Abstract
We investigated the composition and spatial distribution of non-aromatic, aromatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) found in seawater and water extracted from refinery rejection effluents in the coastal area of Jarzouna, Tunisia. Water samples were analysed for hydrocarbons by gas chromatography. Total hydrocarbon levels ranged between 46 and 76 mg/L in seawater samples and between 28 and 102 mg/L in water extracts. The sites nearest to the oil refinery were found to be chronically contaminated by total petroleum hydrocarbons based on aliphatic biomarkers. PAH contamination is generally much more pyrolytic than petrogenic. This study helped to determine the concentration, spatial distribution, compound profiles and possible sources of various petroleum compounds, thus contributing significantly to a greater understanding of the background of petroleum hydrocarbon levels, the various types of anthropogenic input involved and the contribution of the Societe Tunisienne des Industries de Raffinage refinery’s effluents in terms of hydrocarbon pollution.
Published Version
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