Parasite populations and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Biota from the Sydney Tar Ponds, Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, Canada: Investigation of potential long-term biomonitors

• Main Author: Thompson, Lydia Sabrina Rockwell
• Other Authors: Russell, Ron
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: Halifax, N.S. : Saint Mary's University 2009
• Subjects: QH545.H92 T48 2009; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons > Environmental aspects > Nova Scotia > Cape Breton Island; Indicators (Biology) > Nova Scotia > Cape Breton Island; Environmental monitoring > Nova Scotia > Cape Breton Island; Sydney Tar Ponds (N.S.) > Environmental conditions; Breton Island; Canada
• Online Access: http://library2.smu.ca/xmlui/handle/01/21968

267 leaves : ill., maps 29 cm. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 96-165) Historical industrialization around the Sydney Tar Ponds resulted in contaminated water and sediment. This study determined baseline levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and biota from the Tar Ponds and explored the use of a diversity of resident organisms as potential biomonitors of remediation. European green crab (Carcinus maenas) and grass shrimp (Palaemonetes spp.) were found to accumulate a greater number and concentration of PAHs than American eel (Anguilla rostrata) and mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus). Of the biota sampled, Carcinus maenas are suggested to be the best biomonitor. The diminished parasite levels of F. heteroclitus , found in the Tar Ponds, are also an effective biomonitor. As remediation of the Tar Ponds proceeds, it is proposed that the levels of parasites will increase to a healthy level.