Partition coefficient to measure bioconcentration potential of organic chemicals in fish

• Published in: Environmental science & technology Vol. 8; no. 13; pp. 1113 - 1115
• Main Authors: Neely, W. Brock, Branson, Dean R, Blau, Gary E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: American Chemical Society 01.12.1974
• ISSN: 0013-936X; 1520-5851
• DOI: 10.1021/es60098a008

The bioconcentration of several chemicals, with a wide range of partition coefficients in the muscle of the rainbow trout, Salmo gairdneri, was found to follow a straight-line relation with partition coefficient. An equation for this relationship, obtained graphically, was determined and used successfully to predict the bioconcentration of other chemicals from their partition coefficients. This method permits an investigator to calculate the potential of new materials to concentrate, and by comparing this with their proposed uses judgements can be made regarding possible environmental problems which might result.