PAHs in surface sediments from coastal and estuarine areas of the northern Bohai and Yellow Seas, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations and their risks in surface sediments (n = 35) collected from coastal and estuarine areas of the northern Bohai and Yellow Seas, China, were investigated in 2008. Total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 52.3 to 1,870.6 ng/g dry weight. The greatest concentrations were observed in the Dou River of Tangshan where waste water from small factories is discharged into the river without treatment. At other locations, municipal sewage was the primary contributor of PAHs. Regional differences in concentrations of PAHs in sediments are related to human activities. Concentrations of PAHs were significantly correlated with concentrations of organic carbon in sediments. The patterns of relative concentrations and types of PAHs observed and knowledge of the potential sources, as well as the results of a principal component analysis, are consistent with the primary sources of PAHs in sediments of the northern Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea, being derived from the high-temperature pyrolytic processes such as combustion of fossil fuel. While concentrations of PAHs at most locations did not exceed the effects range median stated by the numerical effect-based sediment quality guidelines of the United States, concentrations of PAHs at some locations were similar to or greater than the effects range low.     

Organic contaminants in sediments and mussels from Thermaikos gulf,Greece

Thirteen surficial sediment samples, two sediment cores and mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) from six locations were collected from Thermaikos gulf, Greece and analyzed for herbicides, organochlorine compounds and aliphatic hydrocarbons. Herbicide concentrations were low in surface sediments (not detected‐0.8 ng/g dry wt) and undetectable in subsurface samples. Organochlorine concentrations ranged between 0.8 and 88.2 ng/g dry wt for the polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and between 1.7 and 22.8 ng/g dry wt for the SDDTs, while aliphatic hydrocarbon values varied from 28.8 to 965.4 ng/g dry wt. The highest concentrations for all the pollutants were measured in the vicinity of the city of Thessaloniki. Petroleum‐related hydrocarbons were dominant in surface sediments, while were still detected till about 1 m depth in the sediment core. Mussels presented low organochlorine concentrations (3.6–10.5 ng/g dry wt for the PCBs, 12.2–34.0 ng/g dry wt for the DDTs), but petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations were rather increased, mainly in the samples collected along the east coastline of the gulf (aliphatic hydrocarbons 52.3–224.3 μg/g dry wt).     

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contamination in surface sediment of the Chitrapuzha River,South West India

Distribution (seasonal and spatial) of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of the Chitrapuzha River, Cochin, India, was investigated using gas chromatography. Significantly high concentrations prevailed during the pre-monsoon season with the industrial zones of the river appearing to be hot spots with particularly elevated levels of the hydrocarbons. AHCs ranged between 7754 and 41,173?ng/g with an average of 25,256?ng/g, while total PAHs varied from 5046 to 33,087?ng/g. n-Alkane indices and PAH diagnostic ratios point to petroleum contamination in the sediments. The significance of PAHs in the sediments was explored using universally accepted interpretation tools. Observed levels of PAHs in sediments of Chitrapuzha are likely to cause adverse effects on biota.     

长江流域表层沉积物中多环芳烃分布特征及来源解析

长江流域沉积物多环芳烃分析表明,多环芳烃浓度总和(不包括苝)约为10.31~1 239 ng·g-1,与国内外其他区域相比,整体处于一个低至中等程度的污染水平。长江自上游至下游,沉积物中多环芳烃含量呈上升趋势,与沿途各省多环芳烃的排放状况相吻合。扬州(YZ)和湘江(XJ)采样点沉积物中多环芳烃含量最高,污染最严重。根据多环芳烃的比值特征,长江流域沉积物中多环芳烃主要受以煤、木材、油类的燃烧影响较大,还有部分来自油类的泄漏,极少量来自自然成因。     

Organochlorine pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River,China

Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs pollution levels were determined in sediment samples taken from three sites along the Yangtse River (Nanjing part). The concentrations of various pesticides were in the range of 1.42–8.06 ng/g (t‐HCH), and <0.01–4.12ng/g (t‐DDT), while the concentrations of PCBs were below detection limit at all three sites. The contamination by Organochlorine Pesticides and PCBs in sediments from the Yangtse River was not significant when compared with that reported in the literature from some other countries’ rivers, which may be due to the high flow velocity and water amount of the Yangtse River.     

