In situ sampling reveals rapid uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by surf clams ( Paphies subtriangulata ) affected by the Rena oil spill

Abstract

To investigate the uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with the Rena oil spill we sampled the surf clam Paphies subtriangulata at two open coast locations (6 km apart) just prior to oil coming ashore (7 October 2011), then at 1–3 week intervals for the next 4 months. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (tPAH) increased at both sites from 1 to 96–124 µg kg −1 (wet weight) by 18 October before declining to low levels ( −1 ) by February 2012. Ongoing sampling throughout 2012–2014 included three additional sites to the north east (up to 30 km away) and a site 5 km to the south east revealing tPAH levels generally −1 except in October 2013 where levels ranged between 39–45 µg kg −1 at all sites. A comparison of PAH component profiles with oil‐contaminated beach sediment indicated that the high levels observed in surf clams between October–December 2011 were clearly associated with the Rena spill. However, the October 2013 peak had a PAH profile inconsistent with weathered Rena oil, suggesting an alternative source of contamination. Our results highlight the potential for P. subtriangulata as a PAH monitoring tool but recognise more study is needed to better quantify baseline levels and uptake and depuration dynamics.

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