Characterization of Polychlorinated Biphenyls in Transplanted Mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) and Surface Sediments from the Coastal Region of Nemrut Bay, Eastern Aegean Sea

Gönül L. T.

SUSTAINABILITY, vol.16, no.24, pp.1-23, 2024 (SCI-Expanded)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 16 Issue: 24
  • Publication Date: 2024
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/su162410801
  • Journal Name: SUSTAINABILITY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus, Aerospace Database, Agricultural & Environmental Science Database, CAB Abstracts, Communication Abstracts, Food Science & Technology Abstracts, Geobase, INSPEC, Metadex, Veterinary Science Database, Directory of Open Access Journals, Civil Engineering Abstracts
  • Page Numbers: pp.1-23
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

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.