Distribution of total petroleum hydrocarbons and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Musa Bay sediments (northwest of the Persian Gulf)

Sediment samples were collected from the coastal area of the Petrochemical Special Economic Zone of Musa Bay. The samples were analyzed to determine the degree of hydrocarbon contamination and identify the sources of PAHs which were evaluated by employing the ratios of specific PAHs compounds and principal component analysis (PCA). The levels of TPH concentration in the studied area were relatively moderate compared to the world-wide chronically oil-contaminated locations. The concentration of total PAHs was lower than those in other parts of the Musa Bay but approached the NOAA sediment quality guideline value.