The presence and bioavailability of persistent organochlorine contaminants in sediments present a potential threat to aquatic organisms and human populations. To study this relationship, we quantified the trophic transfer rates of 5 chemicals from water/sediment to worms and to fish. Spiked sediments were prepared by adding p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene or DDE, dieldrin, triclosan, triclocarban, and fipronil into a mixing slurry of sediment and water that was continually agitated for 28 days. Trophic transfer of these chemicals through the food chains was studied by exposing blackworms (Lumbriculus variegatus) to spiked sediments or spiked water and then feeding spiked worms to fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Worm and fish samples were collected after 2, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days to determine bioaccumulation rates. A homogeneous distribution and saturation of the 5 chemicals in sediments and worms was achieved after 7 days.

Trophic transfer of legacy and emerging organochlorine chemicals: From sediment to worm to fish

248th National Meeting (2014)

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