The study of some PAHs compounds in two species of clams in Euphrates River at Al-Hindiya city – Iraq.

Abstract

The present study was conducted on the Euphrates river in Al-Hindiya city river during Jul.2005 to Jun.2006. The study was included measure the concentration and distribution of some Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and predict their sources in the samples of two 4species of fresh water clams(Unio tigridis Muller 77 and Pseudodontopsis euphraticus Bourguignat 1852). The lowest value among PAHs was 0.05ng/gDW for Naphthalene in clam U. tigridis, while the highest value of 325ng/gDW was for Benzo(ghi) Perylene in clam P. euphraticus. The results of statistical analysis rerfferted to non significant differences in the concentration of PAHs in both species of clams and aquatic plants, while significant differences were recorded among seasons with the exception of Naphthalene. The lowest value of (0.05ng/gDw)was recorded for 2 ring-PAHs in U. tigridis, While the highest value of (427.28ng/gDW) for 5 ring-PAHs in P. euph raticus. The fat content of clams was determined and the values were between (0.8-1.5 ng/gDW) recorded during summer and autumn in U. tigridis and P. euphraticus The accumulation potential of PAHs in aquatic organisms were also investigated.