Distribution and characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of Hadhramout coastal area, Gulf of Aden, Yemen

To assess the status of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in sediments of Hadhramout coastal area, Gulf of Aden, Yemen, 17 surface sediment samples were collected in March–April 2005 and analyzed for PAHs with 2–6 benzene rings by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS).The concentrations of PAHs in surface sediments were in the range of 2.2–604 ng g− 1 (average value: 82.4 ng g− 1). PAHs contamination is highest in proximity to harbour activities, near Al-Dhabah petroleum terminal and urban areas. Comparison of the concentration range with a worldwide survey of sedimentary PAH concentrations ranked PAH contamination in Hadhramout coastal sediments as low to moderate. Assessment of PAH sources in Hadhramout coastal sediments suggested that they originated largely from petrogenic sources. PAHs of pyrolytic origin were found in sediments from urbanized areas. Adverse effects on benthic communities are not expected at the levels of PAHs contamination observed from harbour and industrial areas.