Surface sediments from estuarine and coast of CanGio wetland (CGW) of Hochiminh City, Vietnam, were investigated to identify the spatial and temporal variations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The total PAHs showed wide variation but similar to patterns observed (F = 0.901, p = 0.46) in LongTau (31 ± 77 ng/g dry weight, n = 13), SoaiRap (53 ± 81, n = 4), ThiVai (60 ± 62, n = 10) estuaries, and coastal areas (112 ± 211, n = 9). A decreasing trend in the wet season (F = 8.8, p = 0.01) reflected that inland sources such as wastewater discharged and atmospherically transported contaminants contributed to PAHs in sediments. The risk posed by the PAHs in the coastal and estuarine areas of CGW is still negligible. The present study provides baseline data, which can be used for regular monitoring and future strategy of environmental protection for the study area.
Keywords: Ecological risk; Mangrove biosphere reserve; Monitoring; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Sediment.