Assessment of PAHs occurrence and distribution in brown mussels (Perna perna Linnaeus 1758) subject to different levels of contamination in Brazil

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are broadly studied due to their deleterious effects on organisms and humans. In this paper, the brown mussels ( Perna perna ) was chosen as indicators of PAH contamination in two contrasting Brazilian coastal areas, subject to different levels of anthropogenic impact. PAHs were analyzed by GC–MS in three mussels size-classes samples. Bulk PAHs ( ∑ PAHs ) concentration varied between 432.69 – 700.25 ng g − 1 in the less contaminated region (South Brazil - FMAS), and 544.91 – 848.78 ng g − 1 in the more polluted area (Guanabara Bay - BG). Concentrations of ∑ 16PAHs varied between 38.96 – 63.47 ng g − 1 and 62.92 – 243.59 ng g − 1 in FMAS and BG, respectively. The results of show the study that FMAS and BG mussels display low to moderate contamination, confirming the use of these organisms as sentinels of environmental contamination. All samples had benzo(a)pyrene concentrations below the established European Union threshold.