A laboratory and field comparison of sediment polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon bioaccumulation by the cosmopolitan estuarine polychaete Streblospio benedicti (Webster)

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) bioaccumulation by the polychaete worm Streblospio benedicti (Webster) was measured under exposure to PAH-contaminated sediments in the field and for 28 d in the laboratory. Streblospio benedicti collected from field sediments contaminated at 2.94, 1.07, and l.52 μg g⁻¹ fluoranthene (FLU), benz[a]anthracene (BAA), and benzo[a]pyrene (BAP), bioaccumulated those PAHs at 1.53, 0.215, and 0.332 μg g⁻¹, while worms isolated from less contaminated field sediments (0.399, 0.228, 0.288 μg g⁻¹ FLU, BAA, and BAP) had FLU, BAA, and BAP body burdens of 0.543, 0.236, and 0.083 μg g⁻¹. Worms incubated for 28 d in PAH-spiked sediments (1.52, 0.991, 0.504 μg g⁻¹ FLU, BAA, and BAP) bioaccumulated those PAHs at 0.382, 0.966, and 0.602 μg g⁻¹, respectively. Data normalization to organism lipid and sediment organic carbon (biota-sediment accumulation factors [BSAFs] strongly suggest that Streblospio PAH bioaccumulation was directly related to percent sediment organic carbon, but BSAFs were substantially lower than predicted by equilibrium partitioning theory. BSAFs decreased with increasing PAH log K_ow, in worms collected from field sediments, but in spiked sediments BSAFs increased with increasing PAH hydrophobicity. This disparity may have been caused by insufficient spiked-sediment equilibration time (1.5h) in the case of the laboratory test sediments.     

Effects of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons on fishes and shellfish: An overview of research in virginia

This paper discusses the following topics related to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon pollution in estuaries: (1) the use of oysters (Crassostrea virginica), hard clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) and brackish water clams (Rangia cuneata) in residue monitoring; (2) the effects of elevated PAH residues on oyster condition; (3) three years of field studies relating PAH sediment contamination to abnormalities in fishes; and (4) laboratory bioassays for effects and bioconcentration modeling. Oysters, hard clams and Rangia have been shown, from 3 years of field studies, to be good monitors of pollution inputs as one proceeds along salinity gradients from 25‰ to 0·5‰. Effects of increased body burdens of PAHs are shown by a lowering of the oysters' condition index, as measured by lipid levels. Fishes inhabiting the Elizabeth River, VA, which is highly contaminated with PAHs, have abnormalities (cataracts, skin lesions, abnormal fins, etc.). These abnormalities have higher incidence in regions of the river where the sediments are more heavily contaminated. Laboratory studies utilizing contaminated sediments have reproduced some of the abnormalities observed in the field. Bioconcentration of PAHs from sediments has been studied with oysters and hard clams. Oysters generally accumulate three times the body burdens of clams exposed to the same suspensions. A faster depuration rate (k₂) for clams appears to be responsible for the higher equilibrium body burden of oysters.     

Estimates of PAHs burdens in a population of ampeliscid amphipods at the head of the Mississippi Canyon (N. Gulf of Mexico)

The bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by a dense population of ampeliscid amphipods (12,094±2499 ind m⁻²) in the head of the Mississippi Canyon at a depth of 480 m is examined and compared with estimation for amphipods from a shallow-water location, the Houston Ship Channel. The distribution of individual PAHs in sediments varies from the distribution in the organisms both in deep and shallow water, suggesting preferential uptake/depuration or uptake from pore or bottom waters. The average bioaccumulation factor (4.36±2.55) and the biota sediment accumulation factor (0.24±0.13) of total PAHs by the ampeliscid amphipods at the canyon's head are within the range reported for other benthic invertebrates. The average bioaccumulation factors are highest for dibenzothiophenes (up to 132 for C1-dibenzothiophenes) and alkylated PAHs and lowest for parent high molecular weight PAHs (HPAHs). Shallow-water amphipods are similar to deep-water amphipods in showing high preference to bioaccumulate alkylated PAHs and low preference to bioaccumulate parent HPAHs.     

