Influence of mode of exposure and the presence of a tubiculous polychaete on the fate of benz(a)anthracene in the benthos

Journal Article · Thu Nov 01 00:00:00 EST 1990 · Environmental Science and Technology; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es00081a004· OSTI ID:6039834

McElroy, A E; Farrington, J W; Teal, J M ^[1]

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1. Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, MA (USA)

The distribution and metabolism of ({sup 14}C-12)benz(a)-anthracene (BA) was followed in benthic microcosms in the presence and absence of the polychaete Nereis virens for periods of 4-25 days to simultaneously assess the effects of mode of introduction and the presence of large burrowing organisms on the fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and their metabolites in the benthos. Radiolabeled BA was added to the chambers in three ways: already sorbed to the entire sediment reservoir, directly into the water column, or incorporated into food for the worms. BA added to the water column was more available for uptake and metabolism by worms and microbial mineralization to CO{sub 2} than BA previously sorbed to the entire sediment reservoir. In experiments with the sediment reservoir uniformly labeled with BA, worms increased flux of BA from the sediment, and with time, their presence led to increased rates of microbial mineralization of BA to CO{sub 2}. Dietary BA was most rapidly metabolized by Nereis.

• OSTI ID: 6039834
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology; (USA), Vol. 24:11, Issue 11; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANTHRACENE
METABOLISM
AQUATIC ORGANISMS
BENTHOS
CARBON 14 EMISSION DECAY
LIQUID SCINTILLATORS
METABOLITES
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
AROMATICS
CONDENSED AROMATICS
DECAY
HEAVY ION EMISSION DECAY
HYDROCARBONS
NUCLEAR DECAY
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
PHOSPHORS
540311* - Environment
Aquatic- Basic Studies- Radiometric Techniques- (1990-)
560300 - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology