Uptake of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds by the gills of the bivalve mollusk Elliptio complanata.

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and herbicides are important contaminants of world water systems with effects on aquatic organisms. The uptake of naphthalene, anthracene, and chrysene by gills of the bivalve mollusk Elliptio complanata was determined. Additionally, the effects of paraquat, atrazine, alachlor, 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D), and 2,4-dinitrophenol on the uptake of these compounds were also determined. The results indicate (1) the uptake of anthracene is approximately equivalent to that of chrysene and the uptake of either of these compounds is higher than that of naphthalene; (2) comparisons of uptakes with that of inulin, which occupies only extracellular space, show that all compounds studied are taken up; (3) the uptakes of naphthalene, anthracene, and chrysene are initially altered by the presence of herbicides such as paraquat, alachlor, 2,4-D, atrazine, and 2,4-dinitrophenol.