Toxicities of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Aquatic Animals

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that are widely distributed in the air, water, and soil. Recently, the amount of PAHs derived from fuels and from incomplete combustion processes is increasing. In the aquatic environment, oil spills directly cause PAH pollution and affect marine organisms. Oil spills correlate very well with the major shipping routes. Furthermore, accidental oil spills can seriously impact the marine environment toxicologically. Here, we describe PAH toxicities and related bioaccumulation properties in aquatic animals, including invertebrates. Recent studies have revealed the toxicity of PAHs, including endocrine disruption and tissue-specific toxicity, although researchers have mainly focused on the carcinogenic toxicity of PAHs. We summarize the toxicity of PAHs regarding these aspects. Additionally, the bioaccumulation properties of PAHs for organisms, including invertebrates, are important factors when considering PAH toxicity. In this review, we describe the bioaccumulation properties of PAHs in aquatic animals. Recently, microplastics have been the most concerning environmental problem in the aquatic ecosystem, and the vector effect of microplastics for lipophilic compounds is an emerging environmental issue. Here, we describe the correlation between PAHs and microplastics. Thus, we concluded that PAHs have a toxicity for aquatic animals, indicating that we should emphasize the prevention of aquatic PAH pollution.

Distribution of Oil, Grease and Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Coastal Water and Sediments of Suez Bay

“…The present highest values of NAP, ACE, ACEL, FLU, PHE, ANT, CAR, FLA, PYR, bANT, CHR, bbFLA, bkFLA, bPYR, dbANT, inPYR and bPRL in water; 1.41, 0.42, 1.80, 3.37, 2.95, 1.47, 0, 43.5, 42.3, 10.2, 9.89, 5.00, 1.96, 1.83, 2.36, 1.63, and 0.82 ng L -1 and their mean values 0.27, 0.03, 0.41, 0.48, 0.28, 0.11, 0, 5.24, 6.43, 19.06 ng L -1 for NAP, ACEL, ACE, FLU, ANT, PHE, FLU, PYR, bANT, CHR, bbFLU, bkFLU, bPYR, dbANT, bPRL and inPYR, respectively, in Suez Canal within Suez region [16]. The present total PAHs ND -114.00 ng L -1 were also remarkably lower than the reported values in Suez Canal (992.56 ng L -1 ) and Alexandria port (1364.59 ng L -1 ) but are still 10 times higher than that of the Sea of Japan [17].…”

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Mullus surmuletus from the Catania Gulf (Sicily, Italy): distribution and potential health risks

“…Two to 3 rings PAHs show a greater solubility in water and a relatively slow metabolism, suggesting that the abundance of these compounds in the fish muscles is likely due to their uptake through the gills (Bautista et al 2019 ). Noteworthy, several studies have shown a negative correlation between the accumulation of PAHs in several species and their log K ow , which lead to a higher bioavailability of LMW-PAHs (Dsikowitzky et al 2016 ; Oliva et al 2017 ; Honda and Suzuki 2020 ). On the other hand, HMW-PAHs bind to the sediments and to organic colloidal particles.…”

Correlation between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Wharf Roach (Ligia spp.) and Environmental Components of the Intertidal and Supralittoral Zone along the Japanese Coast

“…PAH toxicity has been extensively studied. These compounds are well known for their carcinogenicity [ 28 , 29 ], mutagenicity [ 30 ], endocrine-disrupting activity [ 31 ], and developmental toxicity [ 32 , 33 ]. Owing to their toxicity and distribution, the United States Environmental Protection Agency has selected 16 representative PAHs as priority compounds for environmental monitoring.…”