BIOCONCENTRATION AND LETHAL BODY BURDEN OF 2,3,4,5-TETRACHLOROANILINE IN GUPPY, POECILLA-RETICULATA

In this study the bioconcentration and the lethal body burden (LBB) of 2,3,4,5-tetrachloroaniline (2345TeCA) in guppy, Poecilia reticulata, is determined at different exposure levels. The exposure concentrations were found to influence the concentration-ratio between fish and water. At higher exposure concentrations a higher concentration-ratio is observed. Furthermore, after prolonged exposure, when apparent steady state has existed for several days, the concentration-ratio increased again. These results indicate that, although usually considered being a constant, the ratio between the concentration of a chemical in fish and water (BCF) may depend on exposure concentration and/or exposure time. After short periods of exposure to relatively high concentrations the LBB value of 2345TeCA in guppy is approximately the same as that found for chlorinated benzenes. After prolonged exposure to relatively low concentrations, however, the LBB value of 2345TeCA is lower. These results show that LBB values of organic compounds may not always be constant, and may depend on exposure time.