Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and shellfish from Todos os Santos bay, Brazil

The present study evaluated the occurrence of 24 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and shellfish (Anomalocardia flexuosa, Crassostrea rhizophorae, and Mytella guyanensis) of Todos os Santos bay (BTS, Brazil). Total PAHs levels ranged from 89 to 921 ng g(-1) dry weight (d.w.) in sediments, and from 66 to 505 ng g(-1) in shellfish, signalizing that BTS was moderately contaminated by PAHs, mostly from pyrogenic activities. The bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of total PAHs ranged from 0.20 to 2.9 and did not show a clear trend among the studied species. BAFs of high molecular weight compounds were higher for A. flexuosa (specie found buried in fine sediment), while those of low molecular weight compounds were higher for C. rhizophorae (specie found in the roots of mangrove trees). High concentrations of PAHs, especially benzo[a]pyrene and dibenzo [a,h]anthracene, suggest that contamination compromises shellfish quality and raise concern about seafood consumption safety.

Automated summary

The study evaluated the occurrence of 24 Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and shellfish of Todos os Santos bay (BTS, Brazil), indicating moderate contamination from pyrogenic activities. Different species showed varying bioaccumulation factor (BAF) for total PAHs, with high molecular weight compounds enriched in species living in fine sediment and low molecular weight compounds enriched in species living in the roots of mangrove trees. High concentrations of PAHs raise concerns about shellfish quality and seafood consumption safety.