Organochlorines and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons as fingerprint of exposure pathways from marine sediments to biota. (September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Traina, Anna; Ausili, Antonella; Bonsignore, Maria; Fattorini, Daniele; Gherardi, Serena; Gorbi, Stefania; Quinci, Enza; Romano, Elena; Salvagio Manta, Daniela; Tranchida, Giorgio; Regoli, Francesco; Sprovieri, Mario
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 170(2021)
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Subjects: Organochlorines -- PAHs -- Biota -- Sediment -- Source fingerprint; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112676
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: To elucidate the dynamics of a suite of organochlorine contaminants (PCBs, HCB), PAHs and Hg and verify the potential of these pollutants as reliable fingerprints of sources, an ensemble of marine sediments and organisms (finfish, shellfish species and Mytilus galloprovincialis ) were analysed from the contaminated Augusta Bay (Southern Italy). The Hg and HCB concentration in the sediments exceeded the EQS of the Directive 2000/60/EU. Similarly, ∑PCB and selected PAHs were above the threshold limit set by regulation. The marine organisms showed Hg concentrations above CE 1881/2006. Contaminants in transplanted mussel evidenced an increased accumulation overtime and different distribution patterns between sampling sites. Analysis of the homolog composition of PCB congeners revealed comparable patterns between sediments and marine organisms and offered the opportunity to define a robust fingerprint for tracing contaminants transfer from the abiotic to the biotic compartments. These results were confirmed by the Fluoranthene/Pyrene, Hg and HCB distribution modes. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: PCBs, HCB, PAHs and Hg in sediments and marine organisms from Augusta Bay PCB congeners evidence analogue patterns between sediments and biota. PCBs used as reliable fingerprint to mark sediment to biota pollutants transfer PHAs, HCB and Hg support the hypothesis of PCBs fingerprint.