Research Information System
Congrès International sur Les Impacts Anthropiques sur le Milieu Marin, Algeria, 1 - 04 October 2008, pp.76
The Black Sea ranked under great anthropogenic pressure among the most ecologically threatened water bodies of the world. The coastal area of the Zonguldak industry region is one of the most polluted spots of this anoxic water basin. Quantitative analyses of BTEX compounds (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and the sum of o-, m-, and p- xylenes), obtained using Finnigan Thermo trace DSQ gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS), have shown gasoline contamination in near-shore sediment. Gasoline partitioning was evaluated using the parametric ratios of BTEX isomers, which are generated by incomplete combustion of organic matter. Their varying concentrations throughout the region have some descriptive characteristics in the estimation of biodegradation and possible pollution sources. Sea port activities, terrestrial inputs and partly maritime petroleum transport are the main sources of pollutants.