Sources and Geochemical Constraints of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments and Mussels of two Northern Irish Sea-loughs

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were sampled from 30 sediment and 8 mussel (Mytilus edulis) stations in two Northern Irish Sea-loughs. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Sedimentary organic carbon, % silt/clay and mean grain size were analysed in order to assess the role of geochemistry on PAH distribution. With the exception of two sites in Larne Lough representing localized regions of high contamination, ∑PAHs in sediments ranged between 83 and 2300 ng g−1. Regression analysis indicated that particle size and organic C were dominant factors in controlling the distribution of PAHs throughout the sediments. Sources of PAHs in both sea-loughs were dominated by pyrogenic inputs suggesting that diffuse sources such as atmospheric deposition may be a major source to both water bodies. The sum of PAHs in mussels ranged between 95 and 184 ng g−1. Variations in concentrations may be explained by differences in the condition between mussel populations. Mussels in both sea-loughs exhibit similar metabolic activities towards the PAH compounds which were predominantly bioaccumulated from sediments.