The Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments Along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast

Coastal marine sediment samples were collected from 31 sampling stations along the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast. All sediment samples were analyzed to determine aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as total organic carbon (TOC) contents and grain size analysis. Total concentrations of 16 EPA-PAHs in the sediments were varied from 88 to 6338 ng g⁻¹ with an average value of 154 ng g⁻¹ (dry weight). However, the concentrations of total aliphatic were varied from 1.3 to 69.9 ng g⁻¹ with an average value of 15.6 ng g⁻¹ (dry weight). The highest contents of PAHs were found in the Eastern harbor (6338 ng g⁻¹), Manzala (5206 ng g⁻¹) and El-Jamil East (4895 ng g⁻¹) locations. Good correlations observed between a certain numbers of PAH concentrations allowed to identify its origin. The average total organic carbon (TOC) percent was varied from 0.91 to 4.54%. Higher concentration of total pyrolytic hydrocarbons (∑COMB) than total fossil hydrocarbons (∑PHE) declared that atmospheric fall-out is the significant source of PAHs to marine sediments of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The selected marked compounds, a principal component analysis (PCA) and special PAHs compound ratios (phenanthrene/anthracene vs fluoranthene/pyrene; ∑COMB/∑EPA-PAHs) suggest the pyrogenic origins, especially traffic exhausts, are the dominant sources of PAHs in most locations. Interferences of rather petrogenic and pyrolytic PAH contaminations were noticed in the harbors due to petroleum products deliveries and fuel combustion emissions from the ships staying alongside the quays.     

Distribution and partitioning of aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons between water, suspended particulate matter, and sediment in harbours of the West coastal of the Gulf of Tunis (Tunisia)

Harbours of La Goulette, Rades and Sidi Bou Said are considered as the principal largest and most important port in the Gulf of Tunis characterised by a direct influence of different activities (sailing, industry and fishing) to the Mediterranean Sea. Due to their social and economic impact, a comprehensive assessment of the spatial distribution and partitioning of 24 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 18 aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs) in summer and in winter among overlying water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and surface sediments is essential. Distribution of hydrophobic organic contaminants in abiotic compartments is important for describing their transfer and fate in aquatic ecosystems and to identify the potential danger due to mobilization of contaminants produced by managing of the same sediments. Total organic carbon (TOC) contents range between 4.3% and 6.5%, with an average value of 5.9% in summer, and between 2.3% and 9.6%, with an average value of 6.1% in winter. The average concentrations of ΣPAH in winter and in summer were respectively 703.1 ng L?1 and 378.4 ng L?1 in seawater, 4599.1 ng g?1 and 3114 ng g?1 in SPM, and 1507.6 ng g?1 dw (dry weight) and 1294.6 ng g?1 dw in surface sediment. For ΣAH the average concentrations in winter and in summer were respectively 701 ng L?1 and 741.7 ng L?1 in seawater, 6743.5 ng g?1 and 6282.9 ng g?1 in SPM, and 4971.3 ng g?1 and 4588.1 ng g?1 in surface sediment. Higher PAH and AH concentrations were observed in SPM than in surface sediment. SPM and water were dominated by PAH with low molecular weight, while for sediment low and high molecular weight PAHs were present. PAH and AH fingerprint ratios, such as pristane to phytane (Pr/Ph), phenanthrene to anthracene (Phe/An) and fluoranthene to pyrene (Fl/Py), suggest that hydrocarbons in all harbours may originate from both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources derived from discharge of untreated sewage and wastewater or from direct input by ship traffic in the area. The results showed significant difference (ANOVA, p < 0.05) for hydrocarbon mean concentrations between all harbours studied and between different matrixes.     

