Distinct anthropogenic signatures: A comparative analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from two southeastern Chinese bays

• Published in: Marine pollution bulletin 2024-06, Vol.203, p.116489, Article 116489
• Main Authors: Qian, Yingying, Zheng, Haowen, Ouyang, Xia, Lin, Yan, Cai, Minggang
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Ecological Risk and Health Risk Assessment; PAHs; PMF; Source analysis; Southeastern Chinese Bays
• ISSN: 0025-326X; 1879-3363; 1879-3363
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2024.116489

Sansha and Luoyuan Bay are influenced by different industrial structure, but the sources and pollution status of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially alkylated PAHs, are poorly understood. We studied 25 PAHs in surface sediments from the two bays. The results showed that PAHs concentrations in Sansha and Luoyuan Bay sediment range from 6.54 to 479.28 ng/g and 118.82 to 2984.09 ng/g, respectively. Alkylated PAHs dominated in Sansha (48.86 % of Σ25PAHs), while 3-ring PAHs dominated in Luoyuan (36.32 % of ∑25PAHs). Results of sources analysis indicated oil spills as the main PAHs source in Sansha, and domestic emissions and fossil fuel combustion in Luoyuan. Ecological risk assessment of showed low sediment risk, but in Luoyuan was higher than in Sansha. Compared with Luoyuan Bay, Sansha Bay emits less industrial pollutants, so the pollution is lower than Luoyuan Bay. Increased attention to protecting Luoyuan Bay is recommended. [Display omitted] •The comparing concentrations, distributions, and sources PAHs in sediments in Sansha Bay and Luoyuan Bay were investigated.•Alkylated PAHs and 3-ring PAHs were dominant PAHs in sediment of Sansha Bay and Luoyuan Bay, respectively.•The composition and sources of PAHs in the two regions were affected by different industrial structure surrounding.•Indicating low overall risk but significantly higher toxic equivalents in Luoyuan Bay