Bioavailability of naphthalenes from marine sediments artificially contaminated with Prudhoe Bay crude oil

Abstract Uptake of naphthalenes from sand and detritus contaminated with Prudhoe Bay crude oil was examined in the detritivorous clam Macoma inquinata . Concentrations of naphthalenes were determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry and the use of radiolabelled 14 C-2-methylnaphthalene. Exposure of M. inquinata to contaminated sediments indicated that uptake of naphthalenes as a result of consumption of sediment was insignificant. However, naphthalenes which were released from sediment to the surrounding water were available for uptake by the clams. Our results were consistent with the results of other studies which examined bioavailability of naphthalenes from oil-contaminated sediments.