Petroleum Inputs Research Articles

Full chain energy analysis of fuel ethanol from cane molasses in Thailand

An analysis of energy performance and supply potential was performed to evaluate molasses utilization for fuel ethanol in Thailand. The Thai government recently has set up a production target of 1.925 million litres a day of sugar-based ethanol. The molasses-based ethanol (MoE) system involves three main segments: sugar cane cultivation, molasses generation, and ethanol conversion. Negative net energy value found for MoE is a consequence of not utilizing system co-products (e.g. stillage and cane trash) for energy. Taking into account only fossil fuel or petroleum inputs in the production cycle, the energy analysis provides results in favour of ethanol. A positive net energy of 5.95 MJ/L which corresponds to 39% energy gain shows that MoE is efficient as far as its potential to replace fossil fuels is concerned. Another encouraging result is that each MJ of petroleum inputs can produce 6.12 MJ of ethanol fuel. Regarding supply potential, if only the surplus molasses is utilized for ethanol, a shift of 8–10% sugar cane produce to fuel ethanol from its current use in sugar industry could be a probable solution.

Determination of persistent organic pollutants in sediment and fish of the western coast of Alexandria, Egypt

Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) were recorded in sediment and fish samples collected from the western coast of Alexandria. Total hydrocarbons (aliphatic+PAHs ) in sediment ranged from 683.8 to 34670.1 ng g −1 with an average of 9286.9 ng g −1. The sum of C16–C34 of aliphatic fractions was<4000 ng g;−1, indicating the presence of a fresh petroleum source. For all sediments, the anthracene/phenanthrene ratio was>0.1, suggesting the dominance of a pyrolytic source. Total aliphatics in different fish species ranged from 253 to 11 132 ng g;−1, while total PAHs ranged from 3862 to 35 746 ng g;−1 wet weight. Benzo[a]pyrene was the most dominant PAH fraction ranged from 1902.7 to 32 905.5 with an average of 9464.5 ng g;−1 wet weight in all fish species. Concentrations of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) ranged from 0.79 to 64.9 ng g;−1 with an average 12.14 ng g;−1 wet weight. The concentrations of organochlorines in fish species (Euthynnus alleferatus, Scomberomorus commerson, Sphyraena Sphyraena, Diplodus vulgaris, and Alepes djedaba) decreased following the order: PCBs>DDTs>HCHs>total cyclodienes. Concentrations of DDTs in fish tissues ranged from 4.89 to 36.37 ng g−1 with an average of 16.4 ng g;−1 wet weight. The concentrations of total HCHs ranged from 0.3 to 65.7 ng g;−1 with an average of 16.35 ng g;−1. The present study indicates: (1) fresh petroleum input where Pr/Ph>1; (2) PAHs in sediment<4000 ng g −1; (3) BaP concentration exceeded the permissible levels in Alepes djedaba species; (4) DDTs in sediment were below the effective range low level; (5) PCBs>effective range low and<effective range medium; and (6) pesticides and PCBs in all fishes were below the acceptable limit.

Organic Matter Preservation and Microbial Community Accumulations in Deep-Hypersaline Anoxic Basins

The Eastern Mediterranean Sea hosts several deep hypersaline anoxic basins (DHABs) such as the Bannock, L'Atalante, Discovery, and Urania which, due to strong salinity gradients, have a limited exchange with the overlying seawater. In the present study, a series of environmental variables associated with the origin and quality of organic matter were thoroughly investigated in an attempt to understand the function of these unique ecosystems. The redox potential of sediments collected from the brines as well as from reference sites varied from −136 to 543 mV and salinity varied from 38 to 380 psu. Principal component analysis of chemical characteristics, including salinity, redox potential, organic carbon and nitrogen content, and C/N ratio grouped the sediments into two major clusters according to their redox state. Aliphatic hydrocarbon analysis revealed that the organic matter in the DHABs was predominantly of terrestrial origin but there was also evidence for petroleum inputs and for organic matter of phototrophic origin. Phospholipid linked fatty acids (PLFA) which were employed to assess the composition of microbial communities were found in greater abundance in stations situated inside the anoxic basins providing also strong evidence for the presence of methanotrophs and sulfate reducers. These results may represent an enhanced preservation of organic matter and an accumulation of microorganisms in these extreme environments. Heterogeneity in microbial community fatty acid profiles was documented between the anoxic sediments and the oxic and suboxic stations. However there were no significant correlations between PLFA and organic matter parameters. Redox conditions appear to influence microbial community composition, highlighting the role of the redox state as a regulator of organic matter preservation and microbial community accumulations in these ancient hypersaline anoxic lakes.

