Recognizing different impacts of human and natural sources on the spatial distribution and temporal trends of PAHs and PCBs (including PCB-11) in sediments of the Nador Lagoon (Morocco)

• PAH inputs in sediments of the Nador Lagoon are generally petrogenic.
• PAH pyrogenic inputs characterise the period 1930–1960 near Nador city.
• PCB Aroclor mixtures are well recognizable in surface non-degraded sediments.
• PCB microbial anaerobic degradation is recorded from 1950 to 1990 in the SW lagoon.
• Different land uses control PAH and PCB levels and compositions in lagoon sediments.

The Nador Lagoon holds a major interest in present-day Moroccan socioeconomic development. This environment is exposed to a number of potential polluting sources, such as mine tailings, urban and industrial dumping, and untreated wastewater inputs from surrounding cities. The aim of this study was to assess concentrations and trends of persistent contaminants such as PCBs and PAHs and to identify their origin. The non-Aroclor PCB-11 was determined for the first time in the lagoon sediments. Chronology and source assessment helped identifying the timing and nature of inputs and post-depositional processes controlling the two classes of contaminants: PAHs present a typical mixed petrogenic signature, with the exception of sediments deposited in the period 1930–1960 near the city of Nador, when pyrogenic inputs prevailed; PCBs show signs of microbial anaerobic degradation from 1950 to 1990, probably linked to changing hydrodynamic conditions in the South-Western part of the lagoon where agricultural inputs are dominant. The presence of PCB-11 is linked to specific productions and might be affected by degradation processes. Presently, different land uses (e.g., urban and agricultural areas) appear to be the key factors in controlling the level and composition of PAHs and PCBs in lagoon sediments. Total PAH and PCB levels are low (from 21.6 to 108 ng g− 1 and from 2.50 to 20.7 ng g− 1, respectively) but recent increasing values and the potential threat to humans and biota require continuous and constant monitoring.

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