Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediment and oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) from mangrove of Guadeloupe: Levels, bioavailability, and effects

Surface sediment and oysters (Crassostrea rhizophorae) from the coastlines of Guadeloupe were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using GC/MS. Biomarkers of oxidative stress were used to assess the response of these oysters to hydrocarbons exposure. The total concentration of PAHs in the sediment ranged from 49 to 1065 ng/g dw, while concentrations in oyster ranged from 66 to 961 ng/g dw. Molecular indices based on isomeric PAHs ratios characterize the pollution sources and show that most of the contaminations in sediment originate from pyrolytic inputs. Bioaccumulation factors (BAFs) have been related to isomeric ratio calculated for oysters in order to refine PAHs sources. The variations of BAFs observed in the different compounds resulted from different uptake pathways in the mangrove oysters according to the type of inputs. Response of biomarkers showed inhibition of catalase and an increase of lipid peroxidation at the station where PAHs concentrations were the highest. Taken together, data obtained point to the relevance of considering environmental conditions as factors influencing biomarker responses in environmental monitoring programs. These data also indicate the need for regular environmental follow-up studies in Guadeloupe.