Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Coastal Sediment of Bushehr

Subject Areas : environmental management

Alireza Safahieh ¹ (Assistant professor of Department of Marine Biology, Faculty of Oceanography and Marine Sciences, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology)
Masoomeh Mahmoodi ² (M.Sc. in the field of Marine Pollution, Khorramshahr University of Marine Science and Technology)

Received: 2010-09-01 Accepted : 2011-06-27 Published : 2014-09-23

Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbo, Pollution, Sediment, Bushehr coast,

Abstract :

Introduction: The coastal environment of Bushehr is supposed to be affected by polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons (PAHs) and oil pollution. Despite carcinogenic characteristics of PAH compounds toliving organisms and human beings, the available information concerning PAHs contamination inBushehr is not sufficient. This study was carried out to investigate concentration and distribution ofPAH compounds based on number of rings in their structure, in the coastal sediment of Bushehr.Material and methods: Samples were collected from five different stations along intertidal zone ofthe shoreline. The samples were digested; their PAHs contents were extracted and analyzed usingHigh Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC).Results: Results showed that the total PAHs (tPAHs) concentration in stations Rafael, Sheghab,Abshirinkon, Lian and Helyleh were 844.95, 3078.42, 4790.32, 2988.06 and 2430.62 ng g-1(dw)respectively. A significant difference was observed between tPAHs concentrations in differentstations.The maximum tPAHs concentration was measured in station Rafael, while its minimum level wasobserved in Abshirinkon. Based on the number of the rings in the molecules, the PAHs composition indifferent stations varied significantly (P<0.05).Conclusion: Compared to previous studies from other locations of the world, PAHs contamination inthe Bushehr coastal sediment was evaluated as moderate to severe. The major part of contaminationwas comprised by High molecular weight PAHs with 5 or 6 rings while 2, 3 and 4 rings compoundshad less contribution. Since the adverse and carcinogenic effects of high molecular weight compoundsare more severe in aquatic organisms and because its continuous anthropogenic discharges in Bushehr,regular monitoring of PAHs in the area is necessary.

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