Marine organic pollutants of the Eastern Aegean: Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Candarli Gulf surficial sediments

► Organic pollutants were measured in sediment from the Candarli Gulf, eastern Aegean. ► 3-ring PAHs were most abundant in the sampling area. ► Petroleum derived PAHs were dominant at the stations situated near the refinery. ► Pyrolytic sources were mainly prevalent in the estuary of Bakircay River. ► PAH levels at all sites were below the ERL and ERM except fluorene.