Sources and Transport of Particulate Hydrocarbons in the Meso-tidal Changjiang Estuary

n-Alkanes and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analysed on suspended particles from surface waters of the Changjiang Estuary to assess the sources and fate of river-borne material in a meso-tidal riverine system. The n -alkane and PAH assemblages indicated prevailing terrestrial and anthropogenic inputs. Measurements performed at several stations within the estuary showed lower concentrations in the North than in the South Channel. These observations were in agreement with the dynamics and flow pattern of the Changjiang in this part of the estuary. Concentrations measured at a tidal series station over two tidal cycles exhibited a significant increase in flooding of more saline waters. Total suspended particles were also higher, reaching their maximum value (1·9 g l^-1) at high tide during the first flood. These findings were attributed to the landwards transport of the turbidity maximum zone from the outer estuary, as the Taiwan Warm Current funnels into the Changjiang River mouth. Saltier and less turbid waters with a more pronounced marine character could reach the tidal series site at the final stage of the second flood. During the ebb, suspended n-alkane and PAH concentrations were lower but their compositional features remained similar to those during the flood. A high total suspended particle concentration was observed during the ebb, presumably due to the Huang Pu waters flushing. The n -alkane and PAH content of the particles during such an event pointed out stronger contamination of the waters after crossing the highly populated and industrialized area of Shanghai. Flux calculations based on current meter data indicated significant differences between flood and ebb transports.