Biochemical responses in benthic fish from the area of the M/V Hebei Spirit oil spill

Abstract

This study describes the response of two fish species, marbled flounder (Pseudopleuronectes yokohamae) and olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) to the Hebei Spirit oil spill (HSOS) in December 7, 2007. Due to high wave and wind for several days after the spill led to widespread distribution and stranding of oil on the coastline of Taean. Two extensive surveys were undertaken after spillage on an emergency response. To investigate the impact range of oil exposure, two benthic species were selected as target species and evaluated the toxic effects on hepatic detoxification system exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fish were collected from near the site of the HSOS to Cheonsu-bay at 11 stations. Increased levels of biliary PAHs metabolites and induced hepatic detoxification enzymes, including ethoxyresorufin O-deethylase, cyanoethoxycoumarin O-deethylase, pentoxy-resorufin O-deethylase and Glutathione S-transferase, were measured in target fish from heavily oiled sites in 2008 and 2009. Enzymatic activities were higher at the site closer to the spill area. Therefore, the biochemical responses appeared to correlate with the degree of biliary PAH metabolite concentrations, implying continuous exposure to residual oil.