Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon metabolites in whale bile

Abstract

The potential presence of PAH metabolites, expressed as PFE, in whale bile demonstrate the possibility of evaluating PAH contamination in this species using a real peak reading at the traditional excitation wavelengths. In future investigations, the use of 3D graphs is thought to be particularly useful in determining the presence of other fluorescent compounds in whale bile. Finally, the use of spiked samples is highly recommended when using an established method in a new species. More thorough analytical methods are needed to confirm the results obtained in this thesis. GC-MS or LC-MS analysis of those samples are suggested as a follow up. Furthermore, it would be interesting to compare more bile samples from whales captured in other locations all around the world. The obtained results are a promising sign to the use of this species for PAH contamination in our seas.

The potential presence of PAH metabolites, expressed as PFE, in whale bile demonstrate the possibility of evaluating PAH contamination in this species using a real peak reading at the traditional excitation wavelengths. In future investigations, the use of 3D graphs is thought to be particularly useful in determining the presence of other fluorescent compounds in whale bile. Finally, the use of spiked samples is highly recommended when using an established method in a new species. More thorough analytical methods are needed to confirm the results obtained in this thesis. GC-MS or LC-MS analysis of those samples are suggested as a follow up. Furthermore, it would be interesting to compare more bile samples from whales captured in other locations all around the world. The obtained results are a promising sign to the use of this species for PAH contamination in our seas.