The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and geochemical biomarker composition of sediments from voes and coastal areas in the Shetland and Orkney Islands

Distribution, levels, sources and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the bottom sediments of a Mediterranean river under multiple anthropopressures (Soummam River), Algeria

The Soummam River, a vital watercourse in Algeria is threatened by anthropogenic activities despite its protected wetland status. This study is the first to assess sediment pollution in the Soummam River, examining levels, compositions, sources of 16 PAHs and their effects on the environment and human health. Analysis employing Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and molecular diagnostic ratios pointed to petrogenic sources, likely stemming from petroleum leaks originating from aging pipeline and vehicles, as well as pyrogenic sources arising from vehicle exhaust and biomass combustion. Environmental and health risks were assessed through risk quotients (RQ), Sediments Quality Guidelines (SQG) and Total Lifetime Cancer Risk (TLCR). Ecological risk was found to range from moderate to high, with anticipated biological impacts, while cancer risk was deemed low. Toxicity assessment, measured by TEQ, revealed that the majority of monitoring stations exceeded safe levels. Consequently, urgent action by local authorities is warranted to implement ecosystem rehabilitation measures.

The legacy of industrial pollution in estuarine sediments: spatial and temporal variability implications for ecosystem stress

The direct impacts of anthropogenic pollution are widely known public and environmental health concerns, and details on the indirect impact of these are starting to emerge, for example affecting the environmental microbiome. Anthropogenic activities throughout history with associated pollution burdens are notable contributors. Focusing on the historically heavily industrialised River Clyde, Scotland, we investigate spatial and temporal contributions to stressful/hostile environments using a geochemical framework, e.g. pH, EC, total organic carbon and potentially toxic elements: As, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn and enrichment indicators. With regular breaches of the sediment quality standards in the estuarine system we focused on PTE correlations instead. Multivariate statistical analysis (principle component analysis) identifies two dominant components, PC1: As, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn, as well as PC2: Ni, Co and total organic carbon. Our assessment confirms hot spots in the Clyde Estuary indicative of localised inputs. In addition, there are sites with high variability indicative of excessive mixing. We demonstrate that industrialised areas are dynamic environmental sites dependant on historical anthropogenic activity with short-scale variation. This work supports the development of 'contamination' mapping to enable an assessment of the impact of historical anthropogenic pollution, identifying specific 'stressors' that can impact the microbiome, neglecting in estuarine recovery dynamics and potentially supporting the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in the environment.

Spatial distribution of heavy hydrocarbons, PAHs and metals in polluted areas. The case of "Galicia", Spain

The aim of this work is to verify the impact of anthropogenic activities and the effects of accidental events, e.g. oil spills, on the marine environment. For this reason, marine sediments and soil samples were collected in the inner part of Vigo and Pontevedra bays, in the Galicia region, northwest Spain, an area interested by many events of oil spills and also characterized by coastal areas with intense anthropic activities; also Cíes Islands, a natural protected area facing the Vigo bay, was investigated, as background site. PAHs, heavy hydrocarbons and metals were analyzed according to standard methods, in order to satisfy quality assurance and quality check constraints. Total PAHs concentration (Σ₁₆ compounds) were in the range of 25-4000ng/g, and 30-800ng/g for marine sediments and soil samples, respectively. Even some samples from the Cíes Islands, show a contamination with values achieving >200ng/g of PAHs. Although contamination levels have been shown to be strong at several locations in the study area, their ranges are those typical of other estuarine sites, with PAHs and hydrocarbons primarily of pyrolytic origin. This observation was further confirmed by enrichment factors of some metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) that match to those of harbor and shipyard zones of the main industrial and commercial maritime areas.

