Different specimens of Mullus surmuletus from the Catania Gulf (Sicily) were sampled and analysed for the quantification of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in order to evaluate the distribution of these pollutants and the potential human health risks associated to the consumption of fish. The determined PAHs concentration values ranged from 0.25 to 6.10 ng/g wet weight and the most abundant PAHs detected were lower molecular weight (LMW) compounds with 2 to 3 rings. Relying on the PAHs concentration values, on the consumption data and on the total toxic equivalent (TEQ), the incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) was assessed and its calculated value (2.97 × 10-7) is far below the "maximum acceptable risk level" (ARL), suggesting a low potential carcinogenic risk on consuming M. surmuletus for local population. Even though the study shows a quite low contamination level in M. surmuletus, intensive monitoring programmes are still highly needed in order to provide a better picture of the PAHs distribution in Catania Gulf and of the human health risk linked to fish consumption.
Keywords: GC-MS; Mullus surmuletus; PAHs; Risk assessment; Sicily.