Contamination of Red Sea Shrimp (Palaemon serratus) with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons: a Health Risk Assessment Study

Journal Article

Mohamed3, Rim A. Hussein1*, Khalid A. Al-Ghanim2, Magda M. Abd-El-Atty1, Laila A. . 2016

• Publication Work Type: health risk assessment, PAHs, Red Sea, shrimp
• Publication Online URL: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies
• Tags: health risk assessment, PAHs, Red Sea, shrimp
• Magazine \ Newspaper: Polish Journal of Environmental Studies
• Issue Number: 2
• Volume Number: 25
• Pages: 1-8

Publication Abstract

The aquatic environment of the Red Sea is facing many threats resulting from land-based activities.
The aim of the present study was to measure the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
(PAHs) in Red Sea shrimp and to assess the health risk resulting from their consumption.
Gas chromatography/flame ionization detection was used for PAH detection.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons exceeded the maximum residue levels authorized in crustaceans.
They were found to be of pyrogenic source, and their total toxicity equivalent concentration was
0.03078 μg g-1. Assessment of cancer risk resulting from consumption of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarboncontaminated
shrimp proved that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency risk goal of 10-6 has been
exceeded. Continuous monitoring programs for air, water, and sediment quality are therefore recommended.