Organochlorine contaminants in fish and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Barents Sea

Abstract

Sediment samples from 140 locations in the Barents Sea were analysed for diaromatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The concentrations found were lower than typical levels found at more southern latitudes such as in deposition areas of the North Sea, but higher than expected background levels. This paper presents the distribution of selected aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments. Concentrations of benzo[a]pyrene ranged from <1 to 41 ng g-1 dry weight. Alkylated Ca-naphthalenes were found in highest concentrations in sediments around Svalbard (range <1-2329 ng g-1 dw). Perylene concentrations ranged from < 1 to 287 ng g-1 dw. Livers of cod (Gadus morhua), polar cod (Boreogadus saida) and long rough dab (Hippoglossoides platessoides) were analysed for 13 polychlorinated biphenyls (pCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (DDTs, HCHs, HCB and chlordanes). Higher contaminant concentrations were found in the livers of cod than in polar cod and long rough dab. Feeding habits and migration patterns are likely explanations for this observed inter-species variation.