Distribution characteristics, source apportionment, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the central Beibu Gulf, China

This study systematically investigates polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in central Beibu Gulf surface sediments. Total PAHs ranged from 81.23 to 117.93 ng·g⁻¹ (mean 99.32 ng·g⁻¹), indicating low-to-moderate pollution. Spatial heterogeneity shows highest concentrations at BZ06 (117.93 ng·g⁻¹, influenced by industrial discharges and shipping) and lowest at BZ17 (81.23 ng·g⁻¹, diluted by open sea). Three-ring (40.79%) and four-ring (32.89%) compounds dominate, with phenanthrene (7.80 ng·g⁻¹) and pyrene (10.04 ng·g⁻¹) as major contributors. Source apportionment via diagnostic ratios and PCA (cumulative variance 74.36%) confirms 60% origin from biomass/coal combustion and 40% from petroleum processes. Risk assessments show all concentrations below ERL, mean TEQ of 4.29 ng·g⁻¹, and low ecological risk, though pyrene's RQs approach moderate thresholds. This study provides critical data for marine environmental protection and insights into PAHs pollution in semi-enclosed bays.

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