Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the bottom sediments of a dam reservoir, their interaction with organic matter and risk to benthic fauna

Abstract Purpose The aims of the study were to investigate interaction between fractions organic matter and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in bottom sediments use mussels as passive biomonitors consensus-based sediment quality guidelines for ecological risk assessment sediments. Methods Bottom samples taken from 46 points located Ro?nów reservoir (Poland). (SOM) characteristics included total carbon (TC), (TOC), humic acid (Cha), fulvic (Cfa), non-hydrolysing (Cnh), dissolved (DOC). extraction procedure was carried out well freeze-dried mussel tissue directly determine accumulation potential PAHs living organisms their natural environment. Results content following order: Cfa (fulvic acid) > Cnh (non-hydrolysing carbon) Cha (humic DOC (dissolved carbon). mean ?16PAHs (?g kg ?1 ) concentration 1755.2 ± 724 (total) 256 254 (bioavailable) 1740 72.2 tissues. A significant positive correlation found tissues bioavailable Conclusion PAH depended on stabile forms Cnh. Principal component analysis (PCA) suggests that fine fraction can significantly increase bioavailability be an important factor distribution