Comparative disposition and biotransformation of naphthalene in fresh- and seawater-acclimated striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

Abstract

1. The disposition and biotransformation of naphthalene in striped bass (Morone saxatilis) acclimated to either fresh- or seawater have been determined.

2. The 24-h total concentration factor did not significantly differ between the freshwater (283 ± 7 ± 61 ± 5 [± SD]) and seawater (245 ± 5 ± 44 ± 4)-acclimated bass. At both salinities, the viscera/gonad and liver accumulated large concentrations of residues, whereas the skin retained the largest total residue mass.

3. During the 24-h depuration period, the freshwater-acclimated bass depurated 45% of retained residue and the seawater-acclimated bass depurated 85% of retained residue.

4. Naphthalene was primarily excreted unchanged (>99% in freshwater-acclimated bass and > 88% in seawater-acclimated bass), but small amounts of 1,2-dihydro-1,2-dihydroxynaphthalene and 1- and/or 2-naphthylsulphate were formed.