Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Seawater of the Gulf of Tobruk, Libya: Concentrations, Sources, and Environmental Risks

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Research Paper

Author

National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries NIOF, Cairo, Egypt

10.22059/poll.2025.398762.3029

Abstract

There is limited data on the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the waters of the Gulf of Tobruk, Libya. This study aims to establish a monitoring system to assess PAH concentrations, sources, and ecological risks in the region. Water samples were collected from seven sites during summer and winter. The concentrations of 16 PAHs ranged from 62.33 to 454.70 ng/L (Mean: 235.23 ± 152.37 ng/L) in summer and from 79.26 to 473.36 ng/L (Mean: 253.85 ± 151.49 ng/L) in winter, indicating high levels of pollution. Seasonal variations suggest lower PAH concentrations in summer due to differences in industrial activities, urban runoff, and hydrodynamic conditions. PAH diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) revealed mixed petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. Tobruk Bay is under high ecological stress from PAH contamination. The ecological risk assessment classified the Gulf of Tobruk as a medium to high-risk area, posing potential harm to aquatic organisms. These findings underscore the need for long-term monitoring and pollution control strategies.

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Pollution

Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 21 December 2025

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