Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds in the Greenland Marine Environment

Information on levels of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the marine environment from pristine areas of the world are still sparse. In this study, PACs were analyzed in sediments and various organisms from the area of Qeqertarsuaq/Disko in the western part of Greenland. PAC levels were measured in sediments, blue mussels ( Mytilus edulis ), liver of shorthorn sculpins ( Myoxocephalus scorpius ), and blubber of ringed seals ( Phoca hispida ). The average levels of PAC in the four sample types were 359 w g/kg, 497 w g/kg, 2762 w g/kg, and 101 w g/kg dry weight respectively. Principal component analyses (PCA) revealed variations in PAC composition between the different samples that could be related to molecular weight of the PAC compounds and lifestyle characteristics of the biota.