Occurrence, source apportionment and toxicity assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of Chaohu, one of the most polluted lakes in China

In order to evaluate the effect of local anthropogenic activities on Chaohu Lake, one of the most eutrophicated lakes in China, surface sediments have been collected from the whole lake with 0.05 × 0.05 degree latitude/longitude resolution and in the estuaries of three main inflowing rivers. The concentrations of the 28 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) determined were in a range 82.4-13,000 ng g(-1) with an average value of 1670 ng g(-1) dry weight for total 28 PAHs (referred to as Σ(28)PAH). Amongst the 28 PAHs, 16 are listed as high priority PAHs by the USEPA and they were in the range of 60.8-10,200 ng g(-1) with an average value of 1230 ng g(-1) for the total of them (referred to as Σ(16)PAH); 7 are known as carcinogenic PAHs and their levels ranged from 34.2 to 6400 ng g(-1) with an average of 815 ng g(-1) in total (referred to as Σ(7)PAH). Chaohu Lake was considered significantly polluted by PAHs through the comparison with the PAH burdens in fresh-water lakes both in China and worldwide. Toxic units (TUs) evaluation showed some sampling locations possibly were over the median lethal level for benthic invertebrate. The highest PAH concentrations were found in sediments from the Nanfei River estuary, suggesting the major contributor of PAHs contamination to the lake. The PAHs with four and five rings were found to be dominant among the PAHs detected in all of the sediment samples, and perylene was the most abundant. Σ(16)PAH had a good correlation with those PAHs from pyrogenic sources, such as anthracene and phenanthrene, but a poor correlation with perylene. The results demonstrated that the environmental behavior of PAHs from pyrogenic sources is significantly different to that of perylene from diagenetic sources. The PAHs in sediments were mainly from traffic-related emission by qualitatively assessing with the diagnostic ratios of PAH isomers, and the ratios for low molecular weight PAHs were strongly altered during their transport.     

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments of the Mediterranean: assessment and source recognition of petroleum hydrocarbons

Coastal marine sediment samples were collected from ten sampling stations along the Egyptian Mediterranean coast in April 2010. All sediment samples were analyzed for aliphatic (C7 to C34) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as total organic carbon (TOC) contents and grain size analysis. Total aliphatic hydrocarbons ranged from 1621.82 to 9069.99 ng/g (dry weight), while aromatic hydrocarbons (16 PAHs) varied between 208.69 and 1020.02 ng/g with an average of 530.68?±?225.86 ng/g?dwt. Good correlations observed between certain PAH concentrations allowed to identify its origin. The average TOC percent was varied from 0.13 to 1.46 %. Principal component analysis was used to determine the sources of hydrocarbon pollutants in sediments of Mediterranean. Additionally, special PAHs compound ratios suggest the petrogenic origins.     

Polychlorinated biphenyls, organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a one-off global survey of bivalves

During the Danish Galathea 3 expedition, bivalve samples were collected at the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Ghana, South Africa, Australia, Solomon Islands, New Zealand, Chile, US Virgin Islands, Boston, Newfoundland and Shetland Islands and analysed for organochlorines and PAHs. Concentration differences of up to three orders of magnitude were observed, with the highest concentrations at Boston harbour (SPCB 338 ng g(-1) dw, ΣSPAH 5966 ng g(-1) dw) and the Sydney estuary (ΣSPCB 282 ng g(-1) dw, SPAH 1453 ng g(-1) dw). Local impacts were also found for the Greenland capital Nuuk in terms of PCB and PAH levels, while other Greenland samples came closest to representing PAH background levels. Several locations had undetectable organochlorine levels, including Hobart and Chile, which had the lowest SPAH concentrations (<200 ng g(-1) dw). It was possible to group the stations according to their pyrogenic/petrogenic influence using Principal Component Analyses, and indications of petroleum sources were found at Nuuk.     

