Risk Assessment and Management of Contamination of Eels (Anguilla Spp.) By Persistent Xenobiotic Organochlorine Compounds

Contaimination of anguillid eels by organochlorine pesticides and PCBs is reviewed using a risk assessment-management approach. Quantitative structure-activity relationships, biomonitoring of body residues and field and laboratory studies demonstrate hazards and risks of persistence; organic carbon binding, sediment transport and sinks; volatility, aerial transport and deposition; hydrophobicity/lipophilicity, bioaccumulation, bioconcentration and dietary biomangification. Risks of acute narcotic toxicity are generally lower than those of chornic effects. Cause-effect relationships and critical loadings are, however, unclear. Critical environmental and body residue levels to protect eels and animal and humans consumption must be formulated and interpreted with caution. Risks for eels at different life-stages and in different habitats are compared with respect to routes of uptake, elimination, bioaccumulation and biomagnification. It is concluded that organochlorine contamination has not been a major cause of recent declines in eel recruitment. the use of eels in biomonitoring and biomarker studies are recommended. Appropriate methodologies and uses in risk assessment and management are discussed.