Occurrence, distribution, sources, and bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in multi environmental media in estuaries and the coast of the Beibu Gulf, China: a health risk assessment through seafood consumption

The coastal zone is a crucial transitional area between land and ocean, which is facing enormous pressure due to global climate change and anthropogenic activities. It is essential to pay close attention to the pollution caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the coastal environment and their effect on human health. The pollution status of PAHs was investigated in the Beibu Gulf, taking into consideration various environmental media. The results showed that the total concentration of 16 PAHs (Σ₁₆PAHs) was significantly higher in winter than in summer. Compared to the coastal area, the status of PAHs in the estuarine areas was found to be more severe in summer, while the regional difference was insignificant in winter. In summer, the Σ₁₆PAHs in estuarine waters (71.4 ± 9.58 ng/L) > coastal waters (50.4 ± 9.65 ng/L); estuarine sediment (146 ± 116 ng/g) > coastal zone (76.9 ± 108 ng/g). The source apportionment indicated that spilled oil, biomass, and coal burning were the primary sources of PAHs in the water. The predominant sources of pollution in the sediments were spilled oil, fossil fuel burning, and vehicle emissions. With regard to the status of PAHs in marine organisms in the coastal area of the Beibu Gulf, the highest average concentration of PAHs was indicated in shellfishes (183 ± 165 ng/g), followed by fishes (73.7 ± 57.2 ng/g), shrimps (42.7 ± 19.2 ng/g), and crabs (42.7 ± 19.2 ng/g) in Beibu Gulf coastal area. The calculated bioaccumulation factor indicates a low bioaccumulation capacity of PAHs in various seafood considering the ambient environment. The human health risk assessment considering multiple age groups indicates minimal health risk on accidental ingestion of PAHs through seafood. However, it is suggested that the intake of shellfish in children be controlled.