Uptake and depuration kinetics of [14C]C12-6-linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) in the fish Sparus aurata were determined during experimental exposure via seawater or food separately under laboratory conditions. The fish concentrated LAS from seawater (using realistic contaminant concentrations) with a mean BCF value of 20 ± 2 L kg-1 reached within 3 days and following a one-compartment exponential model. High differences in BCF were noted among organs, with values ranking in the order gall bladder (1400 ± 600 L kg-1) >> digestive tract (52 ± 9 L kg-1) > liver (38 ± 4 L kg-1) > gills (16 ± 3 L kg-1) > skin (13 ± 2 L kg-1) > head (9 ± 1 L kg-1) > muscles (4 ± 1 L kg-1). After three days of exposure, 14C activity decreased in gall bladder while it remained constant in other organs. Biotransformation and elimination processes could explain this phenomenon observed in gall bladder. LAS depuration was rapid in all organs (with up to 90% elimination within 2 days) and depuration kinetics was best fitted by a two-compartment exponential-model. When fish were fed with radiolabeled food, ingested LAS was transferred to organs within the first hours following the feeding. Model best describing depuration kinetics of LAS in the whole fish indicated that the contaminant can be considered as not assimilated.
Keywords: Bioaccumulation; LAS; Radiotracer; Surfactant.
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