Persistent organic pollutants and sedimentary organic matter properties: a case study in the Kishon River, Israel

The Kishon River, the second largest coastal river in Israel, has been severely polluted for several decades. Sediments from upstream and downstream sites of the river were analyzed, lipid-extracted and evaluated for phenanthrene uptake. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentration in downstream sediments was 299 microg kg(-1), consisting mostly of petrogenic-derived PAHs. Downstream sedimentary lipids were found to be dominated by fresh and decomposed petroleum-derived n-alkanes. The total PAH concentration in upstream sediments was 173 microg kg(-1), consisting mostly of pyrogenic-derived PAHs, whereas lipids from these sediments were mostly vegetation-derived. Spectroscopic data suggested an exceptionally high aromatic content in downstream humic acid, which originated from PAHs attached to its structure. Sorption data suggested that upstream sedimentary cuticle-derived lipids function as a sorption domain, while downstream sedimentary lipids, consisting of shorter-chain-length petroleum-derived alkanes, compete with phenanthrene for sorption sites.     

Environmental assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of the Santander Bay,Northern Spain

Samples of intertidal surface sediments (0-2 cm) were collected in 17 stations of the Santander Bay, Cantabric Sea, Northern Spain. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 16, were analysed by HPLC and MS detection. Surface sediments show a good linear correlation among the parameters of the experimental organic matter evaluation, where total carbon (TC) and loss on ignition (LOI) are approximately 2.5 and 5 times total organic carbon (TOC). A wide range of TOC from 0.08% to 4.1%, and a broad distribution of the sum of sigma16PAHs, from 0.02 to 344.6 microg/g d.w., which can be correlated by an exponential equation to the TOC, has been identified. A qualitative relationship may be established between the industrial input along the rivers and the concentration of sigma6PAHs in the sediments of the estuaries: Boo estuary (8404-4631 microg/g OC), Solia-San Salvador estuaries (305-113 microg/g OC) and Cubas estuary (31-32 microg/g OC). This work shows a dramatic change in the spatial distribution in the concentration of PAHs of intertidal surface sediments. The left edge of the Bay has the main traffic around the city and the major source of PAHs is from combustion processes and estuarine inputs, leading to medium values of PAHs in the sediments; the right edge of the Bay has much lesser anthropogenic activities leading to lower values of PAHs in sediments. The distribution of individual PAHs in sediments varies widely depending on their structure and molecular weight; the 4-6 ring aromatics predominate in polluted sediments due to their higher persistence. The isomer ratio does not allow any clear identification of the PAHs origin. Environmental evaluation according to Dutch guidelines and consensus sediment quality guidelines based on ecotoxicological data leads to the same conclusion, sediments in the Santander Bay show a very different environmental quality depending on the spatial position from heavily polluted/medium effects to non-polluted/below threshold effects. These results indicate that local sources of PAHs, especially estuary discharges, lead to very different qualities of sediments in coastal zones, where traffic and industrial activities take place.     

Application of surrogate methods for assessing the bioavailability of PAHs in sediments to a sediment ingesting bivalve

The usefulness of two surrogate methods for rapidly determining the bioavailability of PAHs in hydrocarbon-contaminated marine sediments was assessed. Comparisons are made between the PAHs accumulated by the benthic bivalve, Tellina deltoidalis, and the extractable-PAHs determined using a 6-h XAD-2 resin desorption method and a 4-h gut fluid mimic (GFM) extraction method. There were significant positive relationships between PAH bioaccumulation by the bivalves and sediment PAH concentrations. These relationships were not improved by normalising the sediment PAH concentrations to the organic carbon concentration. The average percentage lipid content of the bivalves was 1.47 ± 0.22% and BSAFs for total-PAHs ranged from 0.06 to 0.80 (kg OC/kg lipid). The XAD-2 and GFM methods both extracted varying amounts of PAHs from the sediments. Low concentrations of PAHs were extracted by the GFM method (0.2–3.6% of total-PAHs in sediments) and the GFM results were inadequate for generalising about the bioavailability of the PAHs in the sediments. The XAD-2 method extracted greater amounts of PAHs (3–34% of total-PAHs in sediments), however, the total-PAH concentrations in the sediments provided a better, or equally good, prediction of PAH bioaccumulation by T. deltoidalis. The results indicated that these methods required further development before they can be applied routinely as surrogate methods for assessing the bioavailability of PAHs in sediments. Future research should be directed towards lowering detection limits and obtaining comparative data for a greater range of sediment types, contaminant classes and concentrations, and organisms of different feeding guilds and with different gut chemistry.     

