Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in seawater and marine sediments from Mokpo coast in Korea

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in seawater and sediment from Mokpo coastal waters of Korea. Concentrations of PAHs in seawater and sediments ranged from 15.9 to 49.5 ng/L and from 4.79 to 511 ng/g dry weight, respectively. PAH concentrations measured in our study were lower than those in other locations in Korea and other countries. The PAH contamination was associated with intensive shipping and industrial activities. Based on diagnostic ratios and multivariate statistical analysis, the major source of PAHs in marine sediments was combustion processes, with a minor petrogenic input. There was no significant correlation between total organic carbon (TOC) and PAHs; however, there was high correlation between PCDD/Fs and PAHs, suggesting that these chemicals have similar sources and movements in the surveyed areas.