Environmental and human health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Musa estuary (northwest of Persian Gulf), Iran.

A comprehensive investigation of PAHs' occurrence and distribution in the water, sediment, and fish samples of Musa estuary was conducted. Concentrations of 16 PAHs in water, sediment and two commercial fish ranged from 0.14 to 0.66 ng/l, 67.21 to 82.92 ng/g dw, 50.25 to 99.39 ng/g fdw in J. belangerii , and 40.14 to 76.93 ng/g fdw in B. orentalis , respectively. High molecular weight PAHs (HMW-PAHs) were generally predominant compared to low molecular weight PAHs (LMW-PAHs). Additionally, the study of the PAHs fingerprints, using specific ratios, suggests the predominance of a pyrolytic origin for observed PAHs. 4-ring PAHs were observed more in the two species, whereas the PAHs in sediments were dominated by three and five ring compounds. The Incremental lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) for fish was ≤10 E 10−5, showed a minimal possible risk of cancer for children and adult. • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been determined in tissues of fish, water, and sediments, from the Musa estuary and Persian Gulf. • The study of the PAHs fingerprints suggested that PAHs were primarily derived from different sources mainly petroleum and combustion sources. • Findings provide baseline data for further research on ecotoxicity of PAHs in biota and abiota. • The occurrence of PAHs in seafood for human consumption is cause for concern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]