Concentrations of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) in Sediments of Khowre-Musa System (Persian Gulf)

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) which their carcinogenic and mutative effects have been proved are one of the major categories of pollutants entering the marine environment. Due to their hydrophobic, lipophilic characteristics, they accumulate in the sediments of coastal areas. Khowre-Musa System as a semi enclosed ecosystem receives high levels of contamination due to its location in the vicinity of industrial sites. This study was performed to determine concentrations of PAHs in the sediments of three creeks (Khowre-Jafari, Khowre-Ahmadi and Khowre-Ghannam) from the Khowre-Musa System. A total of 27 samples (3creeks x 3sites per each creek x 3 composited samples per site) were collected. 10 PAHs (acenaphylene, acenaphthene, fluorene, anthracene, fluorathene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo(b) fluoranthene and benzo(a)pyrene) were detected in the sediment samples using HPLC . Total concentrations of PAHs values were highest at Khowre-Jafari site. Most of 10 selected PAHs concentrations were higher than standards. The results of the study suggest the petrochemical industry play most important role in the contamination of the study area.