Petroleum hydrocarbons in fish from the Arabian Gulf

Levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in fish from coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates were investigated. Minnows (Aphanius dispar) from Dubai harbour and mullet (Mugil dussumieri) from Khor Fakan both contained about 3-4 ug PAH per g wet weight. Minnows from Dubai harbour retained these hydrocarbons for 2 weeks when transferred to uncontaminated sea water while mullet raised in uncontaminated water and exposed to crude oil showed more rapid depuration. Fish and seafood from coastal waters of the Arabian Gulf could be contaminated with PAH more frequently than previously suspected. Biomagnification in the food chain was also possible. There are 56 references.