PAHs in the Ría de Arousa (NW Spain): A consideration of PAHs sources and abundance

Analysis of 35 parental and alkylated homologues of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) was carried out in eleven marine sediment samples collected along a central transect in the biggest Galician ría. The samples were collected using a box-core dredge and, after freeze-drying, were kept frozen until analysis. The sediments were extracted by PLE (Pressurized Liquid Extraction) procedure and the quantification of PAHs was performed using gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC-MS) with the aid of deuterated PAH internal standards. The total concentration of studied PAHs (Σ35PAHs) ranged from 44.8 to 7901ngg(-1) dry weight (d.w.). The highest PAH concentrations were found in sediments collected near the harbour (7901ngg(-1)) and the cleanest positions were located in the outer zone of the ría. To date, these results are the first data presented in the area so they could be used for regular monitoring and control of future pollution episodes.

Concentrations, source and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from midway atoll, north pacific ocean

This study was designed to determine concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil samples collected from Midway Atoll and evaluate their potential risks to human health. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 3.55 to 3200 µg kg(-1) with a mean concentration of 198 µg kg(-1). Higher molecular weight PAHs (4-6 ring PAHs) dominated the PAH profiles, accounting for 83.3% of total PAH mass. PAH diagnostic ratio analysis indicated that primary sources of PAHs in Midway Atoll could be combustion. The benzo[a]pyrene equivalent concentration (BaPeq) in most of the study area (86.5%) was less than 40 µg kg(-1) BaPeq and total incremental lifetime cancer risks of PAHs ranged from 1.00×10(-10) to 9.20×10(-6) with a median value of 1.24×10(-7), indicating a minor carcinogenic risk of PAHs in Midway Atoll.

Silicone rubber passive samplers for measuring pore water and exchangeable concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons concentrations in sediments

The use of a silicone rubber passive sampler for the assessment of the availability of lipophilic organic contaminants in sediments is described. The passive sampler accumulated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from sediments with an equilibration time of 20 days for most PAHs. The method was used to measure the free dissolved concentrations in pore water of 30 PAHs (parent and alkylated), their water exchangeable concentrations and sediment-water partition coefficients in field sediments from a Scottish sea loch that supports fish farming. Fluoranthene and pyrene dominated the PAH concentration composition in the pore waters. The water exchangeable concentration reflected the pyrogenic pollution pattern found in the sediments and indicated that a proportion of the PAHs were not available for exchange with the aqueous phase. Strong linear relationships between organic carbon normalised sediment-water partition coefficients (logK(oc)) and corresponding octanol-water partition coefficients of PAHs were obtained. The logK(oc) values obtained are on average, 0.6 log units higher than literature values commonly used in sediment risk assessments, consequently direct measurements of logK(oc) in field sediments should be used to improve the reliability of risk assessments.

Occurrence and potential combined toxicity of dissolved organic contaminants in the Forth estuary and Firth of Forth, Scotland assessed using passive samplers and an algal toxicity test

As an alternative procedure to conventional water quality assessment, the presence and combined toxicity of dissolved organic contaminants in water at five sites in the Forth estuary and the Firth of Forth, Scotland, United Kingdom was investigated using silicone rubber passive sampling devices (SR-PSDs) and an algal growth inhibition bioassay. SR-PSDs were deployed in water at the five sites for ~2 months. Following retrieval, extracts from the deployed SR-PSDs were assessed for both algal growth inhibition and the occurrence of a wide range of organic contaminants, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), and a variety of plant protection products (PPPs; commonly referred to collectively as 'pesticides'). The 72 h algal growth inhibition test was performed using a native marine phytoplankton (Diacronema lutheri) in 24 well microplates. Freely dissolved (e.g. bioavailable) concentrations of PAHs and PCBs were determined using performance reference compounds (PRCs). The algal toxicity tests exhibited varied effects at the five sites indicating the presence of, and exposure to, phytotoxic compounds and their potential toxicity in the Forth. The individual and total dissolved concentrations of 40 PAHs and 32 PCBs measured in the study were relatively low and showed input of petrogenic, atmospheric and sewage related sources. Several pesticides of diverse polarities were identified in the water suggesting sources from both riverine input and direct discharges. The study thus illustrates the value of combining bioassays and chemical analysis (with effective sampling technique) for a realistic and rapid assessment of organic contaminants in the aquatic environment.

Sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine sediments from southern and northern areas of the Norwegian continental shelf

Variability in levels and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments from one large sea area off the coast of northern Norway ("North area", NA) have been compared to similar data from another large area off the coast of southern Norway ("South area", SA). Samples from NA were collected at the Norwegian continental shelf in south-western Barents Sea and north-eastern Norwegian Sea. Samples from SA were from the Norwegian Trench and the Skagerrak. Sediment cores have been dated, characterised by grain size distribution (GS) and organic carbon content (TOC), and the composition of PAH and geochemical biomarkers (alkanes and triterpanes) studied to provide an insight into the different sources of PAH. Generally, PAH levels are higher in sediments from SA compared to NA. A mixture of pyrogenic and petrogenic sources contribute to PAH levels in SA, while the contents of petrogenic PAH is negligible in surface sediments in NA. At some locations in NA, petrogenic PAH levels are elevated in the deepest sediment layers from pre-industrial times, indicating a natural input of petroleum through seepage. Occurrence of elevated levels of microbial hopanoids (hopenes) in the deepest sediment layers at some locations both in the north and the south indicate the presence of petroleum.

Marine organic pollutants of the Eastern Aegean: aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Candarli Gulf surficial sediments

Aliphatics and PAHs were determined in sediments from the Candarli Gulf in 2009. Aliphatics ranged from 3.88 to 24.7 μg g(-1) while aromatics varied between <4.15 and 405 ng g(-1) (dw). PAHs ranged from a relatively low to a moderate PAHs pollution compared to other urbanized coastal areas worldwide. 3-ring PAHs were most abundant in the sampling area. Both pyrolytic and petrogenic PAHs were present in most samples, although petroleum derived PAHs were dominant at the stations situated near the refinery and petrochemical, metal industry and pyrolytic sources were mainly prevalent in the estuary of Bakircay River. The ratio of UCM to n-alkanes and CPI values in station 6 indicate that the main contribution to petroleum hydrocarbon contamination is via oil and its products. PAH levels at all sites were below the ERL and ERM except fluorene. The results indicated that the sediments should have no potential biological impact except stations 6 and 14.

Long-term fate of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments from Loch Leven after closure of an aluminium smelter

An aluminium smelter discharged polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into Loch Leven on the west of Scotland from 1907 until it closed in 2000, resulting in elevated PAH concentrations in the sediment. A temporal monitoring programme to investigate any recovery in sediment concentrations began in 2004, with sampling each year until 2008 and again in 2010. Cores were also collected to investigate temporal trends over a longer time scale and to estimate the sedimentation rate in the loch. The loch is divided into two basins, and PAH concentrations were significantly higher in the upper basin, closer to the smelter, than in the lower basin. The PAH distribution and concentration ratios were consistent with a pyrolytic source of PAHs, with a high proportion of heavier parent PAHs. There was no evidence of any recovery in PAH concentrations, perhaps due to the mixing and disturbances of the sediment, and the persistence of PAHs. Concentrations of all PAHs were above the Background Assessment Concentrations (BACs) in both basins. In the lower basin only the 5- and 6-ring PAHs were above the Effects Range Low (ERL) values, but in the upper basin all but naphthalene were above the ERLs. There is therefore still an unacceptable risk of chronic effects in marine species. Concentrations decreased down the cores, falling below BACs in the deepest sections. However, ERLs were exceeded as far down the core as 30 cm for some PAHs.

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments from the Eastern Aegean: assessment and source recognition of petroleum hydrocarbons

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in surficial sediments from the Aegean Sea in the Eastern Mediterranean in 2008.

