Evaluation of the spatial distribution and potential ecological risk of some common alkylphenols in sediments from the northern coastline of Marmara Sea, Türkiye.

In this study, the spatial distribution of alkylphenols in the sediments of the Marmara Sea was investigated for the first time. The targeted alkylphenol analysis was made by gas chromatography with triple quadrupole (GC-MS/MS) system. The 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol were detected in the studied sediments, while 4-n-octylphenol was not quantified. The measured concentrations of 4-tert-octylphenol and 4-nonylphenol were in the range of <DL (below detection limit) - 35.24 and <DL - 8.45 ng/g DW (Dry Weight), respectively. Elevated alkylphenol concentrations were found in the sediments of Kumport and open sea area of the Marmara Sea. The detected 4-tert-octylphenol found in this region, therefore, indicates that alkylphenol contamination may reach far from the coast or maritime activities may be a cause. Based on the classification of the Norwegian Pollution Control Authority (NCPA), some sampling points are in class IV, which means that the sediment thus is posing a high risk for benthic organisms. The risk quotients (RQs) for the sediments investigated also showed that the concentration of 4-tert-octylphenol poses a serious risk. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]