Aliphatic hydrocarbons in fin spines of adult sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) and their relationship with potentially toxic elements in the northern and southern regions of the Caspian Sea.

Currently, the pollution of the Caspian Sea by the oil industry is one of the highest problems in this area. Critically endangered species inhabit this sea, such as sturgeons, whose ecological value is incalculable. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the level of contamination of aliphatic hydrocarbons of petroleum and its relation with several toxic elements directly on sturgeons spines.

Multivariate analysis of trace elements in starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) spine in different areas of the Caspian Sea.

Sturgeons are one of the most valuable species in the Caspian Sea. There, habitation of the seabed and feeding on benthic organisms makes this species a good indicator of trace element status. Thus, we aimed to determine the concentrations of 31 trace elements in the pectoral fin spine of starry sturgeons, and to evaluate the relationships between the different chemical elements.