RESULTS

Total aliphatic hydrocarbons (n-C12 to n-C35) ranged from 330 to 2,660 ng g(-1) dry weight (dwt), while aromatics (19 PAHs) varied between 73.5 and 2,170 ng g(-1) dwt. Total concentrations of both aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs ranged from a relatively low to a moderate PAHs pollution compared to other urbanized coastal areas worldwide. PAH consisted mainly of pyrolytic four- to five-ring compounds. Both pyrolytic and petrogenic PAHs are present in most samples, although petroleum-derived PAH are dominant at Izmir Inner Bay (IIB) and Dardanelles Strait, and pyrolytic sources are prevalent in other sampling sites. A high contribution of perylene, a diagenetic originated PAH, to the total penta PAHs was found greater than 70% in Meric River Estuary, Dikili Bay, Candarli Bay, and Gokova Bay sites.

CONCLUSION

The spatial distributions of aliphatic hydrocarbons and PAHs indicated that urban runoff and transport from the continental shelf is the major input pathway of anthropogenic and biogenic hydrocarbons from terrestrial sources in the near-shore area. PAH levels at all sites were below the effects range-low (ERL) and effects range-median (ERM) values except fluorene. The average and maximum fluorene concentrations exceeded ERL, but below ERM, in the IIB. Meanwhile, the concentration levels of naphthalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, and chrysene were higher than threshold effect level values at the same site, but all these compounds were significantly lower than the probable effect level values. The results indicated that the sediments should have potential biological impact.

Origin and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollution in sediment and fish from the biosphere reserve of Urdaibai (Bay of Biscay, Basque country, Spain)

The Urdaibai estuary is a UNESCO biosphere reserve impacted by recreational, agricultural and industrial activities. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are major pollutants in Urdaibai, and their control and the identification of their sources is central on the preservation of the area. Chemical analysis by GC-MS showed a significant pollution by PAHs in Urdaibai sediment samples, mainly from pyrolytic sources, with minor contributions from oil spills. Measurement of the dioxin-like activity using a yeast-based bioassay showed an excess of biological activity in sediment samples from the inner part of the estuary. Analysis of PAH metabolites in bile of thicklip grey mullet (Chelon labrosus) showed a large excess of 2-naphthol over 1-naphthol or 1-pyrenol, suggesting a specific contamination in the inner Urdaibai estuary by some industrial process. Therefore, the combination of these three techniques defined different PAH pollution sources in Urdaibai: a major pyrolytic origin, occasional oil spills, and specific industrial activities.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon composition of sediments in the Ría de Vigo (NW Spain)

Individual parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were identified and quantified in samples of recent sediments at 32 stations in the Ria de Vigo (NW Spain) and its adjacent shelf by high-performance liquid chromatography and a fluorescence detector. This area suffers the pressure of nearly 500,000 inhabitants and includes a number of important marine organisms. The total concentration for the sum of the 13 PAHs quantified were in the range 28-3203 ng/g. The highest concentrations were found near the city of Vigo, where marinas and dockyards as well as highways with a high traffic flow are established. Low PAH concentrations were determined in the outermost part of the estuary, far from the anthropogenic influence. PAH isomers concentration ratios were assessed, indicating that the main source of these compounds in the whole area is pyrolysis. When compared with the EACs, threshold effect level, and probable effect level values, only the samples from the inner part of the ría can occasionally present adverse biological effects due to the PAH concentrations.

Bioassay-directed fractionation of marine sediment solvent extracts from the east coast of Ireland

Crude solvent extracts were prepared from three sediment sites in Ireland namely Bull Lagoon, Dunmore East and Dublin Port. These were assayed with Tisbe battagliai and the Microtox system. The extracts were chemically characterised using a variety of analytical techniques for a suite of organic contaminants. Metals and organic contaminant concentration data are reported for the three sites. On the basis of determined toxicity and chemical analysis of these crude extracts, a further bioassay-directed fractionation (BDF) employing the Dunmore East crude organic extract was conducted in addition to chemical analysis. For the crude extracts, T. battagliai and Microtox system demonstrated an order of decreasing toxicity for each of the three sites to be Dublin Port>Dunmore East>Bull Lagoon. Microtox system EC10 values after 30min exposure were 1.08%, 11.6% and 26.9% solvent extract for these sites, respectively. Fractionation of the Dunmore East extract revealed that fraction 1 was the most toxic fraction to both the T. battagliai and the Microtox system demonstrating EC50's after 48 h and 30 min of 44.7% and 16.8% solvent extract for the T. battagliai and Microtox assays, respectively. T. battagliai however did show increased sensitivity to fraction 3 when comparing EC10 values and demonstrated an EC10 value of 17.8% solvent extract after 48h. Fraction 1 was shown to contain the highest quantity of the butyltins, in particular TBT in relation to fractions 2 and 3. A useful BDF technique was developed and employed in this study.

