Algae bioconcentration factors

In aquatic environments, waterborne lead was the most toxic form. Adverse effects were noted on daphnid reproduction at 1.0 pg Pb+2/L, on rainbow trout survival at 3.5 pg tetraethyllead/L, and on growth of marine algae at 5.1 pg Pb+2/L. High bioconcentration factors were recorded for filter-feeding bivalve molluscs and freshwater algae at 5.0 pg Pb+2/L. 

Silver is a normal trace constituent of many organisms (Smith and Carson 1977). In terrestrial plants, silver concentrations are usually less than 1.0 mg/kg ash weight (equivalent to less than 0.1 mg/kg DW) and are higher in trees, shrubs, and other plants near regions of silver mining. Seeds, nuts, and fruits usually contain higher silver concentrations than other plant parts (USEPA 1980). Silver accumulations in marine algae (max. 14.1 mg/kg DW) are due mainly to adsorption rather than uptake bioconcentration factors of 13,000 to 66,000 are not uncommon (USPHS 1990 Ratte 1999). 

Chloroform does not appear to bioconcentrate in higher aquatic organisms, based upon measured bioconcentration factors (BCF) of 6 and 8 for bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus) (Barrows et al. 1980 Veith et al. 1980). Information from EPA s ASTER (1996) database document a calculated BCF for the fathead miimow of 14, a low value suggesting little potential for bioconcentration in fish. A BCF of 690 experimentally determined for the bioconcentration of chloroform in the green algae Selenastrum capricomutum suggests that the compound has a moderate tendency to concentrate in nonvascular aquatic... 

In rainbow trout the bioconcentration factor (BCF) was dependent on water concentration (Oliver and Niimi 1983). At low concentrations of 0.10 ng/L a BCF of 5,800 was obtained, compared to a value of 17,000 obtained with higher water concentrations of 3.4 ng/L. Hexachlorobutadiene preferentially accumulates in the liver offish (Pearson and McConnell 1975). In mussels, the BCF was determined to be between 900 and 2,000 (Pearson and McConnell 1975). However, lower values were obtained for algae, crayfish, and bass (160, 60, and 29, respectively) (ERA 1976). The ERA is reviewing new BCF data and has recommended a value of 392 (EPA 1989a). 

Food Chain Bioaccumulation. Bioconcentration factors have been determined for algae, shellfish, and fish and exhibit a wide range (29-17,000) (ERA 1976 Oliver and Niimi 1983 Pearson and McConnell 1975). This wide range may be explained in part by species differences in metabolism or differences in concentrations tested. Studies also indicate that hexachlorobutadiene preferentially accumulates in the livers of fish. Further studies which might explain the wide range of BCF values would be helpful. No information was located regarding the bioaccumulation of hexachlorobutadiene in plants or aquatic organisms. More information is needed to determine the importance of terrestrial/aquatic food chain bioaccumulation as a potential human exposure pathway. 

Silver accumulation in marine algae appears to result from adsorption rather than uptake bioconcentration factors of 13,000-66,000 have been reported (Fisher et al. 1984). 

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