However, phthalate esters are pervasive in the environment because the compounds are used in the manufacturing of common plastics. In general, SVOC concentrations from all other stream sites in the Albemarle-Pamlico Drainage Basin were relatively low and were few in number. Pesticides were detected in Asiatic clam and redbreast sunfish tissue samples. Of these, DDE was the most common and widespread, being present at 11 of the 19 sites sampled. More than one organochlorine compound was detected at 6 of the 19 sites.
Redbreast sunfish appear to be better bioindicators of organochlorine compound contamination.
Asiatic clams are better bioindicators of PCB contamination. Compared to the Asiatic clam, redbreast sunfish appear to be better bioindicators of organochlorine compound contamination in aquatic systems. Pesticides were detected at all eight sites sampled for redbreast sunfish, whereas only 3 of the 15 sites sampled for Asiatic clams had detections above the minimum reporting level. Collecting benthic invertebrates in the Neuse River Basin, North Carolina. Trace elements were detected in biological tissue samples.