Petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations (PHC) of surface sediments along the Chennai coast, India, were
measured by UV-Fluorescence (UVF) Spectroscopy and the results are expressed in terms of Chrysene
equivalents. The concentration of PHC in sediment varies widely (from 1.88 ppm to 39.76 ppm) as
compared to the baseline (1.88 ppm) with higher values obtained in the northern part of the study area.
The highest magnetic susceptibility (96.8 108 m3
kg1
) value was determined from the Chennai
harbour area. The magnetic parameters show that the Chennai coastal sediments are dominated by
ferrimagnetic minerals. The positive correlation (r
2 ¼ 0.86; p < 0.05) between petroleum hydrocarbon
concentrations and magnetic susceptibility suggests that the magnetic minerals and petroleum hydrocarbons
along the Chennai coast are derived from the same sources. Factor analysis shows that the
magnetic concentration dependent parameters (c, cARM and SIRM) covary with the petroleum hydrocarbon
concentration, suggesting that large amounts of magnetic minerals originate from anthropogenic
activities. It is evident that using magnetic measurements may be considered a simple, rapid, cheap and
non-destructive method to determine petroleum hydrocarbon concentrations in coastal sediments.
Furthermore, this technique may be applied to petroleum exploration studies. Magnetic susceptibility
measurements in sediments have been proposed as complementary or alternative means of exploration
and assessment of hydrocarbon reservoirs.