Assessment of petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in intertidal surface sediments of Arzew gulf (West of Algeria)

Bouchentouf Salim, Benaoula Si

Abstract

The petroleum hydrocarbons concentration (PHC) along the intertidal surface sediments of eight stations between Mostaganem and Marsat el Hadjadj towns, gulf of Arzew, west of Algeria, was analyzed during 2012, to provide useful information on the potential ecological risk of petroleum hydrocarbon to benthic organisms, human health, and also to check the level of petroleum hydrocarbons in marine sediments. Ultraviolet Fluorescence (UVF) Spectroscopy was used. The concentration of PH in intertidal sediments was in the range of 1773.5 to 7091.4 ppm. Compared with other coast and intertidal zone in the world, the concentration of PH in this study shows important level contamination. Special and urgent dispositions should be taken to remedy this pollution.

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