Using GIS, geostatistics and Fuzzy logic to study spatial structure of sedimentary total PAHs and potential eco-risks; An Eastern Persian Gulf case study.

GIS, geo-statistics and autocorrelation analysis were employed to reveal spatial structure of sedimentary ∑16PAHs. Global Moran's I index outlined significant ∑PAHs clusters for the entire region (Moran's I index =0.62, Z-score = 25.6). Anselin Moran's I index specified locations of the significant low/high spatial clusters. The levels of random and structural variance of ∑PAHs were about 0.083 and 0.154, respectively. Nugget to sill ratio confirmed that ∑PAHs has a moderate level of spatial structure and the major part of PAHs variability is not random. Prediction and standard error maps of ∑PAHs, produced by ordinary kriging, highlighted that more samples should be taken from high cluster region for next studies. Fuzzy logic functions (OR and AND) were used to develop eco-risk maps. It revealed that the potential hazards of PAHs are considerable at the vicinity of petrochemical facilities.