Distribution of PAHs in tissues of wetland plants and the surrounding sediments in the Chongming wetland, Shanghai, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations were determined in sediments and three types of wetland plants collected from the intertidal flats in the Chongming wetland. The concentration of total PAHs in sediments ranged from 38.7 to 136.2 ng g⁻¹. Surface sediment concentrations were higher in regions with plant cover than in bare regions. Rhizome-layer sediments (56.8-102.4 ng g⁻¹) contained less PAHs than surface sediments (0-5 cm). Concentrations of PAHs in plant tissues ranged from 51.9 to 181.2 ng g⁻¹, with highest concentrations in the leaves of Scirpus. Most of the PAHs in the leaves and other plant tissues were low molecular weight compounds (LMW, 2-4 rings), and a similar distribution pattern of PAHs in different types of plants was also observed. Source analysis indicated that plants and sediments both came from pyrogenic sources, but plants had additional petroleum contamination. The low ratio of benzo[a]anthracene over chrysene suggests that the wetland PAHs came mainly from long-distance atmospheric transportation. Significant bioaccumulation of PAHs from the sediments into plants was not observed for high molecular weight PAHs (HMW, 5-6 rings) in Chongming wetland. The small RCFs (root concentration factor from sediments) for HMW PAHs and large RCFs for LMW PAHs suggested that roots accumulated LMW PAHs selectively from sediments in Chongming wetland.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from Daya Bay, South China

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been investigated in Daya Bay, China. The total concentration of the 16 USEPA priority PAHs in surface sediments ranged from 42.5 to 158.2 ng/g dry weight with a mean concentration of 126.2 ng/g. The spatial distribution of PAHs was site-specific and combustion processes were the main source of PAHs in the surface sediments. Total 16 priority PAH concentration in the cores 8 and 10 ranged from 77.4 to 305.7 ng/g and from 118.1 to 319.9 ng/g respectively. The variation of the 16 PAH concentrations in both cores followed the economic development in China very well and was also influenced by input pathways. Some of the PAHs were petrogenic in core 8 while pyrolytic source was dominant in core 10. In addition, pyrolytic PAHs in both cores were mainly from the coal and/or grass and wood combustion.     

Contamination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of mangrove swamps

The concentrations of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sigmaPAHs) and 15 individual PAH compounds in 20 surface sediments collected from four mangrove swamps in Hong Kong were analysed. sigmaPAH concentrations ranged from 356 to 11,098 ng g(-1) dry weight with mean and median values of 1992 and 1,142 ng g(-1), respectively. These values were significantly higher than those of marine bottom sediments of Hong Kong harbours, suggesting that more PAHs were accumulated in mangrove surface sediments. The concentrations of sigmaPAHs as well as individual PAH compound varied significantly among mangrove swamps. The swamps heavily polluted by livestock and industrial sewage, such as Ho Chung and Mai Po, had much higher concentrations of total PAHs and individual PAH than the other swamps. The PAH profiles were similar among four mangrove swamps, and were dominated by naphthalene (two-ring PAH), fluorene and phenanthrene (three-ring PAH). The mangrove sediments had higher percentages of low-molecular-weight PAHs. These indicated that PAHs in mangrove sediments might originate from oil or sewage contamination (petrogenic input). Ratio values of specific PAH compounds such as phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/ pyrene, were calculated to evaluate the possible source of PAH contamination in mangrove sediments. These ratios varied among samples, suggesting that mangrove sediments might have a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs of PAHs. Sediments collected from Ho Chung mangrove swamp appeared to be more dominated by pyrolytic input while those from Tolo showed strong petrogenic contamination.     

Petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surficial sediments of Xiamen Harbour and Yuan Dan Lake, China

Surficial sediments were sampled from nine stations in Xiamen Harbour and two stations in Yuan Dan Lake during April 2002. Sediment samples were extracted by organic solvents, separated by silica gel column chromatography and analyzed by gas chromatography-mass selective detector (GC-MSD). Selected ion monitoring was at M/Z=57 for petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) and individual M/Zs for each of the 15 typical polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nine alkylated PAHs. The results showed that concentrations of PHCs and total PAHs in the sediments of Yuan Dan Lake were 1397 microg g(-1) (dry weight, dw) and 1377 ng g(-1) (dw), respectively. The ranges for PHCs and total PAHs in the sediments from Xiamen Harbour were 133-943 microg g(-1) (dw) and 98-309 ng g(-1) (dw), respectively. Shipping activities, industrial wastewater discharges, fuel oil spillage from ships and vehicles were the main sources of PHCs and PAHs in the Harbour. In addition, the widespread use of coal for industrial processes and domestic consumption accounted for the second largest source of PAHs in the sediments, while atmospheric transport and deposition of PAHs are also important.     

Distribution and bioaccumulation of PAHs in the UNESCO protected natural reserve of Urdaibai, Bay of Biscay

Along 10 campaigns, from June 2002 to September 2004, the concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in sediments and oysters (Crassostrea sp.) taken from four sites in the Unesco protected natural reserve of Urdaibai (Basque Country, Bay of Biscay). Total PAH concentration ranged from 0.7 to 140 microg kg(-1) (dw) in the case of sediments, and from 300 to 1400 microg kg(-1) (dw) in the case of oysters. During this study, the coast of the Bay of Biscay was severely affected by the Prestige oil spill (November 2002). Presumably, as a consequence of this accident, both spatial and temporal variations of the PAHs, as well as the sources of the PAHs were affected by the oil spill, and this effect was observed in the total concentrations and, especially, in several diagnostic ratios and in multivariate data analysis. Finally, both BAF (bioaccumulation factor) and BSAF (biota-sediment accumulation factor) parameters were calculated to conclude that particulate matter seems to be the most favourable uptake pathway of PAHs in oysters from this estuary.     

Tidal salt marsh sediment in California, USA. Part 1: occurrence and sources of organic contaminants

Surface sediment samples (0-5 cm) from five tidal marshes along the coast of California, USA were analyzed for organic pollutants to investigate their relationship to land use, current distribution within marshes, and possible sources. Among the study areas, Stege Marsh, located in San Francisco Bay, was the most contaminated. Compared to San Francisco Bay, Stege Marsh had much higher levels of organic contaminants such as PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls), DDTs, and chlordanes. At reference marshes (Tom's Point and Walker Creek in Tomales Bay), organic contaminants in sediments were very low. While PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) were found at all of the study areas (22-13,600 ng g(-1)), measurable concentrations of PCBs were found only in the sediments from Stege Marsh (80-9,940 ng g(-1)). Combustion related (pyrogenic) high molecular weight PAHs were dominant in sediments from Stege and Carpinteria Marshes, while in sediments from Tom's Point and Walker Creek petroleum related (petrogenic) low molecular weight PAHs and alkyl-substituted PAHs were much more abundant than pyrogenic PAHs. PCB congener patterns in all of the Stege Marsh samples were the same and revealed that Aroclor 1248 was a predominant source. In all marshes, the sum of DDE and DDD accounted for more than 90% of total DDTs, indicating that DDT has degraded significantly. The ratios of p,p'-DDE to p,p'-DDD in sediments from Stege Marsh provide evidence of possible previous use of technical DDD. Chlordane ratios indicated that chlordanes have degraded slightly. Bis(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate (280-32,000 ng g(-1)) was the most abundant phthalate. The data indicates that Stege Marsh may be a source of contaminants that continue to be discharged into San Francisco Bay.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in suspended particulate matter and sediments from the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal areas, China

