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[D-2.3.3 Development of Chemical Analytical Systems]

[Contact Person]

Ryo Tatsukawa
Professor
Department of Environment Conservation, Ehime University
3-5-7 Tarumi, Matsuyama 790 Japan
Phone +81-899-46-9904, Fax +81-899-46-9904

[Total Budget for FY1990-1994]

20,987,000 Yen (FY1994 4,601,000 Yen)

[Abstract]

　The present paper overviews the ecotoxicological implications of marine mammals by persistent organochlorines. The marine mammals, particularly cetaceans, are one of the animal groups receiving high concentrations of persistent organochlorines arising out of a worldwide contamination. They can amplify much greater amounts of toxic contaminants through feeding and also pass them in large quantities from one generation to the next through lactation. Unfortunately, these animals have smaller capacity for degradation of these contaminants due to the specific mode of cytochrome P-450 enzyme systems. These drug-metabolizing enzyme systems may be related to the possible effects of persistent organochlorines, particularly coplanar PCBs. Furthermore, the residue levels of these contaminants in marine mammals are unlikely to decline in near future. Considering all these facts, it may be concluded that marine mammals are one of the most vulnerable and possible target organisms with regard to long-term toxicity of hazardous man-made chemicals in future.

[Key Words]

Organochlorines, PCB, Coplanar PCBs, Global Contamination; Marine Mammals