PAH Levels in Sediments from a Coastal Area Heavily Subjected to Anthropogenic Pressure (asturias, North of Spain)

Ninety-two sediment samples collected along the Asturias coastline (north of Spain), were studied based on their concentrations of 16PAHs. Concentrations of sigma 16PAH showed an average of 12.650 mg kg -1 d.w., which is higher than most other studies conducted around the world. The origins of PAHs present in the sediments are mainly from fuel combustion in industrial processes. The main source of PAH to the coastal system seems to be the Nal ' on River, which played a significant past role related to different industrial activities, highlighting thermal power stations located in the basin. On the other hand, the Avile ' s Estuary, hotspot of the regional heavy metallurgical industry was the area with the highest concentrations of sigma 16PAH, with an average of 5 to 6 times higher than the rest studied. The risk assessment of sigma 16PAH concentrations in the study area showed a high potential risk of contamination transfer to other environmental compartments.