Spatial distribution and sources of organic matter and pollutants in the SE Mediterranean (Levantine basin) deep water sediments

A study of deep sea sediment quality was conducted at 52 stations off the Mediterranean coast of Israel (50–1900 m depth). Total Organic Carbon (TOC), Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (∑ PAHs), Poly Chlorinated Biphenyls (∑ PCBs) ranged between 0.58 and 1.44%, 12–190 and < 0.3–7.7 μg kg^− 1, respectively. The TOC distribution indicated the Nile delta as an important source of organic matter and the important effect of topography on deposition patterns in this region. PCBs and PAHs quantitative levels were associated with nearby gas well drilling (well below environmental criteria) and dredge-material dumping sites. A significant correlation between these pollutants and TOC was found in the southernmost stations suggesting a common source. PAHs isomer ratios in most of the stations indicated a petrogenic source, while the contribution of pyrogenic sources appears to be very small. These findings form a sound baseline for assessing the potential impact of future deep sea drilling activities that are expected to increase significantly in the Eastern Mediterranean basin.