Concentrations of PCB118 relative to assessment criteria

The figure shows concentrations of PCB118 relative to the assessment criteria BAC (Background Assessment Concentration) and EAC (Environmental Assessment Criteria as given by OSPAR). For instance, a point at '4x EAC' indicates a site where the observed concentration was four (4) times the EAC limit. The points have been spread horizontally to avoid too much overlap.

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Concentration relative to reference levels

Additional information

The BAC and EAC used as thresholds for assessment of PCB118 were developed within the Oslo and Paris Commission (OSPAR) framework with scientific advice from the International Council for the Exploration of the Sea (ICES). Mean concentrations significantly below the Background Assessment Concentrations (BAC) are said to be near background. Concentrations below the Environmental Assessment Criteria (EAC) should not cause any chronic effects on marine organisms.

Methodology

For status, we used the 90% percentile over the 10-year period 2010-2022 to classify concentrations in 'low', 'moderate' and 'high' classes using two threshold values. The lower of the two thresholds was OSPAR's BAC criterion, while the threshold value was the EAC given by the OSPAR. In order to calculate status, we needed at least 1 year (Mediterranean) or 3 years (other areas) of data since 2010.

Hazardous substances in marine organisms in Europe's seas

Concentrations of PCB118 relative to assessment criteria

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References and footnotes