The spatial distribution, composition, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and suspended particulate matter (SPM) from the Pearl River Estuary and adjacent coastal areas were examined. Total PAH concentrations varied from 189 to 637 ng/g in sediments and 422 to 1,850 ng/g in SPM. PAHs were dominated by 5,6-ring compounds in sediments and by 2,3-ring compounds in SPM samples. Assessment of PAH sources suggested that biomass and coal combustion is the major PAH source to the outer part of the estuary sediments and that petroleum combustion is the major PAH source to the inner part of estuary sediments. As for SPM samples, PAH isomer pair ratios indicated multiple (petroleum, petroleum combustion, and biomass and coal combustion) PAH sources, and significant temporal variations could exist for the sources of water column PAHs in the study area. The distribution of perylene in SPM samples indicated that the river was the dominant source of perylene in SPM and that perylene could be taken as an index to assess the contribution of river inflow to the total PAHs in SPM samples. The high concentration of perylene in the sediment was indicative of an in situ biogenic origin.     

Comparing sediment quality in Spanish littoral areas affected by acute (Prestige, 2002) and chronic (Bay of Algeciras) oil spills

The quality of sediments collected from two areas of the Spanish coast affected by different sources of contaminants has been compared in this study. The areas studied are the coast of Galicia affected by the oil spill from the tanker Prestige (November 2002) and the Gulf of Cádiz which suffers continuous inputs of contaminants from industries located in the area and from oil spills. Contamination by several chemicals (metals, PCBs and PAHs) that bind to sediments was analyzed, and two toxicity tests (Microtox) and amphipod 10-day bioassay) were conducted. PAHs were identified as the compounds responsible for the toxic effects. Results show differences between an acute impact related to the sinking of the tanker Prestige and the chronic impact associated with continuous oil spills associated with the maritime and industrial activities in the Bay of Algeciras, this being the most polluted part of the two coastal areas studied in this work.     

我国环境介质中多环芳烃的分布及其生态风险

持久性有机污染物多环芳烃(PAHs)在我国环境介质中广泛分布,美国EPA规定的16种.优先控制多环芳烃大多在我国大气、水体、沉积物、土壤和生物体内检出.总结了我国环境介质中PAHs污染水平及特点,分析了其存在的环境风险.我国大气中PAHs污染较重,尤其是北方.水体已普遍受PAHs污染,其中部分水体污染严重;沉积物多环芳烃污染大多处于低生态风险水平,但沉积记录研究表明有越来越严重的趋势.我国土壤和生物体PAHs含量较低,污染生态风险较小.部分区域蔬菜中PAHs含量较高,存在不可忽视的生态风险.     

The influence of Sarcocornia fruticosa on retention of PAHs in salt marsh sediments (Sado estuary, Portugal)

Depth concentration profiles of PAHs, organic carbon and dissolved oxygen in non-colonised sediments and sediments colonised by Sarcocornia fruticosa from Mitrena salt marsh (Sado, Portugal) were determined in November 2004 and April 2005. Belowground biomass and PAH levels in below and aboveground material were also determined. In both periods, colonised sediments were oxygenated until 15-cm, rich in organic carbon (max 4.4%) and presented much higher PAH concentrations (max. 7.1 microg g(-1)) than non-colonised sediments (max. 0.55 microg g(-1)). Rooting sediments contained the highest PAH concentrations. The five- and six-ring compounds accounted to 50-75% of the total PAHs in colonised sediments, while only to 30% in non-colonised sediments. The elevated concentrations of PAHs in colonised sediments may be attributed to the transfer of dissolved PAH compounds towards the roots as plant uptake water and subsequent sequestration onto organically rich particles. A phase-partitioning mechanism probably explains the higher retention of the heavier PAHs. In addition oxygenated conditions of the rooting sediments favour the degradation of the lighter PAHs and explain the elevated proportion of the heavier compounds. Below and aboveground materials presented lower PAH concentrations (0.18-0.38 microg g(-1)) than colonised sediments. Only 3- and 4-PAHs were quantified in aboveground material, reflecting either preferential translocation of lighter compounds from roots or atmospheric deposition.     

