The species of sponge Hymeniacidon heliophila was used to evaluate the kinetics of PAHs uptake and elimination and their effects on the sponge cells, comprising the variables that affect these processes, monitoring them in the field and in the laboratory. Sponges and water samples were collected from Urca, Praça XV and Itaipu, for the realization of passive biomonitoring. Itaipu (petrogenic influence) samples showed lower contamination of PAHs and those of Praça XV (pyrogenic influence) had the highest concentration of these compounds. Depuration and accumulation bioassays were carried out in the sponge H. heliophila to evaluate toxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In the depuration assay, sponges from Guanabara Bay were transferred to seven aquaria, containing three individuals each. Sponges were collected at 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 240 and 336 h. The Σ38 PAHs varied from 1678.9 (T0) to 928.9 μg kg-1 (T336). No depuration occurred in 96h. Declines in concentration were observed thereafter, at a rate of ~ 2.6 μg kg-1 h-1. No changes were noticed in effect biomarkers. In the accumulation bioassay, sponges from Itaipu beach, a control area, were exposed to chrysene (40 μg L-1) in four aquaria, containing one individual each. Sponges were collected at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Parts of a single specimen were removed at all intervals to asses response of the same individual throughout the experiment. Accumulation was intense in the period of 72 h, followed by a decline at T96, with accumulation rate of ~ 250 μg kg-1h-1. The retention time of the neutral red reduced, consequently it was correlated to the chrysene accumulation, indicating a reduction of the cell health. Glutathione (GSH) increased in different individuals and chrysene concentration reduced with the increment of this protein, possibly, through conjugation. In the same individual, GSH decreased, probably, for the effort to rebuild the tissue removed. Histological evaluations were not correlated to PAHs concentration in both experiments, but they can be used as biomarkers of the sponge health during bioassay, since, sponges contracted their tissue, disorganizing the channel aquifers and redistributing the collagen in the tissue. Micronucleus assay was not successful due to strong cell association. The H. heliophila showed to be a suitable biomonitor to PAHs for being resistant to high concentrations and to present ability of accumulating rapidly and eliminate PAHs.