Profiles of persistent organochlorine pollutants (POPs) in tissues of marketable common carp and in bottom sediments of selected ponds of South and West Bohemia

The aim of the study was to evaluate the state of selected ponds in South and West Bohemia from the point of view of selected POPS contamination (DDT and its metabolites, HCH - isomers, HCB and OCS). Six ponds were sampled during autumn periods of 1999-2001. Bottom sediment samples were taken from every pond, as well as muscle, liver and gonad samples from 5 to 7 specimens of marketable common carp per pond. The DDT and its metabolites were determined, in fish muscle (w.w. - wet weight) in range of 7.91 to 86.48 mug.kg(-1), sum of HCH isomers in range of 0.20 to 6.33 mug.kg(-1), HCB in range of 0.31 to 6.17 mug.kg(-1) and OCS in range of 0.02 to 0.80 mug.kg(-1). The results demostrated comparable indicative ability of fish tissues and bottom sediments for evaluation of pond load by the monitored POPS. Correlation coefficients between their contents in sediments and in fish muscle were as followed: r = 0.927 for the sum of DDT and its metabolites; r = 0.780 for HCH isomers; r = 0.979 for HCB; r = 0.481 for OCS. The rates of pond load referred to the intensity of agricultural and industrial production in their drainage areas. A close correlation (r = 0,810 - 0,999) was also found between the content of DDT, HCH, HCB and fat in individual tissues of carp from pond. Any value measured for the POPS under study did not exceed the maximum limit of residues as defined by legislation in force. The study contributed to quality evaluation of carp as the main representative of marketable fish in the Czech Republic, as well as to evaluation of its environment. Thus the study assisted to the strategy of food safety.