Petroleum hydrocarbons in Narragansett Bay. I. Survey of hydrocarbons in sediments and clams (Mercenaria mercenaria)

Document Type

Article

Date of Original Version

1-1-1973

Abstract

Analyses of hydrocarbons in surface sediments from eight stations and in clams (M. mercenaria) from three stations in Narrangansett Bay show that both contain a very complex mixture of hydrocarbons which is not present in clams from Charlestown Pond, a relatively unpolluted coastal pond. This complex mixture of hydrocarbons is present in crude oils and fuel oils, and it is not a likely product of recent biosynthesis by marine organisms. This suggests that the sediments and clams from the areas sampled in Narrangansett Bay are contaminated by petroleum hydrocarbons. Sewage effluents and small oil spills are the most probable sources of the petroleum hydrocarbons. © 1973.

Publication Title, e.g., Journal

Estuarine and Coastal Marine Science

Volume

1

Issue

1

Share

COinS