太湖胥口湾表层水和沉积物中多环芳烃的浓度水平及生态风险

多环芳烃(polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,PAHs)是环境中普遍存在的稠环类化合物,由于其对人体健康和生态环境产生较大危害,美国环保局将16种PAHs列为优先控制的污染物。PAHs也是太湖流域的主要污染物之一。作为华东地区的重要水系和水源地,研究太湖环境质量的变化对改善太湖流域水生生态系统和提高沿岸居民身体健康具有重要意义。论文研究了太湖胥口湾水域表层水和沉积物的PAHs。结果显示,表层水和沉积物的PAHs总浓度分别为7.2~83 ng·L~(-1)和66~620ng·g~(-1)干重;年均值为29 ng·L~(-1)和218 ng·g~(-1)干重;年均毒性当量浓度为2.4 ng·L~(-1)和28 ng·g~(-1)干重。沉积物中的主要污染物为荧蒽、芘和,影响毒性当量浓度的主要是苯并(a)芘和二苯并(a,h)蒽。4环PAHs在沉积物中占主要,其浓度百分比为44%~48%,而5环PAHs则占毒性当量总浓度的90%以上,说明其危害主要来自5环PAHs。PAHs特征化合物比值分析表明,胥口湾沉积物中PAHs主要来源于煤和木材燃烧,表层水大部分为燃烧和石油的混合来源。污染水平的时空变化特点为丰水期(8月)表层水PAHs浓度偏高,沉积物偏低。湖区和湖岸的PAHs浓度只在丰水期有显著差异,表层水PAHs浓度湖区高于湖岸,沉积物相反;其他时期湖区和湖岸PAHs浓度无显著差异。根据加拿大沉积物环境质量标准,胥口湾整体生态风险水平较低。从时空分布特征来看,个别生态风险较高的点主要分布在湖岸,5月平水期可能是沉积物中PAHs生态风险较高的频发期。     

Polychlorinated -dibenzo-p-dioxins/furans and -dioxin-like biphenyls in eggs of common terns from lime island,St. Mary's river,Michigan, USA

Population collapse of common tern (Sterna hirundo) from Lime Island in the St. Mary's River, Michigan, USA were related to the 2,3,7,8-chlorine substituted dioxins, furans, dioxin-like PCBs, and other possible factors using unhatch egg target contaminant analysis. The most toxic congeners, 2,3,7,8-TCDD/DF was found in all samples at noticeable concentrations. Magnitude of sum 2,3,7,8-PCDD/DFs were within the range of 39–93?pg/g wet wt. Dioxin-like PCBs were within the range of 360–1230?ng/g wet wt. Great Toxic Equivalent Quantity (TEQ) contributions by 2,3,7,8-TCDF, 2,3,4,7,8-PeCDF, 2,3,7,8-TCDD, 1,2,3,7,8-PeCDD, and dioxin-like PCBs such as CB-77, CB-126 and CB-105 are considered greatly due to their influence of poor embryo development and consequent damage of embryos of common terns in egg injection studies. However, other organochlorines, heavy metals, and/or synergistic effects also taken in to account. On the whole, TEQs in the tern eggs were greater than the Lowest-Observable-Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) for bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) embryos observed in British Columbia, Canada. Concentrations of dioxin-like PCBs, dioxins, furans in the St. Mary's River food chain are at levels for concern for nesting colonial waterbirds. Eventually, the possible movements of analyzed chemicals downstream from a man-made flood event are discussed.     

Dr Gwyneth Dorothy Howells (1925–2009), former Editor in Chief of Chemistry and Ecology

This paper presents the results of the examination of concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the middle of the Adriatic. the sampling area was chosen as part of the protection programme of the Adriatic Sea and is located at two transverse transects, each consisting of four stations. the sediments were collected during the summer cruise of 1990. Quantification of individual components was performed by Capillary Gas Chromatography (CGC) using reference standards. Areal distribution of the concentrations of HCB, lindane, DDT and its metabolites, dieldrin, endrin and PCBs are presented. the values obtained varied within a wide range of concentration from 20 pg/g dry weight for lindane to 700 pg/g dry weight for Σ DDT and the sum of PCBs as Aroclor 1254 from 0.3 to 6.6 ng/g.

