Sea surface microlayer (SML) and sea water samples (SSW) collected in the Gerlache Inlet Sea (Antarctica) were analysed for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The SML is a potential enrichment site of hydrophobic organic compounds compared to the underlying water column. Total concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs (dissolved and particulate) in subsurface water (−0.5 m depth) were 272– 553 ng l−1 (mean: 448 ng l−1) and 5.27–9.43 ng l−1 (mean: 7.06 ng l−1), respectively. In the SML, the concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs were 353–968 ng l−1 (mean: 611 ng l−1) and 7.32–23.94 ng l−1 (mean: 13.22 ng l−1), respectively. To evaluate possible PAH contamination sources, specific PAH ratios were calculated. The ratios reflected a predominant petrogenic input. A characterisation of surface active substances was also performed on SML and SSW samples, both by gas bubble extraction, and by dynamic surface tension measurements. Results showed a good correlation between n-alkanes, PAHs and refractory organic matter.

n-Alkanes, PAHs and surfactants in the sea surface microlayer and sea water samples of the Gerlache Inlet sea (Antarctica)

STORTINI, Angela Maria;CAPODAGLIO, Gabriele;
2009-01-01

Abstract

Sea surface microlayer (SML) and sea water samples (SSW) collected in the Gerlache Inlet Sea (Antarctica) were analysed for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The SML is a potential enrichment site of hydrophobic organic compounds compared to the underlying water column. Total concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs (dissolved and particulate) in subsurface water (−0.5 m depth) were 272– 553 ng l−1 (mean: 448 ng l−1) and 5.27–9.43 ng l−1 (mean: 7.06 ng l−1), respectively. In the SML, the concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs were 353–968 ng l−1 (mean: 611 ng l−1) and 7.32–23.94 ng l−1 (mean: 13.22 ng l−1), respectively. To evaluate possible PAH contamination sources, specific PAH ratios were calculated. The ratios reflected a predominant petrogenic input. A characterisation of surface active substances was also performed on SML and SSW samples, both by gas bubble extraction, and by dynamic surface tension measurements. Results showed a good correlation between n-alkanes, PAHs and refractory organic matter.
2009
92
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/10278/30165
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