Sources, distribution and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the mangrove sediments of Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India

The sources, distribution and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in the mangrove sediments of Trombay and Vashi, along the Thane Creek, Maharashtra, India, for a period of 6 months. The results showed that the concentration of 15 PAHs ranged from 902.58 to 1643.60 and from 930.69 to 1158.30 ng g(-1) in Trombay and Vashi, respectively. Trombay showed significantly higher PAH concentration (p<0.05) than Vashi. The four carcinogenic PAHs, (benzo(b) fluorathene, benzo(k) fluorathene, Indeno(1,2,3-cd) pyrene and dibenz(a, h) anthracene) accounted for maximum concentration of the total PAHs. Specific PAH diagnostic indices and the molecular index indicated the presence of both pyrolytic and petrogenic sources with the predominance of pyrolytic origin. A positive correlation (r=0.736, p<0.05) existed between the benzo(k) fluorathene level and total PAHs, suggesting the use of this compound as a potential molecular marker for PAH pollution in mangrove sediment. Assessments of potential environmental risks associated with PAHs in this study revealed that the sediment was moderately polluted with high molecular weight PAHs. The study reports the baseline data that can be used for regular monitoring of contamination level considering the heavy industrialization and urbanization along the creek and its coastal region.