Sources of local variation in polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbon concentration in oysters (Crassostrea virginica ) from Galveston Bay, Texas

The sources of local variation in PAH body burden among adjacent oysters (Crassostrea virginica ) on a reef in Galveston Bay were examined. Both eggs and sperm contain significantly more PAH than somatic tissue. The quantity of gonadal material was the most important correlate of PAH body burden. Sex was an important secondary determinant. Body burden of males was correlated with general indicators of health such as digestive gland atrophy; body burden of females was not. The evidence suggests that the most important factor determining variation in PAH body burden within an oyster population is the frequency of spawning and how soon collection occurred after the most recent spawn. Secondary determinants, like digestive gland atrophy, probably are indicative of reduced spawning frequency in affected animals