Petroleum hydrocarbons in fish from the arabian gulf

Analysis of samples of two fish species from coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) showed about 3 to 4 micrograms of aromatic petroleum hydrocarbons (PAH) per g wet weight. Minnows from oil-contaminated Dubai Harbour (Dubai Creek) retained these hydrocarbons for 2 weeks even when transferred to uncontaminated sea water. Further exposure of minnows to crude oil in water increased body concentrations of PAH, which on transfer to uncontaminated water were depurated only slowly. However, mullets that were raised in the Marine Research Station were uncontaminated and absorbed PAH on exposure to crude oil and depurated them more readily than minnows. The possibility exists that the contamination of fish and seafood in coastal waters of UAE may be more common than expected, and some species, such as minnows and fatty fish, storing PAH may be passing them on to members at higher trophic levels.