Assessment of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in selected fish species from Izmir Bay

In this thesis, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and aliphatic hydrocarbons were analyzed in red mullet (Mullus barbatus) and in annular sea bream (Diplodus annularis) from Izmir Bay (Eastern Aegean). This is the first time that a complete set of such data has been collected and evaluated. These species were selected because of they are common, widely distributed and eaten. They were sampled by trawling and analyzed seasonally in 2000-2001 and in 2004-2005 at five locations. Naphthalene was found to be the dominant PAH. Red mullet showed higher concentrations of PAHs and aliphatics than annular sea bream. PAH levels in red mullet ranged from 202 to 556 ngg-1dw and in annular sea bream from 78.7 to 415; aliphatics levels ranged from 834 to 2420 and from 436 to 1724 ngg-1dw, respectively. The molecular ratios, used to identify sources of PAHs and aliphatics in fish of the Izmir Bay, showed pyrolitic inputs for PAHs, but biogenic and anthropogenic inputs for aliphatics. Carcinogenic Benzo(a)Pyrene was detected in most fish samples at levels between 22.2 and 64.1 ngg-1dw. Statistical analysis showed no correlation of PAHs and aliphatics regarding extractable organic matter (HEOM). No significant temporal, inter-species, differences for total aliphatics was shown by the ANOVA test; a significant, temporal, PAHs difference was detected for red mullet. The average Izmir Bay PAH contamination level was within the ?moderate? category. Results indicate the need for systematic monitoring of the study area, in order to provide accurate assessment and risk management for human health.