Iranian Journal of

Background & Objectives: In recent years, enterance of oil contaminants especially polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) to Anzali Wetland, has seriously threatened organisms life. Therefore, the current study was conducted to determine and compare concentration of PAH compounds with multiple sediment quality assessment indice to evaluate the ecological toxicity of surface sediments of Anzali Wetland and present appropriate management strategy. Materials & Methods: We randomly collected 22 surface sediment samples each sample was dried and extracted based on the soxhlet method. Then during two-step of column chromatography the PAH compounds were separated and analyzed by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). Results: Total concentrations of these compounds ranged from 212 to 2674 ng g-1 d.w. with the mean of 907 ng g-1 d.w. The highest concentrations of PAHs was reported from stations (3-1 and 4-1) located in the vicinity of urban areas with shipping activities. In comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) used in this study, the concentrations of most PAH compounds in the majority of stations situated in low range values of adverse biological effects. Only in a few stations (3-1, 3-2 and 5-3), the concentrations of some of PAH compounds exceeded the low range of adverse biological effects. Conclusion: In comparison with sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) used in this study, the concentrations of most PAH compounds in Anzali Wetland rarely lead to adverse biological effects. However, concentrations of some of these compounds can cause acute toxic effects. Therefore, further studies including toxicity and bioaccumulation tests and survey of benthic community composition, especially in areas exceeded SQGs are essential for proper management.