Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) Pollution in Sediments Along the Tigris River in Maysan, Iraq

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IJEP 45(8): 691-701 : Vol. 45 Issue. 8 (August 2025)

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Altaf Raheem Shnaishe1, Hamza K. Abdulhassan1* and Hamid T. AL-Saad2

1. University of Basrah, Department of Geology, College of Science, Basrah Governorate, Iraq
2. University of Basrah, College of Marine Science, Basrah, Iraq

Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in sediment samples collected from seven stations along the Tigris river in Maysan Governorate using gas chromatography. PAH concentrations varied widely, ranging from 126.51-1533.42 ng/g, with certain stations showing high pollution levels (above 1000 ng/g), while others recorded moderate levels between 100-1000 ng/g. The predominant PAHs included phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, chrysene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene. High-molecular-weight compounds, especially benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkF), were found to be more prevalent in urban areas, indicating pyrogenic sources. Diagnostic ratios, such as LMW/HMW and BaA/(BaA+Chr) were applied to distinguish between pyrogenic and petrogenic sources of pollution. Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) showed that most PAH compounds were below the effects range low (ERL), suggesting limited biological risk. However, fluorene, fluoranthene and benzo[k]fluoranthene levels in some stations exceeded the ERL but remained below the effects range median (ERM), indicating potential biological effects. The calculated BaP-equivalent concentrations (BaP-TEQ and BaP-MEQ) ranged between 14.21–188.59 ng/g and 13.75–180.00 ng/g, respectively. These BaP-equivalent values suggest moderate pollution levels, significantly lower than those found in industrial and refinery areas along the Tigris river. Although pollution levels in this study are relatively moderate, the persistence and potential bioaccumulation of PAHs pose long-term environmental and health risks.

Keywords

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, sediment, Gas chromatography, Tigris river, Iraq

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