Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Adriatic Sea

The PAH content of the sediments collected during a naval cruise in the Adriatic Sea is reported. The analysis of the results points out the presence of two main polluted areas: the Delta of the Po River and the Gulf of Trieste. The concentrations of the identified compounds in the marine sediments are compared to those measured for other polluted areas, leading to the conclusion that the Adriatic Sea is moderately contaminated by PAH. © 1994.