PAH Levels Research Articles

Fingerprinting risk from recycled plastic products using physical and chemical properties.

The increasing production and use of recycled plastics have raised significant concerns regarding the risks associated with hazardous chemicals. The recycled plastics can accumulate potentially hazardous chemicals, many of which are unknown and unregulated. This study compared the physical and chemical characteristics of recycled plastic products intended for food, oral, or skin contact applications with similar virgin plastic products. The results revealed significant changes in the surface morphology and elevated concentration of organic and inorganic chemicals in the recycled plastics compared to the virgin plastics. Specifically, metal(loids) concentrations were over 10 times higher, PFAS levels were twice as high, and PAH levels were three times higher in the recycled plastics. The calculated Hazard Index (HI) indicates up to a twofold increase in recycled plastics for both adults and children compared to virgin plastics, specifically through microplastic ingestion. The HI values exceed 1 for recycled plastic ingestion, therefore it falls in high-risk category due to the associated chemical exposure from microplastics.

Rubber Crumb Infill in Synthetic Turf and Health Outcomes: A Review of the Literature on Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Metalloids

Synthetic turf has become a popular alternative to natural grass due to low upkeep costs; however, its health impacts have not been clearly elucidated. This review examines and consolidates the existing literature on rubber crumb in infill in synthetic turf and its associated adverse health outcomes, along with recommendations for future research. A database search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, and Google Scholar of studies on exposures to rubber crumb in infills in synthetic turf. The search focused on epidemiological and toxicological laboratory studies (including exposure simulation and animal studies), as well as government reports. Non-English studies and those addressing injuries (musculoskeletal and burn injuries) were not considered. Eighteen laboratory studies examined concentrations of PAHs found in synthetic turf rubber infill. The total level of PAHs detected in samples varied between 0.4 mg/kg and 3196 mg/kg. The PAH levels were influenced by the age of the synthetic turf, with the older synthetic surface fields containing lower concentrations (compared to newly laid turfs). Synthetic turfs composed of industrial rubber crumb infill also had a lower PAH composition relative to end-of-life tyre-derived infill. In the six studies that investigated the metal content and composition of rubber crumb infill, Aluminium (5382 mg/kg), Zinc (5165 mg/kg), and Iron (489.6 mg/kg) had the highest median concentrations. There were minor differences in heavy metal concentrations found in newly installed synthetic turf compared to older turfs and synthetic sporting fields exposed to direct sunlight (versus indoor fields). There were two epidemiological studies on synthetic turf rubber crumb infill (one ecological and one cross-sectional study), which found no significant associations between synthetic turf exposure and the incidence of leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma. Similarly, one metabolomic study of urine samples from athletes taken pre- and post-match on synthetic turf, and two studies simulating dermal, ingestion, and inhalation exposure concluded that there was no elevated health risk associated with playing on synthetic turf pitches. Currently, there is very limited evidence of an association between synthetic turf use and adverse health outcomes. Considering the ubiquitous use of synthetic grass globally and the scarcity of epidemiological studies, there is a vital need for further research based on longitudinal study designs and more robust exposure assessments, to help improve our understanding of any potential health risks associated with synthetic turf infill exposures.

Application of EU Geographical Indications for the Protection of Smoked Dry-Cured Ham-Impact on Quality Parameters.

This study compares Dalmatinski pršut, an EU Protected Geographical Indication (PGI)-labelled smoked dry-cured ham from the Dalmatia region in Croatia, with non-PGI hams from the same area, focusing on the impact of PGI certification on the product quality. The investigation is prompted by the increasing presence of dry-cured hams lacking the PGI label on the market, aspiring to compete with esteemed high-value PGI products. Samples of 28 smoked dry-cured hams (12 PGI and 16 non-PGI) were analysed for chemical properties, fatty acid composition, volatile compounds, PAH content and sensory characteristics. The results showed that PGI and non-PGI hams differ in their chemical and physical properties, with non-PGI hams having a lower water content and a higher salt content, which was also confirmed by the saltier taste in the sensory evaluation. PGI hams had a lower b* colour value, and, while the differences in texture were minimal, non-PGI hams had slightly more monounsaturated fatty acids. The aroma analysis revealed that PGI hams contained more aldehydes and alcohols, while non-PGI hams had a higher content of phenolic compounds and aromatic hydrocarbons, probably due to differences in smoking practices. PAH levels, however, were within the EU limits, indicating controlled smoking of both type of hams. Overall, these results show that the quality of smoked dry-cured ham can be distinguished by the PGI designation. The study illustrates how the traditional production methods prescribed by the PGI production protocols shape the sensory and chemical profiles of Dalmatinski pršut, with the PGI certification playing a crucial role in maintaining product quality and certifying its typicality, to distinguish it from non-PGI products.

