Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii as biomonitor of environmental contaminants at Terra Nova bay station (Ross Sea)

• Main Authors: Bargagli, R., Corsolini, S., Fossi, M. C., Sanchez-Hernandez, J. C., Focardi, S.
• Format: Conference Object
• Language: English
• Published: 1998
• Subjects: antarctic fish; metal; PCs; Antarctic; Gerlache; Gerlache Inlet; North Cove; Ross Sea; South Cove; Terra Nova Bay; The Antarctic; Victoria Land; Antarc*; Antarctica
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/11365/40754

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs, including three highly toxic non-ortho coplanar PCBs, IUPAC Ns. 77,126 and 169), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides and trace metal concentrations were determined in the Antarctic fish Trematomus bernacchii collected off the Baia Terra Nova station (Victoria Land, Antarctica). A biomarker of exposure to xenobiotic compounds, CYP4501A-dependent monooxygenase activity, was also found in the fish liver. Data on fish from the north cove (A, used as a landing place for two small research craft, operating for a few weeks each year) were compared with those of fish from the south cove (B, receiving the station waste water) and with control samples caught on the continental shelf (Gerlache Inlet). Total concentrations of PCB, HCB and DDT residues were higher in fish muscle from cove A than in that from cove B and the control area. The contents of non-ortho coplanar PCBs were extremely low in fish from all sites (<0.5pg g^<-1>d. wt). PAHs were detected in fish muscle from both coves, phenanthrene and anthracene being the most abundant. However, no significant differences were found between specimens from the two areas. Metal (Al, Cd, Cu, Fe, Hg, Mn, Pb and Zn) concentrations in fish muscle, kidney, gills and gonads did not vary between fish from the different sampling sites. A significant relationship between Hg concentration in muscle and fish length was found, showing a high accumulation rate in fish from the control area. Liver CYP4501A detoxification activity was significantly higher in fish from cove B, presumably indicating exposure to organic xenobiotics. However, our results showed that, after ten years of activity of the Italian Antarctic station, contamination of the coastal environment is moderate or less contaminated in comparison with other ecosystems.