Component characteristics of polycyclic aromatic compounds in sediments of the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

Xin Huang, Zhigang Zeng, Shuai Chen, Xuebo Yin, Xiaoyuan Wang, Yao Ma, Baoju Yang, Kunbo Rong, Yunchao Shu, Tao Jiang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

10 samples of sediments obtained from the South Mid-Atlantic Ridge were measured for the abundances and distributions of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs). The total concentrations of PAHs (ΣPAHs) ranged from 2.768 to 9.826 μg/g dry sediment. The ΣPAHs was higher in sample 22V-TVG10 and sample 26V-TVG05 which were close to hydrothermal fields, with the lowest value in sample 22V-TVG14 which was farthest from hydrothermal fields, suggesting a probable hydrothermal origin of ΣPAHs of samples. Approximately nine kinds of PAHs were identified, and low molecular mass tricyclic and tetracyclic aromatic compounds were predominant in the samples. The concentrations of fluoranthene which were typical as hydrothermal alteration compounds were the highest among PAHs with dry weight between 0.913–3.157 μg/g. The phenanthrene homologue was most abundant in the samples, and the ratios between parent phenanthrene and methylphenanthrene which probably reflected the degree of hydrothermal alteration ranged from 0.097 to 1.602. The sample 22V-TVG10 possessing a maximum ratio value showed the intense influence of the hydrothermal alteration on this sample, which might further imply that PAHs in sediments were mainly derived from the hydrothermal alteration.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)150-154
Number of pages5
JournalActa Oceanologica Sinica
Volume33
Issue number11
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Nov 2014
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • hydrothermal activity
  • polycyclic aromatic compounds
  • sediment
  • South Mid-Atlantic Ridge

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Oceanography
  • Aquatic Science

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