Spatial variations in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations at surface sediments from the Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean): Relation to ecological risk assessment

DARILMAZ E., Kontas A., Uluturhan E., Akcali I., Altay O.

MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN, vol.75, no.1-2, pp.174-181, 2013 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 75 Issue: 1-2
  • Publication Date: 2013
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2013.07.042
  • Journal Name: MARINE POLLUTION BULLETIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.174-181
  • Keywords: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, Pyrolitic, Petrogenic, Sediment quality guidelines, Cyprus, Mediterranean, SUSPENDED PARTICULATE MATTER, GC-MS ANALYSIS, QUALITY GUIDELINES, COASTAL SEDIMENTS, MARINE-SEDIMENTS, ORGANIC-MATTER, HEAVY-METALS, PAHS, CONTAMINATION, AREA
  • Dokuz Eylül University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the distribution, sources, origins, and environmental risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 US EPA priority pollutants) pollution in 23 surface sediments from Cyprus coast. The mean total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in the sediments from Gem! Konagi, Gime and Gazi Magusa areas were found 47, 52 and 50 ng/g, respectively. Molecular ratios and principle component analysis indicated that PAH pollution originated mainly from fossil sources, with higher pyrolytic contributions. The 2-3 ring PAHs were dominant in Cyprus sediments. Concentrations of PAHs observed in this study were compared with available soil quality guidelines and the concentrations were lower than the guideline values. The guideline values suggested that the Cyprus sediments were likely to be not contaminated by toxic PAH compounds. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.