Evaluation of anthropogenic inputs of hydrocarbons in sediment cores from a tropical Brazilian estuarine system

► Temporal trends and sources of hydrocarbons were investigated in estuarine sediments. ► Anthropogenic inputs from sugar-cane processing can pose environmental problems. ► The PAH isomeric ratios reflected a pattern of mainly pyrogenic input. ► All sediment samples are contaminated by PAHs and petroleum hydrocarbons. ► The pollution has been diluted by natural inputs.