residues in deep-sea fish from Mediterranean Sea

Polychlorinated biphenyls including coplanar congeners were measured in the liver of different species of skates and ghostsharks. The mean concentrations of PCBs in skates (314 ng/g wet wt) were comparable with those in ghostsharks (285 ng/g wet wt). The specific analysis of PCB congeners in skates hepatic tissue revealed a profile dominated by hexa-, penta-, and heptachlorinated congeners followed by trichlorobiphenyls, tetra- and decachlorobiphenyls. A different profile dominated by hexa-, tri-, and pentachlorinated congeners, followed by heptachlorobiphenyl and decachlorobiphenyls was found in ghostsharks liver. The estimated 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin toxic equivalents (TEQs) of coplanar PCBs in skates and ghostsharks were 0.48 and 0.33 pg/g wet weight, respectively, with mono-ortho congeners PCB105, 118 and 156 contributing more than 90% to the TEQs.