Gas chromatographic analyses of Argo Merchant oil and sediment hydrocarbons at the wreck site

Hydrocarbon concentrations were determined in surface sediments in the vicinity of the Argo Merchant wreck site. Of the 4000 km² area surveyed, contaminated sediments were found in a 10–15 km² section around the wreck site in February 1977. The contamination was in the form of small tar particles (or oil droplets) inhomogeneously mixed into the sandy sediments by the turbulent shoal tidal currents. Although there was no clear trend of hydrocarbon concentrations as a function of depth, contamination extended at least to 8–13 cm in depth. Stations which were contaminated in February were reoccupied on a cruise in July 1977. Only one station showed any trace of hydrocarbon contamination and this level was significantly lower than found at this site in February.