Concentrations and origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Middle Adriatic Sea

Abstract

A total of 208 polycyclic aromatic compounds and their substituted homologues were investigated on eight stations along Croatia-Italy transect in the Middle Adriatic. PAC concentrations were higher in the coastal area than in the open sea area. The highest PAC concentrations were measured in the vicinity of the industrial harbor of Split while the lowest concentrations were observed on stations located in the open sea area. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were dominant group of compounds on each investigated station with contributions in total PAC concentration of more than 85%. S-PAH concentrations were higher than O-PAH concentration in each sample and tend to decrease as the distance from the coast increased. Contributions of O-PAH in total PAC concentrations were higher in the open sea sediments while S-PAH contributions were higher in the coastal sediment, indicating a different origin of O-PAH. Grain size analysis of the investigated sediments shows the dominance of fine fraction in sediments in the coastal area whereas sandy particles were a dominant fraction in the open sea sediments. TOC concentrations were higher in the open sea area where lower PAH concentrations were observed, indicating a different origin of PAC and TOC. PAH origin was evaluated by application of diagnostic ratios. Pyrogenic origin was determined only on one station whereas dominance of petrogenic PAHs was observed on the most of the stations in the open sea area. Marine traffic was suspected to be the main source of pollution in the open sea area.