A comprehensive review on polychlorinated biphenyls in water, air and their impact on aquatic, terrestrial animals and humans

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are human-made chemicals that were first introduced in 1929 for use as coolants and lubricants in electrical transformers and capacitors. Due to the severe environmental pollution and health problems caused by these chemicals, their production and use were banned in the 1970s. However, several studies have shown that despite this ban, PCBs continue to be produced unintentionally as byproducts of certain chemical reactions. Currently, the major sources of PCB production are chlorinated solvents used in chemical manufacturing, as well as in the production of paints and pigments. PCBs are highly persistent in the environment, as they do not easily degrade. As a result, they are still found in all environmental compartments, including surface water, groundwater, marine water, soil, sediments, air, and even in food items such as vegetables, fruits, dairy products, fish, and seafood. Notably, the concentration of PCBs in indoor air is significantly higher than in outdoor air. Humans and animals are exposed to PCBs through ingestion, inhalation, or dermal contact. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that PCBs exposure and accumulation in the body can lead to serious health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, dementia, Parkinson's disease, immune system dysfunction, neuropsychological and neurobehavioral disorders, and disruption of endocrine gland functions. Moreover, PCBs can impair fertility and negatively impact the reproductive system, with some effects potentially being passed on to future generations.

This review aims to present the latest data on the concentrations of various PCB congeners in water, fruits, vegetables, fish, and seafood, and to examine their impacts on human health, animal well-being, and plant life.