NSO-heterocyclic PAHs – Controlled exposure study reveals high acute aquatic toxicity

© Celik/Markiewicz

Heterocyclic polyaromatic hydrocarbons (heterocyclic PAHs) have been frequently detected in the environment along with homocyclic PAHs, often near fossil fuels mining or processing sites but also in areas not specifically impacted by these activities. These compounds are to large extent presistent but little is know about their toxicological properties - partially due to difficulties in testing especially larger homologues.

New toxicity testing protocol utylising passive dosing shows that significant toxic effects ocurr for many of NSO-PAHs tested when constant exposure concentration is maintained. These results indicate a potentially high risk to aquatic life and call for more in-depth investigation of the (eco)toxic effects of NSO-PAHs.

Read more: G. Çelik, S. Stolte, M. Markiewicz, NSO-heterocyclic PAHs–controlled exposure study reveals high acute aquatic toxicity,  Journal of Hazardous Materials, 2023, 460.