Risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a Mediterranean semi-enclosed basin affected by human activities (Abu Qir Bay, Egypt)

Abstract

The contamination of sediments and mussels sampled from Abu Qir Bay by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated. Concentrations of PAHs recorded in the bay sediments ranged from <MDL to 2660 μg/kg dw. In general, concentrations of PAHs in mussels were higher than their corresponding sediment concentrations reflecting their great bioavailability (242–3880 μg/kg dw). The highest concentration was observed in the western part of the bay, a location affected by intensive shipping activities. The distribution pattern of PAHs was similar for mussels and sediments, particularly for sediments characterized by high contamination level, and they were dominated by the high molecular weight PAHs (4–6-rings). Applying different PAHs ratios, it was found that PAHs originated predominantly from the pyrogenic source either from the combustion of grass, wood and coal (majority of the samples) or from petroleum combustion (harbour area). The output of a Screening Level Ecological Risk Assessment (SLERA) on the bay sediments revealed that adverse ecological effects to benthic organisms are expected to occur in only one sample, and thus PAHs are not considered as contaminants of concern in Abu Qir Bay. Also adverse health effects are not expected to occur from the consumption of the investigated mussels with respect to PAHs in Abu Qir Bay.