Petroleum hydrocarbon concentration in selected species of fish and prawn from northwest coast of India

Abstract

Concentration of petroleum hydrocarbons in 6 fish and prawn species sampled at 10 transects from Veraval to Ratnagiri were determined using alkali digestion and alumina column chromatography followed by fluorescence spectroscopy. Efficiency of the method was in the range of 36.9-78.5% for 1-10 mug.g-1, wet wt chrysene concentrations. The levels observed were low ranging from 0.2 to 10.0 mug.g-1 (wet wt, chrysene equivalent units). The most abundant species Johnius glaucus and Coilila dussumieri showed comparatively higher levels of petroleum hydrocarbons than others. Samples from Bassein and Thana creeks as well as from Bassein and Bombay coastal stations revealed relatively high accumulations. Comparison of values with concentrations in water and sediment from corresponding locations was discussed.