CRITICAL REVIEW OF THE RELEVANCE OF BENTHIC ORGANISMS IN FORENSIC INVESTIGATION OF HYDROCARBON POLLUTION SOURCESROLAND E. UWADIAE AND CHUCKS ISANBORAbstract Hydrocarbons have attracted so much attention due to their persistence in the environment, and bioaccumulation and carcinogenic properties. Their presence in the aquatic ecosystem does not only degrade aquatic habitat, water quality and aesthetics, but also generate additional costs for nations for containment and cleanup. Environmental forensics studies are triggered by environmental crimes and it involves the use of scientific investigative methods to identify responsible sources, and to ensure that justice occurs in order to compensate the damaged parties. Forensic evidence testing techniques are generally referred to fingerprinting, pollution fingerprints are used to identify the pollutant source or responsible party who will pay for the damages. In the aquatic environment, impacts of hydrocarbons on benthic organisms are well known. Benthic fauna and sediment are often examined for evidence of hydrocarbon exposure which may be used in litigation. In this review, the objective of is to examine the relevance of benthic organisms in forensic investigation of hydrocarbon pollution sources. |