Cent Eur J Public Health 1993, 1(2):125-129
Patterns of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments
- Marine Chemistry Division, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Biological Station, St. Andrews, N.B., Canada
The patterns of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in sediments were studied by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). Phenanthrene (P), fluoranthene (Fl), pyrene (Py), benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene (Chr), and benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) were used. Three patterns were found: type P, associated primarily with petroleum hydrocarbons, type Fl, from relatively clean marine sediments, and type Py+BaA+Chr+BaP, from industrialized areas. Aerial fallout appears to be the major source of PAH for the latter. There is a considerable variation in the PAH patterns obtained in different laboratories. PCA is a good tool for the study of PAH patterns.
Published: December 1, 1993 Show citation