Implications from a field study regarding the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and glutathione S-transferase activity in mussels

An aluminium smelter on the west coast of Scotland discharges an aqueous effluent containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the head of Loch Leven. The loch also supports two mussel (Mytilus edulis) farms. Data are presented on burdens of PAHs in the soft tissues of mussels and the effect of these contaminants on glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in mussel hepatopancreas. GST activity is shown to be correlated with total PAH burden and also with the concentrations of certain individual PAHs. These field data show that high molecular weight PAHs are closely correlated to GST activity, whereas low molecular weight PAHs are not. This suggests that 5- and 6-ring PAHs have a more pronounced role than 2- to 4-ring compounds in inducing GST activity in mussels from Loch Leven. It is proposed that it may be more appropriate to link GST activity with 5- and 6-ring compounds only, rather than with the total PAH burden.     

Bioavailability and effects of sediment-bound TBT in deposit-feeding clams, Scrobicularia plana

Concentrations of tributyltin (TBT), dibutyltin (DBT), inorganic and total tin have been measured in water, sediments and deposit feeding clams, Scrobicularia plana, from 25 estuarine locations in England and Wales, in order to compare the bioavailability of different forms of the element. Abnormally high tin values in Scrobicularia from harbours and areas of high boating activity testify to the high bioaccumulation potential of organotins, notably TBT derived from anti-fouling paints, relative to inorganic tin.Infaunal deposit-feeding bivalves consistently contain higher concentrations of TBT than other benthic organisms indicating that sediments may be an important route for uptake. Significant correlations between sediment TBT values and residues in clams such as S. plana (r = 0·81, p < 0·001) support this hypothesis. Direct evidence of the bioaccumulation of sediment-bound TBT is provided from laboratory experiments in which Scrobicularia were exposed to TBT in water and in sediments, either separately or in combination. The results of these experiments clearly demonstrate a predominantly particulate component for TBT uptake in clams.The kinetics of TBT accumulation and elimination were studied in Scrobicularia exposed to sediments containing 0·3 and 1·0 μg/g TBT (as tin). Equilibrium concentrations in tissue are approached after 40 days.Sediments containing 10 μg/g TBT are acutely toxic to S. plana, although such concentrations are only likely to occur close to dockyards and large marinas. Preliminary laboratory and field observations suggest however, that clam populations could be affected at TBT concentrations in sediments of 0·3 μg/g and possibly lower.     

Evaluation of atmospheric transport as a nonpoint source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments of the Eastern Mediterranean

Coastal marine sediment, air and seawater samples were collected at six sampling stations in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea distant from pollutant point sources. All sediment samples were analyzed to determine polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH), black carbon (BC) and organic carbon (OC) contents. The PAH contents of gaseous and seawater samples of the study were determined in order to evaluate the role of air–sea exchange as PAH nonpoint source to the marine sediments. The average concentration of the total PAHs (∑PAHs) in the sediments varied from 2.2 to 1056.2 ng g⁻¹ dry weight. The average BC and OC contents varied from 0.3 to 5.6 and from 2.9 to 21.4 mg g⁻¹ dry weight, respectively. ∑PAH concentration in the marine atmosphere varied from 20.0 to 83.2 ng m⁻³. Air–water exchange flux (F_A–W) estimation has indicated air transport as a significant source of PAHs to pristine marine sediments of Eastern Mediterranean. In addition, the significant correlation between the PAHs and the organic and soot carbon content further suggests the importance of atmospheric input of PAHs to the sediments.     

Implications from a field study regarding the relationship between polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and glutathione S-transferase activity in mussels

An aluminium smelter on the west coast of Scotland discharges an aqueous effluent containing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the head of Loch Leven. The loch also supports two mussel (Mytilus edulis) farms. Data are presented on burdens of PAHs in the soft tissues of mussels and the effect of these contaminants on glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in mussel hepatopancreas. GST activity is shown to be correlated with total PAH burden and also with the concentrations of certain individual PAHs. These field data show that high molecular weight PAHs are closely correlated to GST activity, whereas low molecular weight PAHs are not. This suggests that 5- and 6-ring PAHs have a more pronounced role than 2- to 4-ring compounds in inducing GST activity in mussels from Loch Leven. It is proposed that it may be more appropriate to link GST activity with 5- and 6-ring compounds only, rather than with the total PAH burden.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Zhelin Bay in the South China Sea

