Persistence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments in the deeper area of the Northern Adriatic Sea (Mediterranean Sea)

The Po Valley is the most important agricultural and industrial area of Adriatic basin. In this area there are several rivers which transport polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) into the sea via suspended particulate matter. This study describes the persistence of PAHs in the deep and coastal sediments of the Northern Adriatic. Different environmental conditions were studied: salinity, temperature, sunlight, sediment particle size and organic matter in sediment. The average conditions in the deep areas of the Northern Adriatic are: salinity higher than 37, temperature lower than 11 °C, darkness and clayey sediments with a high organic matter content. These conditions increase the persistence of the PAHs in the deep area of the Northern Adriatic.

► PAHs are discharged in the Northern Adriatic Sea by numerous rivers of the Po Valley. ► Po Valley is a very important area for the impact of human activity. ► Behaviour of PAHs in the coastal belt and deeper areas of the Northern Adriatic Sea. ► Several environmental factors affect PAH degradation. ► Batch degradation tests have been conducted to examine the persistence of PAHs.