Baseline concentrations and distributions of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the Qatar marine environment

Coastal sediments in marine waters of Qatar have the potential of being contaminated by Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) due to extensive petroleum exploration and transportation activities within Qatar's Marine Exclusive Economic Zone. In this study, the concentration and distribution of sixteen PAHs classed as USEPA priority pollutants were measured in sediments from the eastern Qatari coast. PAHs were recovered from sediments via accelerated solvent extraction and then analyzed using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry. Total concentrations of the PAHs were in the range of 3.15-14.35 μg/kg, and the spatial distribution of PAHs is evaluated in the context of sediment total organic content, depth and the grain size together with and the proximity of petroleum exploration and transportation activities. The data show that the concentrations of PAHs within the study area were in the low-range, suggesting a low risk to marine organisms and limited transfer of PAHs into the food web.