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Slovenian coastal area (Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic)

The distribution and sources of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in sediments at seven sites around the Slovenian coastal area. The potential toxicological significance was also assessed using biological thresholds. The results of the analyses showed higher concentrations of hydrocarbons in the Port of Koper and in the Marina of Portoroz. The influence of pollution was also evident in rather higher concentrations of hydrocarbons in the surrounding area in the Bays of Koper and Piran. Concentrations of hydrocarbons decrease toward the central part of the Gulf of Trieste. The major component of the aliphatic fraction was the unresolved complex mixture. Concentrations of the total resolved aliphatic hydrocarbons were in a range from 689 to 3,164?ng?g^?1. Concentrations of the total PAHs were between 330 and 1,173?ng?g^?1. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons are primarily of pyrolytic origin with some smaller contributions of the petrogenic, while the aliphatic are mostly of petrogenic origin with significant amounts of biogenic derived compounds of terrestrial and marine origin. Strong evidence of the diagenetic origin of perylene in the investigated area was also found. Quite a good linear relationship between PAH concentration and TOC and between aliphatic hydrocarbon concentrations and TOC was observed. The principal component analysis showed differences between the nearshore and offshore sites. In general, the investigated area is moderately contaminated by hydrocarbons. Concentrations of PAHs, hydrocarbons of high concern, are below the levels (effects range low and the effects range median) associated with adverse biological effects.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of the Nansi Lake, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in surface sediments and dated core sediments from the Nansi Lake of China to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. The concentrations of 16 kinds priority PAH compounds were determined by GC-MS method. And ²¹⁰Pb isotope dating method was used to determine the chronological age of the sediment as well as the deposition rate. The results indicated that the total PAHs concentration ranges in surface and core sediment samples were 160 ~32,600 and 137 ~ 693 ng/g (dry wt.), respectively. The sediment rate and the average mass sedimentation were calculated to be 0.330 cm·year^???1 and 0.237 g·cm^???2·yr^???1 and the sediment time of the collected core sample ranged from 1899 to 2000. The peak of PAH concentrations came at recent years. The source analysis showed PAHs mainly came from the contamination of low temperature pyrogenic processes, such as coal combustion. The PAHs concentrations were lower than ERL and LEL values for most collected samples. However, in several surface sediment samples especially in estuary sites, the PAHs concentrations were not only higher than ERL and LEL values, but also higher than ERM values.     

Chemometrics in assessment of seasonal variation of water quality in fresh water systems

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in Gomti River, a major tributary of the Ganga river (India). A total of 96 samples (water and sediments) were collected from eight different sites over a period of 2 years and analysed for 16 PAHs. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in water and bed sediments ranged between 0.06 and 84.21 ??g/L (average (n?=?48), 10.33 ± 19.94 ??g/L) and 5.24?C3,722.87 ng/g dw [average (n?=?48): 697.25 ± 1,005.23 ng/g dw], respectively. In water, two- and three-ring PAHs and, in sediments, the three- and four-ring PAHs were the dominant species. The ratios of anthracene (An)/An + phenenthrene and fluoranthene (Fla)/Fla + pyrene were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAHs. These ratios reflected a pattern of pyrolytic input as a major source of PAHs in the river. Principal component analysis, further, separated the PAHs sources in the river sediments, suggesting that both the pyrolytic and petrogenic sources are contributing to the PAHs burden. The threat to biota of the river due to PAHs contamination was assessed using effect range low and effect range median values, and the results suggested that sediment at some occasions may pose biological impairment.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River

This study was performed to elucidate the distribution, concentration trend and possible source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River and the Moson Danube branch. A total of 217 samples (water and sediments) were collected from four different sampling sites in the period of 2001–2010 and analysed for the 16 priority US Environmental Protection Agency PAHs. Concentrations of total 16 PAHs (∑PAHs) in water samples ranged from 25 to 1,208 ng/L, which were predominated by two- and three-ring PAHs. The ∑PAH concentrations in sediments ranged from 8.3 to 1,202.5 ng/g dry weight. Four-ring PAHs including fluoranthene and pyrene were the dominant species in sediment samples. A selected number of concentration ratios of specific PAH compounds were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contamination. The ratios reflected a pattern of pyrogenic input as a major source of PAHs. The levels of PAHs determined were compared with other sections of the Danube and other regions of the world.     

