Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons loads into the Mediterranean Sea: Estimate of Sarno River inputs

The polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) pollution in the Sarno River and its environmental impact on the Gulf of Naples (Tyrrhenian Sea, Central Mediterranean Sea) were estimated. The 16 PAHs identified by the USEPA as priority pollutants and perylene were determined in the water dissolved phase (DP), suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediments. Total PAHs concentrations ranged from 23.1 to 2670.4 ng L−1 in water (sum of DP and SPM) and from 5.3 to 678.6 ng g−1 in sediment samples. Source analysis revealed that PAHs mainly came from combustion process. Contaminant discharges of PAHs into the sea were calculated in about 8530 g d−1 showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of PAHs to the Tyrrhenian Sea.