Determination of Benzo(A)Pyrene, Hexachlorobenzene and Pentachlorophenol in Oysters from Galveston Bay, Texas

Intensive development of industrial plants located along the Houston Ship Channel is a major potential source of refractory organic contaminants to the Galveston Bay estuarine system. Petroleum production and shipping also contribute extensively to the pollutant load of the Bay. Three compounds were selected for determination in oysters (Crassostrea virginica ) collected near Morgan's Point. These were benzo(a )pyrene (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon), hexachlorobenzene (polychloro-aromatic hydrocarbon); and pentachlorophenol (chlorinated phenol). These compounds were selected because of their large annual production, patterns of use and disposal which favor their entry into the oceans, high toxicity, and persistence in the environment.