Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Seawater and Sediments, Human and Ecological Risks, Northern Coastline of Persian Gulf

This study aimed to assess 13 PAHs concentrations and induced human and ecological risks in seawater and surficial sediments of eight estuaries in the northern coastline of the Persian Gulf, Iran, 2021. The range of sigma 13 PAHs concentration was 0.24-8.83 mu g L-l and 3.1-11.46 mu g g(-1) dry weight, and the mean value was 4.99 mu g L-l and 6.06 mu g g(-1) dry weight in seawater and sediment, respectively. Two, three and four rings PAHs were dominant with 29.33% and 41.33% of sigma PAHs in seawater and sediment, respectively. The primary source of PAHs was both pyrolytic and petrogenic. Most PAHs' calculated health (DCR, HQs, TEF, MEF) and ecological risks (SQGs) values in seawater were in the moderate range or high-risk values for damage to the marine environment. It is concluded that the pollution of PAHs should be carefully considered, and the government should make a proper action plan to minimize the pollution.