What are “bioavailable” PCBs?
PCBs that are located where they are readily available for biological uptake are considered “bioavailable.” Bioavailable PCBs are those located in the water column or surface sediment. From there, PCBs can accumulate in fish and be passed to people or wildlife if those fish are eaten. However, natural attenuation processes ongoing in places like Lake Allegan can cover PCBs in the sediment bed where they become unavailable for exposure or transport.
