Multi-species comparison of the mechanism of biotransformation of MeO-BDEs to OH-BDEs in fish

► Transformation of OH-BDEs to MeO-BDEs is catalyzed by microsomal P450 enzyme(s). ► Transformation of OH-BDEs to MeO-BDEs is inhibited by inhibitors of CYP2 enzymes. ► The rate of transformation of OH-BDEs to MeO-BDEs is different in different species of fish. ► Rate and capacity for transformation of OH-BDEs to MeO-BDEs is greatest in rainbow trout, followed by goldfish and white sturgeon. ► Differences in transformation of OH-BDEs to MeO-BDEs could explain differences in concentration of OH-BDEs in different species of fish.