Persistent organochlorine compounds in seals from Norwegian coastal waters

Persistent organochlorine pollutants in tissues of seals from Norwegian coastal waters were analyzed by gas chromatography (GC) and neutron activation analysis (NAA). The results indicate that the organochlorine pollution level along the Norwegian coast is generally low. An expected difference in levels between northwestern and southern waters was not found. Comparisons of amounts of chlorine associated with persistent compounds, as determined by NA and GC analysis respectively, indicate that unidentified organochlorine compounds are present in the samples. This is more pronounced in organs than in blubber.