Levels and Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Marine Sediments of Eastern Bank Wesha Peninsular, Pemba Island, Tanzania

Abstract

Levels of Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from sediments collected in July 2017, a week after tanks oil leak in the bay of Wesha Peninsular, Pemba Island are reported. Four sampling points were chosen alongside the mangroves where a total of twenty samples were collected during the low tides. Eight PAHs were detected with concentrations ranging from ND to 53.42 ng/g (dw). Total PAHs in sediments was 158.38 ng•g −1 . Phenanthrene residues (lower molecular weight) were dominant followed by pyrene (higher molecular weight PAHs) accounting for 90% and 40% detection frequencies, respectively. Statistical analysis showed no significant difference in the concentrations of PAHs among sites (p < 0.05, ANOVA). Vertical distribution of PAHs shows no definite patterns with sediment depth, however, composition patterns of PAHs along sediment depth indicate that higher molecular weight PAHs tend to remain in middle layer (2 -4 cm). The results advocate the needs of proper monitoring to avoid the possible consequences to the public health.