Molecular Tracers of Saturated and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Inputs into Central Park Lake, New York City

Saturated hydrocarbons (SH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) have been quantified in a sediment core obtained from Central Park Lake, New York City. Radionuclides 210Pb and 137Cs were used to assign approximate dates to each individual section in the core. The dating profile based on 210Pb matches very well with the time constraints provided by 137Cs. Radionuclide-derived depositional dates are consistent with temporal information from the petroleum-indicator ratio U/R [the ratio of unresolved complex mixture (UCM)to saturated hydrocarbons in the aliphatic fraction] and the history of fuel use in the NYC area. Ratios of 1,7-dimethylphenanthrane (DMP) to 1,7-DMP plus 2,6-DMP [1,7/(1,7 + 2,6)-DMP], retene to retene plus chrysene [Ret/(Ret + Chy)], and fluoranthene to fluoranthene plus pyrene [FI/(FI + Py)] provide additional source discrimination throughoutthe core. Results show that the ratio U/R is sensitive to petroleum inputs and Ret/(Ret + Chy) is responsive to contributions from softwood combustion, whereas both FI/(FI + Py) and 1,7/ (1,7 + 2,6)-DMP can be used to discriminate among wood, coal, and petroleum combustion sources. Combined use of these ratios suggests that in New York City, wood combustion dominated 100 years ago, with a shift to coal combustion occurring from the 1900s to the 1950s. Petroleum use began around the 1920s and has dominated since the 1940s.

Hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the Sfax coastal zone, (Tunisia) Mediterranean Sea

The Semi-enclosed Mediterranean Sea records various signals of high anthropic pressures from surrounding countries and the industrialized European countries. This is particularly true for oil pollution. Although accounting for 1% of the world’s ocean surface, it receives about 25% of the petroleum inputs to the ocean. To achieve a global budget we need to collect information from different parts of the Mediterranean. Particularly, we focus in this paper on the Southern Mediterranean, where data are presently very scarce. In this context, the University of Sfax has undertaken an estimation of hydrocarbon pollution along the coasts of Sfax and Gabès Gulf. Non-aromatic hydrocarbons were analysed in 8 surface sediments by FT/IR and GC/MS. Non-aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations vary in the range 310–1406 μg g −1 sediments dry weight, which is high, compared to other Mediterranean sites. GC/MS data indicate a large group of unresolved compounds suggesting a petroleum contamination, confirmed by the identification of hopanes with predominant C 29 and C 30 α,β compounds and steranes with predominance of C 27 over C 28 and C 29 compounds.

Sources, distribution and variability of hydrocarbons and metals in atmospheric deposition in an urban area (Paris, France)

