Concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) in Seawater and Sediment of Cimandiri River Estuary, Pelabuhan Ratu, Indonesia

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are polycyclic aromatic organic compounds that are toxic to humans and aquatic organisms. This research aims to determine the pollution level of PAH compounds in seawater and sediment at the estuary of Cimandiri River, Pelabuhan Ratu. This research was conducted in April 2017. Seawater and sediment samples were taken using a water sampler and sediment grab sampler at 15 research stations. The concentration and types of PAHs compounds were determined by using a Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer, and PAH origin with individual ratios diagnostic. The results showed the total PAH concentration in seawater ranged from 0.0001-0.0117 ppb and in sediment ranged from 0.001-0.003 ppm. These values are still in line with the criteria of the seawater and sediment quality guidelines. The PAH types were dominated by the low molecular weight PAHs, particularly naphthalene. The results of the diagnostic analysis of individual PAH ratios indicated that PAHs in seawater were derived from various sources such as petroleum, petroleum, and organic matter combustion, meanwhile, the source of PAHs in sediment cannot be identified because many PAH compounds with high molecular weight are not detected.