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Surface sediments (n = 124) were gathered to evaluate spatial pattern and source apportionment of ∑24n-alkanes in the Persian Gulf. Moran's I indices revealed that ∑24n-alkanes were randomly distributed in sampling space in general. One noticeable exception was a significant spatial high-high cluster (Z-score = 8.6). Profile of n-alkanes observed for this cluster maximized at n-C20, n-C18, n-C16, and n-C22. Detection of very low carbon preference indices and strong even carbon-numbered predominance suggested that bacterial inputs were the process making this cluster. Based on diagnostic ratios and GIS techniques, in situ production of organic materials was widespread in the studied space. Allochthonous and petroleum-based inputs were not traceable for 73.8% and 24.7% of the area, respectively. Petrogenic source apportionment map proposed that petroleum-originated contaminants were probably limited to 6.32 km2 of the sampling matrix. The biogenic inputs (autochthonous and allochthonous inputs) and not the petroleum contaminants were the main source of n-alkanes deposited. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Surface sediments (n = 35) and a core sample around Pars Special Economic Energy Zone were analyzed to address spatiotemporal variations of heavy metals. Enrichment factors classified the elements as: (1) poorly enriched, geogenic elements (Co, Cr, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Ti, and V), (2) minimal enriched elements (Zn and Mg), (3) moderately enriched elements (Ag, Cd, Pb, Se, and Sr), and (4) significantly enriched element (As and Hg). The core profile showed that As, Hg, Ag, and Cd had considerable anthropogenic inventories. Arsenic levels were continuously increasing toward the top of the core and sedimentary cycling was not an effective factor on its enrichment. Pollution load index classified the area as a severely affected region and Risk Index values suggested that 57% of the sediments had a moderate potential risks. The mapping techniques proposed a polluted and hazardous patch at the entrance and center part of the Nayband Bay. Graphical abstract Unlabelled Image Highlights • According to the core profile, As, Hg, Ag, and Cd comparatively have the greatest anthropogenic inventories. • Mercury and As are significantly enriched elements in the PSEEZ. • Pollution indices reveal sediments are severely polluted and anthropogenic and natural inputs have equal role in HMs. • The sediments signalized a 21% to 49% probability of being toxic for the region's biota. • Oxidation-reduction diagenesis is not possibly a key factor for highly enriched levels of As. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the application of polytetrafluoroethylene powder as an extractant phase collector or holder in liquid-phase microextraction has been developed. For this purpose, the analytical performances of two different ways of applying polytetrafluoroethylene powder in microextraction methods including polytetrafluoroethylene physisorption-assisted emulsification microextraction and dispersive liquid-phase microextraction via polytetrafluoroethylene extractant phase holders have been compared for analysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons in aqueous phases. Under the same conditions, the former showed better extraction efficiencies over the latter and as a result, it was applied as preconcentration and cleanup step in the analysis of aliphatic hydrocarbons in sediment samples followed by gas chromatography analysis. The linearity of the polytetrafluoroethylene physisorption-assisted emulsification microextraction method was obtained over a range of 3.7 and 2000 ng/g ( R2 > 0.993). The relative standard deviations were less than 6.5% ( n = 3). The limits of detection and quantification obtained by this method were 1.1-9.0 and 3.7-30 ng/g, respectively, indicating that satisfactory results were achieved by the procedure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]