Seasonal variation, spatial distribution, and sources of PAHs in surface seawater from Zhanjiang bay influenced by land-based inputs

Abstract

This study was carried out for a comprehensive understanding of the concentrations, seasonal variation, spatial distribution, sources, and land-based inputs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface seawater from Zhanjiang Bay (ZJB). Although the PAHs were ubiquitous, their concentrations were relatively low, and significant seasonal trends and spatial distributions were observed. Based on the diagnostic ratios and composition profiles, the PAHs found in this study mainly originated from coal/biomass burning, and petroleum and its combustion played an important role in the wet seasons. Furthermore, the PAHs from land-based inputs had seasonal variations, spatial distributions, sources, and composition profiles similar to those in ZJB seawater. By combining the cases of energy structure, residential and industrial layouts, maritime traffic, and activities related to ports and mariculture, this study concluded that PAHs in ZJB seawater are greatly influenced by land-based inputs, atmospheric deposition and human activities.