Assessment of PCBs, Selected Organic Pesticides and Mercury in Fishes from New Jersey: 1998-1999 Monitoring Program

Prior to this study, the most recent monitoring for organic contaminants and mercury in fish from New Jersey's coastal waters was in 1991. To assess the possible temporal and spatial changes in contamination since that time, and to provide more up-to-date and extensive monitoring data regarding contaminant levels in New Jersey fishes, this study was implemented in 1998. Over 300 samples were analyzed for polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides (e.g., DDT and its metabolites, and chlordanes) and mercury from locations extending from Raritan Bay to the Delaware River and its tributaries. Using the US Food and Drug's Action Limits (as well as state-promulgated guidelines), a cursory assessment of risk based on exceedances of these limits was made. Based on the number, species and locations of the exceedances of US FDA action limits for PCBs and chlordanes, the following regions of concern were designated: 1) the Camden area (Newton Lake, Strawbridge Ponds, Pennsauken River and Cooper River Lake), based largely on chlordane concentrations within common carp, 2) sections of the Delaware River and its tributaries (e.g., Raccoon Creek) based on PCB concentrations, mainly in American eel, and 3) Raritan Bay, based on higher than average concentration of PCBs in American eels (and white perch). Comparisons with historical data sets were made. For most species and regions, concentrations of PCBs and chlordanes have decreased markedly compared to evaluations made a decade ago. Changes in DDX are more equivocal, with some groups showing decreases, but with little evidence of change for other comparisons. The observed decreases could be due to environmental cleanup, pollution prevention programs, degradation, or changes in the bioavailability of contaminants.Report No. 00-20