ABSTRACT
Due to their relative longevity, moderate to large size, slow metabolism, lipid-rich livers, and high trophic position, many cartilaginous fish are capable of accumulating significant concentrations of environmental pollutants. This is due to the chemical behavior of these compounds, many of which are lipid soluble and have the tendency to bioconcentrate in aquatic organisms, or accumulate at concentrations greater than ambient levels; bioaccumulate over time, or increase in concentrations as animals grow in size; and biomagnify in aquatic food webs, or increase in concentrations with rising trophic position. The accumulation of environmental pollutants in sharks and their relatives may also be associated with the high use of frequently polluted near-shore areas as nursery and/or breeding grounds in some coastal species, as well as the large-scale migratory patterns of some pelagic species, which may expose them to compounds banned in most developed countries but still
CONTENTS
12.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 491 12.2 Organic Compounds ......................................................................................................... 492
12.2.1 Pesticides ................................................................................................................. 492 12.2.2 Polychlorinated Dibenzo-p-Dioxins and Polychlorinated
Dibenzofurans ........................................................................................................ 497 12.2.3 Polychlorinated Biphenyls .................................................................................... 498 12.2.4 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons .....................................................................502 12.2.5 Brominated Flame Retardants .............................................................................504 12.2.6 Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products ...................................................506
