The use of limpets as monitor of PAHs pollution in the Cantabrian coast

The concentrations of 24 parental and methylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in common limpet (Patella vulgata) were measured in 15 coastal localities of the southern Bay of Biscay and 2 sites per locality for 2 years (spring and autumn of 2004 and 2005, respectively). Although the average concentrations shown a wide variability among the sites and the season, several sites showed a remarkable high concentration (PAHtot>900 ng g−1 d.w.) or medium (300–800 ng g−1 d.w) levels, but in most of the cases the initial high concentrations decreased sharply from one campaign to the following. Moreover, based on ratios of individual isomers concentration, petrogenic and pyrolitic sources were distinguished suggesting more than one source. Finally, based on the results of this work and comparing with previously reported data, it can concluded that limpets can be used as sentinel organisms in coastal environmental monitoring, even when oil spills are involved.

► Limpets were selected as a candidate to sentinel organisms for PAHs pollution. ► Asses the Prestige oil spill impact along Basque Country coast. ► Wide variability in average concentrations of PAHs. ► Petrogenic and pyrolitic sources were distinguished. ► Limpets can be used as sentinel organisms in coastal environmental monitoring.