20
within the measuring uncertainty (10-15 %) was observed. The same was valid for
ECNI and EI-MS/MS.
Detection limits were less than O.lng/g for biota and sediments. The linear range was at
least three orders of magnitude and typical recoveries between 75-90 %. Method blanks
were equal to the detection limit.
2.1.6 PCAs in biota from the Baltic/North Sea and the northern North
Atlantic
Fish livers (cod, dab, flounder) were collected during two monitoring expeditions at five
to six sites in the North and Baltic Sea in August/September 2002/2004. Livers were
pooled to obtain minimum 5 g of sample. Moreover, six cod liver samples were
obtained from the north and south coast of Iceland and the Lofot Islands via the
Norwegian Institute for Air Research. Liver and muscle tissue of fish (Arctic char) and
sea birds (little auk, kittiwake, glacous gull) were obtained from Lake Ellasjpen at Bear
Island, which is known as a site of elevated concentrations of polychlorinated
compounds (PCBs, DDT, toxaphenes) due to long range transport and on-site
bioaccumulation. Sampling was carried out in 2001 by Aquaplan-NIVA (Norway).
PC A levels were well detectable in all samples by screening using EI-MS/MS.
Quantification and formula/congener group analysis were carried out by ECNI to enable
a comparison with former studies using mainly the response factor correction mode.
s+mPCA levels in fish liver from the North and Baltic Sea showed no species-specific
concentration dependence. Concentration ranges were comparable for the North Sea
(54-3880 ng/g lw, mean 985 ng/g lw) and the Baltic Sea (90-3170 ng/g lw, mean 615
ng/g lw). The highest s+mPCA levels were far above 1 ppm, which is remarkably high.
s+mPCA levels in cod liver from remote areas (Lofot Islands/Iceland) were
considerably lower (46-265 ng/g lw, mean 149 ng/g lw) than in cod liver from the
North and Baltic Sea.
