Monohydroxy derivatives of PAHs are generated in the
human organism, as well as in fish and other aquatic organisms,
possessing well-developed enzyme systems that efficiently
convert PAHs to epoxides and hydroxylated derivatives during
phase I metabolism. These derivatives are further converted, in
phase II, into highly water-soluble conjugates, such as
glucuronides or sulfates, to facilitate excretion.12 Although
this mechanism produces a detoxification, some PAHs are
metabolized to active mutagen or carcinogen substances, which
are capable of attacking cellular DNA. Moreover, assays with
animals have shown that some PAH metabolites are suspected
to be endocrine disruptors acting like hormones.16,17
Consequently, 1-hydroxypyrene was already suggested as a
biological index for the dose of pyrene and indirect indicator for
all PAHs