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Determination of benzo(a)pyrene, hexachlorobenzene and pentachlorophenol in oysters from Galveston Bay, Texas. [None]

Journal Article · · Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01985588· OSTI ID:6759192

Intensive development of industrial plants located along the Houston Ship Channel is a major potential source of refractory organic contaminants to the Galveston Bay estuarine system. Petroleum production and shipping also contribute extensively to the pollutant load of the Bay. For example, previous workers have reported that oyster samples collected at the lower end of the Houston Ship Channel, particularly Morgan's Point, consistently revealed high levels (130 to 240 ppM) of petroleum hydrocarbons. As bivalves have been suggested as potentially valuable sentinel organisms for indicating levels of pollutants in coastal marine waters, this study was undertaken to analyze oysters from Galveston Bay for selected pollutants. Three compounds, each representing a particular class of organic pollutant, were selected for determination in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) collected near Morgan's Point. These were benzo(a)pyrene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon), hexachlorobenzene (polycholoroaromatic hydrocarbon), and pentachlorophenol (chlorinated phenol). These compounds were selected because of their large annual production, patterns of use and disposal which favor their entry into the oceans, high toxicity, and persistence in the environment.

Research Organization:
Texas A and M Univ., College Station
OSTI ID:
6759192
Journal Information:
Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Journal Name: Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States) Vol. 25:4; ISSN BECTA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English