The Importance Of Spheroidal Carbonaceous Particles (Scps) For The Distribution Of Particulate Polycyclic Aromatic-Hydrocarbons (Pahs) In An Estuarine-Like Urban Coastal Water Area

To investigate the correlation between PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) and SCPs (spheroidal carbonaceous particles) derived from fossil fuel combustion, analyses were carried out on suspended particulate matter (SUPM) and settling particulate matter (SPM). The investigation was carried out in the estuarine-like coastal water area of Stockholm, northern Baltic proper. The SUPM was collected with a large volume tangential flow filtration technique and the SPM was collected with sediment traps at different stations, depths and seasons. Of eighteen PAHs analyzed all except four showed significant correlations (r=0.81–0.93) to SCPs. The results indicate a significant importance of SCPs for the distribution of PAH in this water area.