Total atmospheric deposition, i.e., both wet and dry deposition, was sampled during 11 months in the “Ile-de-France” region, France. Monthly fluxes of aliphatic hydrocarbons (AHs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and heavy metals (HMs) were studied at three representative sites (two urbanised and one semiurban). A combination of spatial and temporal variability of total fluxes and pollutant fingerprints allows a better understanding of atmospheric pollutant dynamics over this region. In the whole studied area, aggregated total atmospheric fluxes of AHs, PAHs and HMs range from 19 to 33 mg m −2 y −1, 99 to 161 μg m −2 y −1 and 48 to 103 mg m −2 y −1, respectively. The highest values are observed in Paris centre, reflecting the importance of the urban centre as a source of pollutants, with a decline in many atmospheric deposits when moving away from urban areas. The seasonal distribution of these pollutants suggests the impact of residential heating on urban atmospheric deposition of hydrocarbons and the increase of dust loads containing HMs during summer. The qualitative study performed on atmospheric deposition data highlights the main sources of pollutants. Aliphatic fingerprints suggest a marked contribution of biogenic inputs to aliphatic contamination in the whole Ile-de-France region and slight petroleum inputs in urban areas. Aromatic fingerprints, characterised by the great predominance of phenanthrene, fluoranthene and pyrene, associated with some specific ratio values, suggest the mixture of petrogenic and pyrolytic contaminations of atmospheric deposition in the whole “Ile-de-France” region. HM distribution shows the presence of anthropogenic sources of Al and Fe in this area and the stationary sources (incinerators and plants) as a significant source of Si, S and Sb in the urban atmosphere. Moreover, a pollutant mix phenomenon, occurring in such an urban atmosphere, shows a significant influence on atmospheric deposition at the semiurban site.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the San Francisco Estuary water column: Sources, spatial distributions, and temporal trends (1993–2001)

The composition of PAH in surface waters was examined over a range of spatial and temporal scales to determine distributions, trends, and possible sources. Water samples were collected from 1993 to 2001. PAH in organic extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and 25 individual target PAH summed to get the total PAH concentration in each water sample. The distribution of median total PAH concentration by estuary segments was Extreme South Bay (120 ng l −1) > South Bay (49 ng l −1) > North Estuary (29 ng l −1) > Central Bay (12 ng l −1) > Delta (7 ng l −1). Overall, total PAH concentrations were significantly higher in the Extreme South Bay compared to all other segments, and the Central Bay and Delta were significantly lower than all other segments (Kruskal–Wallis, H = 157.27, df = 4, p < 0.0005). This distribution reflects the large urbanized and industrialized areas that border the southern portions of the estuary and the less populated and rural areas that surround the Delta. Temporal trend analysis showed a statistically significant temporal trend in total PAH concentration at only one of the 18 sampling stations situated throughout the estuary (San Jose, significant decrease, p = 0.031, r 2 = 0.386, n = 12). PAH isomer pair ratio analysis showed that PAH in estuary waters were derived primarily from combustion of fossil fuels/petroleum (possible PAH source contributors include coal, gasoline, kerosene, diesel, No. 2 fuel oil, and crude oil) and biomass (possible contributors include wood and grasses), with lesser amounts of PAH contributed from direct petroleum input.

북극 스발바드 군도 스피츠베르겐섬 콩스피요르드에서의 다환 방향족 탄화수소화합물의 분포 특성

In order to elucidate the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentration and its origin in arctic area, four arctic brown algae (Laminaria saccharina, L. digita, Alaria esculenta, Desmarestia aculeata), one marine invertebrate (Echinoidea) and sediments were collected from Kongsfjorden in Spitsbergen from the late July to early August, 2003. In case of macroalgae, the young blade part above growth point and the old stipes and blades beneath growth point were separated and analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in an attempt to check the mechanism of uptake in macroalgae to accumulate PAH. There was no difference in PAH concentrations between sampling sites (Stations B and C), species, and blades beneath and above growth point. PAH concentrations in all samples collected in this study were relatively higher than those reported in other areas of arctic. Especially, station C, which is known as an unpolluted area, showed 10 times higher PAH concentration (8,765 ng/g) in sediment than station A (694 ng/g) around harbor. In addition high PAH concentration, station C had very higher proportion of methylated PAH to parent PAH in sediment than station A. Source analysis using PAH isomer pair ratios as indicators showed that Kongsfjorden area seemed to be relatively contaminated with PAH derived from direct petroleum input.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in San Francisco Estuary sediments

