Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic media of Turkey: A systematic review of cancer and ecological risk. (March 2023) - Kocak, Talha Kemal
Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have gathered worldwide attention due to their carcinogenicity and toxicity. This paper aims to review and extend current knowledge on PAHs in aquatic environments in Turkey, where expansion of the marine industry has caused contamination concerns. To assess cancer and ecological risks associated with PAHs, we systematically reviewed 39 research articles. Mean measured concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 61 to 249, 900 ng L −1 in surface waters, 1 to 209, 400 ng g −1 in sediments, and 4 to 55, 000 ng g −1 in organisms. Estimated cancer risks from concentrations in organisms were higher than those from surface waters and sediments. Negative ecosystem impacts of petrogenic PAHs were estimated to be larger than those of pyrogenic origin, despite the predominance of the latter. Overall, the Marmara, Aegean, and Black seas are highly-polluted and need remedial action, while further study is needed to confirm the status of other water bodies. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Industrial combustion and marine traffic are the predominant PAH sources. Petrogenic sources (oil leaks) have higher ecological risks than pyrogenic sources. Up to moderate human cancer risk is indicated by PAH levels in aquatic organisms. Toxic impacts on aquatic ecology may exist from PAHs in both water and sediments. PAH pollution in the Marmara, Aegean, and Black Seas is well-documented.