Encage the Carcinogens: A Metal–“Organic Cage” Framework for Efficient Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Removal From Water

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are carcinogenic and persistent organic pollutants in water. Their removal is highly challenging for existing generic and nonspecific adsorbents, creating an urgent need for tailored solutions. Herein, a metal‐“organic cage” framework, MOF‐CC‐1, designed for the effective scavenging of PAHs from water is is introduced. This framework is constructed using a propeller‐shaped cofacial organic cage (CC‐1), equipped with three triazole pillars that coordinate with Ag(I) ions. The cationic MOF‐CC‐1 adopts a chiral (10,3)‐a srs net structure, spontaneously resolving into homochiral crystals. Additionally, bulk homochirality is achieved through chirality induction using chiral counteranions. MOF‐CC‐1 uniquely encapsulates diverse PAH molecules within the cavities of CC‐1, as confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, marking it as the first metal–“organic cage” framework with structural evidence of guest inclusion inside the organic cage linker. Further, MOF‐CC‐1 exhibits soft porosity, remaining nonporous to N₂ gas when compressed but expanding to encapsulate PAHs in solution. Moreover, MOF‐CC‐1 exhibits exceptional efficacy in scavenging ppb levels of PAHs from water. This work represents a significant advancement in utilizing organic cages as ligands toward MOF construction, paving the way for tailored adsorbents for PAH removal, and addressing a critical need for selective and efficient materials in environmental remediation.

Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons on Soil Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Soils

Soil organic pollution (such as heavy metals, PAHs, etc.) has caused serious environmental problems, which have resulted in unexpected effects on contaminated soil ecosystems. However, knowledge of the interactions between environmental PAHs and bacterial and fungal communities is still limited. In this study, soil samples from different PAH-contaminated areas including non-contaminated areas (NC), low-contaminated areas (LC), and high-contaminated areas (HC) were selected. Results of toxic equivalent quantity (TEQ) indicated that Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and Dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DBahA) constituted the main TEQs of ∑16PAHs. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) assessment revealed that the main pathway of exposure to soil PAHs was dermal contact in adults and children. Furthermore, adults faced a higher total cancer risk (including dermal contact, ingestion, and inhalation) from soil PAHs than children. The microbial community composition analysis demonstrated that soil PAHs could decrease the diversity of bacterial and fungal communities. The relative abundance of Acidobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Fimicutes, Bacteroidota, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota exhibited varying degrees of changes under different concentrations of PAHs. Benzo[a]anthracene (BaA) and Chrysene (Chr) drove the bacterial community composition, while BaP and DBahA drove the fungal community compositions. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed the high contamination levels of PAHs that could change the relationships among different microorganisms and reduce the complexity and stability of fungal and bacterial networks. Overall, these findings provide comprehensive insight into the responses of bacterial and fungal communities to PAHs.

Understanding polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon accumulation in road dust of a tropical megacity in southern Vietnam: Implications on environmental management

This study investigated the characteristics of 23 PAHs in road dust from various areas in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), focusing on spatial distribution, pollution levels, human health risks, and source apportionment. PAH levels in urban samples (residential and industrial sites) ranged from 208 to 7665 (μg/kg), significantly higher than background levels (135 ± 42.2 μg/kg). A west > east gradient in PAH distribution, particularly in crowded traffic intersections, suggested traffic activities as a major source. Pollution load indices indicated moderate to very high pollution in most urban sites. Incremental lifetime cancer risk assessments showed moderate to high risks, especially for children. Statistical analyses and diagnostic ratios identified vehicular emissions as the primary PAH sources, with Positive Matrix Factorization analysis attributing 46.6% to gasoline vehicles, 21.9% to diesel vehicles and petroleum evaporation, 18.3% to tar oil, and 10.2% to coal burning. This study fills a significant information gap on PAHs in road dust, which has not been previously reported in southern Vietnam, specifically in HCMC—a dynamic and rapidly developing city in Southeast Asia. The findings highlight the need for synchronized management and technical solutions to mitigate PAH risks in road dust, contributing valuable knowledge on PAH accumulation in a major southern city of Vietnam.

