Modeling the accumulation of three waterborne chlorinated ethanes in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas): A physiologically based approach

A physiologically based kinetic model was used to predict the accumulation of a homologous series of chlorinated ethanes in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas). Uptake and accumulation of these compounds are described in terms of a few fundamental physiological, morphological, and physicochemical parameters. Chemical residues in 30‐d‐old fathead minnows exposed to 1,1,2,2‐tetrachloroethane, pentachloroethane, and hexachloroethane were used to evaluate model performance. The predicted and observed accumulations of the chlorinated ethanes were in close agreement. A quantitative assessment of the major factors regulating the exchange of these compounds indicates that the cutaneous surface may be an important route of uptake in small fish.