Occurrence, human health and ecological risk assessment of bisphenol A in the estuarine water and the edible fish species from the northwest of the Persian Gulf, Iran (Bandar-e Mahshahr)

Abstract

Purpose

This study aimed to determine bisphenol A (BPA) concentration in fish muscle tissue (Liza abu and Brachirus orientalis) and water from five estuaries of Bandar-e Mahshahr, Khuzestan province, Iran.

Methods

40 water samples and 40 fish samples from two species were collected from the north coast of the Persian Gulf, Iran (Bandar-e Mahshahr). After preparing and extracting samples, BPA concentration was measured using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS).

Results

The mean concentration of BPA in the muscle tissue of Liza abu and Brachirus orientalis was 4.15 ± 4.48 µg/kg and 3.65 ± 2.97 µg/kg, respectively. The mean concentration of BPA in the estuary’s water was equal to 0.035 ± 0.016 µg/L. BPA concentration in both fish species had a statistically significant difference (P = 0.002). The highest BPA concentration was observed in Jafari, Zangi and Ghazaleh estuaries and lowest concentrations were related to Darwish and Musa estuaries. The bioaccumulation of BPA was higher in Brachirus orientalis than in Liza abu. The results of the risk assessment showed that exposure to BPA due to the consumption of fish does not pose a significant risk to the health of consumers (HQ < 1). Considering the mean BPA concentration, the risk quotient (RQ) showed low ecological risk.

Conclusion

This study confirmed the presence of BPA in estuarine water and edible fish species of Bandar-e Mahshahr, with higher concentrations detected in Jafari, Zangi and Ghazaleh estuaries. Despite the low non-carcinogenic human health risk and ecological risk, regular monitoring of BPA is essential to prevent further accumulation and to protect both the aquatic ecosystem and public health in this industrialized coastal region.

Graphical abstract