Predicting bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soft-shelled clams (Mya arenaria) using field deployments of polyethylene passive samplers

摘要: Biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF), frequently used to predict tissue concentrations of organisms living within and above sediments contaminated with hydrophobic organic chemicals, often produce inaccurate estimates. Hence, freely dissolved porewater concentrations, CW, have also been investigated as predictors organism but they are more difficult measure than bulk sediment (used BSAF). In situ passive sampling methods, however, make it possible deduce CW less effort required the value directly relate undisturbed, native organisms. present study, polyethylene samplers containing performance reference compounds (d10-phenanthrene, d10-pyrene, d12-chrysene) were deployed in diverse beds near Boston, Massachusetts, USA, for a 1-wk period. Clams (Mya arenaria) then collected from beds. Concentrations 3 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs; phenanthrene, pyrene, chrysene) measured porewaters, clam tissues, sediment. polyethylene-deduced concentrations. Ratios predicted-to-measured values showed that BSAF method over-predicted M. arenaria by up 2 orders magnitude. The resulted average ratios closer 1 (0.43 ± 0.26, 3.7 ± 2.5, 1.1 ± 1.2 chrysene, respectively, N = 26, uncertainty = ± 1σ). Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:993–1000. © 2015 SETAC