Uptake and Clearance of Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Ringed Seal, Phoca hispida

• Published in: Journal of the Fisheries Research Board of Canada
• Main Authors: Engelhardt, F. Rainer, Geraci, Joseph R., Smith, Thomas G.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1977
• Subjects: Norman Wells; Phoca hispida; ringed seal
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/f77-171; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/f77-171

Ringed seals, Phoca hispida, showed rapid absorption of hydrocarbons from Norman Wells crude oil into body tissues and fluids when exposed by both immersion and ingestion. Relatively low but significant levels were found in tissue, blood, and plasma. Levels in bile and urine were high, indicating these to be routes of excretion. Key words: petroleum, hydrocarbons, benzene, ringed seal, immersion, ingestion, uptake, clearance