Distribution characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and biota from the Zha Long Wetland, China

In this paper, the concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in biota (reed, grass, mussel, fish, and red-crowned crane) and sediments collected from seven locations in the Zha Long Wetland. PAHs were recovered from the sediments and biota by ultrasonic extraction and then analyzed by means of gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The total PAH concentrations were 244–713 ng/g dw in sediments, 82.8–415 ng/g dw in plants and 207–4,780 ng/g dw in animals. The total sediment PAH concentrations were categorized as lower to moderate contamination compared with other regions of China and the world. In the plant samples, the accumulation abilities of reed roots and stems for PAHs were higher than those of grass roots. In addition, the concentration of individual PAHs in mussel muscles was the highest in all of the animal samples, followed by fish, feeding crane fetuses, and wild crane fetuses. Compositional analysis suggests that the PAHs in the sediments from the Zha Long Wetland were derived from incomplete biomass combustion. Risk assessment shows that the levels of PAHs in sediments are mostly lower than the effects range mean value (effects range mean), whereas only naphthalene in all sample sites was higher than the effects range low value. It is worthwhile to note that benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene and benzo(ghi)perylene were detected in crane fetal, which have potential carcinogenicity for organisms from the Zha Long Wetland.     

PAH Levels and Profiles in the Suspended Particulate Matter in Zagreb through Four Seasons

This paper presents the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) measured in all four seasons in suspendedparticulate matter (SPM) collected with a high-volume sampler on one measuring site in the northern part of Zagreb. About 30 samples of SPM were analysed for each season, including workdays and weekends and there were no differences amongst them. The concentrations of all PAHs were highest in winter andlowest in summer. The spring PAH concentrations were lower thanthe autumn ones, as the spring had more sunny and warm days. Theprofiles of PAH/BaP at the measurement sites showed that the mainsource of PAHs in spring and summer was traffic while asubstantial amount of autumn and winter PAHs, besides traffic,came from heating.     

Analysis and occurrence of emerging chlorinated and brominated flame retardants in surficial sediment of the Dalian coastal area in China

The concentrations and distributions of some typical chlorinated flame retardants (Dechlorane or Mirex, Dechlorane 602 (Dec 602), Dechlorane 603 (Dec 603), Dechlorane 604 (Dec 604) and Dechlorane Plus (DP)) and brominated FRs (polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), pentabromoethylbenzene (PBEB) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy)ethane (BTBPE)) were analyzed in surficial sediment collected from the Dalian coastal area in northeast China. Dec 603, Dec 604, and BTBPE were below their respective limits of detection (LOD) in all sediment samples, while Dechlorane, Dec 602, DP, Σ13BDE (tri- to hepta-BDEs), BDE 209, and PBEB were identified in the ranges <0.015-39.9 ng g(-1) dry weight (dw), <0.011-0.156 ng g(-1) dw, 0.69-7.00 ng g(-1) dw, 0.017-1.33 ng g(-1) dw, 3.94-103 ng g(-1) dw, and <0.073-1.9 ng g(-1) dw, respectively. Relationships between these chlorinated and brominated FRs were analyzed using Pearson's correlation and principal component analysis (PCA). DP, Dechlorane, Σ13BDE, and BDE 209 showed significantly positive correlation (p<0.05), and these relationships showed excellent agreement with PCA results. The spatial trends for Dechlorane, DP, BDE 209, and Σ13BDE showed that high concentrations were found in the industrial zone and lower concentrations in residential and garden zones. The results imply that these FRs are originating from a common source, and support the view that direct input from the effluent of sewage outlets is a major source of these compounds in Dalian sediment.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from the Bizerte Lagoon,Tunisia: levels,sources, and toxicological significance

To assess the status of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in sediments from the Bizerte Lagoon (northern Tunisia), 18 surface sediment samples were collected in March 2011 and analyzed for 14 US Environmental Protection Agency priority PAHs by high-performance liquid chromatography. The total concentrations of the 14 PAHs (ΣPAHs) ranged from 16.9 to 394.1 ng g^?1 dry weight (dw) with a mean concentration of 85.5 ng g^?1 dw. Compared with other lagoons, coasts, and bays in the world, the concentrations of PAHs in surface sediments of the Bizerte Lagoon are low to moderate. The PAHs’ composition pattern was dominated by the presence of four-ring PAHs (45.8 %) followed by five-ring (26.8 %) and three-ring PAHs (12.7 %). The PAH source analysis suggested that the main origin of PAHs in the sediments of the lagoon was mainly from pyrolytic sources. According to the numerical effect-based sediment quality guidelines of the USA, the levels of PAHs in the Bizerte Lagoon should not exert adverse biological effects. The total benzo[a]pyrene toxicity equivalent values calculated for the samples varied from 3.1 to 53.7 ng g^?1 dw with an average of 10.6 ng g^?1 dw.     

