Petroleum Hydrocarbons in the Hudson-Raritan Estuary: a review

Abstract

The sources for petroleum hydrocarbons discharges to the Hudson Raritan estuary were identified and quantified according to the available information. Similarly losses to the system were quantified allowing an overall budget to be developed. The possible effects of existing concentrations of petroleum hydrocarbons in the water and sediments on plankton, benthic invertebrates, fish and birds were evaluated. The importance of petroleum hydrocarbons in seafood to public health was assessed.