Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contamination of Surface Sediments and Oysters from the Inter-Tidal Areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
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Date
2009
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Elsevier
Abstract
Surface sediment and oyster samples from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam were analyzed for 23
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including the 16 compounds prioritized by US-EPA using GC/
MS. The total concentration of PAHs in the sediment ranged from 78 to 25,000 ng/g dry weight, while
oyster concentrations ranged from 170 to 650 ng/g dry weight. Hazards due to sediment contamination
were assessed using Equilibrium Partitioning Sediment Benchmarks and Threshold Effect Levels. Diagnostic
indices and principle component analysis were used to identify possible sources. Interestingly, no
correlation between sediment and oyster concentrations at the same sites was found. This is supported
by completely different contamination patterns, suggesting different sources for both matrices. Hazard
assessment revealed possible effects at six out of eight sites on the benthic communities and oyster
populations. The contribution of PAH intake via oyster consumption to carcinogenic risks in humans
seems to be low.
Description
Keywords
Equilibrium partitioning sediment, benchmarks, Threshold effect levels, Principle component analysis, Hazard assessment, Carcinogenic risk
Citation
Gaspare, L., Machiwa, J.F., Mdachi, S.J.M., Streck, G. and Brack, W., 2009. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination of surface sediments and oysters from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Environmental Pollution, 157(1), pp.24-34.