Composition, distribution and sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in sediments of the Gulf of Milazzo (Mediterranean Sea, Italy)

This article describes the characterization of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of Milazzo Gulf (Italy) located in front of an oil refinery and a power plant. The investigated area is characterized by urban and industrial activities. The sixteen PAHs identified by the USEPA, as requiring priority monitoring, and other non USEPA listed PAHs, namely perylene and some methyl derivatives, were investigated The total PAHs concentrations, expressed as 19 PAH ranges from 5.6–7402 μg/Kg d.w., with a mean value of 492 μg/Kg d.w. The concentrations of PAHs found in 64 out of 67 samples were lower than the effect range low (ERL = 2460 μg/Kg) concentration, while the remaining samples were in the range between ERL and effect range middle (ERM)concentrations. The mean values of all samples of the same stations were lower than the ERL. These findings indicated that the sediments from the entire sampling area should have no potential biological impact.