Hidrocarburos Aromáticos Policíclicos (HAPs) en ambientes marinos: Una revisión de América

Abstract

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous organic compounds of global concern. They pres-ent mutagenic and carcinogenic characteristics, in addition to a wide variety of other adverse effects in the or-ganisms. They are widely distributed in marine environments, implying several health risks for both ecosystems and public health. Therefore, require constant monitoring and tailoring of preventive measures for their control. This review is based on the PAHs original research within coastal-marine environments published along the past ten years in America, considering the main environmental matrix such as sediment, water, organisms, and air. The review shows an outstanding PAHs monitoring activity led by USA and Mexico –at all matrix-, followed by Argentina, Brazil and Chile which demonstrate a rising environmental concern on these compounds, focused in highly anthropized areas. The present data for South America is still scarce, including many areas with null information. This review demonstrates that along all the continent and all matrixes, detectable concentrations of PAHs from multiple sources are reported, with levels ranging from minimum to extremely high. Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), marine environments, America.