The objectives of this study were to examine surface sediments in the San Francisco Estuary for PAH composition over a range of spatial and temporal scales to determine distributions, trends, and possible sources. Surface sediments (top 5 cm) were collected at 26 sites from 1993 to 2001. The mean total PAH (∑PAH) concentration in sediments was spatially distributed as Central Bay (230 mg/kg TOC), South Bay (217 mg/kg TOC), North Estuary (96 mg/kg TOC), Extreme South Bay (87 mg/kg TOC), and Delta (31 mg/kg TOC). Overall, the mean ∑PAH concentrations were significantly higher in the Central Bay and South Bay segments compared to the North Estuary, Extreme South Bay and Delta segments, and the Delta was significantly lower than all other segments (Kruskal–Wallis, H=156.94, df=4, p=0.000). In addition, no significant difference in ∑PAH concentration was found between the Central Bay and South Bay. This distribution reflects the large amount of urbanized and industrialized areas that surround the Central Bay and South Bay compared to the less urbanized and rural areas surrounding the Delta. Temporal trend analysis showed a statistically significant temporal trend in ∑PAH concentration at only 1 of the 26 sampling sites located throughout the estuary (San Pablo Bay, significant decrease, p=0.024, r 2=0.314, n=16), which suggests that ∑PAH concentrations in the estuary generally remained constant from 1993 to 2001. Source analysis using PAH isomer pair ratios as indicators showed that PAH are derived primarily from combustion of fossil fuels/petroleum (gasoline, crude oil, and coal) and biomass (wood and grasses), with minor amounts of PAH derived from direct petroleum input.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides in water columns from the Pearl River and the Macao harbor in the Pearl River Delta in South China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in suspended particles and dissolved phase from the Baiertang water column and the Macao water column samples as collected from the Guangzhou channel of the Pearl River and the Macao harbor, where the sediments were heavily contaminated with organic pollutants. Total OCPs concentration varies from 23.4 to 61.7 ng/l in Baiertang water column and from 25.2 to 67.8 ng/l in Macao column, while total PAHs concentration varies from 987.1 to 2878.5 ng/l in the Baiertang water column and from 944.0 to 6654.6 ng/l in the Macao column. The vertical distribution profiles of pollutants and the partition of pollutants between particles and dissolved phases indicate that the sediments in Baiertang act as an important source of selected pollutants, and the pollutants in water of this region were mainly originated from the release and re-suspension of contaminants residing in the sediments. The sediments in Macao harbor act as a reservoir for organochlorine pesticides, such as DDTs mainly introduced by river inflow from Xijiang and PAHs input by brackish water from the Lingdingyang estuary. Combustion of fossil fuels and petroleum input are the main sources of PAHs in the Macao water column, while combustion of fossil fuels and coal is responsible for the PAHs in the Baiertang water column. The ratios of DDT/(DDD + DDE) for the Macao water column samples demonstrate that such chemicals were input into this region in recent times.

Accumulation and distribution of petroleum hydrocarbons found in mussels ( Mytilus galloprovincialis) in the canals of Venice, Italy

Petroleum contamination was assessed in indigenous and transplanted mussels for three types of environments within the Venice Lagoon and its associated interior canals. Indigenous and transplanted mussels were least impacted by petroleum contamination at open-water stations, but more affected in partially-enclosed areas indicating that physical processes of tidal or wind activities can remove organic contaminants such as petroleum from these areas more effectively. Limited tidal flushing of the interior canals resulted in contaminated locations unable to support indigenous mussels. Clean mussels transplanted to these highly impacted sites accumulated the highest levels of petroleum hydrocarbons. The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) indicated mainly combustion-related activities from sources such as the nearby industrial zones and boat traffic, with some evidence of fresher petroleum inputs. Total hydrocarbons found in all mussels could be related to concentrations found in the surrounding sediments as reported in an earlier study.

