Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Sediments from Sadong River Sarawak, Malaysia

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed to assess the organic chemical pollution of sediments in the Sadong River. This study was conducted on surface sediment samples from the beginning of the estuary to the upstream river. Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface sediments from Sadong River were quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The distribution and indexes of PAHs in sediments were determined to infer their sources. The PAHs ranged between 18.21-184.25 g/g. The composition, distribution pattern as well as indices of PAHs, suggested no petroleum contamination. The petrogenic PAHs were derived from crude and refined petroleum introduced to the river through municipal waste, accidental oil spills and leakages, and urban run-off from farmlands. While the pyrogenic PAHs are derived from the combustion of petroleum and biomass which are released into the river in the form of exhaust fumes and solid residues.