The main source of these compounds is thought to be from suspended matter entering the Adriatic sea via the River Po and transported by currents to its middle part.     

汾河流域水系和表层沉积物中多环芳烃的空间变化规律及其生态风险研究

本研究在汾河流域上、中、下游及其部分支流布设29个采样点,对其水体和表层沉积物多环芳烃(PAHs)的空间分布规律及生态风险进行了分析和讨论。结果表明,汾河流域水相中丰水期PAHs总量浓度范围是0.530~16.002μg·L~(-1),平均浓度为(2.738±3.078)μg·L~(-1),枯水期PAHs总量浓度范围是0.588~12.916μg·L~(-1),均值为(2.762±3.132)μg·L~(-1)。就空间分布而言,汾河流域整体呈现上游污染较轻,中下游污染严重的特点。PAHs的组成规律显示,丰水期和枯水期PAHs含量均以低环(2~3环)为主,不同采样期低环PAHs所占比例分别为96.5%和90.4%。与其他15个研究地区水体PAHs含量比较,汾河流域水体中PAHs污染程度的国内外对比处于中等到较高程度的污染。丰水期和枯水期水体中PAHs来源于石油源和植物、木材、煤的燃烧,主要受到流域煤化工、燃煤电厂排放污染物的影响。地表水健康风险评价结果显示,汾河流域丰水期和枯水期分别有13.8%和20.7%的点位存在一定的健康风险。汾河流域沉积相中16种PAHs平均浓度为(3.774±1.987)μg·g-1,其污染主要集中在流域中下游地区。PAHs的组成规律显示,PAHs含量集中在低环(2~3环),约占总量的75%左右。与本研究提到的河流、湖泊及港口沉积物中PAHs含量比较,汾河流域沉积物中PAHs污染程度仍处于中等偏高的污染水平。丰水期沉积相中PAHs以燃烧源和石油源为主,部分来自典型石油类产品的输入。表层沉积物生态风险评价结果显示,对于提出的12种PAHs的生态风险的效应区间低值(ERL值)或效应区间中值(ERM值)以及苯并(b)荧蒽(Bb F)和苯并(k)荧蒽(Bk F)这2类没有最低安全值的PAHs化合物来说,汾河上、中、下游流域均有采样点的PAHs可能存在着对生物的潜在生态风险。通过本研究可全面地了解该流域多环芳烃的空间分布规律及其可能的来源,并且为汾河流域多环芳烃污染的控制和生态风险评价提供科学依据。     

Contamination and source assessment of metals,polychlorinated biphenyls,and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in urban soils from Addis Ababa,Ethiopia

Urban areas in developing countries are facing vast environmental problems as a result of rapid urbanization and industrialization. Of major concern is the contamination of soils which are increasingly becoming sinks for environmental pollutants. However, to date only little is known about the pollution in the megalopolises of developing countries. The aim of this study was to assess the contamination and potential sources of metals, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the urban environment of Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The investigation revealed the presence of most of the analyzed pollutants in soil and sediment samples with total concentrations (dry wt) of PAHs ranging from 186 to 3150?µg?kg^?1, PCBs from 0.4 to 19?µg?kg^?1, Cu from 14 to 173?mg?kg^?1, Zn from 36 to 440?mg?kg^?1, Pb from 9 to 700?mg?kg^?1, and Ni from 16 to 72?mg?kg^?1. In addition, polyaromatic sulfur heterocycles, typical for oil and petrol residues, were detected in several soil samples. Source identification approaches revealed that Pb, Zn, and Cu are most likely derived from pyrolytic sources, with elevated values in samples related to waste combustion and traffic emissions. Ni is most probably of geogenic origin. For PCBs it is indicated that they are derived from a single source. However, correlations with technical PCB mixtures were inconsistent. PAHs originate from the combustion of biomass, vehicular exhausts, and petrogenic sources.     

