Distribution and mass inventory of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediments of the south Bohai Sea, China

► The recent concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) proposed by USEPA in sediments of the south Bohai Sea varied from 37 to 537 ng g−1 (dry weight). ► There is a clear difference between the coastal Bohai Bay and its adjacent BS in the distribution and compositions of PAHs. ► The phenanthrene in the coastal Bohai Sea was petrogenic origin while the 4-6 ring PAHs were predominantly from coal and wood combustion in the Bohai Sea. ► The estimated PAH input to the south Bohai Sea was 36.6 ton yr−1, indicating that the study area was one of the important reservoirs of PAHs in world.