Prepr., Div. Pet. Chem., Am. Chem. Soc.; (United States) · 1978 · 12 citations · 0 references
Natural SciencesEnvironmental SciencesMarine SciencesMarine SedimentologySediment TransportSedimentologyMarine PollutionParticulate MatterPollutant TransportPollution TransportSediment ChemistrySediment ContaminationAirborne Particle TransportAirborne Particulate MatterAromatic HydrocarbonsHydrocarbon TransportLong-range TransportParticle RemovalPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon ContaminationPolycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
A quantitative study of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in marine/aquatic sediments was conducted. It was found that there are two transport modes responsible for the world-wide distribution of PAH: 1) resuspension and transport of contaminated sediments found near urban areas; and 2) long-range airborne transport of urban particulates. Data on the PAH concentration gradient in the Massachusetts Bay sediments and on the PAH content of Gulf of Maine basin sediments support the idea of sediment transport, data on the Nova Scotia soils, and the deep ocean support the concept of airborne transport. The details of these transport modes (such as their range) are not fully understood. Rather simplistic, Stoke's Law calculations can give a very approximate distance of transport but cannot be relied on without a more detailed knowledge of particle removal mechanisms. In fact, further developments in this area will require information on the input of specific PAH into the ocean via airborne prticulate matter.