美国和五大湖双边共同关注区域的白肚燕(双色树燕)雏鸟的有机污染状况

白肚燕,又名双色树燕,栖居于五大湖流域中27个双边共同关注区域(AOCs),从2010年到2014年对其进行了污染物暴露风险评估,以协助管理者和监管者评估五大湖AOCs的污染状况。本文比较了AOCs和附近非AOCs雏鸟体内污染物浓度的差异。AOCs白肚燕雏鸟尸体中多氯联苯(PCB)和多溴联苯醚的含量分别为30%和33%,低于非AOCs的平均浓度。AOCs白肚燕雏鸟胃含物中多环芳烃(PAH)浓度和血浆中全氟化合物浓度分别为67%和64%,也低于非AOCs的平均浓度。但是与已有生殖效应记载的高PCB污染区相比,有些AOCs雏鸟尸体内的PCBs浓度只是存在小幅升高。一些AOCs食物中PAHs的浓度足够高以致引起可测量的生理响应。在AOCs中,全氟化合物全氟辛烷磺酸在血浆中的最高浓度出现在Raisin河(密歇根州,美国;几何平均数330 ng/mL),但远低于预估毒性的参考值(1 700 ng/mL)。之前有研究报道雏鸟胃含物中PAH和PCB的浓度以及尸体中PCBs的含量与沉积物中污染物的含量显著相关,从而可加强白肚燕在评估沉积物污染生物有效性方面的应用。
精选自Thomas W. Custer, Christine M. Custer, Paul M. Dummer, Diana Goldberg, J. Christian Franson, Richard A. Erickson. Organic contamination in tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor) nestlings at United States and binational Great Lakes areas of concern. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry: Volume 36, Issue 3, pages 735–748, July 2017. DOI: 10.1002/etc.3598
详情请见http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1002/etc.3598/full
     

Spatial distribution and temporal trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment from Songhua River, China

The spatial and temporal distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Songhua River, Harbin, China, were investigated. Seventy-seven samples, 42 water and 35 sediment samples, were collected in April and October of 2007 and January of 2008. The concentrations of total PAHs in water ranged from 163.54 to 2,746.25 ng/L with the average value of 934.62 ng/L, which were predominated by 2- and 3-ring PAHs. The concentrations of total 16 PAHs in sediment ranged from 68.25 to 654.15 ng/g dw with the average value of 234.15 ng/g dw, which were predominated by 4-, 5- and 6-ring PAHs. Statistical analysis of the PAH concentrations shown that the highest concentrations of the total PAHs were found during rainy season (October of 2007) and the lowest during snowy season (January of 2008). Ratios of specific PAH compounds, including fluoranthene/(fluoranthene + pyrene) (Flu/(Flu + Pyr)) and phenanthrene/(phenanthrene + anthracene) (An/(Ant + PhA)), were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contaminations. These ratios reflected pyrolytic inputs of PAHs in Songhua River water and a mixed pattern of pyrolytic and petrogenic inputs of PAHs in the Songhua River sediments. Ecotoxicological risk levels calculated for PAHs suggested that there were individual PAHs, which can less frequently cause biological impairment in some samples, but no samples had constituents that may frequently cause biological impairment. Total toxic benzo[a]pyrene equivalent of ΣcPAHs varied from 10.03 to 29.7 ng/g dw and from 0.36 to 1.92 ng/g dw for total toxic tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin equivalent. The level of PAHs indicated a low toxicological risk to this area.     

珠江水体表层沉积物中PAHs的含量与来源研究

沿珠江白鹅潭水域及大学城官州河流域设立6个采样点,利用沉积物捕获器收集沉积物。参照美国EPA8000系列方法及质量保证和质量控制,对各采样点表层沉积物中16种多环芳烃（polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons,PAHs）进行分析,以阐明珠江广州河段表层沉积物中PAHs的含量和分布特征,并结合特征化合物指数对其来源作初步探讨。珠江广州河段表层沉积物中PAHs总量介于4 787.5～8 665 ng·g^-1,平均值为7 078 ng·g^-1,黄沙码头河涌出口沉积物中总量为最高（8 665 ng·g^-1）,芳村码头为最低（4 787.5 ng·g^-1）。16种多环芳烃中菲、荧蒽、芘含量较高,分别占PAHs总量的16.11%、14.47%和17.77%。特征化合物荧蒽/202比值均小于0.5,茚并[1,2,3-cd]芘/276比值均大于0.2,表明珠江广州段表层沉积物中PAHs主要来源于化石燃料的不完全燃烧。     

