Diisopropylnaphthalene in the surface sediments of an Arctic fjord: Environmental significance

Abstract

Surface sediment samples from Kongsfjorden were analysed for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) to understand their source and process responsible for their deposition in the sediment. PAHs were detected between 72.91 and 318.73 ng g sup(-1) in 2012 and 72.54-311.97 ng g sup(-1) in 2013 showing a decreasing trend from the mouth of the fjord towards the glacier head. During these years, 2, 6-diisopropylnapthalene (DIPN) showed concentration ranging from 1.21 ng g sup(-1) to 5.87 ng g sup(-1) and 1.31 ng g sup(-1) to 4.79 ng g sup(-1) with an increasing trend from the mouth of the fjord towards the glacial outlet. This systematic increase of DIPN towards the glacier is observed during both the years of sampling which supports the possibility of DIPN from human activities at Ny-Alesund and its surroundings. DIPN in the environment has not been thoroughly investigated and its present-day concentrations may not be alarming, however, considering the increasing anthropogenic activities at Ny-Alesund, it might be prudent to exercise caution to ensure that the levels do not increase over time.