Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a Natural Heritage Estuary influenced by anthropogenic activities in the South Atlantic: Integrating multiple source apportionment approaches. (March 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Gurgatz, Bruno Martins; Garcia, Marina Reback; Cabral, Ana Caroline; de Souza, Amanda Câmara; Nagai, Renata Hanae; Figueira, Rubens C.L.; de Mahiques, Michel Michaelovitch; Martins, César C.
• Is Part Of: Marine pollution bulletin. Volume 188(2023)
• Publication Date: 2023-03
• Subjects: Anthropogenic impacts -- Sediment -- Protected areas -- Principal component analysis -- Chemical stressors; 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.2023.114678
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-326X

Abstract

Abstract: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed in the sediments of one of the most well-preserved estuaries in South Brazil, the Paranaguá Estuarine System (PES), using several source apportionment tools. The ∑PAH ranged from < DL to 125.6 ng g −1 dw (dry weight) (average 29.9 ± 26.1 ng g −1 dw), and the lowest levels detected were similar to those found in other protected areas of the world. In general, the PAH concentrations indicated excellent environmental quality for the entire estuary. Principal component analysis indicated that fine sediments and total organic carbon were the main factors controlling PAH concentrations in the PES. Multiple PAH sources were identified in the study area; biomass burning and fossil fuel combustion predominated but considerable amounts of petrogenic residues were also observed. We identified evidence of a contribution from an adjacent watershed resulting from the construction of interconnections between large rivers and from years of intense deforestation in the local Atlantic Forest. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: PAHs were evaluated with a wide sample network in a Natural World Heritage estuary. Different approaches were used to estimate the sources of sedimentary PAHs. The highest levels were related to interbasin transfer, farming, and deforestation. Long-term monitoring of sedimentary PAHs in the PES is crucial for estuary protection.