Banking of environmental samples for short-term biochemical and chemical monitoring of organic contamination in coastal marine environments: the GICBEM experience (1986–1990)

• Published in: The Science of the total environment 1993-11, Vol.139-140, p.225-236
• Main Authors: Garrigues, Ph, Narbonne, J.F., Lafaurie, M., Ribera, D., Lemaire, P., Raoux, C., Michel, X., Salaun, J.P., Monod, J.L., Romeo, M.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Marine; marine ecotoxicology; Mediterranean Sea; mixed function oxygenase (MFO) activity; polychlorobiphenyls; polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH)
• ISSN: 0048-9697; 1879-1026
• DOI: 10.1016/0048-9697(93)90022-X

The GICBEM (Groupe Interface Chimie Biologie des Ecosystèmes Marins) program consists of an evaluation of the ecosystem health status in the Mediterranean Sea mainly based on chemical and biochemical approaches. Specific chemical contaminants (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorobiphenyls (PCB), heavy metals) in waters, sediments, and related biotransformation indicators in target organisms (mussels, fish) have been selected for a complete survey of the coastal waters. In order to provide an appropriate sampling program for standardization for each sampling cruise, various aspects have been studied: (a) parameters for the choice of the sample sites; (b) ways of collection the samples (waters, sediments, marine organisms); and (c) preparation of the samples for a short term storage on board ship and for further analyses in the ground laboratory. Methods of preparation and storage of the samples are described and could be used to initiate an environmental banking program including both possible retrospective analyses of chemical pollutants and biochemical indicators. Moreover, the correlation between chemicals (PAH) and biochemical (mixed function oxygenase activities) parameters has been studied and this demonstrates the capability of the enzyme activities as reliable pollution biomarkers.