HPLC detection of linear alkylbenzenesulfonates surfactants (LAS) in marine sediments of the urban sewage area of Cortiou (Marseille,France)

An improved selective method for determining linear alkylbenzenesulfonates surfactants (LASs) in marine sediments using solid‐phase extraction and RP‐HPLC with UV detection is described. The complete analytical method is used on surface sediments from the creek of Cortiou, France. This site is affected by the sewage from the urban area of Marseille. The total LAS concentrations in the sediment range from 12.19?µg/g near the existing outlet to 0.47?µg/g beyond Maire Island. The flux of pollution provided by the outfall is preferentially oriented from east to west by the Liguro‐Provençal current. The significant values are mainly confined on a perimeter of 2.5?km around the outfall. The particule size observations concerning the sediments show that oxygenated sandy zones, where eliminating mechanisms (desorption, biodegradation) particularly occur, are mainly located on the Chèvres plateau and around Jarre, Plane and Riou Islands.