Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Contamination in Goan River Water: Toxicity and Persistence Concerns

The study focuses on the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Goan rivers. Certain locations along Goan rivers were strategically selected and analysed for the collected water samples in order to determine the concentration and distribution of the PAH contaminants in it. In the samples, Acenaphthene were discovered to be present in significant concentrations that allowed us to infer that it is persistent in the environment. Pyrene was also detected in high concentrations especially in water samples collected near sediments signifying heavy contamination that may have been a result of industrial effluents and/or urban runoff. However, benzo[a]pyrene, a known carcinogen, has been found at various levels; its occurrence raises concern as it implies its potential long term environmental as well as public health hazards if consumed by the human body. These findings highlight the need for continuous monitoring and mitigation measures to be taken in order to control sources of pollution in the river bodies and preserve these rivers within the Goan region from potential damage being caused.