The Impact of Fat Contents and Different Cooking Processes on the Potential Health Concerns of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Chicken Doner Kebabs

This study investigated the effects of different fat contents and cooking techniques on the presence of PAHs in chicken doner kebabs, as well as the dietary exposure and potential health risks for the Turkish population. The methodology for the detection and quantification of 16 PAH compounds in chicken doner samples using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC-UV) was validated. The limit of detection (LOD), quantification (LOQ), recovery, and relative standard deviation (RSD) were found to be 0.44%–1.14%, 1.45%–3.56%, 63.12%–101.50%, and 0.14%–3.16%, respectively. Our findings revealed that, among the analyzed compounds, BaA was the most dominant PAH compound, and that the charcoal cooking technique resulted in the highest accumulation of both BaP and PAH4 concentrations in chicken doner kebabs. Additionally, a significant increase in PAH levels was observed in relation to higher fat content. Moreover, it was found that the estimated daily intake (EDI) of BaP and PAH4 was higher in charcoal-grilled, well-done, high-fat chicken doner samples. As a result, the fact that the Margin of Exposure (MOE) values calculated for chicken doner samples across the Turkish population are above 10,000 indicates a low level of concern.

Size distribution, sources and chemistry of ultrafine particles at Barcelona-El Prat Airport, Spain

The rapid expansion of the aviation sector raises concerns about air quality impacts within and around airports. Ultrafine particles (UFP, diameter < 100 nm) are of particular concern due to their potential adverse health effects. In this study, particle number concentrations (PNC), particle number size distribution (PNSD), and other ancillary pollutants such as particulate matter (PM), nitrogen oxides (NOX), black carbon (BC), sulfur dioxide (SO2), ozone (O3), carbon monoxide (CO) and benzene, as well as organic markers and trace elements (in quasi-UFP) were measured at Barcelona-El Prat Airport (80 m and 250 m from the main taxiway and runway). Comparisons were made with an urban background (UB) location, and source apportionment of PNSD was performed using Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF). PNC inside the airport was nine-fold higher than the UB, and fifteen-fold higher when considering only nucleation mode particles (< 25 nm). Six sources contributing to PNC were identified inside the airport: Taxiing (48.7 %; mode diameter = 17 nm), Industrial/Shipping (7.4 %; mode diameter = 35 nm), Diesel (3.9 %; mode diameter = 64 nm), Regional recirculation (1.1 %; mode diameter = 100 nm), Photonucleation (16.6 %; mode diameter = 13 nm) and Takeoff (18.5 %; mode diameter = 23 nm). Due to the measurement location and prevailing wind patterns, no significant contributions from landings were detected. Chemical analysis of quasi-UFP collected on Electrical Low-Pressure Impactor (ELPI + ) filters (stages 2 to 6: 17–165 nm) revealed higher concentrations (> 2-fold) of Fe, Al, Cr, Cu, Mo, Mn, Pb, Ti, and Sb at the airport compared to the UB, with Al exhibiting the most pronounced disparity. Generally, PAH levels were low at both sites, although concentrations were higher at the airport relative to the UB. Overall, this study provides a comprehensive understanding of UFP within a major European airport, identifying the different sources contributing to PNC and PNSD.

Dose-specific biochemical and erythrocytic morpho-pathological profiling of anthracene (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon) in an air-breathing teleost Anabas testudineus (Bloch) for establishing biomarkers

