San Diego Bay bioaccumulation study working to quantify DDTs, PCBs

SCCWRP and its partners in December began analyzing and interpreting data collected from more than 300 San Diego Bay sediment and animal-tissue samples as part of a two-year study that seeks to

understand the risks to wildlife and humans from consuming Bay fish.

Scientists are using statistical analysis and ecological risk assessment methods to understand how PCBs, DDTs and mercury bioaccumulate at different levels of the food web, from sediment-dwelling invertebrates to sport fish.

Scientists also are seeking to flesh out the link between contaminants found in sediment and contaminants found in fish and birds.

The study’s findings are scheduled to be published in summer 2016.