n-Alkanes, PAHs and surfactants in the sea surface microlayer and sea water samples of the Gerlache Inlet sea (Antarctica)

• Published in: Microchemical journal Vol. 92; no. 1; pp. 37 - 43
• Main Authors: Stortini, A.M., Martellini, T., Del Bubba, M., Lepri, L., Capodaglio, G., Cincinelli, A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 01.05.2009
• Subjects: Antarctica; Enrichment; Hydrocarbons; Sea-surface microlayer; Subsurface; Enrichment; Hydrocarbons; Antarctica; Sea-surface microlayer; Subsurface
• ISSN: 0026-265X; 1095-9149
• DOI: 10.1016/j.microc.2008.11.005

Sea surface microlayer (SML) and sea water samples (SSW) collected in the Gerlache Inlet Sea (Antarctica) were analysed for n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The SML is a potential enrichment site of hydrophobic organic compounds compared to the underlying water column. Total concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs (dissolved and particulate) in subsurface water (− 0.5 m depth) were 272–553 ng l − 1 (mean: 448 ng l − 1 ) and 5.27–9.43 ng l − 1 (mean: 7.06 ng l − 1 ), respectively. In the SML, the concentration ranges of n-alkanes and PAHs were 353–968 ng l − 1 (mean: 611 ng l − 1 ) and 7.32–23.94 ng l − 1 (mean: 13.22 ng l − 1 ), respectively. To evaluate possible PAH contamination sources, specific PAH ratios were calculated. The ratios reflected a predominant petrogenic input. A characterisation of surface active substances was also performed on SML and SSW samples, both by gas bubble extraction, and by dynamic surface tension measurements. Results showed a good correlation between n-alkanes, PAHs and refractory organic matter.