Hurricane Dorian made landfall on Abaco, The Bahamas as a Category 5 hurricane. Massive quantities of debris from both terrestrial and anthropogenic sources were transported to surrounding coastal waters. This debris includes persistent pollutants that may linger and bioaccumulate in marine organisms. Seagrass beds support several of Abaco’s economically important species such as the Queen Conch and Caribbean Spiny lobster. Seagrass beds regulate and retain sediments, potentially capturing persistent contaminants. Seagrass may then absorb contaminants into their tissues, making them available for transfer to higher trophic levels. Accumulation of contaminants in the food chain is a threat to human health and ecosystem function. In this study, water, sediment, and seagrass samples were collected from beds located at sites in the storm’s path that were contaminated with anthropogenic-derived debris. The data collected from the contaminated sites are then compared with those obtained from sites that were outside of the storm’s direct path and did not receive significant quantities of anthropogenically-derived debris. Here we present data for lead (Pb) and benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) because they are internationally recognized measurements for contaminants in seafood. The data presented here will show if there are correlations with contaminate concentrations and localized health of seabeds and their density. Preliminary data collected with an inductively coupled plasma tandem mass spectrometer shows increased concentrations of Pb in sediments collected from impacted relative to nonimpacted sites. Results showing potential relationships between Pb concentrations in contaminated sediments and overlying seagrass beds will also be presented. Although the main focus of this study is on Pb, concentrations of other heavy metals that are of emerging concern will be presented.

Contamination assessment of seagrass beds following hurricane Dorian in Abaco Island, The Bahamas

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