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in the riverine and marine sediments of the Laizhou Bay area, North China

62 riverine and marine sediments were collected from the Laizhou Bay area, where the largest manufacturing base of brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in Asia is located. Eight polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) were analyzed to investigate the impact of rapidly-developed bromine industries on the regional aquatic system. PBDE concentrations varied largely in riverine sediments. Σ(7)PBDEs (including BDE 28, 47, 99, 100, 153, 154 and 183) and BDE 209 ranged from 0.01 to 53 ng g(-1) dw and from 0.74 to 285 ng g(-1) dw with a mean value of 4.5 ng g(-1) dw and 54 ng g(-1) dw, respectively, indicating a strong influence of direct pollution discharges from local factories. In marine sediments, Σ(7)PBDEs and BDE 209 ranged from not detected (nd) to 0.66 ng g(-1) dw and from 0.66 to 12 ng g(-1) dw with a mean value of 0.32 ng g(-1) dw and 5.1 ng g(-1) dw, respectively. PBDE concentrations were mostly <10 ng g(-1) dw for Σ(7)PBDEs and <50 ng g(-1) dw for BDE 209, which are at a relatively low level for monitored riverine and coastal sediments around the world. Even at the most contaminated sites in Laizhou Bay area, PBDE concentrations were not among the highest concentrations reported in the literature. Congener compositions were dominated by BDE 209 (57.2-99.9% of the sum of BDE congeners), with minor contributions from penta- and octa-BDE products. Tri- to octa-BDE congeners were well correlated among each other (r > 0.75) and thus sources from similar mixing of penta- and octa-BDE products were suggested in this area. Compared with riverine sediments, a much better correlation between PBDE concentrations with TOC was observed in marine environment. The congener pattern changed and their correlation coefficients among each other were remarkably reduced. Contributions of BDE 28, 47 and 99 to Σ(7)PBDEs were generally the same in almost all the marine sites, while it was distinctively higher for BDE 153. These are probably attributable to several reasons, such as contributions by atmospheric deposition and/or redistribution between particles of various sizes during and/or after fluvial transportation combined with the difference of physiochemical properties of BDE congeners.     

Spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments of the Nansi Lake, China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in surface sediments and dated core sediments from the Nansi Lake of China to investigate the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics. The concentrations of 16 kinds priority PAH compounds were determined by GC-MS method. And ²¹⁰Pb isotope dating method was used to determine the chronological age of the sediment as well as the deposition rate. The results indicated that the total PAHs concentration ranges in surface and core sediment samples were 160 ~32,600 and 137 ~ 693 ng/g (dry wt.), respectively. The sediment rate and the average mass sedimentation were calculated to be 0.330 cm·year^???1 and 0.237 g·cm^???2·yr^???1 and the sediment time of the collected core sample ranged from 1899 to 2000. The peak of PAH concentrations came at recent years. The source analysis showed PAHs mainly came from the contamination of low temperature pyrogenic processes, such as coal combustion. The PAHs concentrations were lower than ERL and LEL values for most collected samples. However, in several surface sediment samples especially in estuary sites, the PAHs concentrations were not only higher than ERL and LEL values, but also higher than ERM values.     

