Vertical profile of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the core sediment found in Langkawi, Kedah

Abstract

Aim: To determine the concentration of PAHs by layers in each core sediment around one of Malaysia's tourism-oriented areas and to distinguish and classify the origin of PAHs in core sediments using index of molecular ratios. Methodology: The individual compounds and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) were studied in 72 cm and 54 cm long sediment core, each that were taken in the Kuah Jetty and a rural area between Tanjung Ayer and Tanjung Batu Kulat of Langkawi Island. A total of 12 PAHs were determined and quantified by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Results: Kuah Jetty, Langkawi's total PAH concentrations of sediment core layers ranged from 45.82 ng g-1 to 252.43 ng g-1. Furthermore, the total PAH concentrations of the sediment core layers from the rural area between Tanjung Ayer and Tanjung Batu Kulat ranged between 28.97 ng g-1 to 312.20 ng g-1. Interpretation: The potential application of a combination of molecular ratios and individual concentrations of PAH in determining the origin and source of pollution in sediments resulted in the determination of low to moderate pollution and indicated mixed sources of PAHs in the study area.