Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and hydroxylated metabolites in the muscle tissue of Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) through dietary exposure during a 56-day period

Eurasian perch (Perca fluviatilis) was exposed trophically to phenanthrene, pyrene and benzo[a]pyrene. Accumulation kinetics in the muscle tissue of parent PAHs and hydroxylated metabolites were established for 56 days at 3 levels of exposure (0, 100 and 500 μg/kg BW). Benzo[a]pyrene and 3-hydroxy-benzo[a]pyrene were not detected in the muscles. During exposure, there was an increase in phenanthrene, pyrene and their hydroxylated metabolites in the muscle tissue. Low transfer to muscle tissue was observed at equilibrium for phenanthrene (4.4 ± 0.6% and 2.7 ± 0.8%) and pyrene (1.0 ± 0.2% and 0.33 ± 0.09%), depending on the concentrations in the spiked feed.

► PAHs and metabolites in perch muscle tissue were evaluated during dietary exposure. ► Benzo[a]pyrene and its metabolite was not transferred. ► Pyrene and phenanthrene were transferred to muscle of perch. ► Their metabolites were quantified in muscle. ► Transfer to muscle was quantified below 5%.