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Prediction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Toxicity Using Equilibrium Partitioning Approach and Narcosis Model

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Abstract

The study underscores the use of equilibrium partitioning (EqP) to determine bioavailability and the narcosis theory to estimate toxicity of PAHs to benthic invertebrates. Eight PAHs (anthracene, azuleno(2,1-b)thiophene, benz(a)anthracene, carbazole, dibenzothiophene, benz(a)azulene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and phenanthrene) were identified with phenanthrene and carbazole recording the highest (6.29 μg/g) and least (0.06 μg/g) concentrations at both seasons. Based on EqP and Narcosis model, the sum of PAHs toxic unit (∑TU), at both sites is ≪1, suggesting no likelihood of PAHs toxicity to benthic invertebrates. The study suggests continuous PAH monitoring especially with aquatic species due to their transfer to human via food chain.

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Acknowledgments

The authors are very grateful to Dr. Stefan Louw and Désirée Prevoo of the gas chromatography – mass spectrometry laboratory, Central Analytical Faculty of Stellenbosch University, South Africa for assistance in the hydrocarbon analyses.

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  1. I. A. Ololade

    Present address: State Key Lab Environmental Aquatic Chemistry, Research Center for Eco-environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 18 Shuangqing Road, Beijing, 100085, China

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Chemistry and Industrial Chemistry, Adekunle Ajasin University, P. M. B. 001, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo-State, Nigeria

    I. A. Ololade

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  1. I. A. Ololade
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Correspondence to I. A. Ololade.

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Ololade, I.A. Prediction of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Toxicity Using Equilibrium Partitioning Approach and Narcosis Model. Bull Environ Contam Toxicol 85, 238–242 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-010-0090-1

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00128-010-0090-1

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