Quantification and source identification of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment, soil, and water spinach from Hanoi, Vietnam

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were quantified in sediment, soil, and plant material from Hanoi, Vietnam, and an aquatic production system in peri-urban Hanoi. The sum of the concentration of 16 US-EPA priority PAHs ( summation PAH16) ranged between 0.44 and 6.21 mg kg(-1) dw in sediment and between 0.26 and 1.35 mg kg(-1) dw in soil, with decreasing concentrations from the urban area to the peri-urban area, indicating contributions from urban and industrial sources. Double plots of diagnostic source ratios indicate that PAHs originate from mixed petrogenic and pyrogenic sources, the latter being predominant. The predominance of low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs in the sediment samples suggests that petrogenic sources are more prevalent in the water environment than in the soil. In contrast, high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs dominated in water spinach which probably reflects the plant's uptake of particle-bound PAHs that originate from pyrogenic sources.     

Gas–particle concentration,distribution, and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons at a traffic area of Giza,Egypt

Atmospheric particulate and gaseous polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) samples were collected from an urban area in Dokki (Giza) during the summer of 2007 and the winter of 2007–2008. The average concentrations of PAHs were 1,429.74 ng/m³ in the particulate phase, 2,912.56 ng/m³ in the gaseous phase, and 4,342.30 ng/m³ in the particulate + gaseous phases during the period of study. Dokki has high level concentrations of PAH compounds compared with many polluted cities in the world. The concentrations of PAH compounds in the particulate and gaseous phases were higher in the winter and lower in the summer. Total concentrations of PAHs in the particulate phase and gaseous phase were 22.58% and 77.42% in summer and 36.97% and 63.03% in winter of the total (particulate + gaseous) concentrations of PAHs, respectively. The gaseous/particulate ratios of PAHs concentration were 3.43 in summer and 1.71 in winter. Significant negative correlation coefficients were found between the ambient temperature and concentrations of the total PAHs in the particulate and gaseous phases. The distribution of individual PAHs and different categories of PAHs based on aromatic ring number in the particulate and gaseous phases during the summer and winter were nearly similar, indicating similar emission sources of PAHs in both two seasons. Benzo(b)fluoranthene in the particulate phase and naphthalene in the gaseous phase were the most abundant compounds. Diagnostic concentration ratios of PAH compounds indicate that these compounds are emitted mainly from pyrogenic sources, mainly local vehicular exhaust emissions. Health risks associated with the inhalation of individual PAHs in particulate and gaseous phases were assessed on the basis of its benzo(a)pyrene equivalent concentration. Dibenzo(a,h)anthracene and benzo(a)pyrene in the particulate phase and benzo(a)pyrene and benzo(a)anthracene in the gaseous phase were the greatest contributors to the total health risks. The relative mean contributions of the total carcinogenic activity (concentrations) of all PAHs to the total concentrations of PAHs were 29.37% and 25.15% in the particulate phase and 0.76% and 0.92% in the gaseous phase during the summer and winter, respectively. These results suggest that PAHs in the particulate phase in the ambient air of Dokki may pose a potential health risk.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Urumqi, China: distribution, source contributions, and potential health risks

Concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 28 surface soils samples collected from Urumqi, northwest China, for examination of distributions, source contributions, and potential health effects. The results indicated that the sum of 16 PAHs concentration ranged from 331 to 15,799 μg?kg^?1 (dw) in soils, with a mean of 5,018?±?4,896 μg?kg^?1 (n?=?28). The sum of seven carPAHs concentration ranged from 4 to 1,879 μg?kg^?1 (dw; n?=?28). The highest ∑PAHs concentrations were found at roadsides and industrial sites, followed by those at parks, rural areas, and business/residential areas. Coal combustion, emission of diesel and gasoline from vehicles, and petroleum source were four sources of PAHs as determined by PMF analysis, which contributed 51.19, 19.02, 18.35, and 11.42 % to the PAH sources, respectively. Excellent coefficients of correlation between the measured and predicted PAHs concentrations suggested that the PMF model was very effective to estimate sources of PAHs in soils. Incremental lifetime cancer risk values at the 95th percentile due to human exposure to surface soils PAHs in Urumqi were 2.02?×?10^?6 for children and 2.72?×?10^?5 for adults. The results suggested that the current PAHs levels in soils from Urumqi were pervasive and moderately carcinogenic to children and adults.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the air of Chinese cities

