Distribution and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in overlying waters and surface sediments from the Yangtze estuarine and coastal areas

Polluted levels, temporal and spatial distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were studied in overlying water and surface sediments from nine typical sampling sites in the Yangtze estuarine and coastal areas. The results showed that PAHs concentrations in overlying waters and surface sediments in dry season (1988 ng/L and 1154 ng/g) were both higher than those in flood season (1727 ng/L and 605 ng/g). And phenanthrene (Phe) was dominant among PAH compounds. Temperature was the most important factor that controlled PAHs seasonal variation in overlying waters, while organic carbon and soot carbon influenced PAHs accumulation in surface sediments. Complicated hydrodynamic conditions and pollutant inputs caused by various anthropogenic activities not only affected on PAHs spatial distribution, but also led to complicated sources in the Yangtze estuarine and coastal areas. Ecological risk assessment indicated that PAHs in water-sediment system from the Yangtze estuarine and coastal areas might potentially damage the Yangtze estuary ecosystem to some extent. Some of PAH compounds in overlying waters had exceeded the ecotoxicological assessment standard or EPA National Recommended Water Quality Criteria, and BaP also exceeded the normal concentration of Chinese Environmental Quality Standards for surface water. Some of PAH compounds in surface sediments had exceeded the effects range low (ER-L) levels and ISQV-L values.