Evolution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediment of southern Jiaozhou Bay in northern China after an accident of oil pipeline explosion

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2022-10, Vol.183, p.114039-114039, Article 114039
• Main Authors: Ding, Huiping, Lan, Jie, Yao, Shuo, Zhang, Dahai, Han, Bin, Pan, Gang, Li, Xianguo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Jiaozhou Bay; Long-term risk assessment; Oil spill; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2022.114039

The 2013 “Qingdao oil pipeline explosion” contaminated about 2.5 km of shoreline in the Jiaozhou Bay area and aroused widespread concern because of the serious casualties even though it was not the most severe oil-spill contamination in China. To evaluate the long-term impact, we collected thirty-three surface sediment samples after 3 years of the accident, with sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) detected. Spatial-temporal variation in PAHs revealed that a minimal impact might still be present after 3 years. Source analysis combined with a one-way ANOVA showed that pyrolytic sources were consistently predominant. The environmental impact was already minimal 3 years later and negligible thereafter. Although the cancer risk has decreased over the years, there has always been a potential hazard to human for specific occupation, with all of the risk values exceeded 10−6. This study offers a reference for assessing the long-term impact of oil spills in similar bay areas. [Display omitted] •Long-term environmental impact of oil spill was assessed with PAHs as indicators.•Pyrogenic sources were consistently predominant compared to petroleum source.•Decreasing environmental impact was observed three to 6 years after the oil spill.•Cancer risk decreased over the years with potential hazard to specific personnel.