Distribution of polycyclic musks in surface sediments from the Pearl River Delta and Macao coastal region, South China

Polycyclic musks were measured in surface sediments collected from the Pearl River Delta and Macao coastal region, South China, to investigate contamination from domestic sewage. Three polycyclic musk compounds-4-acetyl-1,1-dimethyl-6-tert-butylindan, 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8-hexamethylcyclopenta(g)-2-benzopyran (HHCB), and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6-hexamethyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN)-were detected in sediment samples. Two polycyclic musks, HHCB and AHTN, were dominant components in sediment, consistent with the use pattern of polycyclic musks by perfume industries in the Pearl River Delta region. The concentrations of total polycyclic musks ranged from 5.76 to 167 microg/kg. Because of the large amount of domestic sewage and industrial wastewater discharged from the city of Guangzhou, the highest concentration of polycyclic musks was found in sediments from the Zhujiang River. The significant positive correlation between the HHCB to AHTN ratios and the concentrations of polycyclic musks suggested that the HHCB to AHTN ratio could be used as a tracer for source discrimination and for the degree of degradation in the environment.