Aliphatic Hydrocarbons, Linear Alkylbenzenes, and Highly Branched Isoprenoids in Molluscs of the Adriatic Sea, Italy

Abstract

Aliphatic hydrocarbons and linear alkylbenzenes (LABs) were determined in four species of molluscs of the Central Adriatic Sea: two bivalves, Mytilus galloprovincialis, Solen vagina and two gastropods, Patella vulgata, Cassidaria echinophora. The concentrations of total aliphatic hydrocarbons determined in the mollusc samples were between 35.0 and 68.1 μg g -1 dry wt, and they may be considered within normal limits for areas reported to be mildly polluted. In P. vulgata and in C. echinophora over 70% and 50%, respectively, of the total aliphatic hydrocarbons are represented by highly branched isoprenoids (HBIs). In M. galloprovincialis 30% is made up of squalene. These hydrocarbons are usually considered of recent biogenic origin, and in particular HBIs found in P. vulgata support previous suggestions that these alkenes might be considered molecular markers of the presence of some diatom species. LAB concentrations are between 3.2 and 15.9 μg g -1 dry wt and show that all four mollusc species are contaminated by these molecular tracers of domestic wastes. Based on their composition, the LABs appear to have been recently discharged into the marine environment. The high concentration of external isomers indicates that LABs have not been biodegraded. This is probably due to the fact that the wastes were not treated or were only partially treated prior to reaching the sampling area.Oil pollution in some coastal areas of the Mediterranean Sea is considered to be serious requiring specific studies on the sources, effects, and fate of fossil fuel compounds discharged in this environment (7). Research has been carried out to understand the origins of hydrocarbons. In particular, it is of interest to know whether the fossil hydrocarbons indicative of petroleum contamination are present along with recent biogenic hydrocarbons in order to understand what role these compounds 276

Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and phenolic endocrine disrupting chemicals in South and Southeast Asian mussels

“…LABs are persistent in the environment (Takada and Ishiwatari 1990), hydrophobic (Sherblom et al 1992) and, therefore, can be accumulated in sediments and biological tissues. Although there are many reports on LABs in sediment and biological samples from developed countries (Albaigés et al 1987;Sherblom and Eganhouse 1991;Bouloubassi and Saliot 1993;Hong et al 1995;Serrazanetti et al 1997;Phillips et al 2001 andreferences in Takada andEganhouse 1998), only our report is available from this region .…”

Linear alkylbenzenes in muscle tissues of white croaker near a large ocean outfall in southern California, USA

“…However, recent studies by Heilprin et al (unpublished data) have shown that white croaker near the OCSD outfall feed extensively on larvae of a drain fly (Clogmia albipunctatus) that breed in the wastewater treatment facility and are discharged to the ocean with the effluent. Serrazenetti et al [16] also observed differences among four species of mollusk in tissue LAB concentrations related to feeding habits, with the highest concentrations in detritivores and the lowest in herbivores. Pacific sanddab and chub mackerel are considered to be generalist feeders that consume planktonic crustaceans and small fish, whereas California scorpionfish eat small crabs, shrimps, and fish [34].…”

“…Consequently, the relatively higher LAB concentrations in white croaker from the near-outfall station are consistent with the presumed differences in diets, although this may reflect direct ingestion of effluent particles (e.g., fly larvae) rather than benthic-pelagic coupling. Serrazenetti et al [16] also observed differences among four species of mollusk in tissue LAB concentrations related to feeding habits, with the highest concentrations in detritivores and the lowest in herbivores.…”

“…The LABs have also been detected in the tissues of various marine organisms, including bivalves [14][15][16] and other invertebrates [17,18]. Albaiges et al [19] first reported the presence of LABs in liver tissues of a pelagic fish from the Mediterranean Sea.…”

“…Albaiges et al [19] first reported the presence of LABs in liver tissues of a pelagic fish from the Mediterranean Sea. The presence of LABs in tissues of marine organisms represents an indicator of domestic pollution [16], but previous observations have been largely descriptive. In addition, the results have not been used for quantitative assessments of sewage exposures.…”