Lindane in blue mussels from the North Sea
Use restrictions result in decreasing contamination since the 1990s
Lindane (gamma-Hexachlorocyclohexane, gamma-HCH)is a very effective insecticide. It is, however, environmentally persistent, accumulates in organisms and enriches in the food web. In the Federal Republic of Germany, lindane was already banned in 1977, whereas it was still produced and used in the former German Democratic Republic until 1990. Since 2003 its use in agriculture is banned Europe-wide.
The reduced application is reflected in decreasing lindane contaminations of blue mussels from the North Sea.
The routinely analysis of blue mussels for gamma-HCH was not continued after 2006.
Fig. 1: Lindane in blue mussels from the North Sea sampling sites in the Sylt-Römö-Watt
Updated at: 2022-01-11
Recommended profiles
Specimen
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One of the most important edible mussel species common in the North and Baltic Sea
Analytes
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Several isomeric compounds among the group of chlorinated hydrocarbons
Sampling area
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National park in the world largest connected sand and mud flats.