Source Type Evaluation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Surface Sediments from the Muar River and Pulau Merambong,Peninsular Malaysia

This article is the most recent report of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Muar River and Pulau Merambong, Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 16 priority pollutant PAHs in addition to methylphenanthrene among alkylated PAHs were analyzed in surface sediments during May 2013. Total PAHs ranged from 212 to 440 and 151 to 412 ng g^?1 dw in sediments from the Muar River and the Pulau Merambong, respectively. The Muar River showed an increasing trend of PAH concentrations, while no previous data exist for the Pulau Merambong. Generally, mixed petrogenic and pyrogenic sources of PAHs with predominance of the latter were detected in the study area. Effective management of oil pollution has caused a drastic decrease in petrogenic sources of PAHs.     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, suspended particulate matter and sediment from Daliao River watershed, China

This study investigated the spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment of Daliao River watershed composed of the Hun River, Taizi River, and Daliao River. The sources of PAHs were evaluated employing ratios of specific PAHs compounds and principal component analysis (PCA). The total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 946.1 to 13448.5 ng l(-1) in surface water, from 317.5 to 238518.7 ng g(-1) dry weight in SPM, and from 61.9 to 840.5 ng g(-1) dry weight in sediments. The levels of PAHs are relatively higher in water and SPM, and lower in sediments, in comparison with those reported for other rivers and marine systems around the world. The composition of PAHs in these mediums was mainly 4-6 rings PAHs. The higher contents of low molecular weight PAHs in the water and SPM suggest a relatively recent local source of PAHs, entered into the river via wastewater discharge and atmospheric way. On the other hand, the heavy pollution of PAHs in sediment and water near heavy industrial area suggests that PAHs have been released from industrial wastewater.     

Passive samplers versus surfactant extraction for the evaluation of PAH availability in sediments with variable levels of contamination

The purpose of this study was to test the efficiency of passive solid samplers, polyoxymethylene (POM) strips and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) silicon tubing, to predict the bioavailability of native PAHs in contaminated sediments. Results were compared with worm bioaccumulation data and solid/liquid extraction using the surfactant Brij((R)) 700 (B700). The two passive samplers were found to act differently. The PDMS sampler overestimated the availability of PAHs in all studied sediments. The POM method provided results in accordance with those obtained with the B700 extraction. However, POM and B700 methods underestimated PAH availability in low contaminated sediments where biological factors (digestible organic matter) become important. Bioavailability of total PAHs was correctly predicted by POM and B700 in highly contaminated aluminum smelter sediments. A closer examination of individual PAH results indicated that both techniques overestimated the availability of large molecules with logK(ow)>6 suggesting a biological mechanism limiting uptake of larger PAHs which seems to be related to the molecular size of compounds.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments from Yellow River, China

Fourteen surface sediment samples were collected from Lanzhou Reach of Yellow River, China in July 2005. The concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). Total concentrations of the PAHs ranged from 464 to 2621 ng/g dry weight. Sediment samples with the highest PAH concentrations appeared at the downstream of Lanzhou City, where there was the biggest wastewater discharge pipeline from Lanzhou Oil Refinery Factory and Lanzhou Chemical Industry Company. Municipal sewage also contributed to the PAH contamination in the sediments. A correlation existed between the sediment organic carbon content (f(oc)) and the total PAH concentrations (r(2)=0.57), suggesting that sediment organic carbon content played an important role in controlling the PAHs levels in the sediments. According to the observed molecular indices, PAHs contamination in Lanzhou Reach of Yellow River originated both from the high-temperature pyrolytic processes and from the petrogenic source, showing a mixed PAH input pattern, which was also confirmed by the results of a principal component analysis (PCA). According to the numerical effect-based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) of the United States, the levels of PAHs at most studied sites in Lanzhou Reach of Yellow River should not exert adverse biological effects. Although at some sites (such as S10, S12, etc.) one PAH may exceed the effects range low (ERL), individual PAH did not exceed the effects range median (ERM). The results indicated that sediments in all sites should have potential biological impact, but should have no impairment.     

