Historical inputs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the preserved tropical estuary of the Itapicuru River, Bahia, Brazil

Guimarães, Lucas Medeiros; De França, Elvis Joacir; de Arruda, Gilberto Nascimento; Albergaria-Barbosa, Ana Cecília Rizzatti de

Historical inputs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the preserved tropical estuary of the Itapicuru River, Bahia, Brazil

2020

Guimarães, Lucas Medeiros | De França, Elvis Joacir | de Arruda, Gilberto Nascimento | Albergaria-Barbosa, Ana Cecília Rizzatti de

The aim of present study was to evaluate temporal changes in the distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the estuary of the Itapicuru (Brazil). A sediment core was sampled in the study area. Concentrations of the 16 priority PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometry. A gas flow proportional counter was used to estimate the sedimentation rate through the determination of ²¹⁰Pb. Granulometric fractions and total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations were also evaluated. Concentrations of TOC and PAHs ranged from 0.65 to 2.51% and 1.98 to 43.1 ng g⁻¹ (dry weight), respectively. Significant correlations (p < .05) were found between the mud content in the sediment core samples and concentrations of both TOC and PAHs. Higher PAH concentrations occurred after the 1950s. The main sources of PAHs over time were local human activities on the northern coast of the state of Bahia.

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