Study of hydrocarbons in recent sediment of Charlotte Harbor. Final report.

Abstract

Hydrocarbon content and distribution was determined in sediment and five commercially important species of marine organisms (oyster, blue crab, pink shrimp, mullet, and sea trout) from stations throughout the Charlotte Harbor estuary during both winter and summer seasons. Adult, as well as juvenile organisms were analyzed separately, when available, to observe characteristic differences in hydrocarbon content due to age. Two different types of tissue also were studied (muscle and liver or gonad tissue) to detect potential effects on people eating the seafood as well as impact on the individual organisms.