Profiles,sources, and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils affected by electronic waste recycling in Longtang,south China

We studied the profiles, possible sources, and transport of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from the Longtang area, which is an electronic waste (e-waste) recycling center in south China. The sum of 16 PAH concentrations ranged from 25 to 4,300 ng/g (dry weight basis) in the following order: pond sediment sites (77 ng/g), vegetable fields (129 ng/g), paddy fields (180 ng/g), wastelands (258 ng/g), dismantling sites (678 ng/g), and former open burning sites (2,340 ng/g). Naphthalene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene were the dominant PAHs and accounted for approximately 75 % of the total PAHs. The similar composition characteristics of PAHs and the significant correlations among individual, low molecular weight, high molecular weight, and total PAHs were found in all six sampling site types, thus indicating that PAHs originated from similar sources. The results of both isomeric ratios and principal component analyses confirmed that PAHs were mainly derived from the incomplete combustion of e-waste. The former open burning sites and dismantling sites were the main sources of PAHs. Soil samples that were taken closer to the point sources had high PAH concentrations. PAHs are transported via different soil profiles, including those in agricultural fields, and have been detected not only in 0- to 40-cm-deep soil but also in 40 cm to 80 cm-deep soil. PAH concentrations in soils in Longtang have been strongly affected by primitive e-waste recycling, particularly by former open burning activities.     

Distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and biota from the Zha Long Wetland, China

In this paper, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in biota (reed, grass, mussel, fish, and red-crowned crane) and sediments collected from seven locations in the Zha Long Wetland. PAHs were recovered from the sediments and biota by ultrasonic extraction and then analyzed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total PAH concentrations were 244–713 ng/g dw in sediments, 82.8–415 ng/g dw in plants and 207–4,780 ng/g dw in animals. The total sediment PAH concentrations were categorized as lower to moderate contamination compared with other regions of China and the world. In the plant samples, the accumulation abilities of reed roots and stems for PAHs were higher than those of grass roots. In addition, the concentration of individual PAHs in mussel muscles was the highest in all of the animal samples, followed by fish, feeding crane fetuses, and wild crane fetuses. Compositional analysis suggests that the PAHs in the sediments from the Zha Long Wetland were derived from incomplete biomass combustion. Risk assessment shows that the levels of PAHs in sediments are mostly lower than the effects range mean value (effects range mean), whereas only naphthalene in all sample sites was higher than the effects range low value. It is worthwhile to note that benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene were detected in crane fetal, which have potential carcinogenicity for organisms from the Zha Long Wetland.     

Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Wuhan section of the Yangtze River, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are important organic contaminants with great significance for China, where coal burning is the main source of energy. In this study, concentrations, distribution between different phases, possible sources and eco-toxicological effect of PAHs of the Yangtze River were assessed. PAHs in water, suspended particulate matters (SPM) and sediment samples at seven main river sites, 23 tributary and lake sites of the Yangtze River at the Wuhan section were analyzed. The total concentrations of PAHs in the studied area ranged from 0.242 to 6.235 μg/l in waters and from 31 to 4,812 μg/kg in sediment. The average concentration of PAHs in SPM was 4,677 μg/kg, higher than that in sediment. Benzo(a)pyrene was detected only at two stations, but the concentrations were above drinking water standard. The PAHs level of the Yangtze River was similar to that of some other rivers in China but higher than some rivers in foreign countries. There existed a positive relationship between PAHs concentrations and the TOC contents in sediment. The ratio of specific PAHs indicated that PAHs mainly came from combustion process, such as coal and wood burning. PAHs may cause potential toxic effect but will not cause acute biological effects in sedimentary environment of the Wuhan section of the Yangtze River.     

