PAH, PCB, TPH and mercury in surface sediments of the Delaware River Estuary and Delmarva Peninsula, USA

Surface sediment concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and mercury, were compared from two areas with contrasting land use history, the industrial Delaware Estuary and the rural Delmarva Peninsula (USA). TPH in the Delaware (38–616mg/kg) and saturate/aromatic fractions suggested petroleum/industrial sources compared to biogenic sources in the Delmarva coastal control (TEC). •PAH, PCB, TPH, and mercury measured in Delaware & Delmarva surface sediments.•Concentrations were mainly within normal regional levels in both of the study areas.•Spatial concentration trends were observed in the Delaware River Estuary.•Delaware has multiple diffuse sources of industrial, anthropogenic & urban pollution.•Delmarva sediment pollutants indicate biogenic origin & pristine environment.