Temperature and accumulation of DDT by sea mullet (Mugil cephalus L.)

Accumulation of tech-DDT by the sea mullet Mugil cephalus L. was investigated at 15, 20, 25 and 30°C. Tissue residues of p,p′-DDT in fish increased with temperature reflecting an increase in metabolic rate. Metabolic degradation of p,p′-DDT to p,p′-DDD was also indicated. Rate of uptake of p,p′-DDT (mg kg-1 h-1) was not positively correlated with temperature and decreased with time at 15, 25 and 30°C. These results suggest that the uptake of DDT from water can be regulated by M. cephalus