This study investigates the impact of anthracene, PAH, on the bioenzymological activity in the tissues of Anabas testudineus, commonly known as the Climbing Perch. The research was grounded in the understanding that PAHs, such as anthracene, pose significant risks to aquatic life, necessitating detailed analysis of their effects on fish physiology. The experiment employed two anthracene concentrations, T1 (0.0075 mg/L) and T2 (0.015 mg/L), representing 25 % and 50 % of the LC50, respectively, over exposure periods of 1, 5, 10, 15, and 21 days. Throughout the study, water samples were analyzed for physicochemical parameters to ensure consistent conditions. Post-exposure, fish were humanely euthanized, and their tissues (stomach, intestine, liver, and kidney) were harvested for a dose-specific bioenzymological assessment, focusing on glucose (GLU), protein (PRO), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and triglycerides (Trig). Analyzing these enzymological factors in fish tissues emerged as a pivotal method for pinpointing the bioindicators that mirror the fish's physiological state, particularly responsiveness under the contamination of PAHs, with a specific focus on anthracene. Additionally, the study delved into detecting apoptosis (programmed cell death), erythrocytic anomalies, and alterations in bioenzymological aspects within A. testudineus tissues. These observed changes demonstrated both the exposure-specific and dose-specific characteristics of anthracene. This research provides novel insights into the bioenzymatic systems of Anabas testudineus (Bloch), commonly known as the climbing perch, respond to PAHs, with a special emphasize on anthracene exposure. By elucidating these bioenzymological responses, the study underscores the importance of monitoring and managing PAH levels in aquatic environments and it attributes to SDG 14, which aims to life below water. Such measures are crucial to safeguard the health and well-being of aquatic species like A. testudineus, highlighting the broader ecological implications of PAH pollution.

Performance of mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis under variable environmental conditions and anthropogenic pressure: A survey of two distinct farming sites in the Adriatic Sea

Changes in natural conditions and anthropogenic pollutants, alone or in combination, pose a significant challenge to coastal bivalve populations. The susceptibility of economically important bivalves to potential stressors in their farming environment has not been sufficiently investigated, despite the increase in anthropogenic pressure along the coast and the remarkable warming of seawater in recent years. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of mussel (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from two important farming sites in the eastern Adriatic, namely Mali Ston Bay (MSB) and Lim Bay (LB), in relation to variations of seawater parameters, reproductive cycle dynamics and tissue content of potentially harmful pollutants. The complex seasonal and site-specific patterns of chemical pollutants were determined, with tissue levels of metals, As, PAHs and PCBs largely comparable to those previously reported for the Mediterranean region. Concentrations of organochlorinated pesticides were below the level of detection. Significantly higher Cd, As and Hg concentrations were detected in the tissues of the MSB mussels. The reproductive cycle was clearly associated with the bioaccumulation of pollutants. All biochemical response parameters varied to some extent across seasons and/or between farming sites. A very pronounced seasonality was recorded for acetylcholinesterase and glutathione S-transferase activity at both sites. Metallothionein concentration and superoxide dismutase activity were generally steady throughout the study period. The most striking difference between the two sites was recorded for lipid peroxides concentrations which were predominantly significantly higher in the MSB mussels, indicating expressed pro-oxidant conditions at this site. In particular, significant correlations were found between lipid peroxides and the potentially toxic metals (Cd, As, Hg) accumulated in the mussel tissue. Data reported here are valuable as baseline information for further studies related to stress in farmed bivalves caused by oscillations of environmental factors and increasing anthropogenic pressure along the coastline.

Generation, characterization, and toxicological assessment of reference ultrafine soot particles with different organic content for inhalation toxicological studies

Ultrafine particles (UFP) are the smallest atmospheric particulate matter linked to air pollution-related diseases. The extent to which UFP's physical and chemical properties contribute to its toxicity remains unclear. It is hypothesized that UFP act as carriers for chemicals that drive biological responses. This study explores robust methods for generating reference UFP to understand these mechanisms and perform toxicological tests.Two types of combustion-related UFP with similar elemental carbon cores and physical properties but different organic loads were generated and characterized. Human alveolar epithelial cells were exposed to these UFP at the air-liquid interface, and several toxicological endpoints were measured. UFP were generated using a miniCAST under fuel-rich conditions and immediately diluted to minimize agglomeration. A catalytic stripper and charcoal denuder removed volatile gases and semi-volatile particles from the surface. By adjusting the temperature of the catalytic stripper, UFP with high and low organic content was produced.These reference particles exhibited fractal structures with high reproducibility and stability over a year, maintaining similar mass and number concentrations (100 μg/m3, 2.0·105 #/cm3) and a mean particle diameter of about 40 nm. High organic content UFP had significant PAH levels, with benzo[a]pyrene at 0.2 % (m/m). Toxicological evaluations revealed that both UFP types similarly affected cytotoxicity and cell viability, regardless of organic load. Higher xenobiotic metabolism was noted for PAH-rich UFP, while reactive oxidation markers increased when semi-volatiles were stripped off. Both UFP types caused DNA strand breaks, but only the high organic content UFP induced DNA oxidation.This methodology allows modification of UFP's chemical properties while maintaining comparable physical properties, linking these variations to biological responses.

Analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Brazilian human milk: A simple and effective approach

Human milk is the best source of nutrition for infants due to its essential biologically active components. However, it can contain potentially harmful chemicals, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, originating from contaminated air and food, which can cause adverse effects to infants. Using a Plackett-Burman design, a QuEChERS protocol was optimized to determine 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 79 Brazilian human milk samples by gas chromatography high-resolution mass spectrometry. Limits of quantification below 1 μg/kg were achieved for all compounds, with recoveries ranging between 61 % and 126 %. Six PAHs, including benzo(g,h,i)perylene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were detected in 40 samples. Mature milk exhibited the highest incidence of PAHs, with approximately 44 % of the positive samples, compared to 27 % for both colostrum and transitional milk. The concentrations detected varied between < LOQ and 1.14 μg/kg, with pyrene being the most frequently found PAH in the human milk samples. The estimated daily intake and margin of exposure of PAHs showed the highest values for babies aged 0–15 days for all PAHs evaluated. Despite the low levels of PAHs found in the analyzed samples, discontinuing breastfeeding is not recommended. This represents the first study on the incidence of PAHs in Brazilian human milk.

The seasonal variation of Asian dust, anthropogenic PM, and their sources in Dushanbe, Tajikistan

Central Asia's arid climate and growing population make it susceptible to air pollution from mineral dust and anthropogenic sources. To assess the impact of these pollution sources on local air quality, the chemical composition of PM10 aerosol particles was collected within a year at Dushanbe, Tajikistan. Primary sources of the pollutants, their impact on PM10 composition, and their seasonal trends were assessed. The measurement approach employed analysis of trace metals, ions, organic compounds, laboratory investigations, diagnostic ratio calculations, all complemented by positive matrix factor analysis. The results reveal that for about 70% of the year, PM10 levels (80 ± 55 μg m−3 as the annual average) in Dushanbe were higher than the WHO limits, with varying levels during the seasons. Summer concentrations peaked up to 434 μg m−3 due to a combined mineral and road dust influence. Interestingly, winter concentrations reached 152 μg m−3 due to strong contributions (about 64%) from residential heating and fossil fuel combustion, often triggered during sub-10 °C temperatures. Mineral dust events were associated with elevated concentrations of trace metals, including Zn and Pb, alongside organic carbon and high-chain n - alkanes. During such events, Ca/Fe, Ca/Al ratios exceeded those of Saharan dust, suggesting a high salt content in Asian dust, potentially influenced by dried-off lake emissions. It was striking to observe that winter periods exhibited concerning levels of carcinogenic PAHs, such as benzo(b)fluoranthene (<25 ng m−3) and benzo[a]pyrene (<12 ng m−3, BaP), with average values of 4.1 ± 5.9 ng m−3 (BaP) that significantly exceed WHO recommendations. The high PM10 and PAH exposure could pose severe health risks, necessitating collective attention from the local authorities in developing new mitigation strategies concerning the reduction of emissions from residential heating of coal and wood in winter to curb combustion emissions and reduce exposure.

Organic contamination and multi-biomarker assessment in watersheds of the southern Brazil: an integrated approach using fish from the Astyanax genus.

We aimed to examine the responses of pollution biomarkers in feral fish from Astyanax genus collected at three hydrographic regions in southern Brazil and the capacity of these tools to differentiate between various levels of contamination. To achieve this, levels of organochlorine pesticides (liver), as well as the biomarkers AChE (muscle and brain), TBARS (liver), and EROD (liver) were assessed. Collections were conducted in four municipalities (Alegrete, Caraá, Lavras, and Santa Vitória) during 1year, encompassing winter and summer. Fish from Alegrete were the most contaminated overall, but animals sampled in Caraá, and Lavras also displayed elevated levels of current-use pesticides. Elevated levels of endosulfans, DDTs, HCHs, and current-use pesticides were accompanied by elevated levels of TBARS in the liver. Conversely, fish from Santa Vitória exhibited the highest levels of PAHs, accompanied by elevated levels of EROD in the liver and reduced levels of AChE in muscle and brain. TBARS proved to be a reliable biomarker for assessing impacts arising from pesticide accumulation, while EROD and AChE served as valuable indicators of impacts resulting from PAHs accumulation. Ultimately, the results obtained in this study demonstrate the reliable use of the proposed biomarkers for tracking biological impacts stemming from aquatic pollution using feral Astyanax as biomonitoring species.