This study examined the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments collected in July 2004 from eight stations in the Zhelin Bay, one of the most important bays for large-scale mariculture in Guangdong Province. Thirteen individual parent PAH compounds were identified using high performance liquid chromatography with UV detection. The overall average concentration of total PAHs was 477.0 ng/g, ranging from 146.1 to 928.8 ng/g. Low molecular mass PAHs with two to three rings (e.g., acenaphthene) were dominant in each sample. The PAH concentration varied among sampling stations, with the highest concentration observed at bay outlets and the lowest found at stations outside the bay. Ratios of low to high molecular mass PAHs and fluoranthene to pyrene were used to determine the origin of PAHs, and results indicated mainly petroleum-derived contamination. Compared with other bays and harbors around the world, the total concentrations of PAHs in surface sediments at the Zhelin Bay are moderate, but this does not exclude the possibility of potential impact on human consumers because some strong carcinogenic PAHs with high molecular mass were found at the station with a nearby caged-fish and oyster farm. Long-term monitoring of PAH contamination in the Zhelin Bay is recommended to reduce the potential toxicological effects on aquatic organisms and humans.     

Tapes philippinarum seed exposure to metals in polluted areas of the Venice lagoon

The concentration changes of 12 metals (As, Hg, Cd, Cr, Co, Cu, Pb, Mn, Ni, V, Zn, Fe, and Hg) in the soft tissues of Tapes philippinarum during growth were investigated. Clams were seeded in two contaminated areas of the Venice lagoon (San Giuliano and Fusina) and in an area of the Marano lagoon (Lignano Sabbiadoro) close to the clam-farm where the seed was produced. Metal trends were very different according to the considered element, the study site and the growth period.Arsenic was always higher in clam tissues than in surface sediments and suspended particles in all the three stations. Mercury, Cd and Cu were higher in the clams from Marano and Fusina but not in those from San Giuliano. Zinc and Co in clams exceeded the concentrations in the sediment and suspended particles only at Marano. The other elements (Cr, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Fe) were always higher in SPM and sediments. In general metal concentrations in clams were more highly correlated to concentrations in the suspended particles rather than in the surface sediments and in suspended clams rather than in bottom clams, nevertheless significant differences between stations and contaminants were found. Metal concentrations in clams were always lower than the European regulatory limits.     

Copper bioavailability to marine bivalves and shrimp: Relationship to cupric ion activity

Studies were performed to determine the effects of dissolved substances present in natural seawater and sediment on the bioavailability of added Cu⁺². Whole clams Macoma inquinata and shrimp, Pandalus danae, were exposed to four concentrations of Cu in a flow-through seawater system. Bioaccumulation of Cu was reduced in shrimp, Pandalus danae, clams, M. inquinata, and excised clam gills, Protothaca staminea, exposed to an aged, compared with an unaged, Cu-seawater solution. This is thought to be due to slow complexation of the Cu by dissolved substances present in natural seawater. In a static system, with added sediment, more than 50% of the added Cu⁺² became bound to the organic fraction of the sediment and was unavailable to suspension feeding clams, Protothaca staminea. In contrast, deposit feeding clams, Macoma inquinata, placed in the sediment approximately doubled in Cu body burden within two months.Complexed Cu appears to be less bioavailable than ionic Cu and hence measurements of ionic and weakly complexed Cu by differential pulse anodic stripping voltametry provide a better prediction of bioavailable Cu than conventional measurements of total Cu-seawater concentrations.     

东海表层水体中的多环芳烃及其沉积通量估算

以东海陆架水体中溶解态多环芳烃(PAHs)含量为基础,引入颗粒相-水相间的物质吸附系数(Koc)计算悬浮颗粒物中PAHs有机碳归一化含量,结合陆架沉积物有机碳的年埋藏通量,估算东海陆架沉积物中PAHs沉积通量。结果显示:水体中溶解态的15种PAHs总含量为(701±392)ng/L,变化范围为412~1 032ng/L,PAHs组成以3环为主。计算得到的悬浮颗粒物中15种PAHs有机碳归一化含量为20~28μg/g,对应的PAHs沉积通量为150~210t/a。估算结果与实测沉积物中PAHs含量和沉积通量结果基本吻合,表明实验室模拟实验获取的化合物Koc值适用于东海颗粒相-水相间的分配模型,证实悬浮颗粒物有机碳含量在控制PAHs两相分布过程中起着重要作用。同时,该方法为海洋沉积物中PAHs沉积通量的估算提供一种新途径。     

The utility of the terms "bioavailability" and "bioavailable fraction" for metals

Because concentrations of total or dissolved metal usually are not good predictors of the acute toxicity of metals to aquatic biota (i.e. not all of the metal appears to be bioavailable), it has been tempting for researchers and regulators to attempt to identify a form or combination of forms of a metal that is the bioavailable fraction. But from geochemical, biological, and analytical perspectives, the term 'bioavailable fraction" is context-specific (i.e. not generalizable) and quantitatively elusive. Although the term "bioavailability" conveys a useful, general concept and should be retained in the aquatic-toxicology lexicon, the term "bioavailable fraction" should be avoided.     

