Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediments from the Mersey Estuary, U.K

Sediments from the Mersey Estuary were analysed for polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Total PAH concentrations ranged from 626 to 3766 μg/kg and total PCB concentrations ranged from 36 to 1409 μg/kg. These concentrations are intermediate in comparison to ot...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	The Science of the total environment 2007-03, Vol.374 (1), p.112-126
Main Authors:	Vane, C.H., Harrison, I., Kim, A.W.
Format:	Article
Language:	eng
Subjects:	Applied sciences Brackish Contamination Earth sciences Earth, ocean, space Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics Environmental Monitoring - methods Estuary Exact sciences and technology Geologic Sediments - chemistry Mersey PAH PCB Pollutant Pollution Pollution sources. Measurement results Pollution, environment geology Polychlorinated Biphenyls - analysis Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - analysis Sediment Soil and sediments pollution Soil Pollutants - analysis United Kingdom Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
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Summary:	Sediments from the Mersey Estuary were analysed for polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). Total PAH concentrations ranged from 626 to 3766 μg/kg and total PCB concentrations ranged from 36 to 1409 μg/kg. These concentrations are intermediate in comparison to other U.K estuaries with similar histories of industrialisation and urbanisation. The distribution of individual PAHs were consistent throughout the Mersey Estuary, this together with molecular indices suggests mainly pyrolitic inputs, augmented by a variety of industrial petrogenic sources. Comparison of tri-to-hepta PCB congeners revealed multiple sources and inputs throughout the estuary. A sediment core collected in close proximity to Garston Docks revealed the take-off, peak pollutant input and recent decline of PCB pollution. However, a second depth profile of sediments at Ellesmere Port showed little change in total or individual PCB concentrations due to extensive sediment reworking and mixing.
ISSN:	0048-9697 1879-1026