The content of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs) compound of seawater in Mayalibit Bay, West of Papua

Abstract Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are polycyclic aromatic organic compounds that contain several carbon and hydrogen rings, known to be toxic and can be harmful to human life and biota in marine waters. This study aimed to determine the levels of PAHs in seawater in Mayalibit Bay, Papua. Seawater samples were taken using a water sampler at 8 locations in Mayalibit Bay in November 2008. The contaminant content of organic carbon compounds in PAHs was determined by Gas-Chromatography Spectrometry and Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). The results showed a high content of HMW-PAHs and LMW-PAHs and passed the criteria for living status marine organisms by instruction of quality control guidelines by The Environment Ministry of Indonesia. The high molecular weight (HMW-PAHs) type has the highest rate, and LMW-PAH has the widest spread in Mayalibit’s seawaters, higher than Jakarta Bay, Timor Sea and Klabat Bay. The Diagnostic individual ratio analysis shows that the origin of PAHs in Mayalibit’s seawater comes from a pyrogenic source such as: residual petroleum and combustion products of organic matter.