Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments as a tool for the assessment of the contamination status of mangrove forests in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil)

The distribution of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from mangrove forests of the Rio de Janeiro State was investigated. Ten sampling stations were selected in the mangroves of Sepetiba Bay and the Jacarepaguá Lagoon Complex (JLC), which are areas affected by multiple human activities. The total aliphatic hydrocarbons concentrations showed marked variation between samples (27–407 μg g−1), mostly related to the total organic carbon contents. The total PAHs concentration ranged between 38 and 792 ng g−1. Diagnostic indices and statistical analysis showed that the mangrove forests can be divided into three groups: the western portion of Sepetiba Bay with the lowest level of contamination; the inner portion of the bay with the most intense presence of local sources of contamination, especially of pyrolytic character; and the JLC with a greater accumulation of hydrocarbons, mainly derived from petroleum combustion, resultant from the intense urbanization. •First spatial mapping of hydrocarbons among different mangroves of Rio de Janeiro•Pyrolytic and petrogenic sources were identified and related to local human activities.•Mangroves can be divided into three groups based on contamination levels and sources.•Results emphasize the effects of anthropogenic activities in hydrocarbon distribution.