Teuten, E.L., Xu, L., and Reddy, C.M., Two abundant bioaccumulated halogenated compounds are natural products., Science, 2005; v307, 917-920.
Methoxylated polybrominated di-Ph ethers (MeO-PBDEs) have been found bioaccumulated in the tissues of a variety of aquatic animals and at concns. comparable to those of anthropogenic halogenated org. compds., including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). The origin of the MeO-PBDEs has been uncertain; circumstantial evidence supports a natural and(or) an industrial source. By analyzing the natural abundance radiocarbon content of two MeO-PBDEs isolated from a True's beaked whale (Mesoplodon mirus), we show that these compds. were naturally produced. |