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  • Pesticides And Related Organic Compounds
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Effects of pesticides and related organic compounds in the sea

Helgoländer Meeresuntersuchungen volume 33, pages 301–312 (1980)Cite this article

Abstract

The majority of organic chemicals identified so far in the sea are pesticides and products of technical use; most contain chlorine. Only a limited amount of the actual pollutant load is detectable because few data for “unconventional ” pollutants are available. In view of the considerable structural variety of the large number of chemicals produced, there is a need for prediction measurements of bioconcentration and toxic effects. Physico-chemical data may be used for predicting bioconcentration and life-cycle toxicity tests for the estimation of safe levels. The degree of biomagnification via food chains increases with half lives of the pollutants. When comparing pollutant concentrations with toxicological data it becomes apparent that estuaries and coastal areas deserve special concern, whereas pollutant levels of open ocean waters are unlikely to endanger marine life at present.

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  1. Institut für Meeresforschung Bremerhaven, Am Handelshafen 12, D-2850, Bremerhaven, Germany

    W. Ernst

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Ernst, W. Effects of pesticides and related organic compounds in the sea. Helgolander Meeresunters 33, 301–312 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02414756

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Helgoland Marine Research

ISSN: 1438-3888

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