Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Hormuz strait, Persian Gulf

•PAHs were determined in the sediment from the Hormuz strait, Persian Gulf.•The concentration of ∑PAHs ranges 72.17–277.77ngg−1 dry weight.•PAHs in the sediments of Hormuz strait come from pyrogenic and mixed origin. The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the sediment from the Hormuz strait, Persian Gulf. The sum of 16 PAHs (ΣPAH) concentrations varied from 72.17 to 277.77ngg−1 dry weight, with an average value of 131.20±59.29ngg−1 dry weight. An ecological risk assessment of PAHs, indicated that adverse biological effects caused by acenaphthene and acenaphthylene occasionally may take place in the sediment of Hormuz strait. PAH source identification showed that the PAHs in the sediments come from pyrogenic and mixed origin. Based on classification of pollution levels, sediments from Hormuz strait could be considered as low to moderately polluted with PAHs.