Aliphatic hydrocarbons in fin spines of adult sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) and their relationship with potentially toxic elements in the northern and southern regions of the Caspian Sea

Currently, the pollution of the Caspian Sea by the oil industry is one of the highest problems in this area. Critically endangered species inhabit this sea, such as sturgeons, whose ecological value is incalculable. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the level of contamination of aliphatic hydrocarbons of petroleum and its relation with several toxic elements directly on sturgeons spines. A total of 40 adult starry sturgeons (Acipenser stellatus) were obtained within a repopulation programme in the northern and southern coastal waters of the Caspian Sea. The marginal pectoral fin was extracted from each fish to determine aliphatic hydrocarbons, arsenic, cadmium, mercury, nickel, lead, and vanadium. Subsequently, the sturgeons were released. Clearly, the presence of hydrocarbons was evidenced in all the sampled areas finding higher concentrations in the northern areas (N1 = 1.35 ± 0.4; N2 = 1.65 ± 0.46; N3 = 1.27 ± 0.40; S1 = 0.61 ± 0.22; S2 = 0.85 ± 0.43 mg/kg). Furthermore, to a greater or lesser extent, some toxic elements, mainly Hg and As, have been linked to aliphatic hydrocarbons.