超声波萃取-高效液相色谱法在海洋沉积物样品多环芳烃分析中的运用

建立用超声波萃取-高效液相色谱法同时检测海洋沉积物中16种优先监控的多环芳烃(PAH s)的方法。本方法采用丙酮作为萃取溶剂,在超声波作用下萃取出泥样中的PAH s,萃取液经浓缩后直接进行高效液相色谱分析。经对色谱条件和萃取条件进行优化后,各PAH组分的线性范围为1~500 ng之间,相关系数0.9921~0.999,检出限0.1~4.6 ng,达到海洋沉积物PAH s的检测要求。运用本法对粤东大规模增养殖区柘林湾表层沉积物PAH s进行检测,各PAH组分加标回收率为69.2%~108%,总平均达89.2%,相对标准偏差为0.5%~10.3%。本方法只需要萃取、浓缩和定容三个步骤,具有简便、迅速、高效、分析成本低的特点。     

Bioavailability of heavy metals bound to sediments affected by a mining spill using Solea senegalensis and Scrobicularia plana

After the Aznalcóllar mining spill (April, 1998) different ecosystems along the Guadiamar river and the Guadalquivir estuary were impacted by high concentrations of metals. The concentration of metals Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu and As has been detected as a good tracer of the pathway of the toxic spill. Different individuals of the fish Solea senegalensis and the clam Scrobicularia plana were exposed to contaminated sediments after the accidental spill in the south-west Spain. The induction of metallothioneins in fish and the bioaccumulation of metals in clams were determined in different tissues to determine the biological adverse effect associated with the heavy metals from the spill. A relationship between the enrichment of metals in the tissues and the induction of metallothioneins was determined for those assays performed using contaminated sediments. The bioaccumulation of metals indicates that the risk associated with the spill should be continuously evaluated to establish the sublethal effects related to the accident.     

A survey of in vivo benzo[alpha]pyrene metabolism in small benthic marine invertebrates.

A micro-extraction technique was used to examine in vivo polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) metabolism in 10 small invertebrate species exposed to sediments amended with 3H-benzo[alpha]pyrene (BaP). Phyla examined included Mollusca (Hydrobia totteni, Ilyanassa obsoleta, Yoldia limatula, and Gemma gemma), Annelida (Nereis succinea, Pectinaria gouldii, Haploscolopolous sp., and Capitella sp. 1) and Arthropoda (Edotea triloba, and Gammarus mucronatus). Organisms were exposed to BaP-labeled sediments, harvested, and parent BaP separated from all polar metabolites by liquid extraction The percent of BaP-derived radio-activity present as polar metabolites ranged from 96% for N. succinea to 7% for P. gouldii. Wide ranges in metabolic capability were also observed between species in the other two phyla examined. Reverse-phase HPLC analysis of extracts of representative species from each phyla indicated that all these organisms form bay region metabolites, with two species forming the 7,8-dihydrodiol (N. succinea and G. mucronatus). In light of the high variability in metabolic capability observed within each phylum, species-specific information on metabolic ability should be obtained before assessing bioaccumulation, critical body burdens, or trophic transfer of PAHs in invertebrates.     

The impact of resuspension on sediment mercury dynamics, and methylmercury production and fate: A mesocosm study

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of resuspension on the fate and bioaccumulation of mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in shallow estuarine environments, using mesocosms. Two 4-week experiments were conducted in July (Experiment 1) and October (Experiment 2) of 2001 with Baltimore Harbor sediments. Hard clams, Mercenaria mercenaria, were introduced into sediments for Experiment 2. Tidal resuspension (4 h on and 2 h off cycles) was simulated, with 3 replicate tanks for each treatment—resuspension (R) and non-resuspension (NR). Sediment cores were collected during the experiments for THg, MeHg, organic content and AVS analyses, and for the determination of methylation/demethylation using Hg stable isotopes (¹⁹⁹Hg(II) and CH₃¹⁹⁹Hg(II)). Zooplankton samples were collected once a week while clams were taken before and after Experiment 2 for THg and MeHg analyses. Our results suggest that the interplay between Hg methylation and MeHg degradation determines the overall MeHg pool in sediments. Sediment resuspension does not appear to directly impact the Hg transformations but can lead to changes in the association to Hg binding phases, influencing Hg methylation. The bioaccumulation results indicate that sediment resuspension can play an important role in transferring sediment MeHg into organisms.     

