Acute toxicity of PAH (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) contaminated sediments to the estuarine fish, Leiostomus xanthurus

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01699215· OSTI ID:5595806

Roberts, Jr, M H; Hargis, Jr, W J; Strobel, C J; De Lisle, P F

High concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) have been found in the Elizabeth River, Virginia, especially in the Southern Branch near a former creosote wood preservation plant. Although acute mortality of fish directly attributable to high PAH concentrations in sediment and water is unreported in the Elizabeth River, fish of several species often exhibit fin erosion and other external lesions. During previous laboratory experiments with spot (Leiostomus xanthurus) exposed to naturally contaminated sediments from Elizabeth River Station 217 the authors observed acute mortalities within 8 days as well as fin erosion, ulceration of the lateral body surface, and several types of lesions of internal organs. Exposure to effluent from primary exposure tanks resulted in ulcerations and cataracts, but no mortalities. The present study was conducted to determine (1) the concentration of contaminated sediment causing an acute lethal effect on L. xanthurus exposed either to sediment or to water which had been in contact with sediment.

• Research Organization: College of William and Mary, Gloucester Point, VA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5595806
• Journal Information: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States) Vol. 42:1; ISSN BECTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560300* -- Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMALS
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
AROMATICS
CATARACTS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DISEASES
ESTUARIES
FEDERAL REGION III
FISHES
HYDROCARBONS
HYDROGEN COMPOUNDS
NORTH AMERICA
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
RIVERS
SEDIMENTS
SENSE ORGANS DISEASES
STREAMS
SURFACE WATERS
TOXICITY
USA
VERTEBRATES
VIRGINIA
WATER