Evaluation of the pollution by organochlorinated compounds (polychlorobiphenyls and pesticides) and metals (Cd, Cr, Cu and Pb in the water and in the zebra mussel (Dreissena polymorpha pallas) of the river Seine

Samples of water and freshwater zebra mussels (Dreissena polymorpha Pallas) were collected between March and May 1992 from the Seine river in the Paris area. Mussel tissue was extracted and analysed for alpha-HCH, gamma-HCH, HCB, pp'-DDE, total PCB and trace heavy metals. Concentrations of PCB in mussels were 10 times greater than other organochlorine compounds and were bioconcentrated by a factor of 1,7000. Accumulation and release periods were less than 7 d. Gamma-HCH and PCB were strongly correlated in water and mussel tissue. Bioaccumulation factors for lead, copper and chromium were 150, 3400 and 3000, respectively. Pollution levels were higher downstream from Paris and were reflected in concentrations of pollutants in mussels. At high concentrations, metabolic activity was affected. There are 31 references.