Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons assessment in the sediments of the Porto Torres Harbor (Northern Sardinia, Italy)

The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the sediments of Porto Torres Harbor (north Sardinia, Italy) was investigated by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GCMS). PAHs concentrations in the sediment (∑PAHs) ranged from 0.07 to 1.21 μg g−1, indicating low to moderate PAHs pollution. Principal component analysis (PCA), the comparative evaluation of PAHs low/high molecular weight and isomeric ratios, suggests that the pollution source is petrogenic (probably due to oil spills from ship and tanker, and to petrochemical plants near the shoreline). A significant contribution from pyrolytic PAHs is found only in the most polluted sediments. Terrigenous flows (e.g., municipal or river waters) do not affect the PAHs balance of the harbor at all. The good linear correlation between chrysene concentration and the total amount of the other 15 US EPA concerning PAHs suggests the use of chrysene as a possible marker of PAHs pollution.