DOI: https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-1449707/v1
The South Pars Industrial Zone is one of the most important regions in Iran due to the presence of gas, petrochemical, and related industries which is known as Iran’s energy capital. In this study, the effects of pollution made by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) on coastal sediments were investigated. Ten stations in different places such as vicinities of industries exit flow, ports, shipping terminals, export tanks, beaches and their surface sediments were selected and sampled for analysis in summer and winter in 2019. The samples were tested using the gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analyzer. Concentrations of Σ PAH and Σ PCB were measured in the range of 26.50–306.45 ng.g-1dw (dry weight) and BDL (below the detection limit) –59.7 ng.g-1dw respectively. There was a significant increase near the outputs of refineries, petrochemicals, and the shipping industry. The ecological risks were reported “low” in all stations for PAH components, except for one station that recorded moderate levels of Acenaphtlen (Ace) and Fluorene (Flu) in the summer. The ecological risks related to PCB components were found to be in low-moderate levels. Three sources were suggested for PAHs: petrogenic (31%), fossil fuel combustion (51%), and biomass/coal combustion (18%). Power plants and wastewater treatment units (34%) and electrical waste disposal sites (66%) were predicted as the main sources of PCBs.It is necessary to prepare and implement a long-term monitoring plan for all outlets to the sea such as electrical waste.