Source apportionment and human health risk of PAHs accumulated in edible marine organisms: A perspective of “source-organism-human”

Abstract

Most PAHs produced by human activities can be absorbed and accumulated by edible organisms and pose a potential hazard to human health. However, the source apportionment and human health risk of PAHs accumulated in edible organisms remains largely unknown. Therefore, we conducted source analysis and health risk assessment based on the PAH concentrations in ten marine fish from coastal areas of Guangdong, China. Results showed that the pollution of PAHs in fish organisms was at “Minimally polluted” level, and that all marine fish had the ability to accumulate PAHs. Risk assessment indicated Carcinogenic risk of PAHs in four populations was at a “Cautionary risk” level, with urban children suffered the highest risk. Petroleum pollution, Coal and biomass combustion, and Marine transport emissions were identified as the main anthropogenic sources for PAHs in organisms, and Marine transport emissions accounted for the highest Carcinogenic risk. The Acceptable daily intake for all populations were far below their actual daily intake without causing “Cautionary risk”. Our findings provide new insights into the source apportionment and health risk of PAHs from a “source-organism-human” perspective, and suggested that joint management of three anthropogenic sources would be an effective way to prevent the health risks of PAHs.