Chlorinated Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments From the Open Adriatic

This paper presents the results of the examination of concentrations of chlorinated hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the middle of the Adriatic. the sampling area was chosen as part of the protection programme of the Adriatic Sea and is located at two transverse transects, each consisting of four stations. the sediments were collected during the summer cruise of 1990. Quantification of individual components was performed by Capillary Gas Chromatography (CGC) using reference standards. Areal distribution of the concentrations of HCB, lindane, DDT and its metabolites, dieldrin, endrin and PCBs are presented. the values obtained varied within a wide range of concentration from 20 pg/g dry weight for lindane to 700 pg/g dry weight for Σ DDT and the sum of PCBs as Aroclor 1254 from 0.3 to 6.6 ng/g.

The main source of these compounds is thought to be from suspended matter entering the Adriatic sea via the River Po and transported by currents to its middle part.     

Abstracts to forthcoming papers

Soil and sediments collected at a former chlor‐alkali plant in coastal Georgia (United States), revealed the presence of PCDF concentrations as great as 82.3 ng/g, dry wt. PCDF congener profile in soil was typical of “chlorine pattern”; with elevated proportions of OCDF and HpCDF. Concentrations of PCDFs declined gradually by 44‐fold at a distance of about 500 m along the contamination gradient. Of PCDDs/DFs, 2,3,7,8‐substituted PCDFs accounted for 94–98% of the TCDD‐like activity, which declined by 25‐fold, corresponding with the reduction of total PCDF concentrations. Concentrations of PCDDs in sediments were as great as 17 ng/g, with an elevated contribution from OCDD. The magnitude of decline in PCDD concentrations with distance from the source was less pronounced than that for PCDFs. PBDDs and PBDFs were not detected. Polybrominated biphenyl ether (PBBE) and monobromo‐heptachloro dibenzo‐p‐dioxins and dibenzofurans (PXDDs/DFs) were found, though, at low concentrations. Their spatial distribution was similar to those of PCDDs.     

Determination of persistent organic pollutants in sediment and fish of the western coast of Alexandria,Egypt

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were recorded in sediment and fish samples collected from the western coast of Alexandria. Total hydrocarbons (aliphatic+PAHs ) in sediment ranged from 683.8 to 34670.1 ng g ^?1 with an average of 9286.9 ng g ^?1. The sum of C16–C34 of aliphatic fractions was<4000?ng g;^?1, indicating the presence of a fresh petroleum source. For all sediments, the anthracene/phenanthrene ratio was>0.1, suggesting the dominance of a pyrolytic source. Total aliphatics in different fish species ranged from 253 to 11?132 ng g;^?1, while total PAHs ranged from 3862 to 35?746 ng g;^?1 wet weight. Benzo[a]pyrene was the most dominant PAH fraction ranged from 1902.7 to 32 905.5 with an average of 9464.5?ng g;^?1 wet weight in all fish species. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ranged from 0.79 to 64.9?ng g;^?1 with an average 12.14?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of organochlorines in fish species (Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena Sphyraena, Diplodus vulgaris, and Alepes djedaba) decreased following the order: PCBs>DDTs>HCHs>total cyclodienes. Concentrations of DDTs in fish tissues ranged from 4.89 to 36.37 ng g^?1 with an average of 16.4?ng g;^?1 wet weight. The concentrations of total HCHs ranged from 0.3 to 65.7?ng g;^?1 with an average of 16.35?ng g;^?1. The present study indicates: (1) fresh petroleum input where Pr/Ph>1; (2) PAHs in sediment<4000 ng g ^?1; (3) BaP concentration exceeded the permissible levels in Alepes djedaba species; (4) DDTs in sediment were below the effective range low level; (5) PCBs>effective range low and相似文献   

Determination of polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in sediment samples of twelve rivers in eastern China

Polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congener concentrations and their distributions were determined for the first time in 12 major rivers of eastern China. It was found that the PCB contamination level in those rivers was relatively low compared to the levels reported in most developing countries. Total amount of PCBs in the river sediments ranged from 10 to 22 ng/g dry weight and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethene (DDE) ranged from 0.89 to 7.62 ng/g. The PCB concentrations were basically homogeneous in different rivers; however, they consistently changed with the percent of total organic carbon (TOC). The PCB concentrations and compositions found in the 12 river sediments were very similar, with the tetra‐ and penta‐ groups as the dominants. Given that distributions and contaminant levels in sediments reflect the number of PCBs, the contamination of the 12 major rivers in eastern China is probably due to atmospheric deposition rather than the point source contamination.     

