Comparison of caged and native blue mussels (Mytilus edulis spp.) for environmental monitoring of PAH, PCB and trace metals. (September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schøyen, Merete; Allan, Ian J.; Ruus, Anders; Håvardstun, Jarle; Hjermann, Dag Ø.; Beyer, Jonny
• Is Part Of: Marine environmental research. Volume 130(2017)
• Page Start: 221
• Page End: 232
• Publication Date: 2017-09
• Subjects: Blue mussels -- Biomonitoring -- Caging -- Contaminant bioaccumulation factors; Marine pollution -- Environmental aspects -- Periodicals; Marine ecology -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Aspect de l'environnement -- Périodiques; Écologie marine -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 577.705
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marenvres.2017.07.025
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0141-1136

Abstract

Abstract: Contaminant bioaccumulation was studied in blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis spp.) using the harbor waters of Kristiansand (Norway) as a case study. A suite of chemical contaminants (trace metals, PAHs and PCBs) was analyzed in caged and native mussels as well as in passive samplers (Diffusive Gradients in Thin films (DGT)-devices and silicone rubbers) placed alongside the mussels for estimation of contaminant concentrations in water and uptake rates and bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) in mussels during a six-months deployment period. Estimated logBAFs were in the ranges 2.3–5.5, 3.8–5.2 and 3.2–4.4 for metals, PCBs and PAHs, respectively. Contaminant levels in caged mussels increased rapidly to stable levels for trace metals, whereas for hydrophobic organic contaminants the increase was steady but slow and for many compounds did not reach the levels observed in native mussels. Some key issues related to mussel caging design, such as mussel deployment time and confounding influence from seasonal fluctuations, are discussed herein. Highlights: Bioaccumulation of anthropogenic contaminants in deployed and native blue mussels during a six-month period was studied. Bioaccumulation factors for metals and organic contaminants were estimated. Differences in contaminant levels in transplanted and native mussels were observed. Significant confounding influence from seasonal factors on contaminant concentrations was observed. Standardization and harmonization of monitoring techniques that involve deployed and native blue mussels are needed.