Historical record and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in core sediments from the Yangtze Estuary, China

“Capsule”: The PAH profile pattern reflects the influence of a nearby sewage outlet. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a sediment core taken from intertidal flat in the Yangtze Estuary were determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The results indicate that the total concentration of PAHs ranged from 0.08 to 11.74 μg/g. The concentration levels of total and individual PAHs changed dramatically with depth. The concentrations of PAHs were relatively high above 35 cm depth and remained constantly low below this depth. The historical record of PAHs in the core shows subsurface maximum (one or more peak values), followed by decreased levels to the surface and with depth. And, PAH sediment record in the core profile is in agreement with historically sewage discharge events during the 1980s to 1990s. The distribution of target molecule acenephthene, the fluoranthene/pyrene ratio, the proportion of 2–3-ring and 4–5-ring PAHs, and alkylated naphthalene to parent naphthalene in the core profile show that the sources in this area are characterized by petroleum-derived PAH contamination (mainly sewage discharge and the river runoff) and the incorporation of atmospheric inputs. Studies indicate the PAH profile pattern in this site in comparison with other regions appear to reflect its particular local position (near the sewage outlet). Moreover, physico-chemical conditions and sedimentation rate as well as biodegradation also affect the PAH concentration levels in the core sediments.