Bioaccumulation Kinetics and Bioconcentration Factors for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Tissues of Rasbora Daniconius

Bioaccumulation kinetics and bioconcentration factors (BCF) of the Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Naphthalene and Anthracene in tissues of fish Rasbora daniconius were studied in detail using a continuous fed system. The process of bioconcentration is summarized using a first order uptake model. The steady state BCF is calculated on the basis of exposure of fish to the PAHs for 30 days. The rate of bioaccumulation was found to be maximum of 0.331 µg g-1 wet weight for Naphthalene in intestine tissue and 3.97 µg g-1 wet weight for Anthracene in liver tissue in case of Rasbora daniconius. The regression coefficient (R2) between the PAH concentration and exposure time varied between 0.874 and 0.959, indicating high correlation. Based on actual calculated BCF values, the Octanol water partition coefficient (Kow) values were predicted. In order to prove the hydrophobic property of PAH compounds and their affinity towards lipid, the Kow is predicted. Results showed that the PAH burden differs from one tissue to another and that it is possible to correlate the same with the lipid content of the tissue and exposure time in case of either PAH.