Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and aromatic plasticiser materials in the sea water of alexandria coastal area

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), the real contaminants of petroleum, were detected in the surface seawater of Alexandria coastal area in winter and spring seasons of 1995. Their order of predominance, particularly for the individual components were principally due to the processes of input, transport and fluxes. Variation of PAHs was not following seasonal changes but it was slightly affected by partial dissolution of the lowerboiling aromatic hydrocarbons. The most abundant component of aromatic hydrocarbons was pyrene (PAH),112ngI-1 followed by naphthalene(56ngI-1) and its alkylated derivatives (dicyclic), then phenanthrene(14ngI-1) and its methylated derivatives (tricyclic). The potential fish carcinogenic PAH, dibenz [a & c] anthracene was found in extremely trace levels. Most aromatic hydrocarbons present in seawater were arised from combustion of various petroleum and non-petroleum products, while few aromatics were found as a result of petroleum pollution. PAHs were also detected in rain water(25ngI-1). Plasticiser mate rials (phthalates) were determined everywhere at considerable levels in the coastal area of Alexandria; which is the first district in Egypt for producing and recycling polyethylene, plastics and nylons.