Composition and quantification of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in deep-pelagic fauna. Cruises DP02, DP03, and DP04 from August 2015 - August 2016

Samples were collected in the northern Gulf of Mexico on cruises DP02, DP03 and DP04 from August 2015 - August 2016. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) data were integrated with those from population dynamics and stable isotope analysis to provide evidence for effects of oil exposure to deep pelagic communities. The target fish species include Argyropelecus spp., Ceratoscopelus warmingii, Chauliodus sloani, Diaphus spp., Lampanyctus alatus, Lepidophanes guentheri, and Sigmops elongatus. Analysis of PAHs was conducted on different fish tissues (muscle, guts, gills, and eggs) following modified EPA method 8270D and QA/QC strict protocols. Detection and quantification of PAH homologues was performed by using a gas chromatograph/mass spectrometric detector (GC/MS/MS). Percent lipid content was measured by calculating the total lipid fraction in GCMS chromatograms.