Publication Details

Category Text Publication
Reference Category Journals
DOI 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.08.002
Title (Primary) Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination of surface sediments and oysters from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Author Gaspare, L.; Machiwa, J.F.; Mdachi, S.J.M.; Streck, G.; Brack, W.
Source Titel Environmental Pollution
Year 2009
Department WANA
Volume 157
Issue 1
Page From 24
Page To 34
Language englisch
Keywords Equilibrium partitioning sediment benchmarks; Threshold effect levels; Principle component analysis; Hazard assessment; Carcinogenic risk
Abstract Surface sediment and oyster samples from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam were analyzed for 23 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including the 16 compounds prioritized by US-EPA using GC/MS. The total concentration of PAHs in the sediment ranged from 78 to 25,000 ng/g dry weight, while oyster concentrations ranged from 170 to 650 ng/g dry weight. Hazards due to sediment contamination were assessed using Equilibrium Partitioning Sediment Benchmarks and Threshold Effect Levels. Diagnostic indices and principle component analysis were used to identify possible sources. Interestingly, no correlation between sediment and oyster concentrations at the same sites was found. This is supported by completely different contamination patterns, suggesting different sources for both matrices. Hazard assessment revealed possible effects at six out of eight sites on the benthic communities and oyster populations. The contribution of PAH intake via oyster consumption to carcinogenic risks in humans seems to be low.PAH contamination may pose hazards to benthos but limited risks to humans.
Persistent UFZ Identifier https://www.ufz.de/index.php?en=20939&ufzPublicationIdentifier=181
Gaspare, L., Machiwa, J.F., Mdachi, S.J.M., Streck, G., Brack, W. (2009):
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination of surface sediments and oysters from the inter-tidal areas of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Environ. Pollut. 157 (1), 24 - 34 10.1016/j.envpol.2008.08.002