Distribution and composition of PAHs in surface waters, porewater and sediments from Xiamen Western Bay

Xiamen Westem Bay's water and sediment quality were studied by determining the levels of sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water, porewater and sediment samples from nine locations in the bay. Total PAH concentrations varied from 106 to 945 ng/l in water, below detection to 3548 ng/l in porewater, and 247 to 480 ng/g dry weight in surface sediments. PAHs levels in porewater were higher than those in surface water, due to the preference of these hydrophobic compounds for sedimentary phase instead of water. Such a concentration gradient implies a potential flux of pollutants from sediments to overlying water. The PAHs levels in sediments were one to several orders of magnitude lower than those in 1993, suggesting their decreased input in recent years and possible degradation with time.