Sandhopper Talitrus saltator (Montagu) as a Bioindicator of Contamination by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

This study evaluates the use of the sandhopper Talitrus saltator as a bioindicator of PAHs contamination of the supralittoral zone of sandy beaches. Adult amphipods were collected at eight localities on the Tuscany shore in summer. Concentrations of 16 PAHs indicated as priority pollutants by the Environmental Protection Agency were determined. T. saltator is able to accumulate PAHs (total PAHs ranging from 0.75 to 62.1 ng g-1), with concentrations generally greater than in the sand (total PAHs ranging from 0.04 to 38 ng g-1). In particular, it accumulates Phe, Cry, and BbF. Preliminary laboratory tests indicate food as a possible route of PAHs intake by sandhoppers. Despite the need of further studies to clarify the variability of the PAH concentrations found in the substrata and in sandhoppers, T. saltator could be used as a bioindicator of PAHs contamination of the supralittoral zone of sandy shores.