Levels and toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments

The occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the marine environment has attracted the attention of the scientific community, as these compounds are frequently detected in seawater and sediments at increasing levels and can have adverse health effects on marine organisms and humans. Several PAHs are potential human carcinogens and are included in the priority list of the European Union’s Water Framework Directive (2000/60/EC). Research regarding their environmental levels requires their determination by gas-chromatography and liquid-chromatography techniques, which have been developed and optimized, especially for marine-sediment samples. Results of sample analyses reveal the increasing occurrence of many species of PAHs worldwide, especially in marine sediments, where they finally accumulate, mostly in areas near intense industrial activities. In parallel, research on the toxicity of PAHs and their mixtures is continuing and is aiming to provide more insight into the health risks associated with the levels of PAHs in the environment.