Burn pit-related smoke causes developmental and behavioral toxicity in zebrafish: Influence of material type and emissions chemistry

Combustion of mixed materials during open air burning of refuse or structural fires in the wildland urban interface produces emissions that worsen air quality, contaminate rivers and streams, and cause poor health outcomes including developmental effects. The zebrafish, a freshwater fish, is a useful model for quickly screening the toxicological and developmental effects of agents in such species and elicits biological responses that are often analogous and predictive of responses in mammals. The purpose of this study was to compare the developmental toxicity of smoke derived from the burning of 5 different burn pit-related material types (plywood, cardboard, plastic, a mixture of the three, and the mixture plus diesel fuel as an accelerant) in zebrafish larvae. Larvae were exposed to organic extracts of increasing concentrations of each smoke 6-to-8-hr post fertilization and assessed for morphological and behavioral toxicity at 5 days post fertilization. To examine chemical and biological determinants of toxicity, responses were related to emissions concentrations of polycyclic hydrocarbons (PAH). Emissions from plastic and the mixture containing plastic caused the most pronounced developmental effects, including mortality, impaired swim bladder inflation, pericardial edema, spinal curvature, tail kinks, and/or craniofacial deformities, although all extracts caused concentration-dependent effects. Plywood, by contrast, altered locomotor responsiveness to light changes to the greatest extent. Some morphological and behavioral responses correlated strongly with smoke extract levels of PAHs including 9-fluorenone. Overall, the findings suggest that material type and emissions chemistry impact the severity of zebrafish developmental toxicity responses to burn pit-related smoke.

Sources of hydrocarbons and their risk assessment in seawater and sediment samples collected from the Nile Delta coast of the Mediterranean Sea

The aim of this work is to examine the levels, distribution, bases, and hazards of n-alkanes (n-C9 to n-C20) and PAHs in the seawater and sediments around oil production locations in the whole delta region. The variations in the levels of PAHs and n-alkanes in seawater and sediment of the Nile delta coast of the Mediterranean were investigated using GC–MS/MS. The Σn-alkanes residues ranged between 12.05 and 93.51 mg/L (mean: 50.45 ± 17.49 mg/L) and 4.70 to 84.03 µg/g (mean: 31.02 ± 27.995 µg/g) in seawater and sediments, respectively. Total PAHs concentrations ranged between 4.485 and 16.337 μg/L (average: 9.47 ± 3.69 μg/L) and 1.32 to 28.38 ng/g (average 8.61 ± 7.57 ng/g) in seawater and sediment samples, respectively. The CPI (carbon preference index) values fluctuated between 0.62 and 1.72 (seawater) and from 0.234 to 2.175 (sediment), proposing the variation sources of n-alkane in the studied area. PAHs concentrations were lower than the Effective Range Low (ERL) and Effective Range Median (ERM) levels. The Toxic Equivalent Quotient (TEQ) values oscillated between 0.002 and 6.84 ng/L and from 3.72 to 13.48 ng/g for the seawater and sediment samples, respectively. The Ant/(Ant + Phe) ratio in sediment and seawater samples indicated a pyrolytic source while the BaA/(BaA + Chry) ratio indicates petrogenic sources in most of the studied stations.

Origins and health risk assessment of PAHs/APAHs/NPAHs/OPAHs in PM2.5 at a background site in North China Plain: Implications for crude oil emissions

In order to investigate the origins and health impact of PAHs/APAHs/NPAHs/OPAHs in PM2.5 at North China Plain (NCP) under the influence of Shengli oil field, PM2.5 samples were collected in winter, spring, summer and autumn from 2018 to 2019 at a background site in NCP, and 19 PAHs, 5 APAHs, 7 NPAHs, and 6 OPAHs were analyzed. The mean level of PAHs, APAHs, NPAHs, OPAHs were 9.13 ± 11.03, 1.33 ± 1.45, 0.23 ± 0.72, 0.48 ± 0.48 ng/m3, respectively. APAHs were the most abundant derivatives of PAHs, which indicated crude oil was an important source. Further, ratios of 1-MN/NAP showed that APAHs emitted from crude oil were relatively fresh. Significant correlations were found among PAHs and APAHs with similar rings. The positive matrix factorization model demonstrated that secondary formation (9.32%), oil industry emissions (32.68%), emissions from steel and vehicles (18.12%), biomass and coal emissions (30.00%), as well as petrogenic sources (9.88%) were the main sources of PAHs/APAHs/NPAHs/OPAHs. Through the analysis of concentration weighted trajectories, it was discovered that the southwestern region of Dongying was the primary potential source of the oil industry, while the Bohai Bay and Shandong coastal area was the primary source region for petrogenic sources. ILCR results indicated that it was highest in winter; adults (30–70 years) were people who had the highest cancer risks.

