Journal of Ecology and Toxicology
Open Access

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PAHs; Aquatic organisms; Bioaccumulation; Food web; Ecological impacts; Human health

Introduction

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) constitute a group of organic pollutants that pose significant environmental and health concerns worldwide. These compounds are formed primarily through incomplete combustion of organic materials such as fossil fuels, wood, and oil [1,2]. PAHs are known for their persistence in the environment and their ability to bio accumulates in aquatic ecosystems, making them a focal point of toxicological research and regulatory scrutiny. In aquatic environments, PAHs enter through multiple pathways, including urban runoff, industrial discharges, and accidental oil spills. Once introduced into water bodies, PAHs undergo various transformation processes, including adsorption onto sediments and uptake by aquatic organisms. This bioaccumulation process results in elevated concentrations of PAHs in the tissues of organisms across different trophic levels within the food web [3-5]. The impacts of PAHs on aquatic organisms are multifaceted and can lead to physiological disruptions, reproductive impairments, and alterations in behavior. These effects not only threaten the health and survival of individual species but also disrupt entire ecosystems by affecting predator-prey dynamics and ecosystem services. Moreover, PAHs can bio accumulates in commercially important species of fish and shellfish, posing risks to human health through the consumption of contaminated seafood [6,7]. Understanding the complex interactions between PAHs and aquatic organisms is crucial for developing effective management strategies to mitigate their environmental and health impacts [8]. Regulatory agencies worldwide have established guidelines to monitor PAH levels in water, sediments, and biota, aiming to limit exposure and minimize ecological damage. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the current understanding of PAH toxicity in aquatic ecosystems, focusing on the mechanisms of bioaccumulation through the food web, ecological implications, and implications for human health. By synthesizing recent research findings and highlighting key challenges and future research directions, this review seeks to contribute to ongoing efforts to safeguard aquatic environments and human well-being from the detrimental effects of PAH contamination [9]. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) represent a diverse group of organic compounds that are ubiquitous pollutants in aquatic ecosystems. These compounds are primarily produced by incomplete combustion of organic matter and are frequently found in urban runoff, industrial effluents, and oil spills. Their persistence in the environment and their ability to bio accumulate through the food web pose significant ecological and health risks to aquatic organisms and, consequently, to human populations dependent on these ecosystems [10].

What are polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs)?

PAHs are hydrocarbons composed of multiple aromatic rings. They are often generated during the combustion of fossil fuels, wood, and other organic materials. Due to their chemical structure and hydrophobic nature, PAHs tend to persist in the environment for extended periods and accumulate in sediments, soils, and biota.

Routes of exposure in aquatic environments

In aquatic environments, PAHs enter the ecosystem through various pathways:

Runoff and discharges: Urban runoff and industrial discharges are significant sources of PAHs into rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

Oil spills: PAHs are major components of crude oil and are released into marine environments during oil spills, posing acute and chronic hazards to marine life.

Atmospheric deposition: PAHs can be transported over long distances through the atmosphere and deposited into water bodies, contributing to their contamination.

Bioaccumulation in the food web

Once PAHs enter aquatic ecosystems, they undergo bioaccumulation, a process where these compounds accumulate in the tissues of aquatic organisms over time. The bioaccumulation process typically follows these steps:

Absorption: PAHs are absorbed through gills, skin, or ingestion by aquatic organisms.

Distribution: They are distributed throughout the organism's tissues, with higher concentrations often found in lipid-rich tissues.

Bio concentration: PAHs accumulate in the tissues of primary consumers (e.g., plankton, filter feeders) through direct uptake from water.

Bio magnification: As predators consume organisms lower in the food chain, PAHs accumulate and bio magnify, resulting in higher concentrations in top predators (e.g., fish, marine mammals).

Ecological and health implications

The presence of PAHs in aquatic environments can have profound ecological and health implications:

Ecological effects: PAHs can disrupt physiological processes, impair reproductive success, and weaken immune systems in aquatic organisms. They can also alter behavior, such as feeding and migration patterns.

Bioaccumulation: High concentrations of PAHs in aquatic organisms can pose risks to predators at higher trophic levels, including fish-eating birds and marine mammals.

Human health risks: Humans can be exposed to PAHs through consumption of contaminated seafood. Some PAHs are known or suspected carcinogens, and chronic exposure may lead to long-term health effects, including cancer and reproductive disorders.

Regulatory considerations and mitigation strategies

Given the risks associated with PAH contamination, regulatory agencies worldwide have established guidelines and limits for PAH concentrations in water, sediment, and biota. Mitigation strategies include:

Source control: Implementing measures to reduce PAH emissions from industrial processes, vehicle exhaust, and other sources.

Remediation: Techniques such as sediment dredging, bioremediation, and chemical treatments are used to reduce PAH concentrations in contaminated environments.

Monitoring and assessment: Regular monitoring of PAH levels in aquatic ecosystems and biota helps assess the effectiveness of mitigation efforts and identify areas requiring further action.

Conclusion

The comprehensive toxicological investigation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic organisms through bioaccumulation in the food web highlights the complex interactions and risks associated with these ubiquitous pollutants. Understanding the pathways of exposure, mechanisms of bioaccumulation, and the ecological and health implications is crucial for developing effective management and mitigation strategies to safeguard aquatic ecosystems and human health in the face of ongoing environmental challenges. Continued research and collaboration between scientists, regulators, and stakeholders are essential to address the multifaceted issues posed by PAH contamination in aquatic environments. Moving forward, addressing the challenges posed by PAHs requires interdisciplinary collaboration among scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders. Continued research efforts should focus on understanding the mechanisms of PAH toxicity, developing novel remediation technologies, and assessing the effectiveness of mitigation strategies. Furthermore, enhancing public awareness about PAH contamination and promoting sustainable practices are integral to reducing environmental impacts and ensuring the resilience of aquatic ecosystems.

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