Spatial variations in polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations at surface sediments from the Cyprus (Eastern Mediterranean): relation to ecological risk assessment.
The objective of the present study was to evaluate the distribution, sources, origins, and environmental risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (16 US EPA priority pollutants) pollution in 23 surface sediments from Cyprus coast. The mean total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentrations in the sediments from Gemi Konagi, Girne and Gazi Magusa areas were found 47, 52 and 50 ng/g, respectively. Molecular ratios and principle component analysis indicated that PAH pollution originated mainly from fossil sources, with higher pyrolytic contributions. The 2-3 ring PAHs were dominant in Cyprus sediments. Concentrations of PAHs observed in this study were compared with available soil quality guidelines and the concentrations were lower than the guideline values. The guideline values suggested that the Cyprus sediments were likely to be not contaminated by toxic PAH compounds.
Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Inciralti, 35340 Izmir, Turkey. Electronic address: enis.darilmaz@deu.edu.tr.
Enis
E
Darılmaz
Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Inciralti, 35340 Izmir, Turkey.
Aynur
A
Kontaş
Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Inciralti, 35340 Izmir, Turkey.
Esin
E
Uluturhan
Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Inciralti, 35340 Izmir, Turkey.
İdil
İ
Akçalı
Dokuz Eylul University, Institute of Marine Sciences and Technology, Inciralti, 35340 Izmir, Turkey.
Oya
O
Altay
D003535:Cyprus; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical
Cyprus; Mediterranean; Petrogenic; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Pyrolitic; Sediment quality guidelines