Composition, sources, and potential toxicology of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in agricultural soils in Liaoning, People’s Republic of China

Surface soil (0–20 cm) samples (n?=?143) were collected from vegetable, maize, and paddy farmland used for commercial crops in Liaoning, China. Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) listed in US Environmental Protection Agency were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography using a fluorescence detector. The soil concentrations of the 16 PAH ranged from 50 to 3,309 ng/g with a mean of 388 ng/g. The highest concentration of total PAHs found in soil of the vegetable farmland was 448 ng/g in average, followed by maize and paddy with total PAHs of 391 and 331 ng/g, respectively. Generally, the low molecular weight PAHs were more predominant than the high molecular weight PAHs in most of the soils. The evaluation of soil PAH contamination based on the Canadian criterion indicated that only naphthalene, phenanthrene, and pyrene were over the target values in several sampling sites. Isomer pair ratios and principal component analysis indicated that biomass and coal combustion were the main sources of PAHs in this area. And the average value of total B[a]Peq concentration in vegetable soils was higher than paddy and maize soils. We suggest that biomass burning should be abolished and commercial farming should be carried out far from the highways to ensure the safety of food products derived from commercial farming.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and ecotoxicological characterization of sediments from the Huaihe River, China

The distribution, source, ecological risk and ecotoxicity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) of sediments from 7 sampling sites, named as Xinyang (XY), Huainan (HN), Bengbu (BB), Xuyi (XuY), Fuyang (FY), Mengcheng (MC) and Zhengzhou (ZZ), in the Huaihe River basin, China, have been investigated. The total concentrations of 16 USEPA priority PAHs ranged from 62.9 to 2232.4 ng g?1 dry weight (d.w.) with a mean concentration of 1056.8 ng g?1 d.w. Through the assessment of ecological risk, we found that the levels of PAHs in the Huaihe River should not exert adverse biological effects. The total benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent (TEQ) values calculated for samples varied from 0.01 to 194.1 ng g?1 d.w., with an average of 65.9 ng g?1. The toxicity data were accordant with the chemical analysis results in this study. HN, BB and ZZ showed the greatest pollution extent both in the chemical analysis and the study of ecotoxicological effects.     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments and their potential toxic effects

The presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in samples of marine sediments from Paranagua Bay on the southern coast of Brazil was investigated. Paranagua Bay is the location of a major port, one of the busiest in Brazil. The region has a great potential for tourism and port-related industries and activities. Due to its characteristics as a venue for tourism, two major campaigns were planned: one 3 months before the summer (between December and February) and a second after the vacation season. Total concentration of PAHs in sediments ranged from 26.33 to 406.76 ng/g (in both campaigns). The highest values were found in sediments with higher organic carbon content. We found no substantial differences between the two campaigns, and the values are quite similar. Ternary diagrams show that points P5 and P6 were considered polluted, while others were classified as non-polluted. Molecular ratios indicate that the main sources of PAHs are petrogenic and the burning of fossil fuels. Sediment toxicity was assessed by the presence of PAHs in terms of benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) concentration. The toxicity of PAHs mixtures can be characterized more accurately by developing and establishing toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for PAHs. Considering TEFs, the BaP_eq concentrations vary between 0.264 and 5.922 ng/g (considering both campaigns). Thus, two points are above the maximum level recommended (3 ng/g) by the Netherlands sediment quality guidelines. In fact, sites P5 and P6 apparently are exposed to a greater number of pollution sources, thus reflecting the higher concentration of PAHs compounds in sediments.     

Source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Dahuofang Reservoir, Northeast China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 24 surface sediments from the Dahuofang Reservoir (DHF), the largest man-made lake in Northeast China, were measured. The results showed that the concentrations of 16 US EPA priority PAHs in the sediments ranged from 323 to 912 ng/g dry weight with a mean concentration of 592?±?139 ng/g. The PAH source contributions were estimated based on positive matrix factorization model. The coal combustion contributed to 31 % of the measured PAHs, followed by residential emissions (22 %), biomass burning (21 %), and traffic-related emissions (10 %). Pyrogenic sources contributed ～84 % of anthropogenic PAHs to the sediments, indicating that energy consumption release was a predominant contribution of PAH pollution in DHF. Compared with the results from the urban atmospheric PAHs in the region, there was a low contribution from traffic-related emissions in the sediments possibly due to the low mobility of the traffic-related derived 5+6-ring PAHs and their rapid deposition close to the urban area.     

