Bioavailability and Biotransformation of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydroacrbons in Benthic Environments of Coastal Massachusetts. Report to the Massachusetts Bays Program

摘要

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) comprise a ubiquitous class of organic contaminants distributed world-wide through the use of fossil fuels for energy. Due to their hydrophobic properties, once introduced to the aquatic environment PAH sorb readily to suspended particles. As a result of particle settlement, sediments tend to be the major sink for PAH in streams, lakes, estuaries, and oceans.