Characterization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments around the sunken Sanchi oil tanker

The Sanchi oil tanker collision has attracted worldwide attention for its uniqueness in history. This study investigates the contamination level, spatial distribution, sources, and ecological risk level of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) present in the surface sediments collected from around the sunken tanker. The results indicated that the total PAH contents in the study area were in the range of 26.42-226.94 ng.g(-1), with an average of 106.86 ng.g(-1). The highest PAH concentration was observed at the station closest to the Sanchi wreckage, indicating potential PAH contamination due to the accident. The PAH ratios and statistical analysis revealed that the PAHs were mainly generated by coal and fuel oil combustion, with certain petrogenic inputs. The ecological risk assessment results suggested that adverse ecological effects to the benthic ecosystem due to PAH contamination was rare. However, long-term monitoring of the local sedimentary environment is highly recommended because of the prominent presence of high molecular weight PAHs.

Automated summary

The study found that the collision of the Sanchi oil tanker led to high levels of PAH contamination in the surrounding sediment, mainly originating from coal and fuel oil combustion, with limited adverse ecological effects on the benthic ecosystem. However, long-term monitoring of the local sedimentary environment is recommended due to the significant presence of high molecular weight PAHs.