Assessment of native and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and mussels (Mytilus spp.) in the southern Baltic Sea.

Native and alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in whole and fine grained (F < 63 μm) sediment fractions and mussels in the southern Baltic Sea. Both sediments and mussels showed spatial differences in PAH levels and profiles. In whole sediments, mean concentrations of Σ16PAHs, ΣaPAHs, and ΣPAHs reached up to 1537, 415, and 1952 ng g-1 dry weight (dw), respectively, and in mussels they reached up to 235, 143, and 325 ng g-1 dw, respectively, depending on location.

Variability of biological indices, biomarkers, and organochlorine contaminants in flounder (Platichthys flesus) in the Gulf of Gdańsk, southern Baltic Sea.

Biological indices, biomarkers (EROD activity, DNA SB, 1-OH pyrene), and organochlorine contaminants were investigated in flounder collected in the Gulf of Gdańsk during March-December 2011 to describe their seasonal variability and interrelations. Univariate and multivariate statistics were used to evaluate the relations. The EROD activity positively correlated with DNA SB, both negatively correlated with CF, GSI, and HSI, and there was a moderate positive correlation for EROD and DNA SB with 1-OH pyrene.

An integrated assessment of pollution and biological effects in flounder, mussels and sediment in the southern Baltic Sea coastal area.

Organic and metal contaminants and biological effects were investigated in flounder, mussels, and sediments in the southern Baltic Sea coastal area in order to assess environmental quality status in that area. Four sites were selected, including two within the Gulf of Gdańsk (GoG). In biota and sediment at each site, DDTs dominated over PCBs and PBDEs were the least abundant among organic contaminants.

DNA damage, EROD activity, condition indices, and their linkages with contaminants in female flounder (Platichthys flesus) from the southern Baltic Sea.

The Baltic Sea is considered as one of the marine areas most exposed to human impacts. A variety of chemical contaminants pose a threat to the habitants. Female flounder (Platichthys flesus) collected from three locations in the southern Baltic Sea in February 2010 were examined for biomarkers of exposure to genotoxic agents (DNA damage), AhR-active contaminants (ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase, EROD activity), and somatic condition indexes.