Identity and Distribution of Chlorophenols in the North Arm of the Fraser River Estuary

Abstract

Abstract Chlorophenol concentrations in fish and water from the North Arm of the Fraser River were determined. Geographical distributions and regression analyses indicated that 2,4-dichlorophenol, 2,3,5- and 2,4,6-trichlorophenol were correlated and likely entered the estuary from upstream sources whereas the source of 2,3,4,6-tetrachlorophenol and pentachlorophenol was likely lumber mills within the estuary. Concentrations of the latter two Chlorophenols in fish were from 100 to 14 00 times greater than in the water indicating the these compounds were bioconcentrating. Sculpins accumulated proportionately higher levels than other species and may be a good candidate biomonitor organism.