PAHs composition of surface marine sediments: a comparison to potential local sources in Todos Santos Bay, B.C., Mexico

The analysis of the 16 polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) listed as priority pollutants by EPA, was carried out on surface sediments at 32 stations at Todos Santos Bay, Baja California, Mexico. The purpose was to investigate concentration levels, distribution patterns and relate them to three suspected local sources. The PAHs composition of car exhaust, grass and shrubs combustion, and asphalt and tire dust, were all compared to the relative abundance of PAHs signature found on marine sediments of the bay. We used GC-MS analysis in selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode. The total concentration found was low (from 7.6 to 813 ng/g of dry sediment. The average concentration was 96 ng/g). PAHs concentration was somewhat correlated (r = 0.612; P < 0.05) with organic matter content. Surface distributions suggest depositional patterns conforming to the reported water circulation in the bay. The maximum concentration was found near Todos Santos Canyon. The largest concentrations found were those of fluoranthene (120.6 ng/g), Indene(1,2,3-c,d)pyrene (115.6 ng/g) and pyrene (109.9 ng/g). Percentagewise, the main components were PAHs with three and four rings. Several indexes were used to investigate origins including simple PAH ratios and ternary plots. These indexes and plots suggest the main origin as a combination of urban air and wood and brush fires with little influence of oil.