Abstract
Hexabromocyclododecanes (HBCDs), widely used as additive brominated flame retardants, were determined in muscle of crucian carp (Carassius auratus (gibelio) langsdorfii) taken from 14 freshwater areas throughout Japan during 2003-2005; these sampling sites comprised 10 rivers and 4 ponds and were categorized into 4 groups based on local circumstances; large cities, small cities, agricultural areas and remote areas. HBCDs were detected in all samples analyzed, and total HBCDs ranged from 0.068 to 150 (average: 12, median: 0.37) ng/g wet wt. and 5.0 to 15000 (average: 1200, median: 29) ng/g lipid wt. The higher levels of HBCDs were found in urban areas. α -HBCD was the predominant isomer of HBCDs except for 5 rivers in urban areas where γ -HBCD was abundant. Minor isomers of technical HBCD, δ - and ε -HBCD were not found. To estimate maternal transfer rates of HBCDs, samples (male and female) were taken at the Murasaki River in the spawning season and analyzed their muscles and eggs. Maternal transfer rates of α -, β - and γ -HBCD were 11, 20 and 14%, respectively, which were slightly lower than those of dioxins and organochlorine pesticides.
