Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bays of the Rio de Janeiro state coast, SE - Brazil: Effects on catfishes.

The Brazilian coast of the Rio de Janeiro State has bays of great economic, ecological and social importance. However, these ecosystems have been suffering intense anthropogenic influence, mainly due to the contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from urban-industrial activities. Moreover, PAHs are organic pollutants of high toxicity and carcinogenicity causing global concern to human and environmental health.