Brown mussels (Perna perna) and semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs) as indicators of organic pollutants in the South African marine environment

A distinct lack of historical and current data on the status of organic pollutant contaminants within the South African marine environment is evident. This has highlighted the need for more current organic pollutant assessments. Reference mussels and SPMDs were transplanted at five South African harbour sites to assess organic bioaccumulation in brown mussels (Perna perna) and semi-permeable membrane devices (SPMDs). Spatial patterns of PAH and PCB contaminants were determined by GC-MS and GC-ECD after appropriate sample preparation. Significant (p < 0.05) spatial differences were observed between the sites. Results indicate no correlations between the passive device and the transplanted mussels; however the SPMDs provided complementary information on the presence of dioxin-like PCBs within the environment not detected by the mussel. The results indicate that information provided by both the mussels and SPMDs allow for a more in depth scrutiny of environmental conditions as a result of anthropogenic influence.

► This is the first study to apply SPMDs as a monitoring tool for PAH and PCB exposure in South African marine waters. ► This is the first study in 30 years to assess exposure to PAHs and PCBs along the entire South African coastline. ► Mussels and SPMDs provide information on both the net biologically available and dissolved fractions. ► SPMDs provide toxicological information as they identify petrogenic contaminants and accumulate dioxin-like PCBs.