Levels of toxaphene indicator compounds in fish

Three toxaphene indicator compounds were determined in more than 100 samples of fish. The investigated fish included nearly all important fish species consumed in Germany. Highest residue concentrations were found in marine fish with high or moderate fat content, e.g. halibut, herring, redfish and mackerel. In fresh water species and marine fish with low fat content less contamination was found. A significant relationship between the fishing ground and the toxaphene residue could not established. Contamination levels of most species were related to the age (length) of the fish. The daily intake of total toxaphene in Germany was estimated at 2.8–5.6 ng/kg body weight.