Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in some Mediterranean coastal sediments

The current report shows that the Lazaret Bay (Toulon Harbour) is highly contaminated by polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Fourteen PAHs have been detected among the 16 species nominated on the EPA priority list in all the study locations and in the most contaminated one at a concentration of higher than 48μg g−1 of dry sediment. It is also shown that pyrolytic origin is the main source of these compounds in Mediterranean coastal sediments.