Distribution of stable organic molecules in the marine environment: physical chemical aspects. Chlorinated hydrocarbons

The relative concentrations of non-polar organic compounds in seawater and suspended particulate matter can be explained by an equilibrium sorption mechanism. The value of the quasi-equilibrium constant, K, was calculated with reasonable accuracy for polychlorinated biphenyls from a relatively simple equation which relies on both measurable physical parameters and a number of molecular terms estimated from fundamental physical chemical considerations. This model represents an approach to defining the accumulation of stable organic molecules on marine particulate interfaces within a coherent theoretical framework. As such, it provides a guide for selecting appropriate ecosystem parameters which influence the distribution and accumulation potential of these chemicals in the marine environment.