Description and evaluation of a sampling system for monitoring hydrocarbons in sediments

A composite random sampling design was used to estimate the concentrations of hydrocarbons in sediments from two near-shore areas of Scotland (Firth of Clyde and Firth of Forth). The aim of this work was to estimate a mean value for each parameter in these areas, and to determine whether this can be done with more thorough coverage (better representation), better precision and less variance at lower analytical cost through a composite random sampling scheme rather than a simple random sampling scheme, and thereby contribute to the re-design of the UK National Marine Monitoring Programme (NMMP), re-named the UK Clean Seas Environmental Monitoring Programme (CSEMP) in 2006. Samples were collected using a simple random sampling design during 2005. All sediment samples were analysed for their particle size distribution and total organic carbon (TOC). All sediments were analysed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and n-alkanes. The concentrations of PAHs and n-alkanes in the study areas are described, and sources of PAHs were investigated through the PAH distributions and n-alkane profiles. Individual sediment samples from each area were combined to give a series of composite sub-samples, each comprised of 5 individual sediment samples. These composite samples were re-analysed for the same parameters as the individual samples. Mean total PAH (2- to 6-ring parent and branched) concentrations, based on the individual original sediment samples collected through simple random sampling, were 1858 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 196 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 25) and 532.4 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 59 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 25) in the Clyde and Forth, respectively. Mean total PAH concentrations of the composite samples were 1745 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 121.0 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 5) in the Clyde and 511.6 microg kg(-1) dry weight (SE = 37.4 microg kg(-1) dry weight, n = 5) in the Forth. No significant differences were found between the mean PAH concentrations from the two sampling designs. This study demonstrated that the composite random sampling design gave a mean value with less variance than the simple random sampling design, at significantly reduced analytical effort (and cost).

Measurement of organic contaminants and biological effects in Scottish waters between 1999 and 2005

Concentrations of organic contaminants were determined in sediment and fish collected annually at six sites around Scotland between 1999 and 2005, as part of the UK National Marine Monitoring Programme. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and chlorobiphenyls (CBs) were measured in sediment, while CBs and ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activities were measured in the fish. Highest PAH concentrations in sediment were found at sites where higher coastal influences would be expected (e.g., Clyde and Solway) and four of the six sites gave PAH concentrations above OSPAR background assessment concentrations (BACs). A significant downward trend in the median total PAH concentrations, normalised to total organic carbon (TOC), was found at one of the six sites (Minches). The PAH profiles at all sites were consistent over the 6 year period, indicating that the sites are relatively stable and PAH sources are not changing. There was an indication of a greater petrogenic input on the west coast, with sediment from the Clyde, Solway and Minches having a greater proportion of 2- and 3-ring PAHs and a lower proportion of 5-ring PAHs. CB concentrations at all sites were low compared with UK estuarine sites and similar to sediment from more remote areas: however, BACs were exceeded. No significant trends were detected in either the sediment CB concentrations or patterns at any of the six sites. CB concentrations were significantly higher in fish liver collected from the Clyde. Concentrations at the other five sites were low, with the majority of samples having concentrations for the ICES7 CBs of <500 microg kg(-1) lipid weight. However, individual CB concentrations were still above the BACs. Hepatic EROD activities were measured in male plaice from 2002-2005 and were generally low (<10 pmol min(-1) mg protein(-1)). No temporal trends were detected in either CB concentrations or the EROD activity.

