ABSTRACT
Oysters are the one of the most promising bioindicators for monitoring of chemical contaminants in the environment due to their filter-feeding properties. The comparative analysis and profiling by GC-MS technique of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in two oyster species Magallana bilineata and Magallana cuttackensis and the investigation of hydrocarbons/organic pollutants in seawater and sediments revealed that the area is strongly polluted and there is a need to include this area under Marine protected area (MPA). Several groups of organic compounds have been identified in oysters as well as seawater and sediments. Results are discussed in terms of the availability of pollutants in the environment, their uptake by oysters and their biotransformation. This is the first report on pollution level with respect to PAHs in two native oysters in Pakistan. The presence of PAHs identified in the oysters puts a new spotlight on the risk for human health derived from pollution in the environment. This study also proved the usefulness of oyster tissues as a bio-indicator for future research.
