Distribution of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) in Natuna Coastal Waters

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Sagala, Sophia L. | Kusumaningtyas, Mariska A. | Adi, Rizki A. | Kuswardani, Anastasia R.T.D. | Pranowo, Widodo S.

Affiliations: Research and Development Center for Marine and Coastal Resources Agency for Marine and Fisheries Research and Development Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries of The Republic of Indonesia Jalan Pasir Putih I, Ancol Timur, Jakarta 14430, Indonesia

Note: [] Corresponding author: E-mail: ophia.sagala@kkp.go.id

Abstract: Surface seawater samples collected in Natuna coastal waters were analyzed for 17 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to get insight their presence for their toxic and carcinogenic impacts. The study was aimed to collect some PAHs preliminary data for baseline data as Natuna coastal waters are susceptible from this contamination possibly arisen from oil spills, shipping activities and mariculture industries. The samples were collected from 10 selected stations along the survey location. The results showed that total PAH concentrations at the sampling sites ranged <0.02–5.84 μg/L. A higher concentration was found in the northwest of Sedanau Islands with PAH compound dominated by acenaphthene at 4.5 μg/L. The value is still acceptable for aquatic resources in seawater. Wind and tidal profiles in the location were also presented in the study to get insights on the PAH migration which varied depending on the direction and speed of each profile. It can be concluded that the PAH profile in Natuna coastal water is still low and feasible for aquatic resources and marine environment.

Keywords: PAH, hydrocarbon, Natuna coastal waters

Journal: Asian Journal of Water, Environment and Pollution, vol. 10, no. 4, pp. 25-31, 2013