Within the past decade, a large number of ecotoxicological and trace analytical investigations identified synthetic musk compounds as important environmental contaminants in densely populated regions. Today, synthetic musks are still widely used as artificial fragrances added to perfume-, household-, hygienic- and cosmetic products. The presence and distribution of the 6 synthetic musk derivatives l,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6, 7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclo[gl-2-benzopyrane (HHCB, Galaxolide(R)), 1-[2,3-dihydro-1,1,2,6-tetramethyl-3-(1-methyl-ethyl)- 1H-inden-5-yl]-ethanone, (ATII, Traseolide(R)) 1-(5,6,7, 8-tetrahydro-3,5,5,6,8,8-hexamethyl-2-naphthalenyl)ethanone (AHTN, Tonalide(R)), l,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4, 6,6,7,8,8-hexamethyl-cyclopenta[g]-2-benzopyran- I -one (HHCB-lactone), 4-acetyl-1-tert-butyl-3,5-dimethyl-2,6dinitrobenzene (Musk-ketone, MK) and 1-tert-butyl-3,5dimethyl-2,4,6-trinitrobenzene (Musk-xylene, MX) in 25 fish samples from 4 different fish species from five selected Norwegian marine sampling sites related to densely populated areas at Oslo, inner Oslo fjord, Grenland fjords, Larvik, Trondheim and Tromso have been investigated. Filet and liver samples from Atlantic cod, thornback ray, saithe and haddock were collected for analysis. The highest sum concentration was found for Atlantic cod liver samples from the densely populated Oslo area. Samples from industrial locations like Grenland fjords were not as highly contaminated. This result confirms the hypothesis that mainly household and municipal sewage is responsible for the major environmental release in Norway and not industrial sources. HHCB-lactone, the major transformation product of HHCB, was determined in the Norwegian environment for the first time. Compared with conventional organochlorine contaminants, synthetic musks were found in about the same concentration ranges as polychlorinated biphenyls and pesticides. The relatively high concentrations found demonstrate impressively the still underestimated environinental potential of this contaminant class. The risk of laboratory contamination through personnel is known for synthetic musk analysis in environmental samples. Extensive quality control measures were taken to control and monitor laboratory contamination. However, relatively elevated blank values for the complete preparation and quantification method calculated from laboratory and instrument blanks were determined, demonstrating the limits of the used analytical method. In order to improve the performance of the analytical method and reduce average blank levels into the pg-range, drastic measures like use of closed laboratory environments (e.g. clean air laboratory) and special treatment of solvents is needed and recommended. However, the analytical method used here was sufficient for the purpose of the study, namely to confirm the presence and concentration levels of synthetic musks in high and medium contaminated Norwegian marine environments.
