Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in commonly consumed seafood from coastal areas of Bangladesh and associated human health implications

• Published in: Environmental geochemistry and health 2019-06, Vol.41 (3), p.1105-1121
• Main Authors: Habibullah-Al-Mamun, Md, Ahmed, Md. Kawser, Islam, Md. Saiful, Tokumura, Masahiro, Masunaga, Shigeki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Abundance; Aromatic compounds; Aromatic hydrocarbons; Coastal zone; Coasts; Composition; Distribution; Earth and Environmental Science; Environment; Environmental Chemistry; Environmental Health; Estuaries; Estuarine dynamics; Evaluation; Geochemistry; Health risks; Industrialization; Isomers; Low molecular weights; Original Paper; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Public Health; Ratios; Risk management; Seafood; Seafoods; Seasonal variation; Seasonal variations; Soil Science & Conservation; Spatial distribution; Summer; Terrestrial Pollution; Urbanization; Weight; Wet weight; Winter
• ISSN: 0269-4042; 1573-2983
• DOI: 10.1007/s10653-018-0202-0

Levels, distribution, possible sources and potential risks of 16 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated comprehensively in frequently consumed seafood species collected from the coastal areas of Bangladesh. Samples were collected in winter and summer, 2015. The total concentration of PAHs (∑PAHs) in the examined seafood was 184.5–2806.6 ng/g wet weight (ww) in winter and 117.9–4216.8 ng/g ww in summer, respectively. The levels of ∑PAHs were comparable to or higher than those reported from other coastal areas. Seasonal variation was not significant for the majority of the monitored PAHs. Spatial distribution revealed that the seafood collected from areas with recent urbanization and industrialization (Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar and Sundarbans) was more contaminated with PAHs than those from the unindustrialized area (Meghna Estuary). Low-molecular-weight isomers dominated the PAH composition. Molecular ratios suggested the abundance of mixed sources of PAHs in the Bangladeshi coastal areas with a slight imposition toward the petrogenic origin. A preliminary evaluation of human health risk indicated that the dietary PAH exposure from consumption of Bangladeshi seafood would certainly induce adverse health effects. This finding suggests the need to enhance risk management regarding seafood consumption through public advisory in Bangladesh.