title: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in nearshore marine sediments of Australia.
abstract: The occurrence and fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in nearshore marine sediments of Australia is discussed. Available information indicates that PAH are accumulating in the sediments and organisms of estuaries and harbours with both highly urbanized/industrialized and non-urban catchments. PAH levels in polluted sediments are similar to those of grossly polluted areas of Japan, North America and Europe, however PAH sources cannot be identified from the information available. PAH appear to persist in reducing environments, while in relatively pristine environments that have been previously exposed to PAH, conditions are probably favourable for the aerobic degradation of PAH by microorganisms.
authors.affiliation: Water Research Center, University of Canberra, Belconnen, ACT, Australia.
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Maher
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Aislabie
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis; D005843:Geography; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds / Q000032:analysis*; D012423:Rural Health; D012623:Seawater; D014504:Urban Health
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D011083:Polycyclic Compounds