
%0 Journal Article
%A Bagg, J 
%A Smith, D 
%A Maher, WA 
%T Distribution of poycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from estuaries of south-eastern Australia
%J Marine and Freshwater Research
%D 1981/02/01
%V 32
%N 1
%P 65-73
%K 
%R https://doi.org/10.1071/MF9810065
%U https://www.publish.csiro.au/paper/MF9810065 
%X Concentrations (µg/kg dried sediment) of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and perylene have been measured in sediments taken from three locations in south-eastern Australia: a highly urbanized estuary (Yarra River), a marine bay (Corio Bay), and an estuary remote from urban activity (Mallacoota Inlet). Most concentrations of B[a]P lay in the range 200-800 µg/kg and these values are comparable to values found in similar situations in other parts of the world. The minimum concentration of B[a]P observed was 20µg/kg in Mallacoota Inlet; the maximum concentration was 6800 µg/kg at one location in a tributary of the Yarra River where the sediment was visibly contaminated with oil. The ratio of B[a]P:perylene was 1.0-2.0 in all three areas and this ratio is significantly lower than for aerosols in the Melbourne atmosphere, suggesting that deposition of aerosol is not the major contributor to PAH in sediments. 
