Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish from the Red Sea Coast of Yemen

A detailed analytical study using combined normal phase high pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) of Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in fish from the Red Sea was undertaken. This investigation involves a preliminary assessment of the sixteen parent compounds issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The study revealed measurable levels of Sigma C PAHs (the sum of three to five or six ring parent compounds) (49.2 ng g(-1) dry weight) and total PAHs (all PAH detected) (422.1 ng g(-1) dry weight) in edible muscle of fishes collected from the Red Sea. These concentrations are within the range of values reported for other comparable regions of the world. Mean concentrations for individual parent PAH in fish muscles were; naphthalene 19.5, biphenyl 4.6, acenaphthylene 1.0, acenaphthene 1.2, fluorene 5.5, phenanthrene 14.0, anthracene 0.8, fluoranthene 1.5, pyrene 1.8, benz(a)anthracene 0.4, chrysene 1.9, benzo(b)fluoranthene 0.5, benzo(k)fluoranthene 0.5, benzo(e)pyrene 0.9, benzo(a)pyrene 0.5, perylene 0.2, and indenol(1,2,3-cd)pyrene 0.1 ng g(-1) dry weight respectively. The Red Sea fish extracts exhibit the low molecular weight aromatics as well as the discernible alkyl-substituted species of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene and dibenzothiophene. Thus, it was suggested that the most probable source of PAHs is oil contamination originating from spillages and/or heavy ship traffic. It is concluded that the presence of PAHs in the fish muscles is not responsible for the reported fish kill phenomenon. However, the high concentrations of carcinogenic chrysene encountered in these fishes should be considered seriously as it is hazardous to human health. Based on fish consumption by Yemeni's population it was calculated that the daily intake of total carcinogens were 0.15 mu g/person/day.