Name
Organic Contaminants in the Common Clubhook Squid in the Northern Gulf of Mexico
Date & Time
Tuesday, May 5, 2026, 7:00 AM - 9:00 AM
Description

Cephalopods play a crucial role in pelagic food webs as both predators and prey, and their role in transferring contaminants to top predators isn't fully understood. In February 2020, stomach samples were collected from tunas caught near offshore platforms aboard the F/V Gulf Eagle. Tuna gut analysis revealed that most of the cephalopods were Common Clubhook squid (Onychoteuthis banksii). This study examined 159 organic contaminants in the mantle tissue of 20 cephalopods using accelerated solvent extraction and GC/MS/MS/MRM. Contaminants studied include polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), oxidized PAHs (OPAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorinated pesticides (OCPs), and emerging contaminants of concern (ECCs) such as phthalates and UV filters. Results showed mean total contaminant concentrations were ∑ECCs > ∑PAHs > ∑OCPs > ∑PCBs. Our findings also showed that ∑PAHs and ∑OCPs were negatively correlated with mantle length, suggesting a growth dilution effect in the squid.

Location Name
Lower exhibit hall
Is presenter a student?
Yes