Impact of different land uses on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in coastal stream sediments

PAHs are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that can cause adverse health and ecological effects. In the present study, we examined the impact of land use on the concentration and composition of PAHs in 28 coastal stream sediments on the Island of Oahu, Hawaii. In densely populated urban areas, the concentration range of total PAHs in the stream sediments affected by mixed residential and industrial activities (RI) are 0.40-9.05 ppm, which is significantly higher than the 0.36-4.21 ppm detected in the stream sediments affected predominantly by urban residential land uses (UR). The stream sediments affected by agricultural activities (AG) reported a concentration range of 0.09-2.14 ppm, which is lower than those of the RI and UR stream sediments. The molecular weight of PAH is a factor, as only high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs were significantly affected by land uses (ANOVA P = 0.009). Correlation analysis showed that only in the UR stream sediments were significant correlations observed between PAH concentration and two anthropogenic indicators: population density (r = 0.57, P = 0.027) and vehicle density (r = 0.55, P = 0.034). The fractional concentrations of PAHs were analyzed by using PCA analysis, which led to the separate clustering of the RI and AG stream sediments and suggest distinct PAH sources between the two land uses. Two PAH source indicators, including Ant/(Ant + Phe) and Fl/(Fl + Py), indicates that PAHs sources in the RI stream sediments are most likely of petroleum origin, while PAHs in the UR and AG stream sediments most likely came from combustion activities. In addition, the concentration and relative potency of carcinogenic PAHs in the coastal stream sediments exhibited similar patterns as the total PAH concentration with respect to land uses.     

Distribution,source, and ecological risk assessment of PAHs among size and density fractions in contaminated sediments from the Yellow River of Henan section

This study investigated particle size and density distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in two surface sediments (JZ and KF), collected from the Yellow River of Henan section, China. The concentrations of Σ₁₅PAHs ranged from 35.6 to 45862?ng g^?1 dry wt, which were greatly elevated in coarse particles and low-density fractions. The Σ₁₅PAHs concentrations in low-density fractions were 533 (JZ) and 996 (KF) times higher than those in the corresponding high-density fractions. However, due to relatively less quantities of low-density fractions (0.27–2.33%), most of the PAHs were contributed by the high-density components. For both sediments, the influence factors of PAHs source in the environment were very complex, more so than the level of TOC and BC content. JZ sediment was dominated by 4-ring to 6-ring PAHs (61.5–75.1%), while, 2-ring to 3-ring PAHs were abundant in KF samples (39.8–72.6%). Ratios of specific PAHs reflected PAHs among the size- and density-fraction of each sediment may be contaminated by mixed of pyrolytic and petrogenic origin. Additionally, ecological risk assessment of PAHs suggested that total toxic equivalent values of PAHs in the low-density fractions were much higher than those of the corresponding high-density fractions in the studied area.     

Characterization, sources, and potential risk assessment of PAHs in surface sediments from nearshore and farther shore zones of the Yangtze estuary, China

The assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contamination in surface sediments from the Yangtze estuary which is a representative area affected by anthropogenic activity (rapid industrialization, high-population density, and construction of dams upstream) in the world was systematically conducted. Fifty-one samples were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ??PAHs in all sediments varied from 76.9 to 2,936.8?ng?g^?1. Compared with other estuaries in the world, the PAH levels in the Yangtze estuary are low to moderate. Phenanthrene, acenaphthylene, fluoranthene, and pyrene were relatively abundant. The ??PAH levels and composition varied obviously in different estuarine zones due to different sources. The highest ??PAHs concentration was observed in the nearshore of Chongming Island. The PAH composition showed that four to six ring PAHs were mainly found in the nearshore areas, while two to three ring PAHs were in the farther shore zones. The PAHs in the Yangtze estuary were derived primarily from combustion sources. A mixture of petroleum combustion and biomass combustion mainly from coal combustion and vehicle emission was the main source of PAHs from the nearshore areas, while the spill, volatilization, or combustion of petroleum from shipping process and shoreside discharge were important for PAHs in the farther shore areas. The result of potential ecotoxicological risk assessment based on sediment quality guidelines indicated low PAH ecological risk in the Yangtze estuary. The study could provide foundation for the protection of water quality of the Yangtze estuary by inducing main sources input.