SUSTAINABILITY, vol.16, no.24, pp.1-23, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)
Caged mussels enable biomonitoring investigations due to their tendency to absorb contaminants
in industrial zones. This study aimed to investigate the levels of seven indicator polychlorinated
biphenyls (i7PCB) congeners in the biomonitoring organism Mytillus galloprovincialis over two years
(2016–2018) after transplantation from three stations in the Eastern Aegean Sea industrial zone.
Additionally, i7PCBs were found in Nemrut Bay’s surface sediments. The highest PCB level was
found at Site 5 located near a petroleum refinery of the Petkim Port. According to sediment quality
criteria, PCB levels at Sites 1, 4, 5, and 6 may have an adverse biological impact. PCB concentrations
varied among samples; congeners 28, 153, 101, and 118 were most prevalent in sediments, whereas
congeners 138, 153, 101, and 118 were most prevalent in mussels. i7PCB concentrations were below
the maximum residual levels permitted in fishery products. In addition, calculations of the hazard
ratio and estimated daily intake show no potential negative impacts from PCB exposure. Significantly
positive correlations appeared between PCB (28, 52, 101, 118) levels and the condition index of the
mussels. The highest amounts of åi7PCB in mussels were identified in September 2016 at Site 2 and
in October 2017 at Site 1. Industrialization around the Port of Nemrut had a harmful impact on Sites
1 and 2. Preventing marine pollution plays a key role in ensuring the sustainability of marine living
resources and sustainable coastal management.