Polycyclic musks in the environment: A review of their concentrations and distribution, ecological effects and behavior, current concerns and future prospects

Polycyclic musks (PCMs) are widely used in daily chemical products, so their mass production and wide use enable them to enter the environment in various ways. Their lipophilicity and persistence have led to accumulation and toxicological effects in organisms, and their long-term low-dose presence in the environment will result in serious ecological risks. Hence, PCMs have aroused widespread concerns. Although many findings about PCMs in the environment have been reported, there are knowledge gaps requiring further significant research. At present, it is necessary to review these findings to determine what has been done and what needs to be done in the future. Through analysis of reports published between 1998 and 2018, the research-based statistics related to PCMs were generally revealed. Then, the concentrations, distribution and determination methods of PCMs were discussed. In particular, efforts to elucidate the ecotoxicology and environmental behavior of PCMs were areas of focus. Finally, prospective research on the microinterface effects, further molecular mechanisms, and bioremediation of PCM-contaminated areas were discussed. It is hoped that this review can create awareness to reduce the entry of PCMs into the environment, encourage systematic thinking about PCM-associated behavioral mechanisms, and facilitate the development of bioremediation technologies to remove PCMs.

Automated summary

Polycyclic musks (PCMs) are widely used in daily products and have raised concerns due to their environmental impact. There are knowledge gaps that require further research on the concentrations, distribution, determination methods, ecotoxicology, and environmental behavior of PCMs. Prospective research on microinterface effects, molecular mechanisms, and bioremediation of PCM-contaminated areas is needed to reduce environmental pollution and promote the development of remediation technologies.