title: Do UK coastal and estuarine water samples pose a phototoxic threat?
abstract: Many studies have investigated phototoxicity under controlled laboratory conditions, however, few have actually demonstrated it occurring in environmental samples. Here we report on the potential for UK marine coastal waters to demonstrate phototoxicity when tested using the oyster embryo (Crassostrea gigas) bioassay in the presence UV light. Subsurface water, sea surface microlayer samples and subsurface water samples that had been extracted through solid phase extraction (SPE) columns were analysed. Results demonstrated that the majority of samples failed to display any phototoxic potential. However, those collected from Belfast Lough did display an increase in toxicity when bioassays were performed in the presence of UV light when compared to identical samples assayed in the absence of UV light. Analysis of water samples at this location identified known phototoxic PAHs, pyrene and fluoranthene. These findings suggest the need to consider the potential UV light has when determining the toxicity of environmental samples.
authors: Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas), Barrack Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT4 8UB, United Kingdom. brett.lyons@cefas.co.uk
authors: B P
authors: BP
authors: Lyons
authors: F
authors: F
authors: Goodsir
authors: N G H
authors: NG
authors: Taylor
authors: J E
authors: JE
authors: Thain
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001681:Biological Assay; D004625:Embryo, Nonmammalian / Q000187:drug effects; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D063366:Estuaries; D010125:Ostreidae; D055668:Photochemical Processes; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D006113:United Kingdom; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical