Correlation between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Wharf Roach (Ligia spp.) and Environmental Components of the Intertidal and Supralittoral Zone along the Japanese Coast

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in wharf roach (Ligia spp.), as an environmental indicator, and in environmental components of the intertidal and supralittoral zones were determined, and the PAH exposure pathways in wharf roach were estimated. Wharf roaches, mussels, and environmental media (water, soil and sand, and drifting seaweed) were collected from 12 sites in Japan along coastal areas of the Sea of Japan. PAH concentrations in wharf roaches were higher than those in mussels (median total of 15 PAHs: 48.5 and 39.9 ng/g-dry weight (dw), respectively) except for samples from Ishikawa (wharf roach: 47.9 ng/g-dw; mussel: 132 ng/g-dw). The highest total PAH concentration in wharf roach was from Akita (96.0 ng/g-dw), followed by a sample from Niigata (85.2 ng/g-dw). Diagnostic ratio analysis showed that nearly all PAHs in soil and sand were of petrogenic origin. Based on a correlation analysis of PAH concentrations between wharf roach and the environmental components, wharf roach exposure to three- and four-ring PAHs was likely from food (drifting seaweed) and from soil and sand, whereas exposure to four- and five-ring PAHs was from several environmental components. These findings suggest that the wharf roach can be used to monitor PAH pollution in the supralittoral zone and in the intertidal zone.

The Ecology of Idotea Species (Isopoda) and Gammarus Locusta (Amphipoda) on Surface Driftweed in Galway Bay (West of Ireland)

Four species of Idotea and Gammarus locusta were associated with drifting seaweed. In all species and throughout the year juveniles predominated. Peak numbers occurred in summer when most seaweed was collected, but /. emarginata and /. baltica were common also in spring and autumn. All species also occurred freely swimming at the surface. No diel vertical migration was detected.Drifting alga provides only a temporary and unstable habitat for associated species but is important as a medium for habitat expansion and as a refuge from predators for actively dispersing juveniles.Breeding activity in all species peaked during the summer but continued at a low level for most of the year.