Nine locations in Shantou coastal waters were chosen for the study on contamination and ecotoxicology risks posed by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Sediment samples were collected to investigate PAH distribution behaviour, sources and understand their origin, which is fundamental in predicting their subsequent behaviour. Many approaches and methods were applied to accomplish these objectives and study purpose. The results found revealed the critical importance of improving our understanding of PAH equilibrium relationships. The serious environmental and health concern, imposed by the high concentrations of PAHs in the area, were widely discussed. Furthermore, the location of Shantou within the town and vicinity of Guiyu, which is a booming E-waste processing centre in China, might explain the significance of atmospheric transportation source of PAHs and enhance the occurrence of air-water exchange.