In a new report, the NOAA National Centers for Coastal Ocean Science
research has found a continuing decrease in toxic organic chemicals in
mollusks, specifically mussels and oysters, collected at more than 250
sites nationwide. The findings, linked to bans and restrictions on the
use of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB), chlorinated hydrocarbons,
tributyltin and cadmium, was announced in Vol. 62, no. 4 of Marine
Environmental Research, "Trends in chemical concentrations in mussels
and oysters collected along the US coast: Update to 2003
Pages 261-285" by Thomas P. O'Connor and Gunnar G. Lauenstein
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/01411136
Data through 2003 show continued decreases in national median
concentrations of the chemicals. The researchers note that since most
trends are decreasing and decreasing trends cannot continue
indefinitely, it's not know whether a longer time series in this study
will give any further significant information.
For more information, visit the NOAA news release "NOAA Reports
Decreased levels of Toxins in Mollusks" at:
http://www.noaanews.noaa.gov/stories2006/s2711.htm.
Pamela Tom
University of California
Sea Grant Extension Program
Davis, CA 95616
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