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Historical Profiles of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Marine Sediment Cores from Northwest Spain

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Abstract

The northwest coast of Spain is characterized by an irregular coastline rich in marine life and with the highest mussel production in Europe. Taking this into account, the characterization of the pollution levels and the sources involved appear necessary. Not only were parent Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) analysed but also their alkylated homologues. In total, 35 compounds were analyzed in 5 sediment cores. Sediments were collected using a box core dredge and extracted by (Pressurized Liquid Extraction) whilst the quantification of PAHs was performed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). The total concentration detected varied from 49.6 to 2489 ng g−1 dry weight (d.w.) of which parent PAHs ranged from 44.5 to 2254 ng g−1 d.w. and alkylated PAHs varied from 5.04 to 317 ng g−1 d.w. Temporal and spatial evolution were outlined and pollution sources were identified along with a possible correlation between this pollution and local history and industry. Most of the PAHs from the superficial samples have a biomass and coal combustion profile, and some specific, localized events are reflected in the total PAH concentration evolution. Moreover, the study of the deepest layers of the sampled cores provides a baseline to develop background concentration values that will help in future sediment quality assessment.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank M. López and G. Fernández Carrera and the technical staff of the Marine Pollution Department at IEO-Vigo, as well as the officers and crew of R/V José María Navaz for assistance in samples collection and preparation. The study was funded by a Fund Management Agreement between the IEO and the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Environment (2010–2012).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Instituto Español de Oceanografía, Centro Oceanográfico de Vigo, Cabo Estai – Canido, 36390, Vigo, Spain

    Begoña Pérez-Fernández, Lucía Viñas & Jesica Bargiela

  2. Campus do Mar, Universidade de Vigo, 36310, Vigo, Spain

    Begoña Pérez-Fernández

Authors
  1. Begoña Pérez-Fernández
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  2. Lucía Viñas
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  3. Jesica Bargiela
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Correspondence to Lucía Viñas.

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Pérez-Fernández, B., Viñas, L. & Bargiela, J. Historical Profiles of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Marine Sediment Cores from Northwest Spain. Arch Environ Contam Toxicol 71, 439–453 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00244-016-0312-6

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