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Distribution and accumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in terrestrial-aquatic interface environments
Tamara Dudnikova1, Ekaterina Kravchenko1, Tatiana Minkina1
1Southern Federal University, Rostov-on-Don, Russia.
Marine Pollution Bulletin
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Coastal zones accumulate hazardous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from human activities. This study reveals shoreline deposits act as a key intermediate zone for PAH distribution, differing from soils and sediments.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Pollution Studies
Background:
- Coastal zones are hotspots for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulation due to human settlements, industry, and navigation.
- Previous research has focused on PAH distribution in soils and sediments, neglecting shoreline deposits as a critical interface zone.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the distribution and composition of priority PAHs in soils, shoreline deposits, and bottom sediments.
- To investigate the role of shoreline deposits as an intermediate barrier in pollutant transfer in coastal environments.
- To assess the impact of anthropogenic activities and landscape position on PAH accumulation and composition.
Main Methods:
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used for quantitative analysis of 15 priority PAHs.
- Samples were collected from soils, shoreline deposits, and bottom sediments in the Lower Don River and Taganrog Bay.
- Analysis considered different types of anthropogenic impact and landscape positions.
Main Results:
- Total PAH content followed the sequence: soils > bottom sediments ≈ shoreline deposits.
- Shoreline deposits showed higher accumulation of fluorene and phenanthrene but lower BbF compared to soils and sediments.
- Pollutant sources (aerotechnogenic vs. fuel spills) influenced PAH composition, with high-molecular-weight PAHs dominating in automorphic positions and low-molecular-weight PAHs near water bodies.
Conclusions:
- Shoreline deposits play a significant role in the fate and transport of PAHs at the aquatic-terrestrial interface.
- Anthropogenic sources and landscape position are critical factors determining PAH distribution and composition in coastal depositional environments.
- Understanding PAH dynamics in shoreline deposits is crucial for effective coastal pollution management.
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