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Science 11 February 2005:
Vol. 307. no. 5711, pp. 917 - 920
DOI: 10.1126/science.1106882
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Reports

Two Abundant Bioaccumulated Halogenated Compounds Are Natural Products

Emma L. Teuten, Li Xu, Christopher M. Reddy*

Methoxylated polybrominated diphenyl ethers (MeO-PBDEs) have been found bioaccumulated in the tissues of a variety of aquatic animals and at concentrations comparable to those of anthropogenic halogenated organic compounds, 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 compounds were naturally produced.

Department of Marine Chemistry and Geochemistry, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Woods Hole, MA 02543, USA.

* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: creddy{at}whoi.edu

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Science. ISSN 0036-8075 (print), 1095-9203 (online)