The vertical distributions and sources of PAHs in sediment of Xiamen Bay

Abstract

This study on the vertical distributions and sources of sixteen PAHs in Xiamen Bay after their separation and determination in sediment cores from No. 1 and No. 5 Stations, showed that PAHs concentrations varied from 158 to 337 ng/g dry weight, and that ΣPAHs varied from 1.1 to 6.0 μg/g. The vertical concentration distributions at No. 1 Station varied slightly (average of 16 PAHs, 242 ng/g; ΣPAHs 1.9 μg/g), except for a maximum at the depth of 3–6 cm (317 ng/g and 2.9 μg/g). The vertical concentration distribution at No. 5 Station changed irregularly, and there was also a maximum at the depth of 30–33cm (337 ng/g, 6.0 μg/g). No. 5. Station (in the inner bay) was much more contaminated by PAHs than No. 1 Station (in the inlet of the bay). The concentrations of PAHs in Xiamen Bay were much lower than the average in the coasts of the world. The sources of PAHs in Xiamen Bay were mainly urban discharge, industry and combustion of fuels.