N-Alkanes, PAHs and surfactants in the sea surface microlayer and sea water samples of the Gerlache Inlet sea (Antarctica)

Abstract

Sea surface microlayer (SML) and sea water samples (SSW) collected in the Gerlache Inlet Sea (Antarctica) were analysed for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The SML is a potential enrichment site of hydrophobic organic compounds compared to the underlying water column. Total concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs (dissolved and particulate) in subsurface water (− 0.5 m depth) were 272–553 ng l − 1 (mean: 448 ng l − 1 ) and 5.27–9.43 ng l − 1 (mean: 7.06 ng l − 1 ), respectively. In the SML, the concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs were 353–968 ng l − 1 (mean: 611 ng l − 1 ) and 7.32–23.94 ng l − 1 (mean: 13.22 ng l − 1 ), respectively. To evaluate possible PAH contamination sources, specific PAH ratios were calculated. The ratios reflected a predominant petrogenic input. A characterisation of surface active substances was also performed on SML and SSW samples, both by gas bubble extraction, and by dynamic surface tension measurements. Results showed a good correlation between n-alkanes, PAHs and refractory organic matter.