The phototoxicity of non-carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in aquatic organisms

Abstract

Anthracene, fluoranthene, and pyrene are phototoxic in Daphnia magna, Artemia salina , first instar larvae of Aedes aegypti , late embryonic forms of Rana pipiens , and fish ( Pimephales promelas ). Since polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are generated in the combustion processes held responsible for the damages of acid rain, and they are introduced into the environment through other means as well, the high phototoxicity of the major pollutants, which are not carcinogenic, suggests that greater attention must be given to their environmental significance.