Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in muscle tissue of harbour porpoises ( Phocoena phocoena) from UK waters

Few data are available on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in marine mammals. Samples of muscle tissue from 26 harbour (common) porpoises have been analysed for total PAH using ultra-violet fluorescence spectrometry, in terms of both chrysene and petroleum equivalents. The concentrations found ranged from 0.11–0.56 μg g −1 wet wt chrysene equivalents, and 0.47–2.4 μg g −1 wet wt Ekofisk crude oil equivalents. The highest values were found in a juvenile male porpoise from the Isle of Man. The extracts were also analysed for a range of specific PAH by means of capillary gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. Low but detectable concentrations of 2–4 ring PAH were found. These data are similar to those reported previously for marine mammals from Canada.