Several species of fishes off Chile were analysed for PCBs, DDT and its metabolites, and BHC isomers.
PCB, ∑DDT (DDT+DDE+DDD) and ∑BHC(α-BHC+γ-BHC) concentrations were within the rang of 0.1 to 2.2, 0.3 to 13 and 0.14 to 0.33 ng/g, respectively. It is apparent that PCB_S and DDT compounds were more accumulative in fish than BHC.
The composition of ∑DDT were found in the orde of DDE>DDT>DDD.
Of BHC isomers, only α-BHC and γ-BHC were deteced, but β-BHC and δ-BHC were below detection level (<0.02 ng/g).
Fifty-nine PCB compounds composed of two to eight chlorine atoms were detected in the Brama sp., and which contained mainly the compounds with five and six chlorine substitution.
PCB levels in fish off Chile were apparently lower than those from Northern Hemisphere, but the DDT levels were not so different. This result supports an indication that the use of DDT is increasing in the Southern Hemisphere.