Hydrocarbons and heavy metals in the different sewer deposits in the ‘Le Marais’ catchment (Paris, France): stocks, distributions and origins

The knowledge of the pollution stored in combined sewers is of prime importance in terms of management of wet weather flow pollution since sewer deposits play a significant role as source of pollution in combined sewer overflows. This work, which focused on the hydrocarbon (aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons) and metallic (Fe, Zn, Pb, Cu and Cd) pollution fixed to the different kinds of sewer deposits (gross bed sediment [GBS], organic layer [OL] and biofilm), was performed in order to provide a complete overview of the contaminant storage in the ‘Le Marais’ combined sewer (Central Paris, France). Firstly, our results have shown that, for all kinds of pollutants, a major part was stored in the GBS (87 to 98%), a lesser part in the OL (2 to 13%) and an insignificant part in the biofilm (<1%). These results demonstrated that the potential contribution of biofilm to wet weather pollution was negligible compared to the OL one. Secondly, the investigation of hydrocarbon fingerprints in each deposit has provided relevant information about contamination origins: (1) aliphatic hydrocarbon distributions were indicative of petroleum input in the GBS and reflected a mixture of biogenic and petroleum inputs in the OL and biofilm, (2) aromatic hydrocarbon distributions suggested an important pyrolytic contamination in all the deposits. Finally, the study of pollutant fingerprints in the different deposits and in the suspended solids going through the collector has shown that: (1) the suspended solids were the major component of OL and biofilm while urban runoff seemed to be the main transport mechanism introducing pollutants in the GBS and (2) the residence times in sewer of OL and biofilm were quite short compared to those for GBS.

Oil in the Sea: Changes in the Nature of Sources and Inputs Since 1985

ABSTRACT The (U.S.) National Academy of Sciences’ National Research Council (NRC) has completed the third in a series (spanning three decades) of comprehensive examinations of the inputs, fates, and effects of petroleum in the ocean. This most recent study, entitled Oil in the Sea III: Inputs, Fates and Effects (NRC 2002) indicates that changes in petroleum handling practices and production techniques, as well as the introduction of double-hulled tankers, have reduced the size, frequency, and total volume of marine spills over the last decade. As suggested by earlier studies, natural seeps, land-based run off, and atmospheric deposition from marine and terrestrial sources continue to represent the majority of petroleum input to the marine environment. In addition to world-wide estimates, the report includes estimates of the total inputs to both inshore and offshore waters along 17 zones along North American. New estimates indicate that the overall amount of petroleum released to the marine environment may be lower than earlier thought (1.3 million tonnes per year [2002] versus 3.2 million tonnes per year [1985]). The overall lower estimates reflect more accurate and complete supporting information as well as real reductions attributable to advances in marine transportation and oil and gas production techniques. Spillage from vessels from 1990 to 1999 was less than one-third of the spillage during the prior decade, and, despite increased production, reductions in releases during oil and gas exploration and production have been dramatic as well. Chronic releases during consumption of petroleum, which include urban runoff, polluted rivers, and discharges from commercial and recreational marine vessels, contribute 70 percent of the anthropogenic load to the marine environment, worldwide. These releases can pose significant risks to the sensitive coastal environments where they most often occur. Insights have been made from long-term studies of sites of major spills or polluted harbors, but to a large degree the significance (in terms of environmental damage) of the large inputs from land-based sources or other chronic releases is not known. Recent studies, however, suggest that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), even in low concentrations, can have a deleterious effect on marine biota.

Flux of heavy metal accumulation in various organs of the intertidal marine blue crab, Portunus pelagicus (L.) from the Kuwait coast after the Gulf War

