This study was designed to observe the accumulation of the common environmental contaminant Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) in crayfish tail muscle tissue over time, as well as the length of time it remained there after an exposure period. It was predicted that the B[a]P levels would increase with exposure times, and would begin to gradually decrease after exposure ceased. After carrying out these experiments, it was found that only a small percentage of the crayfish tested indicated signs of B[a]P accumulation. This trend suggests that these methods may be a source of short-term bioaccumulation of the compound in tail muscle, but is unlikely a major mechanism.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Cembrola, Matthew Robert
• Massey, Patrick Ryan

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-042810-151931

Advisor

• Buckholt, Michael Allan
• Whitefleet-Smith, JoAnn L.

Year

• 2010

Date created

• 2010-04-28

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright