Distribution of Aliphatic and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHS) in Coastal Sediment from the Ngoua River (Douala, Cameroon)

Abstract

This paper reports the identification and quantification of 15EPA-PAHs in the sediments samples collected in Ngoua River, Douala, Cameroon. PAH and n-alkanes were separated by using a chromatographic column, identified and quantified by using Gas Chromatography (GC/FID). The total concentration ranged from 140.42 µg/g to 229.47 µg/g dry matters during the rainy season and from 48.89 µg/g to 333.49 µg/g dry matters during the dry season. All samples showed the predominance of high Molecular Weight (HMW) PAHs due to industrial activities. At the upstream, the concentrations of PAHs were systematically lower than those found downstream indicating an influence of Nettoycam Company in the local pollution by PAHs. Principal component analysis (PCA) also showed remarkable differences of characteristics of samples collected upstream and downstream of Nettoycam Company, samples location and also of samples from rainy and dry seasons.