title: Levels and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in superficial sediment from 15 Italian marine protected areas (MPA).
abstract: Surface sediment from 15 Italian marine protected areas (MPA) were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The organic carbon percentage was also determined. Total PAH concentrations (ng g⁻¹ d.w.) ranged from 0.71 (Penisola del Sinis) to 1550 (Miramare). Individual PAH analysis showed that three and four rings PAHs were the most frequently detected isomers and accounted for 60-70% of the PAH total concentrations. PAH ratio analysis showed a prevalence of pyrolytic PAH origin at most of the MPAs with exception of Porto Cesareo and Ustica where a petrogenic origin was detected. Results for organic carbon percentages ranged from 0.3% (Capo Rizzuto) to 2% (Punta Campanella). These results are comparable to other Mediterranean marine environments. However, our results shows that some MPAs, such as Miramare, Porto Cesareo, Isola Capo Rizzuto and Punta Campanella, are subject to strong pressure from urban and industrial activities where high PAH levels were detected.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Science Department, University of Siena, Via Mattioli 4, 53100 Siena, Italy. guidoperra@unisi.it
authors.forename: Guido
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Perra
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Pozo
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Guerranti
authors.forename: Denise
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Lazzeri
authors.forename: Valerio
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Volpi
authors.forename: Simonetta
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Corsolini
authors.forename: Silvano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Focardi
mesh_terms: D003247:Conservation of Natural Resources; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D007558:Italy; D008522:Mediterranean Sea; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*; D014877:Water Pollution, Chemical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data
chemical_list: D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical