The uptake, distribution, and depuration of ¹⁴C benzene in Northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and Striped bass (Morone saxatilis)

The uptake, distribution and depuration of a water soluble, mono-aromatic hydrocarbon contained in petroleum and refined products was studied in two species of marine fish, Nature northern anchovy (Engraulis mordax) and juvenile striped bass (Horone saxatilis) were exposed to sub-lethal concentrations of 14c benzene for 48 hours. Residues in tissues exhibiting a high lipid content (non-metabolic pathway) or representing apparent major metabolic sites were measured during the exposure and afterwards when the fish were transferred to clean seawater. Fish exhibited a rapid uptake over a wide range of benzene concentrations in the water column. Accumulation in anchovy was considerably greater than in striped bass. Results indicate that the pathway of hydrocarbons through the liver, gall bladder, intestines and colon is a major depuration route. Residues were depurated rapidly after cessation of exposure; in striped bass tissues. most residues were undetectable by seven days