Abstract
This study focuses on the tropical estuarine systems of Mundau-Manguaba (MMELS) and Paraiba do Sul River (PSR), Brazil, affected by sugarcane monoculture practices and also urbanization. The levels of 17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 16 of which are classified as priority pollutants by the US-EPA and perylene (a biogenic PAH) were measured in surface sediments to identify pollution sources and determine baseline data looking for future management strategies. The Σ16PAH ranged from 2.90 to 231.30 μg kg-1 in MMELS and from 87.10 to 9344.29 μg kg-1 in the PSR. PAH isomeric ratios suggested mainly pyrogenic input.
Highlights
Marine coastal areas play an important role in the global carbon cycle, either as sources of organic matter to the open ocean or as carbon sinks in the form of accumulation in sediments.[1]
This study addresses the sedimentary concentrations of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the tropical estuarine systems of Mundaú-Manguaba, in Northeastern Brazil, and of the Paraíba do Sul River, Southeastern Brazil, affected by sugarcane monoculture practices and urbanization
The variability and contends of sedimentary PAHs are controlled by the grain-size content and the origin of particulate organic matter of the sediments
Summary
Marine coastal areas play an important role in the global carbon cycle, either as sources of organic matter to the open ocean or as carbon sinks in the form of accumulation in sediments.[1]. Hydrocarbons are abundant components of organic material in coastal zones, and one of the major classes of organic compounds.[1] Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants and are known for their carcinogenic and mutagenic effects. They are generally more resistant to biodegradation than many saturated biomarkers and tend to persist in contaminated sediments, water, soil, atmospheric particulate matter and Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments
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