Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in subcutaneous biopsies of Mediterranean cetaceans

The aim of the present study was to measure polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels in free-ranging Mediterranean cetaceans as they are likely to cause chemical stress in the organisms of this basin. Blubber samples were collected from live specimens of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus) and st riped dolphins (Stenella coeruboalba) by means of biopsies, a non-destructi ve biological method. Fin whales were sampled in the Ligurian Sea, whereas striped dolphins were collected in the Ligurian and the Ionian Seas. A fing erprint of 14 PAHs was obtained for both species. In whales, the median val ue of total PAHs was 1970 ppb fresh weight (f.w.) while median carcinogenic PAH values were 89.80 ppb f.w.; in dolphins, the median values of total an d carcinogenic PAHs were 29,500 and 676.00 ppb f.w., respectively. The diff erent PAH values between the two species can be attributed to the different positions they take in the Mediterranean food web. The sampling period sig nificantly influenced PAH concentrations of fin whales. (C) 2001 Elsevier S cience Ltd. All rights reserved.