The accumulation and disposition of benz(a)acridine in the fathead minnow, Pimephales promelas.

The bioconcentration and metabolism of benz(a)acridine in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) was investigated using 14C-labelled benz(a)acridine. The rates of uptake, elimination, and metabolic transformation of benz(a)acridine were estimated in the fish. The equilibrium concentration factor [ratio of benz(a)acridine concentration in fish (wet weight) to benz(a)acridine concentration in water] was estimated at 106 +/- 17. The observed bioconcentration factor was about one tenth of that predicted by octanol-water partitioning models. Metabolic alteration was estimated to reduce the degree of bioconcentration 50 to 90% from the hypothetical case in which metabolic transformation did not occur. Benz(a)acridine metabolites attained concentrations in the fish considerably in excess of benz(a)acridine itself.