Evaluation of sediment contamination by monoaromatic hydrocarbonsin the coastal lagoons of Gulf of Saros, NE Aegean Sea

Abstract

The concentrations and distribution of monoaromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and the sum of m-, p- and o-, xylenes) were determined in the sediments of coastal lagoons of the Gulf of Saros, using a static headspace GC–MS. The total concentrations of BTEX compounds ranged from 368.5 to below detection limit 0.6 μg kg−1 DW, with a mean value of 61.5 μg kg−1 DW. The light aromatic fraction of m-, p-xylene was the most abundant compound (57.1% in average), and followed by toluene (38.1%) N ethylbenzene (4.1%) N o-xylene (2.5%) N benzene (1.1%). The factor analysis indicated that the levels and distribution of BTEX compounds depend on the type of contaminant source (mobile/point), the absorbance of compounds in sediment, and mobility of benzene compound and degradation processes. Point sources are mainly related to agricultural facilities and port activities while the dispersion of compounds is related to their solubility, volatility, and effect of sea/saline waters on lagoons.