Final answer:
The greatest concern with hydrocarbons ingestion is the potential for contamination and harmful effects on human health, including the risk of carcinogenic substances. Hydrocarbon pollution can also occur through local air pollution, affecting both the environment and human health.
Step-by-step explanation:
The greatest concern with hydrocarbons ingestion is the potential for contamination and harmful effects on human health. Hydrocarbons, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and trichloroethylene (TCE), can be found in crude oil, groundwater, and contaminated water from oil and gas extraction. When fish and wildlife ingest these hydrocarbons, they can accumulate in their tissues and be passed on to humans who consume them. PAH and TCE are known to be carcinogenic and can cause various health issues.
Furthermore, hydrocarbon pollution can also occur through local air pollution, especially in urban areas where fossil fuels are burned in power stations, factories, and motor vehicles. This pollution can have ecological impacts and pose health risks to the local population.
To sum up, the ingestion of hydrocarbons can lead to contamination of the food chain, the accumulation of harmful substances in the human body, and potential health risks.