Distributions and potential sources of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the glacimarine sediments of Arctic Svalbard

Abstract

Distribution and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the glacimarine sediments (35 sites) of Svalbard were investigated. PCBs (32 congeners), traditional PAHs (15 homologs), emerging PAHs (11 homologs), and alkylated PAHs (16 homologs) were widely distributed in the Svalbard sediments (ranges: below method detection limit to 20, 21 to 3600, 1.0 to 1400, and 31 to 15,000 ng g-1 dry weight, respectively). Compositional analysis indicated that PCBs mainly originated from combustion sources, with PAHs being strongly influenced by local sources. Positive matrix factorization analysis showed that PAHs were associated with vehicle and petroleum combustion, coal, and coal combustion. Coal-derived PAHs contributed significantly to the sediments of Van Mijenfjorden. Remnants of coal mining activity trapped in the permafrost appear to enter the coastal environments as ground ice melts. Consequently, PAHs are currently emerging as the most significant contributors to potential risks in the Svalbard ecosystems.