Occurrence and potential health risks assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different tissues of bivalves from Hainan Island, China.

ABSTRACT

The levels of 16 PAHs were determined in the adductor, gills, gonads, hepatopancreas and mantles of the pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) and the mussel (Perna viridis) collected from coasts of Li'an and Xincun Bays. The levels of ΣPAHs ranged from 597.1 to 2332 ng g-1 d w in the various tissues of bivalves. The pyrolytic source played an important role in the local coastal environment. Significantly higher levels of M-PAHs and H-PAHs were observed in Pinctada martensii than in Perna viridis. The ΣPAHs at different tissues showed the following order from high to low mantles > hepatopancreas > gonads > gills > adductor. When levels of individual PAHs in the five bivalve tissues have been compared with each other, high correlations have been found (r2 = 0.793-0.975). A general trend was observed that log transformed BSAFs declined with increase of Kow values. The estimated amount of ΣPAHs via ingestion of oyster and mussel varied from 1.35 × 10-2-1.70 × 10-1 and 2.15 × 10-2-1.91 × 10-1 µg kg-1 body weight day-1, respectively. The THQs and CRs calculated for regular consumption of raw bivalves were in the acceptable ranges and may not pose health risk concerns. But for certain population with higher consumption rate for PAHs contaminated bivalves, cautions should be taken for their higher cancer risk.