Distribution and behaviour of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in subtropical river estuary,Okinawa, Japan

Surface water samples were collected along the salinity gradient of Manko estuary in Okinawa, Japan, between January and November 2012, to examine spatial and temporal variability in the distribution, composition, behaviour, and sources of particulate polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Concentrations of total particulate PAHs ranged from 169.7?ng?g^?1 at riverine station (N1) in November 2012 to 922?ng?g^?1 at another riverine station (K3) in May 2012. Based on observed environmental behaviour, particularly relationships to organic matter, the PAHs appear divisible into two groups: group I (low molecular weight) PAHs were characterised by low particles affinity and strong correlations with a pool of autochthonous organic matter (e.g. high concentrations of polyunsaturated fatty acids), reflecting processes controlling their delivery to the estuary; and, in contrast, group II (high molecular weight) PAHs were characterised by high particles affinity and exhibited estuarine distribution primarily controlled by suspended solid load and inputs from terrigenous sources through river inflows. This relationship, coupled with isomer ratios indicative of combined mixed sources from petroleum and petroleum combustions, indicates that terrestrial run-off is the dominant mode of delivery of particulate PAHs in the estuary. The relationships between distinct groups of PAHs and lipid biomarkers demonstrated in this study suggest that very specific pools of particulate organic matter, as opposed to concentrations of particulate organic carbon alone, can be important in the transport and fate of hydrophobic contaminants.     

Spatial and seasonal variation of polychlorinated biphenyls in Songhua River, China

The spatial and seasonal variation of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were investigated in water and sediment samples collected from Songhua River, China, from 2007 to 2008. The total concentration of PCB congeners ranged from 1.1 to 14 ng/l in water and 0.26–9.7 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediment. The results of seasonal variation may suggest an impact to PCB concentration in water from its atmospheric input, the dilution to PCBs concentrations of high stream in summer, and a general trend towards increased volatilization in warmer conditions. From PCBs concentrations comparison between upstream and downstream of industrial urban cities, it was obvious that industrial urban cities reflect an important pollutant source for PCBs in our study, also with the evidences of high concentrations of PCBs occurring in high development industry and residential areas. Meanwhile, the homologue profile of PCBs in Songhua was analyzed, whose comparison with published data indicates that the sources of PCBs accumulated in the sediment may also came from the residue of PCBs production in China. Total five dioxin-like PCBs (CB-77, 81, 105, 114, and 126) and nine (CB-77, 81, 105, 114, 118, 123, 126, 156, and 167) were found in Songhua water and sediment.     

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the bottom sediments from Klaipėda Harbour,Lithuania (Baltic Sea)

A total of 22 bottom surface sediment samples were collected from Klaip?da Harbour, Lithuania (Baltic Sea). Sediment parameters, such as grain size and concentrations of total organic carbon, aliphatic hydrocarbons (ALHs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), were determined. Hydrocarbon contamination levels in the sediments were estimated based on classifications provided in the literature, and potential biological effects were assessed based on the effects range low–effects range median values of the Sediment Quality Guidelines and on the total toxic benzo(a)pyrene equivalent. The results demonstrated that concentrations of PAHs and total aliphatic hydrocarbons in the sediments varied between 1.6 and 5456?ng?g^?1 d.w. and 6.9 and 727?μg?g^?1 d.w., respectively. In most cases, the concentrations of ALHs and PAHs in the sediments indicated low to moderate levels of pollution and were not observed to have any significant adverse effects on living biota. To determine possible sources of hydrocarbons, hydrocarbon compositions were analysed, and ALHs’ and PAHs’ specific diagnostic ratios were calculated. According to the results, the Klaip?da Harbour bottom sediments were dominated by PAHs of pyrogenic origin, whereas the origin of ALHs was mixed, that is, anthropogenic with a biogenic (aquatic and terrestrial) input.