The metal levels of arsenic, chromium, copper, lead, magnesium, manganese, selenium, vanadium, and zinc concentrations were determined in various body organs, viz., hepatopancreas, gills, gonad, gastric stomach, and muscle of the blue crab, Portunus pelagicus (Crustacea: Decapoda) to assess the bioaccumulation of metals associated with petroleum input a decade after the 1991 Gulf War oil spillage. Sample solutions prepared were analyzed using an atomic absorption spectrophotometry. High concentrations of Zn and Cu in the muscle and hepatopancreas tissues were a strong indicative of high exposure of P. pelagicus to these metals. However, muscle tissue had been found to accumulate the highest values for all metal speciations analyzed. Copper, zinc, and chromium in samples collected from Station II covering the Kuwait City area were often in excess of those present in Station I and III. Arsenic, lead, magnesium, manganese, selenium, and vanadium were greater in individuals obtained from Station I. A significant correlation was found to exist between Se and V in crab muscle with a surge in Se metal concentration, which was found to be inversely proportional to that of V metal concentration irrespective of the sex of the crab. The difference in patterns of metal occurrence and the significant increase in the Cu and Zn concentrations in various organs of the crab were largely associated with the 1991 Gulf War oil spill. Such results could be used as a baseline for the monitoring of the level of metals in marine organisms of future studies.

HEAVY METALS AND PETROLEUM HYDROCARBONS CONTAMINATION OF BOTTOM SEDIMENTS OF EL SUKHNA AREA, GULF OF SUEZ, EGYPT

The concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), total organic carbon (%TOC) and petroleum related heavy metals beside the grain size distribution of El Sukhna area, Egypt were determined in the bottom sediment. Copper, zinc and nickel concentrations were found within the lowest effect, while lead and cadmium levels were close to and high to the lowest effect, respectively. The contaminations level were found due to petrogenic origin and their sources are either weathered or highly weathered crude oils and or used lubricating oil. Their detection gives an indication of recent and continuous petroleum inputs.

Tumor prevalence and biomarkers of exposure in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) from the tidal Potomac River, USA, watershed

Associations between contaminant exposure and liver and skin tumor prevalence were evaluated in brown bullheads (Ameiurus nebulosus) from the tidal Potomac River, USA, watershed. Thirty bullheads (> or = age 3) were collected from Quantico embayment, near a Superfund site that released organochlorine contaminants; Neabsco Creek, a tributary with petroleum inputs from runoff and marinas; and Anacostia River (spring and fall), an urban tributary designated as a Chesapeake Bay region of concern, that was contaminated with polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), and organochlorine pesticides. Fish were collected from the Tuckahoe River, as a reference. Cytochrome P450 activity, bile PAH metabolites, and muscle organochlorine pesticide and PCB concentrations were measured in randomly selected individuals and sediment contaminants were analyzed. We found statistically significant differences in liver tumor prevalences: Anacostia (spring), 50%; Anacostia (fall), 60%; Neabsco, 17%; Quantico, 7%; and Tuckahoe, 10%. Skin tumor prevalences were significantly different: Anacostia (spring), 37%; Anacostia (fall), 10%; Neabsco, 3%; Quantico, 3%; and Tuckahoe, 0%. Tumor prevalence in Anacostia bullheads warrants concern and was similar to those at highly contaminated sites in the Great Lakes. Evidence was found of higher PAH exposure in Anacostia fish but a cause-effect linkage could not be established. Fish tumor surveys, with histopathologic examination of internal and external organs, are recommended for monitoring the status of regions of concern.

Seasonal and Geographical Distribution of PAHs in Mussels, Mytilus Edulis, Collected from an Urban Harbour

Mytilus edulis were collected intertidally from 16–18 sites located around the perimeter of Halifax Harbour, of an island located at the entrance to the harbour and from the Northwest Arm. The concentrations of 31 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), lipid and moisture content were determined in pools of this filter feeder sampled over three seasons spanning two years, along with calculating individual condition indices. Contaminants were nearly undetectable in many of the summer mussels and highest in some of the spring samples. At several sites, the sum of PAHs expressed on a dry or lipid weight basis, was either equal or higher in April compared to November. Fluoranthene was the most predominant PAH followed by pyrene and phenanthrene. At most sites, parental PAHs, associated with combustion sources of contamination, were more abundant than alkylated derivatives. A larger petroleum input was noticeable in mussel extracts from sites in close proximity to potential sources.

