Trophic transfer of pyrene metabolites between aquatic invertebrates

The trophic transfer of pyrene metabolites was studied using Gammarus setosus as a predator and the invertebrates Lumbriculus variegatus and Chironomus riparius as prey. The results obtained by liquid scintillation counting confirmed that the pyrene metabolites produced by the aquatic invertebrates L. variegatus and C. riparius were transferred to G. setosus through the diet. More detailed analyses by liquid chromatography discovered that two of the metabolites produced by C. riparius appeared in the chromatograms of G. setosus tissue extracts, proving their trophic transfer. These metabolites were not present in chromatograms of G. setosus exclusively exposed to pyrene. The present study supports the trophic transfer of PAH metabolites between benthic macroinvertebrates and common species of an arctic amphipod. As some PAH metabolites are more toxic than the parent compounds, the present study raises concerns about the consequences of their trophic transfer and the fate and effects of PAHs in natural environments.

► The trophic transfer of pyrene metabolites between invertebrates was evaluated.
► Biotransformation of pyrene by L. variegatus and C. riparius is different.
► Metabolites produced by L. variegatus and C. riparius are transferred to G. setosus.
► Specifically, two metabolites produced by C. riparius were transferred.