203 
between < 1 and 22 ng/kg dw with a median of 10 ng/kg. Because of the very low LOD, 
trifluralin was detected in 83 % of the samples. Remarkably, even station KS 11, which 
normally has the highest pollution levels, showed low values of only 5 to 15 ng/kg dw. 
Values in the central German Bight were slightly higher. This is in line with the 
distribution that has been observed occasionally in the water phase. However, the data 
do not yet allow a statistically valid interpretation of the geographical distribution with 
respect to spatial gradients or input structures. 
4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 
Figure 48: Trifluralin concentrations [ng/kg dw] in surface sediments (0-2 cm), single or median values 
according to Table 97 
In the western Baltic Sea, concentrations are on the same order as in the German Bight, 
with positive findings at a larger number of stations because TOC values are generally 
higher at these stations than in the German Bight, where sandy sediments are more 
common. 
6.4.4.3 Biota 
25 liver samples from three different fish species (dab (Limancla limanda), cod (Gadus 
tnorhua) and flounder (Platichtys flesus)) collected during two cruises in the North Sea 
and western Baltic Sea in 2001 and 2002 were investigated. (Table 98, Appendix 6.8) 
Trifluralin was found in most samples in the range from 0.1 to 1.74 pg/kg ww (0.28 to 
8.86 pg/kg lw), with a median of 0.42 pg/kg ww (1.7 pg/kg lw). The geographical 
distribution of the samples and its concentrations are shown in Figure 49.