Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface seawater of the GULF of Trieste (northern ADRIATIC)

Abstract

Concentrations, spatial distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were determined in surface seawater of the Gulf of Trieste, northern Adriatic. This area is one of the most industrialized and urbanized areas in the northern Adriatic with intense maritime traffic. The surface seawater samples were collected at 31 sites and total hydrocarbon concentrations were determined. In general, concentrations (0.1 to 43.2 μg l−1, mean 4.8 μg l−1, Chrysene equivalents) were higher in summer. Concentrations of total aliphatic hydrocarbons were from 17.2 to 2326.5 μg l−1 (mean 543.3 μg l−1). The major component was the unresolved complex mixture (UCM), comprising from 78% to 97% of the total aliphatic hydrocarbons. Total PAH concentrations varied from 89 ng l−1 to 294 ng l−1 (mean 179 ng l−1). The most contaminated sites were the marina of San Giusto and the municipal harbor of Piran.Different evaluation indeces were applied to determine the origin of hydrocarbons. The prevailing origin of aliphatic hydrocarbons is petrogenic, with the significant contribution of the biogenic at some sites. The results presented indicate the fresh inputs of hydrocarbons, which are subject to intense degradation processes. The PAH group profile showed the predominance of 2–3 ring PAHs. PAHs were of mixed origin with more pronounced petrogenic origin, presumably due to oil spills from ships and boats. The presence of a relatively high content of perylene in seawater is an indication of its terrestrial input.According to the presented results and compared to results from different areas worldwide, the seawater in the Gulf of Trieste can still be considered slightly to moderately polluted with PAHs.