Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from the Ionian Sea, Italy

Concentrations of eight polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) (phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benza]anthracene, benzoa]pyrene, dibenza,h]anthracene, benzoghi]perylene) were determined in mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) collected between June and September 1995 from 10 locations along a sound of sea formed by two inlets (Mar Piccolo) close to the Gulf of Taranto (Ionian Sea, Italy). In mussels the concentrations of total PAHs were between 14.8 and 645.3 microg/kg wet weight. Among the single identified compounds, the predominance of phenanthrene (29.5 microg/kg wet weight) and anthracene (64.7 microg/kg wet weight) was evident. Another relevant pollutant was pyrene (18.4 microg/kg wet weight) followed by fluoranthene (7.2 microg/kg wet weight), whereas the other compounds showed low levels. The mussels that showed the highest total concentrations of PAHs were collected from stations affected by stronger human activities (industrial fallout, urban wastewaters, and contaminants transported via riverine discharge). Our results were similar to those found in areas classified as moderately polluted. This observation suggests the need for an increased effort in controlling sources of pollution in this area recognized as one of the most productive mussel-farming areas in the Italy.