PAH-biodegradation potential of indigenous microorganisms: evidence from the respiratory activity of surface sediments in the Quanzhou Bay in China

Seven stations were established in the Quanzhou Bay (24.73°-24.96°N, 118.50°-118.70°E) in China on three cruises to determine the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and the numbers of PAH-degrading bacteria in surface sediments. Assessing the biodegradation poten- tial of indigenous microorganisms by measuring the respiratory intensity with the addition of PAHs in sediment samples was also one of the aims of this study. The results show that the total PAH concentrations of the sedimen...     

白令海和楚科奇海表层沉积物中多环芳烃降解微生物多样性

为了研究白令海(海盆及陆架)至楚科奇海陆架表层沉积物中多环芳烃(PAHs)降解菌的多样性,并获得新的PAHs降解菌资源。在GC-MS分析沉积物中PAHs种类和含量的基础上,以萘、菲和芘的混合物为唯一碳源和能源对表层沉积物样品进行富集,通过平板分离鉴定可培养菌株,并验证其降解能力;同时利用变性梯度凝胶电泳(DGGE)和Illumina高通量测序技术分析降解菌群结构。GC-MS测定结果表明,14个表层沉积物中PAHs总干质量介于32.99~276.97ng/g。富集菌群中共分离获得51株可培养细菌,平板纯培养、PCR-DGGE及Illumina测序结果均表明,菌群中优势的降解菌是γ-proteobacteria的Marinobacter,Pseudoalteromonas,Pseudomonas和Actinobacteria门的Dietzia菌。此外,Illumina测序结果还表明14个降解菌群在菌群结构组成上,可分为海盆区和陆架区两种类群;同时检测到一些低丰度的海洋专属PAHs降解菌,如Cycloclasticus,Alteromonas和Neptunomonas等。本文结果将加深对白令海及楚科奇海表层沉积物中PAHs降解菌资源与生物多样性的认识。     

The PAH composition of surface sediments from Stagnone coastal lagoon, Marsala (Italy)

This paper examines the presence, distribution, nature and sources of 22 Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), which are important environmentally and toxicologically, in sediments from the Stagnone coastal lagoon at Marsala (Italy). Analysis was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) with selected ion monitoring (SIM). The total concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons ranged from 72 to 18381 μg/kg of dry matrix. The relative standard deviation (RSD) of the replicates on the concentrations of individual compounds ranged from 5% to 20%. The accuracy of method was estimated by analyzing “blank” samples added of known quantities of analytes and the recover percentage was 88 ± 9%. The detection limit (LOD) of analytical procedure was less than 0.2 μg/kg d.w. for all analytes. The quantification limit (LOQ) of analytical procedure was less than 0.7 μg/kg d.w.The resulting distributions and weight ratios of specific compounds are discussed in terms of sampling location and origin of organic matter. A comparison with other studies of total PAHs suggests that the levels are within the concentration ranges already reported by other authors. From an eco-toxicological point of view, total PAH concentrations at seven out of the eight sites studied represent a relatively clean environment when compared to other sites.Organic matter content and PAH concentrations were found to be correlated and the compounds present in Stagnone sediments were shown to be mainly of pyrolitic origin, while a negligible quantity of PAHs may derive from biogenic sources since all the sediments contain perylene traces. There is no evidence of coal-tar contamination.Cluster analysis was carried out in order to discriminate between different PAH origins.     

Total hydrocarbons,polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and synthetic organic compounds in the Hard shell clam, Mercenaria mercenaria, purchased at commercial seafood stores

An analytical method for the determination of polycyclic aromatic h hydrocarbons (PAHs) and substituted benzotriazoles in clams was developed using a combination of silica gel and Sephadex chromatography to isolate these compounds from large concentrations of polyolefinic hydrocarbons. The concentrations of total hydrocarbons, PAHs and substituted benzotriazoles were measured in hard shell clams (Mercenaria mercenaria) purchased from Rhode Island seafood stores. The levels of total hydrocarbons, PAHs and substituted benzotriazoles in these clams were generally higher than the concentrations found in clams collected from a lower Narragansett Bay control location. The significance of these findings on the health of consumers is unknown at this time because human health standards or alert levels for these compounds in seafoods have not been established. However, this study illustrates that contaminants entering Narragansett Bay from a variety of sources may eventually make their way to commercial outlets.