Toxicity assessment of fresh and weathered petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soil- a review

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) Vol. 212; pp. 755 - 767
• Main Authors: Khan, Muhammad Atikul Islam, Biswas, Bhabananda, Smith, Euan, Naidu, Ravi, Megharaj, Mallavarapu
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Elsevier Ltd 01.12.2018
• Subjects: Animals; bioassays; Bioindicators; Ecotoxicity; Ecotoxicology; humans; hydrocarbons; Hydrocarbons - chemistry; Hydrocarbons - toxicity; invertebrates; microorganisms; petroleum; Petroleum - toxicity; Petroleum Pollution - analysis; polluted soils; soil biota; Soil Pollutants - analysis; Soil Pollutants - toxicity; Soil pollution; Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH); toxicity; Weathered hydrocarbons; weathering; Total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH); Bioindicators; Soil pollution; Weathered hydrocarbons; Ecotoxicity
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2018.08.094

Soil contamination with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) is widespread throughout the globe due to the massive production of TPH anthropogenically and its occurrence in the soil. TPH is toxic to beneficial soil organisms and humans and thus has become a serious concern among the public. Traditionally TPH toxicity in the soil is estimated based on chemical fractions and a range of bioassays including plants, invertebrates and microorganisms. There is a large inconsistency among ecotoxicology data using these assays due to the nature of TPH and their weathering. Therefore, in this article, we critically reviewed the weathered conditions of TPH, the potential fate in soil and the bioindicators for the assessment of the ecotoxicity. Based on the current research and the state-of-the-art problem, we also highlighted key recommendations for future research scope for the real-world solution of the ecotoxicological studies of hydrocarbons. [Display omitted] •Soil pollution with total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) is a serious global issue.•Inconsistency exists on ecotoxicology data due to variation in bioindicators & TPH.•Critically reviewed the suitability of bioindicators for evaluating TPH toxicity.•Discussed the relevance of native organisms vs OECD recommended species.•Recommended future research into the ecotoxicity of TPH.