Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments from Estuaries of South-eastern Australia

Abstract

Concentrations (µg/kg dried sediment) of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and perylene have been measured in sediments taken from three locations in south-eastern Australia: a highly urbanized estuary (Yarra River), a marine bay (Corio Bay), and an estuary remote from urban activity (Mallacoota Inlet). Most concentrations of B[a]P lay in the range 200–800 µg/kg and these values are comparable to values found in similar situations in other parts of the world. The minimum concentration of B[a]P observed was 20µg/kg in Mallacoota Inlet; the maximum concentration was 6800 µg/kg at one location in a tributary of the Yarra River where the sediment was visibly contaminated with oil. The ratio of B[a]P:perylene was 1·0–2·0 in all three areas and this ratio is significantly lower than for aerosols in the Melbourne atmosphere, suggesting that deposition of aerosol is not the major contributor to PAH in sediments. Show more