PAH levels in sediments from a coastal area heavily subjected to anthropogenic pressure (Asturias, north of Spain)

Ninety-two sediment samples collected along the Asturias coastline (north of Spain), were studied based on their concentrations of 16PAHs. Concentrations of Σ16PAH showed an average of 12.650 mg kg−1 d.w., which is higher than most other studies conducted around the world. The origins of PAHs present in the sediments are mainly from fuel combustion in industrial processes. The main source of PAH to the coastal system seems to be the Nalón River, which played a significant past role related to different industrial activities, highlighting thermal power stations located in the basin. On the other hand, the Avilés Estuary, hotspot of the regional heavy metallurgical industry was the area with the highest concentrations of Σ16PAH, with an average of 5 to 6 times higher than the rest studied. The risk assessment of Σ16PAH concentrations in the study area showed a high potential risk of contamination transfer to other environmental compartments.

Historic distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC) in a Skagerrak fjord, Swedish west coast as reflected in a high-resolution sediment record and compared to the Environmental Quality Standards (EQS)

We present the historic distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PAC) in a Skagerrak fjord, a relatively unexploited area, on the Swedish west coast. PACs encompass various compounds, including PAHs, alkyl-PAHs, nitro-PAHs, and oxy-PAHs. These compounds, have environmental implications due to their harmful properties. Using a high-resolution sediment record, PAC variations including standard PAHs, nitro-PAHs and oxy-PAHs were investigated over the last approximately 170 years, comparing them with other European records. The sediment record reveals a significant increase in PAC levels during the 1940s–1950s, followed by peaks in the 1960s and 1970s, and a subsequent decrease in the 1980s. These trends align with industrial growth and evolving stronger environmental regulations in the region. The highest recorded concentration of PACs (1950–1970) reached levels comparable to present-day polluted urban environments. The study also compared PAH levels with EQS values. Results indicated that PAH levels exceeded EQS standards, potentially posing risks to sediment-dwelling organisms.

Analysis of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons via GC-MS/MS and Heterocyclic Amines via UPLC-MS/MS in Crispy Pork Spareribs for Studying Their Formation during Frying.

This study aims to explore the effects of frying conditions on the formation of HAs and PAHs in crispy pork spareribs, a popular meat commodity sold on Taiwan's market. Raw pork spareribs were marinated, coated with sweet potato powder, and fried in soybean oil and palm oil at 190 °C/6 min or 150 °C/12 min, followed by an analysis of HAs and PAHs via QuEChERS coupled with UPLC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, respectively. Both HAs and PAHs in pork spareribs during frying followed a temperature- and time-dependent rise. A total of 7 HAs (20.34-25.97 μg/kg) and 12 PAHs (67.69-85.10 μg/kg) were detected in pork spareribs fried in soybean oil and palm oil at 150 °C/12 min or 190 °C/6 min, with palm oil producing a higher level of total HAs and a lower level of total PAHs than soybean oil. The content changes of amino acid, reducing sugar, and creatinine played a vital role in affecting HA formation, while the degree of oil unsaturation and the contents of precursors including benzaldehyde, 2-cyclohexene-1-one, and trans,trans-2,4-decadienal showed a crucial role in affecting PAH formation. The principal component analysis revealed that HAs and PAHs were formed by different mechanisms, with the latter being more liable to formation in pork spareribs during frying, while the two-factorial analysis indicated that the interaction between oil type and frying condition was insignificant for HAs and PAHs generated in crispy pork spareribs. Both CcdP (22.67-32.78 μg/kg) and Pyr (16.70-22.36 μg/kg) dominated in PAH formation, while Harman (14.46-17.91 μg/kg) and Norharman (3.41-4.55 μg/kg) dominated in HA formation in crispy pork spareribs during frying. The outcome of this study forms a basis for learning both the variety and content of HAs and PAHs generated during the frying of pork spareribs and the optimum frying condition to minimize their formation.