A case study of PAH contamination using blue mussels as a bioindicator in a small Greenlandic fishing harbor

• Published in: Marine Pollution Bulletin
• Main Authors: Poulsen, Rikke, Gravert, Thorsten Klaus Otto, Tartara, Arianna, Bensen, Henriette Kornmaaler, Gunnarsen, Klara Cecilia, Dicová, Kristína, Nielsen, Nikoline Juul, Christensen, Jan Henning
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: 2021
• Subjects: Arctic environmental pollution; Bioindicators; Greenland; Local pollution; Mytilus sp.; PAHs; Arctic; Qeqertarsuaq; greenlandic
• Online Access: https://curis.ku.dk/portal/da/publications/a-case-study-of-pah-contamination-using-blue-mussels-as-a-bioindicator-in-a-small-greenlandic-fishing-harbor(1a7c2b1e-e229-4999-a189-05d524de751d).html; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpolbul.2021.112688

This study investigated the impact of local anthropogenic activity on the marine environment around the remote harbor of Qeqertarsuaq, West Greenland. Blue mussels (Mytilus sp.) were used as a bioindicator, and their physiological condition was found to decrease with increasing proximity to the harbor. Subsequently, the distribution of 19 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 9 groups of alkylated PAHs were measured in mussel and sediment samples. The highest values were found in a rocky collection area 15 m from a wooden pier frequented by small boats. A PAH source investigation, indicated a mixed source from light fuel oils and creosote used as boat coating. Finally, correlations between the mussels morphological condition and the PAH pollution were found to be significant for 4-, 5-, and 6-ring PAHs. In conclusion, the results indicate that pollution sources in harbors have significant effects on the local environment and should be considered in arctic conservation research.