Effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the Environment: A Systematic Review
Jessica N. Anyahara
Abstract
This systematic review discussed the effects of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) on the Environment. Indiscriminate burning of Organic materials, petroleum product and other industrial processes as well as various runoffs from roads and railways has contributed significantly to environmental pollution by PAHs, which endangers the lives of organisms living in the environment. These PAHs bind strongly to sediments and serve as a long-term source of contaminants in water bodies and biota long after the original source has been removed. Sources of PAHs can be petrogenic, from petroleum-related activities or pyrogenic (pyrolytic), from the incomplete combustion of diesel fuel and engine oil. Also, wood, coal, biomass of forest, grass fires, waste incinerators, and fossil fuels that are used in industrial operations and power plants are all sources of PAHs. PAHs enter the environment through atmospheric deposition and direct releases of substances through petroleum spills and use, municipal wastewater treatment plants, industrial discharges, storm water runoff, landfill leachate, and surface runoff. Generally, the adverse effect of PAHs on the environment is determined by monitoring the sediment/soil, water, and air. Although there is no known short-term health effect of PAHs, but there are several health challenges associated with the long-term accumulation of PAHs in the food chain. Long term exposure to even the simplest PAHs like Naphthalene can lead to kidney and liver damage as well as cataract. It causes redness and inflammation of skin when in contact and red blood cell damage when inhaled, Dibenzopyrene is highly carcinogenic.