Azaarenes are one of several classes of organic compounds which contain mutagenic and carcinogenic substances that are found in synthetic fuels effluents. This study investigated the potential for a mutagenic azaarene, acridine, to accumulate in freshwater fish (Pimephales promelas) via four possible pathways: (1) direct uptake from water, (2) uptake via interaction with contaminated sediments, (3) uptake via ingestion of contaminated zooplankton (Daphnia pulex), and (4) uptake via ingestion of benthic invertebrates (Chironomus tentans) living in contaminated sediments. The results showed that acridine was rapidly accumulated from water by fathead minnows. Equilibrium concentration was attained within 24 h at a concentration factor ([acridine]fish, wet wt/[acridine]water) of 125±10. Depuration was rapid and appeared to occur in two stages, with a net elimination rate of 0.23 h-1 [acridine]fish at equilibrium. Equilibrium concentration factors of 51±5, 30±2, and 874±275 were observed for Chironomus, Daphnia, and sediment, respectively. The calculated rates of uptake of acridine via ingestion of contaminated invertebrates (0.02 μg g-1 h-1) and ingestion of sediment (0.01 μg g-1 h-1) were negligible compared with direct uptake from water (1.40 μg g-1 h-1) in a hypothetical system with all compartments in equilibrium. © 1979 D. Reidel Publishing Co.
