Work

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in marine fish samples from the central Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic contaminants known for their toxic, carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, which significantly affect aquatic ecosystems and human health. This research aims to quantify the concentration of 16 important PAHs in the tissues of five economically significant fish species: Caranx melampygus , Scarus ghobban , Plectropomus leopardus , Acanthopagrus latus , and Lethrinus miniatus, sampled from a coastal area near Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. PAHs were extracted using ethyl acetate and analysed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The data showed variability in PAH concentrations among the species, with P. leopardus exhibiting the highest total PAHs accumulation (33.43 µg kg −1 wet weight), whereas no PAHs were detected in C. melampygus . Phenanthrene and anthracene were identified as the predominant compounds. Notably, all detected PAHs levels remained below international safety thresholds, including the established limits for benzo[a]pyrene. These findings suggest that the studied fish present a minimal risk to human consumers; however, further relevant research is required.

Source: The Egyptian Journal of Aquatic Research

DOI: 10.1016/j.ejar.2025.08.003

Author: Lafi Al Solami

Institution: King Abdulaziz University

Language: English

Topic: Toxic Organic Pollutants Impact

Subfield: Health, Toxicology and Mutagenesis

Field: Environmental Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDGs: Life below water, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,200