Assessment of poly-aromatic hydrocarbons in the aquatic species along Suez Gulf, Egypt, and their excess cancer risk to human

Abstract

This study reports the concentrations of 16 PAHs in 10 of Aquatic Species samples collected along the Gulf of Suez, Eygpt, between 2016 and 2018. Among 10 species of fish investigated, Argyrops Spinifer; Pomadasys Stridens; Euthynnus affinis; Scomber Japonicus; Peneus Japonicas, detected the maximum concentration of PAHs followed by Nemipterus Japonicus; Oreochromis Niloticus; Trachurus Indicus; Rhabdosargus haffara ; Sauridaundo squamis. The lower-molecular-weight PAHs were detected at highest levels. Estimated intakes of PAHs by fish consumption for the general population were ranged between 4.482 and 317.148 ng/kg bodyweight/day. Argyrops Spinifer contributed to the highest intakes of PAHs. The toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PAHs were calculated using a TEQ proposed in literature, and the intake ranged from 27.067 to 8951.220 pg TEQ/kg bodyweight/d. The estimated excess cancer risk value (5.40 × 10−5–3.91 × 10−3) from fish consumption for the general population exceeded the guideline value (1.0 × 10 − 6) for potential cancer risk.