The Killer Whale, called Lulu, was found dead on the Isle of Tiree in Scotland last year after becoming entangled in fishing lines, this was originally thought to be the cause of death. However, tests have now discovered that the Whale had one of the highest levels of polychlorinated biphenyls, or PCBs, ever recorded. They are now fears for the rest of the Pod, who are have similarly high levels of PCB contamination.
The chemicals are still in the environment even though they were banned in the 1970’s. This is because, the manmade chemicals are extremely stable, resistant to extreme temperatures and pressures, and have insulating properties. Due to their properties, they were used in everything from plastics to paints and electrical equipment.
Although, the chemicals were banned in the 1970’s they are still prevalent in the environment, as the chemicals take a long time to break down, High levels in particular can be found in landfill sites where they can leach into waterways and on into the sea.
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