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Abstract
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Sediments from the intertidal areas of Hormuzgan province in northern part of Persian
Gulf (Iran) were investigated for the levels and possible sources of 15 polycyclic aromatic
hydrocarbons (PAHs). Samples of sediments were collected from twelve sampling
sites and analyzed for PAHs by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The
results showed that the total concentrations of PAHs ranged from 765 to 1898 ng/g dry
weight. Composition pattern in the sediment samples from 12 sampling sites was dominated
by 4-ring PAH compounds. Molecular indices based on ratios of PAH concentrations
were used to differentiate PAHs from pyrolitic, petrogenic and mixed origins. The
results of study suggested that the main sources of PAHs in the sediment were mixed
with pyrolitic and petrogenic inputs. According to the US sediments quality guidelines
(SQGs) (ERL/ERM) sediments of the mentioned region did not show any ecotoxicological
risk for benthic organisms.
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