SOURCES OF LOCAL VARIATION IN POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBON AND PESTICIDE BODY BURDEN IN OYSTERS (CRASSOSTREA-VIRGINICA) FROM GALVESTON BAY, TEXAS

1. Eggs and sperm contain significantly more PAH (polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon) than somatic tissues in oysters (Crassostrea virginica) taken from Galveston Bay. 2. The quantity of gonadal material was the most important correlate of PAH body burden. 3. Eggs, but not sperm, w ere enriched in chlorinated compounds (e.g. DDD, chlordane), while bot h eggs and sperm were enriched in total PCBs relative to somatic tissu e. 4. Oysters may lose up to 50% of their total body burden of certain PAHs and pesticides in a single spawn.