The distribution and composition of hydrocarbons in sediments from the Fladen Ground, North Sea, an area of oil production

The distribution and composition of hydrocarbons in sediment from the Fladen Ground oilfield in the northern North Sea have been investigated. The total PAH concentrations (2- to 6-ring parent and alkylated PAHs, including the 16 US EPA PAHs) in sediments were relatively low (<100 microg kg(-1) dry weight). The PAH, the Forties crude and diesel oil equivalent concentrations were generally higher in sediment of fine grain size and higher organic carbon concentration. PAH distributions and concentration ratios indicated a predominantly pyrolytic input, being dominated by the heavier, more persistent, 5- and 6-ring compounds, and with a high proportion of parent PAHs. The n-alkane profiles of a number of the sediments contained small, high boiling point, UCMs, indicative of weathered oil arising from a limited petrogenic input. The geochemical biomarker profiles of the sediments that contained UCMs showed a small bisnorhopane peak and a high proportion of norhopane relative to hopane, indicating that there was contamination from both Middle Eastern and North Sea oils. Therefore contamination was not directly as a result of oil exploration activity in the area. The most likely source of petrogenic contamination was from general shipping activity.

The effects of oil exploration and production in the Fladen Ground: composition and concentration of hydrocarbons in sediment samples collected during 2001 and their comparison with sediment samples collected in 1989

Due to the potentially accumulative nature of the Fladen Ground, an area of intense oil activity in the North Sea, a survey was carried out in 1989 to map the distribution of contamination in relation to these oil activities. All the sediments collected were screened by ultraviolet fluorescence (UVF) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and selected samples were analysed for n-alkanes (by GC-FID), PAHs and biomarkers (by GC-MSD). This survey was repeated in 2001, with all the 1989 sites being resampled. All of these sediments were analysed for UVF oil equivalents, PAHs, n-alkanes and biomarkers. The concentrations of these parameters decreased between 1989 and 2001, with average decreases ranging from 43% to 88%. In addition, no significant difference was found, for all the parameters, between near field (<5 km from an oil installation) and far field (>5 km from an oil installation) sites in 2001 indicating that the Fladen Ground is approaching a 'steady state' or background concentration for contamination.

Natural and anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs to sediments of Patos Lagoon Estuary, Brazil

The Patos Lagoon Estuary, southern Brazil, is an area of environmental interest not only because of tourism, but also because of the presence of the second major port of Brazil, with the related industrial and shipping activities. Thus, potential hydrocarbon pollution was examined in this study. Sediment samples were collected at 10 sites in the estuary, extracted, and analyzed by GC-FID and GC-MS for composition and concentration of the following organic geochemical markers: normal and isoprenoid alkanes, petroleum biomarkers, linear alkylbenzenes (LABs), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total concentrations varied from 1.1 to 129.6 microg g(-1) for aliphatic hydrocarbons, from 17.8 to 4510.6 ng g(-1) for petroleum biomarkers, from 3.2 to 1601.9 ng g(-1) for LABs, and from 37.7 to 11,779.9 ng g(-1) for PAHs. Natural hydrocarbons were mainly derived from planktonic inputs due to a usual development of blooms in the estuary. Terrestrial plant wax compounds prevailed at sites located far from Rio Grande City and subject to stronger currents. Anthropogenic hydrocarbons are related to combustion/pyrolysis processes of fossil fuel, release of unburned oil products and domestic/industrial waste outfalls. Anthropogenic hydrocarbon inputs were more apparent at sites associated with industrial discharges (petroleum distributor and refinery), shipping activities (dry docking), and sewage outfalls (sewage). The overall concentrations of anthropogenic hydrocarbons revealed moderate to high hydrocarbon pollution in the study area.

