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The purpose of this study was to elucidate the potential of using flounders as bioindicators of accumulation and transformation of POPs and to assess the possible environmental risk to the health of the population of the Russian coastal regions. The mean levels of HCH, DDT, and PCBs in the flounders were as follows: in the eastern Sea of Okhotsk, 49 ± 51, 62 ± 89, and 106 ± 83 ng/g lipid weight; in the southern Sea of Okhotsk, 36 ± 37, 15 ± 16, and 97 ± 41 ng/g lipid wt; in the Sea of Japan/East Sea, 62 ± 36, 39 ± 28, and 1616 ± 1177 ng/g lipid wt, respectively. In the Tatar Strait, OCPs were represented mainly by β-HCH with a concentration of 221 ± 182 ng/g lipid wt; the PCB level was 455 ± 317 ng/g lipid wt. Values of ILCR = 2.1·10 -5 due to the consumption of flounder from the Sea of Japan/East Sea at a rate of 29 kg/yr indicate a probability of developing cancer during a lifetime., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

The trace OCP concentrations, such as α-, β-, and γ-HCH, DDT and its metabolites (DDD and DDE) in blood and urine of residents from the south of the Russian Far East was revealed. A large range of OCPs was found in the urine: α- and γ-isomers of HCH, DDT and DDE. The only β-HCH was detected in the blood; this indicates its persistence and the difficulty of excretion this substance from the organism. The total trace OCP concentration, found in the biological fluids of residents of the south of the Russian Far East, providing further evidence that these organic contaminants persist in the environment.

The effect of technogenic pressure on the weight indices of major endocrine glands responsible for adaptation to adverse environmental conditions was studied in murine rodents. The data obtained in technogenic and natural ecosystems were compared. Using the method of morphophysiological indicators, it was shown that exposure to heavy pollution (emissions from lead and zinc smelters) caused a significant increase in the adrenal index of non-reproductive animals (0.45-0.56 mg/g, compared to 0.15-0.33 mg/g in the norm); conversely, the liver index decreased to 0.39-0.49 mg/g (below the lower limit of the norm). The simultaneous increase in the adrenal index and decrease in the liver index of rodents in autumn are indicative of exhaustion, which leads to an energy breakdown and mass mortality. The core of the population in the next spring consists of juveniles coming from the neighboring biotopes with more favorable conditions. Thus, under the effect of technogenic pressure, a temporary population of small mammals is formed every year.