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the air of 37 cities and 3 rural locations across China during the winter, spring, summer and autumn of 2005, using polyurethane foam (PUF) disks as passive air samplers (PAS). Winter and autumn concentrations in cities exceeded spring and summer values. Concentrations were amongst the highest in the world; seasonally averaged autumn/winter values in some cities in the north and north-west of China exceeded proposed European Union air quality standards. Several factors, acting in combination, influenced air concentrations. A significant negative correlation was found between average annual city concentrations and the annual average temperature, while winter time PAH concentrations correlated with estimated coal consumption. The highest total PAH concentrations and loadings of high molecular weight compounds generally occurred in major cities located on higher land (500-2000 m), where relatively cold winters and higher coal consumption occurs. Lower values occurred in cities located in the south and east China and along the coastal regions. Molecular markers indicated incomplete combustion of fossil fuels dominated the urban air and gave evidence for photo-decomposition of selected compounds.     

Atmospheric polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an industrialized city, Kocaeli, Turkey: study of seasonal variations, influence of meteorological parameters and health risk estimation

Ambient gas and particle phase samples were collected during two sampling periods from a residential area of an industrialized city, Kocaeli, Turkey. The sampling occurred during winter months when structures were being heated, and summer months when structures were not being heated. Σ(13)PAH (gas + particle) concentrations ranged between 6.2 ng m(-3) (DahA) and 98.6 ng m(-3) (Phe) in the heating (winter) period and 3.0 ng m(-3) (BaA) and 35.1 ng m(-3) (Phe) in the non-heating (summer) period. Phe, Flt and Pyr were found to be at high concentrations in both sampling periods. Winter time to summer time concentration ratios for individual ambient PAH concentration ratios ranged between 1.2 (DahA) and 17.5 (Flu), indicating the effect of the emissions from residential heating on measured concentrations of PAHs, but great industrial plants and the only incinerator facility of Turkey are other important pollution sources around the city. Temperature dependence of gas phase PAHs was investigated using the Clausius-Clapeyron equation. A high slope obtained (5069.7) indicated the effect of the local sources on measured gas phase PAHs. Correlation of the supercooled vapor pressure (P) with the gas particle partitioning coefficient (K(p)) and particle phase fraction was also evaluated. The relationship between the meteorological parameters and individual PAH (gas + particle) concentrations was investigated further by multiple linear regression analysis. It was found that the temperature had a significant effect on all of the measured PAH concentrations, while the effects of the wind speed and direction were not significant on the individual PAHs. On the other hand, PAH concentrations showed a strong linear relationship with the ventilation coefficient (VC) which showed the influence of local sources on measured PAHs. Benzo[a]pyrene toxic equivalent (BaP(eq.)) concentrations were used for health risk assessment purposes. The winter period risk level (2.92 × 10(-3)) due to the respiratory exposure to PAHs was found to be almost 3 times higher than in the summer period (1.15 × 10(-3)).     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water, sediment and soil of the Songhua River Basin, China

The Songhua River is the third largest river in China and the primary source of drinking and irrigation water for northeastern China. The distribution of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water [dissolved water (DW) and suspended particulate matter (SPM)], sediment, and soil in the river basin was investigated, and the associated risk of cancer from these PAHs was also assessed. The total concentration of PAHs ranged from 13.9 to 161 ng L^?1 in DW, 9.21 to 83.1 ng L^?1 in SPM, 20.5 to 632 ng g^?1 dw (dry weight) in sediment, and from 30.1 to 870 ng g^?1 dw in soil. The compositional pattern of PAHs indicated that three-ring PAHs were predominant in DW and SPM samples, while four-ring PAHs dominated in sediment and soil samples. The spatial distribution of PAHs revealed some site-specific sources along the river, with principal component analysis indicating that these were from pyrogenic sources (such as coal and biomass combustion, and vehicle emissions) and coke oven emission distinguished as the main source of PAHs in the Songhua River Basin. Based on the ingestion of PAH-contaminated drinking water from the Songhua River, cancer risk was quantitatively estimated by combining the Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk assessment model and BaP-equivalent concentration for five age groups of people (adults, teenagers, children, toddlers, and infants). Overall, the results suggest that the estimated integrated lifetime cancer risk for all groups was in acceptable levels. This study is the first attempt to provide information on the cancer risk of PAHs in drinking water from the Songhua River.     

