Biotransformation and modelled bioconcentration factors (BCFs) of select hydrophobic organic compounds using rainbow trout hepatocytes

Biotransformation is an important factor in determining the extent that chemicals bioaccumulate. Since most anthropogenic chemicals lack data on biotransformation, this research used rainbow trout isolated hepatocytes to determine the depletion rates of several hydrophobic chemicals (benzo(a)pyrene, chrysene, 9-methylanthracene, polychlorinatedbiphenyl-153). These results were extrapolated to the organism level and bioconcentration factors (BCFs) modelled. Since concurrent chemical exposure and temperature modify biotransformation, they were investigated for effects on modelled BCF values. Depletion rate constants were generally lower for chemical mixture than for individual incubations. At acclimation temperatures, chrysene biotransformation exhibited thermal compensation; for benzo(a)pyrene and 9-methylanthracene, lower acclimation temperature resulted in lower rate constants and increased BCFs. Acute temperature increases significantly increased depletion rate constants for benzo(a)pyrene and chrysene, and decreased BCF values. Acute temperature decreases had no effect. This research highlights the importance of considering environmental factors in evaluating the bioaccumulative potential of chemicals.