Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a tropical coastal lagoon (Grand-Lahou lagoon, Côte d’Ivoire)

Abstract

The distribution of 8 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface sediments of the Grand-Lahou lagoon (Côte d'Ivoire) was investigated using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total concentrations of PAHs were between 1.55 and 437.52 µg/g in the dry season. Pyrene, benzo (b) fluoranthene and fluoranthene have the highest concentrations. In the rainy season, the total PAHs concentrations varied between 46.35 and 1222.73 µg/g. Pyrene, benzo (a) pyrene and benzo (a) anthracene were the most present in the sediments of the lagoon of Grand-Lahou during the wet season. Possible sources of PAHs in the lagoon of Grand-Lahou are oil and fuel spills from ships and fishing boats, combustion of waste, domestic waste disposal and especially the production of charcoal on the Grand-Lahou lagoon shores. A clear dominance of high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (pyrene, Benzo (k) fluoranthene, Benzo (a) pyrene, indeno (1,2,3-cd) pyrilène, Benzo (g, h, i) pyrilene, Benzo (a) anthracene , Benzo (b) fluoranthene) was observed compared to low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (fluoranthene).