Concentrations, distributions, and sources of polychlorinated biphenyls and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in bed sediments of the water reservoirs in Slovakia

Dredging water reservoirs is necessary to maintain accumulation capacity and to prevent floodings. As a first step, the quality of the bed sediments in water reservoirs must be determined before dredging operations. In this study, sediment samples from 34 stations of three selected water reservoirs (Zemplinska Sirava, Velke Kozmalovce, and Ruzin) were collected to investigate concentrations, distributions, and hazards of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and to predict their possible sources. Total PCB concentrations were in the range of 20.4 to 2,325?ng/g. The maximum concentrations of PCBs were found in sediments from Zemplinska Sirava, which is in the vicinity of a former manufacturer of PCBs. The composition of PCBs was characterized by tri- and hexa-CB congeners, indicating the influence of contamination from the use of specific Delor mixtures, formerly produced and massively used on the territory of Slovakia. The data showed that the highest total PAH concentrations were associated with the sediments from the Velke Kozmalovce, ranging from 7,910 to 29,538?ng/g. On the other hand, the lowest total PAH concentrations (84?C631?ng/g of dry weight) were found in the sediments of Zemplinska Sirava, an important recreational area in eastern Slovakia. The distribution of individual PAHs was similar among the three water reservoirs, and this, together with principal component analysis and diagnostic PAH ratios, suggests mainly pyrolytic contamination of the sediments. However, petrogenic inputs appear to be important in the Zemplinska Sirava sediments.     

Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and sterols in termite nest, soil, and sediment from Great Kwa River, SE Nigeria

Costal sediment samples from Great Kwa River as well as adjoining termite nest and soil samples were analyzed for quantitative determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and sterols using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) in order to access the possibility of transport of biologically produced PAHs/sterols from termite nest to the sediments. The total PAH concentrations (sum of parent and alkyl) for the sediments ranged between 131.96 and 139.35 ng/g dry weight (dw) while those for the nest and soil samples were in the range 9.51–9.71 and 71.85–77.26 ng/g dw, respectively. These levels of PAHs in sediments were relatively low compared to other urban/industrial Asian and American countries. No evidence of the usual biologically produced PAHs was found, thus reducing the likelihood of transport of these compounds from the nest to the sediments. The absence of parent and alkyl PAHs in central compartment of the nest may reflect the selective fern leaves feeding pattern of the dominant termite species prevalent in the vicinity of the study site. Utilization of six selected PAH ratios such as Fla/(Fla + Pyr) (0.4–0.5), Ant/(Ant + Phe) (0.25–0.90), BaA/(BaA + Chrys) (0.45–0.61), MP/P (0.05–6.81), 1,7/(1,7?+?2,6)-DMP (0.61–0.95), and LPAH/HPAH ( 2.80–3.80) allows discrimination of PAH sources for the samples to be made with a mixed source dominance observed. Examination of sterol distributions in the samples shows relatively high abundance of cholest-5-en-3β-ol in central compartment of the nest, considered here as a consequence of metabolic conversion of phyto-/fungi sterols in the tissues of the termite species. The relatively reduced levels of stanol compounds in central compartment of the nest may be associated with their utilization by the termites for growth and development.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River

This study was performed to elucidate the distribution, concentration trend and possible source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River and the Moson Danube branch. A total of 217 samples (water and sediments) were collected from four different sampling sites in the period of 2001–2010 and analysed for the 16 priority US Environmental Protection Agency PAHs. Concentrations of total 16 PAHs (∑PAHs) in water samples ranged from 25 to 1,208 ng/L, which were predominated by two- and three-ring PAHs. The ∑PAH concentrations in sediments ranged from 8.3 to 1,202.5 ng/g dry weight. Four-ring PAHs including fluoranthene and pyrene were the dominant species in sediment samples. A selected number of concentration ratios of specific PAH compounds were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contamination. The ratios reflected a pattern of pyrogenic input as a major source of PAHs. The levels of PAHs determined were compared with other sections of the Danube and other regions of the world.     

