PAHs-OCPs pollution in China's Tieshan Harbor: Integrated source identification and risk-based management strategies

This study systematically analyzed the pollution characteristics, sources, and risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in surface sediments of Tieshan Harbor, a key maritime gateway for southwest China. Notably, this study is the first to systematically explore the co-occurrence mechanism and combined ecological risks of PAHs and OCPs in Tieshan Harbor sediments, addressing a gap in regional research that previously focused on single pollutant classes. Eighteen sampling stations were established to cover diverse functional areas, and samples were analyzed via gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (for PAHs) and gas chromatography (for OCPs). PAHs concentrations ranged from 69.92 to 131.74 ng/g (average: 93.16 ng/g), dominated by 3-ring compounds (65.32 %), with biomass combustion (67.16 %) and fossil fuel use identified as primary sources via characteristic ratios, PCA, and MLR. OCPs concentrations varied from 0.58 to 34.60 ng/g, with γ-HCH (10.54 ng/g) and 2,4-DDT (10.34 ng/g) locally enriched, reflecting mixed inputs from industrial sources and historical residues. Risk assessment showed γ-HCH (RQ = 2.63) posed ecological risks, while PAHs presented a dietary carcinogenic risk of 3.2 × 10^-6. A weak positive correlation between total PAHs and OCPs (Pearson r = 0.45) suggested potential source overlaps. Novelty lies in filling regional knowledge gaps about PAH/OCP spatial variations and combined ecological-human health risks in Tieshan Harbor, validating integrated source identification for complex harbor ecosystems, and quantifying biomass combustion's contribution-advancing aquatic contamination research. It provides critical data for local environmental protection, with future work focusing on enhanced monitoring, source tracing, and treatment technologies.