Toxicity of polychlorinated biphenyls in aquatic environments – A review

•Polychlorinated are presented in aquatic environments from gas absorption, deposition, and discharge.•There are several superfund sites around the world due to the presence of polychlorinated biphenyls.•Polychlorinated biphenyls induced carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects on humans and animals.•Polychlorinated biphenyls delay the growth of plants.