Contamination par les PCBs et les pesticides organochlorés des poissons du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg : incidence possible sur les populations de loutre ( Lutra lutra L.)

Abstract

Contamination levels of organochlorine pesticides in fish from the rivers of Luxembourg are quite low, except for lindane, pp'DDE and pp'DDT in the lower Sûre and its tributaries. However, concentrations are not hazardous to human health or otter survival. The PCB levels measured in river fish vary between 50 and 3500 ng/g F.W., according to the river and the species considered. In the reservoir of Esch-sur-Sûre, concentrations are lower (10 to 200 ng/g F.W.), probably because the fish have been reintroduced. The PCB concentrations found in river fish are considered as dangerous for otter survival. Human health standards are also frequently exceeded in eel and chub.