Testing of HYDROCARBONS levels IN OYSTERS bought FROM VENDORS
Testing of Hydrocaron levels in oysters bought from vendors
During 2016 there were a series of oil spills and fish kills in the Gulf of Paria. Concerns were raised by the general public on the possible contamination of fish and shell fish by hydrocarbons. In response the IMA in 2017 sampled oysters from 12 major vendors at locations of Curepe, St Augustine, Tacarigua, Freeport, Preysal, Marabella, Gasparillo, Palmiste and Debe. The samples were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) which are known carcinogens. Samples of oysters were extracted and preliminary analysis on hydrocarbon levels were performed to optimized instrumental conditions for analysis.