Abstract:
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in two New Zealand estuaries within the Auckland Region: Awhitu estuary (which is in the Manukau harbour and is relatively remote from contaminant sources), and Motions Creek estuary (which is in the Waitemata harbour and is known to be impacted by a range of contaminants). PAHs were also measured in a representative species, the bivalve Macomona liliana, found at both localities. PAHs and the levels of Pb, Cu, Cd and Zn were higher in sediments from Motions Creek, thus confirming the suspected differences in exposure between the two estuaries. PAH signatures predominantly indicated pyrogenic sources at both locations. Sediment PAH concentrations varied spatially and seasonally, but total organic carbon (TOC) was identified as the most dominant variable influencing PAH distributions......