Distribution and sources of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in Mangrove surficial sediments of Deep Bay, China

Twelve sediment samples collected from three transects of mangrove swamp of Deep Bay, Shenzhen, China, were determined for polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total PAHs concentrations ranged from 237 to 726 ng g−1 dry weight, and showed strong correlation with total organic carbon (TOC), clay content and Pb concentrations. The highest PAHs concentrations were found in the samples from mangrove sediments. Overall, PAHs in Deep Bay sediment were lower than those in other developed areas. The biological effect due to PAHs alone in Deep Bay is expected to be low, based on the comparisons of individual and total PAHs concentrations determined in the sediment with those in USEPA sediment quality guidelines. Four and five-ring compounds dominated the PAHs composition pattern profiles. Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to further investigate the source of PAHs. The PAH sources of Deep Bay mangrove swamp were suggested to be primarily combustion of fossil fuel, especially leaded-gasoline exhaust.