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of Kaohsiung Harbour and adjacent coast, Taiwan

Surficial sediment samples collected from Kaohsiung Harbour and its nearby coast were analyzed for aliphatic hydrocarbons and parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). According to our results, the average total concentrations of n-alkanes (n-C₁₂ to C₃₅) and aromatics (15 PAHs) were 4.33 µg g^–1 dry weight (ranged 0.46–22.60) and 0.59 µg g^–1 dry weight (ranged 0.09–1.75), respectively. The highest concentrations of aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons were recorded in stations near the estuaries of Qianzhen River and Love River, respectively. Aliphatic hydrocarbons in the samples indicate that there has been significant non-petrogenic, possibly terrestrial, contribution in the sediment of the open coast of Kaohsiung Harbour and that there has been dominant contribution from petrogenic sources in the sediment of the inner harbour. PAHs, detected in the samples, however, indicated a higher pyrolytic contribution in open-coast samples and a higher petrogenic contribution in the inner harbour. Overall, sediment concentrations of total alkanes in this study were comparable to those found in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong and are higher than those found in Xiamen Harbour, China. Concentrations of total PAHs in inner Kaohsiung Harbour sediments were relatively lower than those found in Victoria Harbour, Hong Kong and Xiamen Harbour, China, but comparable to those found in Hsin-ta Harbour, Taiwan and Incheon Harbour, Korea. In comparison with several effect-based sediment quality guidelines, most PAH concentrations found in samples taken from inner harbour stations exceeded the Threshold Effect Level of Florida indicating a slight possibility of adverse effects.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in river sediments from the western and southern catchments of the Bohai Sea, China: toxicity assessment and source identification

The concentration, distribution, and origin of 16 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in river sediments from the western and southern catchments of the Bohai Sea, China. A toxicity assessment of 28 sediment samples collected from 15 main rivers was conducted by utilizing threshold and probable effect concentrations (TEC and PEC, respectively) derived from consensus-based sediment quality guidelines. The concentrations of total PAHs (∑PAH₁₆) ranged from 0.14 to 10,757 μg/kg dry weight (mean?=?1,368.6 μg/kg). The high concentrations of PAHs found in Binhai New Area of Tianjin and Binzhou City are likely the result of rapid population and heavy industry growth, resulting in elevated point and nonpoint source inputs of PAHs. Of the samples collected, samples 1 and 10 (7.1 % of the total) were categorized as toxic since some of the PAH concentrations exceeded the corresponding PECs. Twenty samples were classified as nontoxic, with both the individual PAH and the∑PAH₁₆ concentrations falling below the corresponding TECs. Analyses of selected PAH isomer ratios aided in the identification of PAH origins, allowing for a discrimination between pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Spatial variability confirmed source heterogeneity within the study area. The most significant PAH-associated contamination was found in the Beitang River and Ji Canal, which are located in Binhai New Area. The magnitude of contamination and the likelihood of an ongoing influx of PAHs support the need for a better understanding of pollution sources and methods for both control and sediment restoration.     

Distribution,sources, and toxicity assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface soils of a heavy industrial city,Liuzhou, China

As a heavy industrial city, Liuzhou has been facing a serious pollution problem. It is necessary to take steps to control and prevent environmental pollution wherever possible. Surface soil samples were collected from four communities in Liuzhou City, to determine the concentrations, distributions, sources, and toxicity potential of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present. The mean concentrations of total PAHs in the surface soil are 756.43 ng/g for the heavy industrial area, 605.06 ng/g for the industrial area, 481.24 ng/g for the commercial–cum–residential area, and 49.93 ng/g for the rural area. Both the isomer ratio and principal component analyses for the PAHs prove that these pollutants originate mainly from coal, diesel, gasoline, and natural gas combustion. The pollution hierarchies and toxic equivalency factor of BaP prove that the city is subject to heavy pollution caused by industry, transportation, and daily human activities.     

