The toxicity of creosote treated wood to pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) embryos and characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons near creosoted pilings in Juneau, Alaska

Abstract

These studies documented creosote toxicity to developing Pacific herring (Clupea pallasi) embryos at low microgram per liter concentrations and determined that detrimental concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) near creosoted pilings exist. Creosote total PAH concentrations of 7 μg/L resulted in skeletal defects and ineffective swimming in hatched larvae and represent a lowest observed effect concentration (LOEC) for Pacific herring embryos not previously defined. In the field, PAHs consistent with creosote were elevated at distances up to a meter from creosoted pilings in some cases. Concentrations likely sufficient to induce teratogenic effects were found directly on creosoted pilings and within ten centimeters of pilings. Cumulatively, these studies provide useful and needed data on the interactions between Pacific herring embryos and creosoted pilings in the nearshore environment.