Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Aegean Sea (eastern Mediterranean Sea). (April 2020) - Hatzianestis, I.
Abstract: In this study, we provide baseline data on the composition, major sources and mechanisms driving the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) mixtures in surficial sediments collected from 43 offshore and open/deep sea locations across the north, central and south Aegean Sea. The determined total concentrations of the considered PAH compounds were generally low, comparable to those reported in relatively non-polluted coastal and open/deep Mediterranean marine sites. Their molecular profile and diagnostic indices reveal mixed contributions from both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources across the study area. Organic carbon exerts an important control on the transport and ultimate accumulation of PAHs, however, the presented results highlight a significant variability in sedimentary PAHs concentrations and compositional patterns within the studied Aegean Sea sub-regions. This could be likely attributed to a combination of distinct hydrological and biogeochemical characteristics, surface and near bottom water mass circulation patterns and the relative importance of PAH sources. Highlights: PAH mixtures were investigated in surface sediments of the Aegean Sea. The total concentrations of PAH were comparable to those of unpolluted marine areas. Mixed pyrolytic and petrogenic sources contributions are evident in the study area. Organic carbon exerts an important control on the transport and accumulation of PAH. Biogeochemical/circulation features and sources variability drive PAH distribution.