Residues, potential source and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water of the East Liao River, Jilin Province, China

Variations in the concentration, inventory, source, and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Lake Chaohu

In this study, the ecological risk assessment of PAHs pollution, the existing S-T model was improved and applied to this PAHs pollution assessment in surface sediment in Lake Chaohu. The potential sources and contributions of PAHs in the surface sediment were estimated by molecular diagnostic ratio (MDR) and positive matrix factorization (PMF). The results showed that the average concentration of 16 priority PAHs in the surface sediment was 718.16 ng/g in 2009 and 334.67 ng/g in 2020. In 2020, PAHs concentration has decreased compared to 2009 and the dominant composition has changed from high- to low-molecular-weight PAHs. The estimated PAHs mass inventory of the top 2 cm surface sediment was 2712 tons in 2009 and 1263 tons in 2020. Ecosystem risk assessment by improved S-T models suggested that the overall ecosystem risk of the studied regions was acceptable.

Assessing the ecological impacts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons petroleum pollutants using a network toxicity model

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are significant petroleum pollutants that have long-term impacts on human health and ecosystems. However, assessing their toxicity presents challenges due to factors such as cost, time, and the need for comprehensive multi-component analysis methods. In this study, we utilized network toxicity models, enrichment analysis, and molecular docking to analyze the toxicity mechanisms of PAHs at different levels: compounds, target genes, pathways, and species. Additionally, we used the maximum acceptable concentration (MAC) value and risk quotient (RQ) as an indicator for the potential ecological risk assessment of PAHs. The results showed that higher molecular weight PAHs had increased lipophilicity and higher toxicity. Benzo[a]pyrene and Fluoranthene were identified as core compounds, which increased the risk of cancer by affecting core target genes such as CCND1 in the human body, thereby influencing signal transduction and the immune system. In terms of biological species, PAHs had a greater toxic impact on aquatic organisms compared to terrestrial organisms. High molecular weight PAHs had lower effective concentrations on biological species, and the ecological risk was higher in the Yellow River Delta region. This research highlights the potential application of network toxicity models in understanding the toxicity mechanisms and species toxicity of PAHs and provides valuable insights for monitoring, prevention, and ecological risk assessment of these pollutants.

Environmental impact and human health effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and remedial strategies: A detailed review

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) profoundly impact public and environmental health. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of their intricate functions, exposure pathways, and potential health implications is imperative to implement remedial strategies and legislation effectively. This review seeks to explore PAH mobility, direct exposure pathways, and cutting-edge bioremediation technologies essential for combating the pervasive contamination of environments by PAHs, thereby expanding our foundational knowledge. PAHs, characterised by their toxicity and possession of two or more aromatic rings, exhibit diverse configurations. Their lipophilicity and remarkable persistence contribute to their widespread prevalence as hazardous environmental contaminants and byproducts. Primary sources of PAHs include contaminated food, water, and soil, which enter the human body through inhalation, ingestion, and dermal exposure. While short-term consequences encompass eye irritation, nausea, and vomiting, long-term exposure poses risks of kidney and liver damage, difficulty breathing, and asthma-like symptoms. Notably, cities with elevated PAH levels may witness exacerbation of bronchial asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Bioremediation techniques utilising microorganisms emerge as a promising avenue to mitigate PAH-related health risks by facilitating the breakdown of these compounds in polluted environments. Furthermore, this review delves into the global concern of antimicrobial resistance associated with PAHs, highlighting its implications. The environmental effects and applications of genetically altered microbes in addressing this challenge warrant further exploration, emphasising the dynamic nature of ongoing research in this field.

Distribution, sources, partition behavior and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the waters and sediments of Lake Ulansuhai, China

This study represents the first comprehensive investigation of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the waters and sediments of Lake Ulansuhai. It explores their occurrence, sources, transport behavior, and associated risks to human health and ecosystems. The results revealed that concentrations of ∑PAHs in dissolved phase and sediment with no significant seasonal differences. In contrast, ∑PAHs concentrations in suspended particulate matter were significantly higher during the ice-free period compared to the ice period. Spatially, the northern part of Lake Ulansuhai displayed higher PAHs content. Diagnostic isomeric ratios and PMF models indicated that the PAHs were primarily derived from combustion sources. The distribution of PAHs within water-sediment demonstrated that non-equilibrium status. Fugacity calculations indicated that 2-4 rings PAHs acted as secondary sources of sediment emissions. Toxicity assessment, indicated that PAHs posed no significant carcinogenic risk to humans. Risk quotient values showed that PAHs as low to high ecological risk.