![Sample our Physical Sciences journals, sign in here to start your FREE access for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/110819/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Physical-Sciences.jpg"})
Abstract
Sediment samples were collected 40 months after the wreckage of the HAVEN off shore Arenzano, facing the Genoese coast, at 300 to 500 m depth, (wreckage zone) and analysed by UV fluorescence spectroscopy and CG/MS. PAHs as alkylated naphtalene, fluorene, phenanthrene, dibenzothiophene series have been studied. Analytical results reveal – 1° – a great alteration of alkylated homologues compared to parent compounds - 2° - the appearance of anthracene (absent in the original crude oil) in samples – 3° – a relative increase of high molecular weight PAHs (4–5 rings and more) as benzo(ghi)perylene and indeno(cd)pyrene. These changes result from the partial burning of the contaminant oil. A beginning of biodegradation is observed for alkylated phenanthrenes.