PAHs are harmful chemical compounds found in fuel and pollution, consisting of rings with six carbon atoms. They are toxic and carcinogenic, causing mutations in DNA and linked to cancers such as breast and lung cancer. PAHs are also harmful to the environment, but recent studies show promise in reducing their levels in soil using clean soil and white rot fungus.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, also known as PAHs, are chemical compounds found in various types of fuel and are a component of pollution. There are several forms of PAHs, which differ in their specific chemical structure, but all contain a series of rings with six carbon atoms, called aromatic rings. Aromatic rings are harmful because they are difficult to neutralize and destroy, leading to an accumulation of toxic PAHs in the environment and in body tissues.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are known to be harmful and toxic to the body. Their toxicity depends on the specific PAH present and the toxicity ranges from only mildly toxic to extremely toxic. There are currently seven PAHs known to be highly carcinogenic, and specific PAHs have been linked to a range of cancers, including breast and lung cancers. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are present in cigarette smoke and are thought to be one of the main carcinogens of cigarettes.
PAHs are carcinogenic because they cause mutations in DNA, which is a key step in the development of cancer. The chemical structure of PAHs is similar to the chemical structure of parts of DNA molecules. As a result, the presence of PAHs inside cells disrupts the normal DNA replication process. By interfering with DNA replication, PAHs can increase the number of errors in the DNA molecule that is formed. These mutations in turn can lead to cancer.
In addition to their toxic effects on the body, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are also toxic to the environment. PAHs dissolve in naturally occurring oils in the soil and atmosphere, contributing to soil and air pollution. They are a natural component of fuels such as petroleum, tar and coal, so when these materials are burned in industrial plants, PAHs are released into the air. Some PAHs remain in the atmosphere, suspended in airborne particles, while others settle in the soil. Once deposited, chemicals are difficult to neutralize and cannot be washed away with water.
Recent advances in science have uncovered methods that show promise in their ability to reduce levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons within the soil. One study used soil spiked with different PAHs to see if treatment with clean soil and components of the white rot fungus could reduce PAH levels. The study found that double treatment of clean soil and fungi almost completely destroyed PAH levels within the soil. Therefore, this method can be used to help clear the ground and can help reverse and prevent environmental damage from burning coal, tar, and oil.
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