Distribution of PAHs in different compartment of creek ecosystem: Ecotoxicological concern and human health risk

•PAHs levels in sediment, seawater, fish and crab were investigated.•Seasonal variation and ring number wise distribution of PAHs is discussed in tested matrices.•PAHs abundance in sediment were compared with sediment quality guidelines.•The carcinogenic risks of PAHs exposure via fish and crab consumption were assessed.•High PAHs levels in fish and crab samples from this area threaten human health.

We report levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment, seawater, fish and crab samples from Thane creek, India. Concentrations of sixteen USEPA PAH in sediments varies from 874 to 1925 ng g−1, dry weight (dw) in winter, between 219-495 ng g−1 in summer. In seawater Σ16 PAHs concentration during winter was recorded 706 ± 193 ng L−1, and during summer 337 ± 79 ng L−1. Total concentrations of PAHs in consumable portion of lizard fish, bombay duck and crab were found 156.8 ± 18 and 122 ± 24.5 ng g−1, 117.4 ± 17.65 ng g−1 and 95.8 ± 16.2 ng g−1, 348 ± 94.5 and 95.62 ± 31.9 ng g−1 wet weight (ww) in summer and winter respectively. PAHs concentration were compared with sediments quality guidelines viz. ERL-ERM, TEL-PEL indexes for finding ecotoxicological risk on marine organism. The ILCR values were above public screening criteria for carcinogens.

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