Persistence profile of polyaromatic hydrocarbons in shallow and deep Gulf waters and sediments: Effect of water temperature and sediment-water partitioning characteristics

► The half-lives of PAHs in the deep waters (over 1000 m) are about twice longer than the shallow areas (100-150 m). ► In the water column, anthracene levels can decrease by 50% within 1-2 days. ► The half-lives of the PAHs in the sediments are significantly longer than those in the water column. ► The half-life of pyrene in the shallow and deep sediments is 9 and 16 years, respectively.