Geochemical Constraints of Poly-Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Poly-aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in sediments collected from the Suez Gulf, Egypt. PAH concentrations were in the range of 6.6009 - 9442.803 ng/g dry weight, with the mean value of 1157.9793 ng/g dry weight. The highest concentration of total PAHs is recorded in sediments collected from Inlet of Suez Oil Petroleum Company (SOPC) 9442.803 ng/g dry weight, followed by that in 50 m East the Outlet of Suez Oil petroleum Company (SOPC) 5183.466 ng/g dry weight and Outlet of Suez Oil petroleum Company (SOPC) 1770.3265 ng/g dry weight; while lower concentrations are detected in Suez Beach 6.6009 ng/g dry weight, 600 m West the Outlet of Suez Oil Petroleum Company (SOPC), 300 m from Inlet of AL-Nasr Petroleum Company (NPC ) and EL- Sukhna of Loloha Beach (16.8135, 47.4581and 65.0644 ng/g dry weight, respectively). In this context, ratio of low molecular weight of PAHs (2- and 3-rings) to high (4- to 6-rings) has been used to differentiate between the pyrogenic and petrogenic sources of PAHs in the studied samples.

Autorentext

Researcher in Environmental Chemistry at Department of Analysis and Evaluation in EPRI, Nasr City-Cairo. Master in Environmental Science, Institute of Environmental Studies and Research Ain Shams University, 2000, Grade Excellent. Ph.D in Environmental Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt 2005.