The Santos Estuarine System (SES), located in southwest Brazil, presents strategic economic importance for the country due to the presence of the biggest Brazilian Port and for being one of the most industrialized areas. On the other hand, this environment is adversely impacted by industrial and dredging activities, which can cause environment pollutants enrichment and potential hazard compound bioavailability. In this context, Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) were assessed in fifteen sampling stations distributed along the estuary. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations were analyzed in surface sediment samples and two bivalve species’ tissues (Crassostrea rhizophorae and Perna Perna). In addition, water column salinity, sediment organic matter, and grain size were analyzed to check their influence on the contaminant accumulation. Total PAH sediment concentrations ranged between N.D. and 1711.79 ng g-1 dry weight (d.w.). Bivalve hydrocarbon levels varied between 88.38 and 988.76 ng g-1 (d.w.). The calculated PAH ratios revealed that the PAH compounds found in the studied area has both petrogenic and pyrolytic origins. A comparison of the PAH concentrations found in this study with those listed in the sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) indicated that adverse biological effects on the biota are eventually expected.
Keywords: Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon; Contamination; Industrial Activities.