The determination of PAH by UV-fluorescence spectroscopy in water of Guanabara Bay, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

The city of Rio de Janeiro, second majorindustrial and population center of Brazil, is locatedaround Guanabara Bay. The environmentalconditions of this tropical estuarine system has raisedgreat concem; nevertheless a systematic survey aboutpolynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (P AH) has neverbeen carried ou1.Presently a study is being developedinvolving the investigation ofhydrocarbons in waters,sediments and biota. This work presents the firstresults related to polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbonsfound dissolved and dispersed in the waters of thebay.One of the major problems of the GuanabaraBay is the discharge of untreated domestic effluents,about 19m3 S-I, produced by a population of nearly8,000,000 inhabitants, enter this ecosystem daily.About 6,000 industries are established in this area.Also the natural resources of the bay are exploitedintensively, by both fishing and recreation activities.Guanabara Bay is an estuarine system wherehigh sedimentation rates are observed, of the order of1 to 2 cm year-l (Godoy et aI., 1991). The bay is alsoa very productive coastal ecosystem with rates ofprimary production of 460 mgC m-3 dail (Ponciano,1985).Guanabara Bay can be subdivided insections: the northeastem part is the most intact area,of 10wer population density, drained by relatively nonpolluted rivers and where remaining mangroves arepreserved; in the central part lies the navigationchannel, a frequently dredged area, with good watercirculation; the most impacted area is thenorthwestem section where refrnery plants from theoil industry are located and activities of oil storageand transfer are occurring. The two sections at theentrance of the Guanabara Bay are polluted mainly byharbor installations and shipyards.Ferreira (1995) concluded that the input ofpetroleum hydrocarbons to the bay amounts to 173 kgdai I from maritime transport, 902 kg day-l fromatmospheric input, and 17,005 kg day-l fTom urbanand industrial discharge. This last source accounts for84% ofthe hydrocarbon pollution discharge.The locations of the sampling stations areshown in Figure 1 with site descriptions. Thesestations were chosen as representative for the majoranthropogenic hydrocarbon input areas to the bay.

PAH refractory index as a source discriminant of hydrocarbon input from crude oil and coal in Prince William Sound, Alaska

Geochemical correlation and differentiation of hydrocarbons from crude oils and coals is difficult. The complex mixture of the hydrocarbon constituents and the dynamic nature of these constituents in the environment as they weather contribute to this difficulty. A new parameter, the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) refractory index, is defined here to help in this correlation. The PAH refractory index is a ratio of two of the most refractory constituents of most crude oils, namely triaromatic steranes and monomethylchrysenes. These are among the most persistent compounds in oil after deposition in the environment and thus retain reliably the signature of the original petroleum input. This index is utilized in Prince William Sound (PWS) to differentiate three different oils, as well as to provide evidence that coal, not oil, is the dominant source of the PAHs which are prominent constituents of marine sediments from PWS and the Gulf of Alaska.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Composition and Potential Sources for Sediment Samples from the Beaufort and Barents Seas

Understanding the sources and pathways of pollutant transport to the Arctic is fundamental to our custody of this sensitive ecosystem. To achieve such an understanding, we need to go beyond a catalog of environmental concentrations. Sediments, which are a final sink for particle-active contaminants, can provide a valuable resource to assess fluxes and sources of contaminants. Here, we interpret PAH distributions from widely distributed Arctic marine sediments both as indicators of anthropogenic contribution and to illuminate transport pathways. We use principal components analysis (PCA) to reveal the potential sources of PAHs and their geochemistry in sediments from the Beaufort and Barents Seas. PCA distinguishes between natural and anthropogenic inputs and supports a direct linkage between anthropogenic emissions and Arctic contamination. In the Beaufort Sea, PAHs and triterpenes reflect strong Mackenzie River-dominated inputs of natural PAHs and petroleum which overwhelm anthropogenic sources. In the Barents Sea, PAH and triterpene concentrations are generally 2−20 times lower than in the Beaufort Sea while the anthropogenic contribution is greater. Samples from the NW Barents Sea and from deep in cores contain natural, predominantly petrogenic material. However, samples from the SE Barents and Novaya Zemlya have received greater amounts of combustion PAHs.