Concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from the Tampamachoco lagoon, Tuxpan River mouth, Gulf of Mexico

Abstract Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic chemicals that consist of carcinogenic and mutagenic properties, which considered as high-priority persistent pollutants (POPs). Their source is due to an incomplete burning fossil fuels materials. In the present study, distribution concentrations 16 priority PAHs in sediments Tampamachoco lagoon Tuxpan River estuary at Gulf Mexico were analyzed. The surface sediment samples collected during dry (March–June) rainy (August–November) seasons. analyzed by means a gas capillary chromatography-FID. season, average concentration was 860 ± 390 ng/g, it 1140 450 ng/g. During both seasons, total chrysene high domain compounds with 4 benzene rings observed. investigated 78.6% sites. 45.5% revealed indicators mixed origin between pyrolytic petrogenic sources, 36.4% petrogenic, remaining 18.2% PAHs.