Evaluation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish: a review and meta-analysis

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of pollutants which occur in considerable amounts in the environment and food. In this study, a meta-analysis study was conducted on PAHs concentrations in fish in different parts of the world. The results showed that the PAHs were observed and quantified in fish in the most considered studies. The maximum and minimum concentration of PAHs was found in Cynoglossus Bilineatus fish of Persian Gulf (3970 ng/kg) and Cyprinus Carpio fish of Caspian Sea (0.004 ng/kg), respectively. These values are below the maximum value currently allowed by European Union regulations (12.0 mu g/kg wet weight).