Organic contaminants in the Firth of Clyde following the cessation of sewage sludge dumping

To assess contaminant concentrations in the Firth of Clyde in relation to the former sewage sludge dump site at Garroch Head, and investigate any temporal changes, fish have been sampled annually since 1992 and sediment since 1999. In addition, a further four locations in the Clyde (Holy Loch, Hunterston, Skelmorlie and Irvine Bay) have been sampled for fish and sediment since 1999. Chlorobiphenyls (CBs) were measured in fish samples and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and CBs in sediment. Since sampling was initiated the concentration for the summation operatorICES7 CBs in fish liver has been consistently >500 microg kg(-1) lipid weight at Garroch Head and the other Clyde sites and lower at the reference sites (Pladda, Colonsay, Broad Bay). Although the lowest CB concentrations of the eleven year period in plaice liver from Garroch Head were found in 2002, CB concentrations were found not to have decreased significantly since sewage sludge dumping ceased in 1998. However, a change in CB profile was observed with fish liver collected between 1992 and 1998 from Garroch Head showing a lower proportion of the less chlorinated CBs compared to the 1999-2002 liver samples. Highest CB and PAH concentrations in sediment were found at Garroch Head and Holy Loch with concentrations at these sites being significantly higher than at all other sites.

Aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal Caspian Sea sediments

This investigation represents the first extensive study of the spatial distribution and sources of aliphatic (n-alkanes and unresolved complex mixture of fossil hydrocarbons) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coastal sediments from the Caspian Sea. PAH concentrations, n-alkanes and biomarker profiles all suggested that there was limited petrogenic contamination in the shallow North Caspian Sea sediments, which are coarse with a low total organic carbon content. In contrast, moderate to high petrogenic contamination was found in the South Caspian Sea, in particular in the offshore oil fields near Baku, Azerbaijan. Contaminant patterns indicated that the PAHs were mainly from fossil sources, with higher contributions of pyrolytic only near industrialized and urban areas. A high contribution of perylene, a geochemically derived PAH, to the total PAHs was found in the west and south at sites influenced by the Kura, Safid Rud, Terek, Sulak and Samur Rivers.

Developments in the use of chromatographic techniques in marine laboratories for the determination of halogenated contaminants and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Chromatography has been an important tool in marine laboratories. Since the 1960s, marine laboratories have been involved in the analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and brominated flame retardants (BFRs). Column chromatography and liquid chromatography (LC) techniques have been used, mainly in the clean-up phase, while gas chromatography (GC) has been used extensively in the final determination of these contaminants. Developments have been observed from the use of packed GC columns, via capillary columns to the use of heart-cut multi-dimensional GC and comprehensive multi-dimensional GC. The progress made in interlaboratory studies and the availability of certified reference materials are discussed.

Aliphatic hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments collected from the 110 mile hole and along a transect from 58 degrees 58.32'N 1 degree 10.38'W to the inner Moray Firth, Scotland

Sediments were collected from the 110 mile hole and along a transect from 58 degrees 58.32' N 1 degree 10.38' W to the UK National Marine Monitoring (NMMP) site in the inner Moray Firth, for determination of hydrocarbon concentration and composition. Total PAH concentrations (2- to 6-ring PAHs, parent and branched) were highest at NMMP site 95 and at the associated end of the transect in the inner Moray Firth. PAHs in this area were of predominately pyrolytic origin and could be attributed to urban and industrial activities. The majority of sediments collected in the middle section of the transect had low total PAH concentrations (< 100 ng g(-1) dry weight). The high proportion of naphthalenes and alkylated PAHs in this area suggested a predominately petrogenic input. The GC-FID aliphatic hydrocarbon profiles showed that the majority of sediments, including those in the inner Firth, had a limited petrogenic input. This was supported by the geochemical biomarker profiles, which contained triterpanes typical of Middle Eastern crude oil. Principal component analysis was used to investigate spatial trends in the PAH distributions and demonstrated that there were differences between areas. The NMMP site 95 and transect start and middle sediments were well separated. PCA further confirmed that sediments from the NMMP site 95, the 110 mile hole and the inner Moray Firth (south west) end of the transect contained PAHs from predominately pyrolytic sources, whereas sediments from the north east end (start) and the middle of the transect were typified by a greater petrogenic component.