Particle-bound polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an urban, industrial and rural area in the western Mediterranean

Particle-bound PAHs were measured at three sites in southeastern Spain (an urban background location, a suburban-industrial site in the vicinity of two cement plants and a rural area) in order to investigate the influence of the type of location on PAH concentrations. A clear influence of cement production on particulate PAH levels could not be established since for the urban background and suburban-industrial sites the average concentrations of total PAHs in the PM2.5 fraction were very similar (1.085 and 1.151 ng m(-3), respectively), with benzo[b+k]fluoranthene and chrysene as the predominant compounds. Diagnostic ratios, used to identify PAH emission sources, pointed to traffic as the main source of particulate PAH at both locations. As expected, PAH levels at the rural site were significantly lower (0.408 ng m(-3) in the PM10 fraction) due to increasing distance from the emission sources. PAH seasonal variations at the urban background and suburban-industrial sites were the same as reported in many previous studies. Average winter to summer ratios for total PAHs were 4.4 and 4.9 for the urban background and industrial sites, in that order. This seasonal cycle could be partially explained by the higher temperature and solar radiation during summer enhancing PAH evaporation from the particulate phase and PAH photochemical degradation, respectively. The study of PAH distribution between the fine and coarse fraction at the urban site revealed that on average around 80% of total PAHs were associated with fine particles.     

One-year monitoring survey of organic compounds (PAHs, PCBs, TBT), heavy metals and biomarkers in blue mussels from the Arcachon Bay, France

Marine mussels Mytilus sp. were transplanted on a monthly basis in cages over one year to oyster farms and harbours in the Arcachon Bay (France) in order to assess the water quality of the bay. Contaminant levels (organotin compounds, trace metals, PCBs and PAHs) were measured in tissues of transplanted mussels and mussels from a reference station, along with physiological parameters of the mussels (condition indexes, lipid content and dry weight). Four biomarkers (AChE: acetylcholinesterase activity, GST: gluthathione S-transferase activity, CAT: catalase activity and TBARS: thiobarbituric acid-reactive substance content) were also monitored. The remote stations monitored (oyster parks) exhibited no accumulation pattern of pollutants. Their respective concentrations therefore constitute a background level of the contamination in the bay ([TBT]= 30 ng Sn g(-1) dw, [SigmaHAPs]= 100 ng g(-1) dw, [SigmaPCBs]= 35 ng g(-1) dw). The elevated chemical contamination of the largest harbour of the bay, the Arcachon harbour, can be interpreted in terms of persistence of organotin compounds ([SigmaOTs]= 1500-2000 ng Sn g(-1) dw) and PAHs ([SigmaHAPs]= 4500-5000 ng g(-1) dw) in sediments and, to a lesser extent, of direct inputs of copper ([Cu]= 20 microg g(-1) dw in harbours versus 7 in oyster parks) and petrogenic PAHs ([methylphenanthrenes]= 1600 ng g(-1) dw in the dockyard versus 170 at the gas stations), related to the use of copper-based antifouling paints and to dockyard activity, respectively. However, the Arcachon Bay presents a low contamination level by PCBs and metals, including harbour stations. Furthermore, higher levels of other PAHs (particularly alkyl PAHs such as methylphenanthrenes/1600 ng g(-1) dw) not included in the 16 PAHs from the EPA priority list (usually studied in biomonitoring programmes/1500 ng g(-1) dw) in the Arcachon harbour underline the need to integrate these compounds in biomonitoring of highly PAH-polluted areas such as harbours in order to avoid misinterpretation of the biological responses observed. Biomarker responses were not able to discriminate the different chemical contamination levels recorded in the Arcachon Bay and rather reflected changes in environmental factors. Furthermore, the strong intraspecies variability of biological responses could be due to genetic differences of mussels from the Arcachon Bay. It is the first time that such an integrated monitoring is performed in the Arcachon Bay, also taking into account seasonal variations of chemical contents and biomarkers levels in mussel tissues.