Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs), Chlordane, and DDTs in Selected Fish and Shellfish from New Jersey Waters 1988 - 1991 : Results from New Jersey's Toxics in Biota Monitoring Program

Abstract

This summary presents the results of monitoring carried out between 1988 and 1991 under the direction of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and Energy’s (DEPE) Toxics in Biota Technical Committee. Data on levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), chlordane, and DDT and its metabolites DDD and DDE (DDTs) in 217 single-fish samples and composite samples from ten species overall show consistency with previous DEPE monitoring data. The results indicate that fish sampled from the Northeast region (Hudson, Raritan, Hackensack and Passaic River drainages) remain the most severely contaminated. However, there is some indication that there is a decrease in contaminant levels, as there were fewer exceedances of FDA action levels than previously observed. All sampled in exceedance of FDA action levels, with three exceptions, are covered by consumption advisories or bans issued by the state.