Mussel watch program in the Sea of Japan: Persistent organic pollutants in bivalves of the family Mytilidae

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin Vol. 209; no. Pt A; p. 117107
• Main Authors: Borovkova, Aleksandra D., Gavrilova, Viktoria A., Donets, Maksim M., Belanov, Maksim A., Tsygankov, Vasiliy Yu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2024
• Subjects: Bivalves; Mussel watch program; OCP; PCB; POP; Sea of Japan; POP; Sea of Japan; Mussel watch program; Bivalves; OCP; PCB
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.117107

In this study current data on the content of POPs in soft tissues of bivalvia species from the Mytilidae family are presented. The highest concentrations of both OCPs and PCBs were found in Amur Bay. The lowest levels were recorded for Bolshoy Pelis Island. Temporal trends of pollutant concentrations showed a decrease from 1996 to 2022. Nevertheless, in 2017 and 2022, we recorded substantial concentrations of less persistent, lower chlorinated PCB congeners that characterized a recent entry of pollutants into the water body. When comparing the obtained data with the results of studies conducted in the countries of the Asia-Pacific region, it was found that the levels of DDT and its metabolites and PCBs in mollusks of the coastal waters of the Sea of Japan were lower than in other countries of the region, however, relatively high pollution of Peter the Great Bay with HCH isomers was noted.
•The “Mussel Watch” is monitoring program for quality of waters using bivalves.•Temporal trends of pollutant concentrations showed a decrease from 1996 to 2022.•POPs showed lower levels in Russia compared to countries the APR (for DDT and HCH).•However, relatively high pollution of Peter the Great Bay with HCH isomers was noted.