Contaminants in coastal waters of Norway 2015. Miljøgifter i norske kystområder 2015.

This programme examines the levels, trends and effects of contaminants in biota along the coast of Norway. The 2015-investigation included analyses of 108 different contaminants or biological effect parameters in five types of samples (blue mussel, dog whelk, common periwinkle, cod and passive samplers). The contaminants include metals (Ag, As, Hg, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn), tributyltin (TBT), organochlorines (e.g. PCBs, DDT), PAHs, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated alkylated substances (PFAS) as well as contaminants that have recently received much attention such as hexabromocyclododecane (HBCDs), chlorinated paraffins (SCCP, MCCP), phosphorus flame retardants (PFRs), bisphenol A (BPA), tetrabrombisphenol A (TBBPA) and alkyphenols. Biological effects parameters included VDSI, OHpyrene metabolites, ALA-D and EROD. In the report, 30 representative substances or parameters were chosen for analyses of 829 time series (last 10 years). Of these there were statistically significant trends in 98 cases: 81 were downwards and 17 upwards. The dominance of downward trends indicated that contamination is decreasing for the measured substances. The downwards trends for TBT-concentrations and effect parameter (VDSI) confirmed that the legislation banning the use of TBT has been effective. Of the same 829 cases, 431 could be classified by the environmental classification system used by the Norwegian Environment Agency. 378 were classified as insignificantly polluted, 48 as moderately polluted, four as markedly polluted and one as severely polluted. Some cases warrant special concern, such as upward trend for mercury in cod fillet and high concentrations of several organic pollutants in cod liver from the Inner Oslofjord. High concentrations of DDE in mussels from the Sørfjord were related to earlier use of DDT as pesticide in orchards along the fjord. The relation of fish length on contaminant concentration was examined. Application of quality standards in biota were discussed.

Norwegian Environment Agency / Miljødirektoratet