Occurrence of chlorinated and brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments in Shenzhen, South China and its relationship to urbanization

One hundred and fourteen surface sediments were collected from the Maozhou River Watershed in Shenzhen, China from December 2009 to January 2010. Three individual chlorinated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (ClPAHs), six individual brominated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (BrPAHs), and five corresponding parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined. The concentration of 9-chlorophenanthrene was the highest ranging from 0.51-289 ng g(-1) (average, 16.5 ng g(-1)). For BrPAHs, the concentration of 2-bromofluorene was the highest ranging from 0.31-266 ng g(-1) (average, 35.3 ng g(-1)). No correlation was observed between the concentrations of ClPAHs and parent PAHs in surface sediments. In addition, there was no correlation between 1-bromopyrene, 7-bromobenz(a)anthracene and 9,10-dibromoanthracene, and corresponding parent PAHs. However, a significant correlation was found between 9-bromophenanthrene and phenanthrene (p < 0.01), between 9-bromoanthracene and anthracene (p < 0.05), and between 2-bromofluorene and fluorene (p < 0.05). Six fly ash samples collected from one of the municipal domestic waste incineration plants in Shenzhen were also analyzed for source identification. The concentration of 7-bromobenz(a)anthracene was the highest, ranging from 3.21-4.08 ng g(-1). In addition, 2-bromofluorene was not detected in all the fly ash samples. No correlation was found between the concentrations of Cl-/BrPAHs and corresponding parent PAHs in fly ashes. We also examined the relationship between the levels of Cl-/BrPAHs in surface sediments and the urbanization process. Our results suggested the levels of individual Cl-/BrPAHs congeners presented a similar increasing trend with the increasing urbanization level.     

Comparison of different methods for extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from Sicilian (Italy) coastal area sediments

This paper describes a work aimed at improving the conditions of an extraction method, coupling GC-MS determination, for the analysis without cleanup phase, of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from sediment samples. The automatic Soxhlet extraction in warm mode (using Extraction System B-811 Standard, Büchi) has demonstrated advantages for automation, reduced extraction time, and lower solvent use than for conventional Soxhlet extraction. Under these conditions, the recoveries are very good as they resulted greater than 85 % and, in most of the cases, near 100 %. The repeatability is also satisfactory (relative standard deviation less than 15 %). The detection limits are also acceptable and ranged from 0.001 to0.01 μg/kg dry weight. Fifty-four sediment samples were collected. The total concentration of the 17 compounds investigated, in samples of sediments collected from three Sicilian coastal areas, expressed as the sum of concentrations, varies from 99 to 11,557 μg/kg of dry matrix; concentrations of total PAHs in the sediments of Cala are two to three times higher than the other stations.     

Presence, distribution, and origins of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from Bahía Blanca estuary, Argentina

This paper is the first comprehensive survey of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coastal sediments in Bahia Blanca, Argentina, and provides useful information on their levels of concentration, composition, and sources of these pollutants. The total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 15 to 10,260 ng g^???1. The highest contents (mean 3,315 ng g^???1) of total PAHs in marine sediments were found in the inner channels of the estuary, while the lower ones (204 ng g^???1) belong to samples collected far away from contamination sources. The global average recorded in this study (1,500 ng g^???1) indicates that the studied area lies within the referenced category of industrialized coastal zones under chronic pollution. The diagenetic PAH contribution was found to be negligible at all sampled locations; however, the calculation of molecular ratios determined an overimposition of pyrolitic PAHs over the petrogenic input. Further, the use of principal components analysis (PCA) clearly separated ring group compounds and enabled the determination of pyrolitic/combustion PAHs dominancy.     

京杭大运河扬州段表层沉积物中多环芳烃的分布及风险评价

采用HPLC定量检出京杭大运河扬州段表层沉积物中16 种优控PAHs 的总量范围在505~4532.2ng/g (干重) 之间,平均值为2359.4ng/g,属中等污染水平,沉积物中的多环芳烃主要来源于煤炭、木材及石油的不完全燃烧;利用沉积物质量基准法(SQGs)对京杭大运河扬州段沉积物中多环芳烃的风险评价表明, 严重的多环芳烃生态风险在京杭大运河扬州段沉积物中不存在,负面生物毒性效应会偶尔发生, 风险主要来源于低环的多环芳烃。