Geochemical imprints of occurrence, vertical distribution and sources of aliphatic hydrocarbons, aliphatic ketones, hopanes and steranes in sediment cores from ten Iranian Coral Islands, Persian Gulf. (July 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Jafarabadi, Ali Ranjbar; Dashtbozorg, Mehdi; Bakhtiari, Alireza Riyahi; Maisano, Maria; Cappello, Tiziana
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 144(2019)
• Page Start: 287
• Page End: 298
• Publication Date: 2019-07
• Subjects: Geochemical Characterization -- Petroleum Biomarkers -- Organic Matter -- Oil Pollution -- Coral Reef Sediment Core -- Persian Gulf; Marine pollution -- Periodicals; Marine Biology -- Periodicals; Water Pollution -- Periodicals; Mer -- Pollution -- Périodiques; Publications périodiques; Pollution des mers; Lutte antipollution; Electronic journals; 363.7394
• DOI: 10.1016/j.marpolbul.2019.05.014
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: The levels, vertical distribution and sources of hydrocarbons and petroleum biomarkers were estimated for the first time in sediment cores (0–40 cm) from ten coral Islands of the Persian Gulf, Iran. Discrepant hydrocarbons, including linear n- alkanes ( n- C11 to n- C40 ) and isoprenoids (AHs), aliphatic ketones (AKs), hopanes and steranes were measured in all core samples, showing mean concentrations ranging from 209 to 5388 μg g −1 dw (∑30 AH), 2–244 μg g −1 -dw (∑13 AK), 189–3713 ng g −1 dw (∑31 hopane) and 42–3864 ng g −1 dw (∑15 sterane), respectively. All sediment cores were found to be petroleum polluted, with ∑30 AH > ∑31 hopane > ∑15 sterane > ∑13 AK, with higher levels recorded at 10–20 cm, mainly at industrial sites. Various diagnostic indices revealed that hydrocarbons derived mainly from anthropogenic inputs, with significant contribution of biogenic origin at sites less polluted. Moreover, total organic carbon (0.24–23.45 mg g −1 -dw), terrestrial and marine organic matter had an overwhelming effect on hydrocarbons deposition in sediment cores. Overall, findings provide relevant information for monitoring and preventing petroleum pollution in the sensitive ecosystems of the Persian Gulf. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: First report on levels, vertical distribution and sources of OPs in Iranian reef sediment cores The levels of all measured OPs were higher at 10–20 cm depth in all sediment cores. A significant correlation of OPs levels with TOC, TOM and MOM was revealed. Various diagnostic indices revealed that OPs derived mainly from anthropogenic inputs. Findings are relevant for monitoring and preventing petroleum pollution in Persian Gulf.