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.

Background and Objectives: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are widespread environmental contaminants in aquatic environments. These contaminants are generated through oil spills, manufactory processes, and industrial wastes or naturally through the incomplete combustion of coal, oil, gas, and wood waste. Most of these compounds are noted as carcinogenic and mutagenic. Therefore, detection of these pollutants by a sensitive and inexpensive method is very important. Materials and Methods: In this study, an electrochemical DNA biosensor was used to detect PAHs due to its sensitivity, ability, and high response rate. For this purpose, the bovine thymus double-stranded DNA was fixed on a screen-printed electrode. Then, the electrodes electrochemical behavior was investigated. This electrochemical DNA biosensor works upon the difference between the electrochemical response of guanine bases in DNA structure in the presence and absence of PAH compounds. To evaluate the biosensors performance, the response of biosensor to real samples was compared with conventional pollutant determination methods like liquid-liquid chromatography. Results: Optimum conditions were examined for biosensor response including effect of activation potential and time on electrode pretreatment, applied potential for DNA immobilization, and detection potential. Under optimal conditions, the pretreatment of the electrode obtained in 1.6 V for 350s, then the DNA was immobilized on the electrode surface by applying a potential of -0.5 V to detect different PAHs in real samples in the range of micro molar. Conclusion: Electrochemical DNA biosensors are capable of detecting the sum of PAHs in water samples with high accuracy, sensitivity, and low cost compared with chromatographic methods.