Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface water of Taizi River, Northeast of China

Spatial and seasonal distribution and sources of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), identified as priority pollutants by the US Environmental Protection Agency, were investigated in the surface water of the Taizi River in Liaoning Province, northeast of China. Samples were collected from the mainstream, and tributaries of the Taizi River in dry, wet, and normal seasons. Five important industrial point sources were also monitored. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 454.5 to 1,379.7 ng l^?1 in the dry season, 1,801.6 to 5,868.9 ng l^?1 in the wet season, and 367.0 to 5,794.5 ng l^?1 in the normal season. The total PAH concentrations were significantly increased in the order of wet season > normal season > dry season. The profile of PAHs in the surface water samples was dominated by low molecular weight PAHs particularly with two- and three-ring components in the three seasons, suggesting that the PAHs were from a relatively recent local source. Source identification inferred that the PAHs in the surface water of the Taizi River came from both petrogenic inputs and pyrogenic sources.     

Assessment of bioavailable fraction of POPS in surface water bodies in Johannesburg City,South Africa,using passive samplers: an initial assessment

In this study, the semipermeable membrane device (SPMD) passive samplers were used to determine freely dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in selected water bodies situated in and around Johannesburg City, South Africa. The devices were deployed for 14 days at each sampling site in spring and summer of 2011. Time weighted average (TWA) concentrations of the water-borne contaminants were calculated from the amounts of analytes accumulated in the passive samplers. In the area of interest, concentrations of analytes in water ranged from 33.5 to 126.8 ng l^?1 for PAHs, from 20.9 to 120.9 pg l^?1 for PCBs and from 0.2 to 36.9 ng l^?1 for OCPs. Chlorinated pesticides were mainly composed of hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) (0.15–36.9 ng l^?1) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloromethane (DDT) with its metabolites (0.03–0.55 ng l^?1). By applying diagnostic ratios of certain PAHs, identification of possible sources of the contaminants in the various sampling sites was performed. These ratios were generally inclined towards pyrogenic sources of pollution by PAHs in all study sites except in the Centurion River (CR), Centurion Lake (CL) and Airport River (AUP) that indicated petrogenic origins. This study highlights further need to map up the temporal and spatial variations of these POPs using passive samplers.     

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.     

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.     

Multivariate assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments of the Beijiang, a tributary of the Pearl River in Southern China

To estimate the severity of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in the upper sediment of the Beijiang River, 42 sediment samples were analyzed for the presence of 16 key PAHs using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The concentrations of PAH in the sediment ranged from 44 to 8,921 ng g^?1 dry weight. The four- to six-ring PAHs, contributing >50 % to PAHs in 34 of the 42 sites, were the dominant species. Based on a principal component analysis, combined with multivariate linear regression, it became clear that the most important contributors of PAH were fossil fuel combustion (48 %), diesel emissions plus oil spillage (33 %), and coke combustion (19 %). The surface sediments of Beijiang River were grossly contaminated by PAHs mainly derived from combustion.     

Identification of sources of elevated concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in an industrial area in Tianjin, China

The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector in 105 topsoil samples from an industrial area around Bohai Bay, Tianjin in the North of China. Results demonstrated that concentrations of PAHs in 104 soil samples from this area ranged from 68.7 to 5,590 ng g^???1 dry weight with a mean of ∑16PAHs 814 ± 813 ng g^???1, which suggests that there exists mid to high levels of PAH contamination. The concentration of ∑16PAHs in one soil sample from Tianjin Port was exceptionally high (48,700 ng g^???1). Ninety-three of the 105 soil samples were considered to be contaminated with PAHs (>200 ng g^???1), and 25 were heavily polluted (>1,000 ng g^???1). The sites with high PAHs concentration are mainly distributed around chemical industry parks and near highways. Two low molecular weight PAHs, naphthalene and phenanthrene, were the dominant components in the soil samples, which accounted for 22.1% and 10.7% of the ∑16PAHs concentration, respectively. According to the observed molecular indices, house heating in winter, straw stalk combustion in open areas after harvest, and petroleum input were common sources of PAHs in this area, while factory discharge and vehicle exhaust were the major sources around chemical industrial parks and near highways. Biological processes were probably another main source of low molecular weight PAHs.     

Petroleum pollution in mangrove forests sediments from Qeshm Island and Khamir Port—Persian Gulf, Iran

The concentrations of total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (?PAHs) and 22 individual PAH compounds in 42 surface sediments collected from the mangrove forest of Qeshm Island and Khamir Port (Persian Gulf) were analyzed. ?PAHs concentrations ranged from 259 to 5,376 ng?g^?1 dry weight with mean and median values of 1,585 and 1,146 ng?g^?1, respectively. The mangrove sediments had higher percentages of lower molecular weight PAHs and the PAH profiles were dominated by naphthalene. Ratio values of specific PAH compounds were calculated to evaluate the possible source of PAH contamination. This ratios suggesting that the mangrove sediments have a petrogenic input of PAHs. Sediment quality guidelines were conducted to assess the toxicity of PAH compounds. The levels of total PAHs at all of stations except one station, namely Q₆, were below the effects range low. Also, concentrations of naphthalene in some stations exceeded the effects range median.     

Distribution and ecotoxicological significance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from Iko River estuary mangrove ecosystem

The distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in epipelic and benthic sediments from Iko River estuary mangrove ecosystem has been investigated. Total PAHs ranged from 6.10 to 35.27 mg/kg dry weight. Quantitative difference between the total PAHs in epipelic and benthic sediments showed that the benthic sediment known for higher capability to serve as sink for chemical pollutants accumulated less PAHs. This implies that PAHs in the epipelic sediment may plausibly be from industrial sources via runoff and/or of biogenic origin. A strong pyrolytic source fingerprint has been detected with slight influence of petrogenic sources. Total organic carbon normalized PAHs (sum of 16 PAHs, 59.7 to 372.4 mg/kg OC) were under (except for ES3 and BS3) the threshold effects concentrations (TEC, 290 mg/kg OC). Total PAHs in Iko River estuary sediments were in the range between ERL and ERM.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels in European catfish from the upper Po River basin

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a major concern in environmental studies as many of them have been labeled as probable carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC 1983). Due to their lipophilic properties and resistance to degradation, PAHs can accumulate in organic tissue. As a consequence, alarming concentrations of these compounds have been found in many aquatic species. The European catfish (Silurus glanis) is a top food chain predator that is considered to be a reliable bio-indicator of environmental pollution. From 2009 to 2011, 54 specimens of S. glanis were captured from four different sites covering the area of the Po River basin (Northern Italy). Fish muscles were analyzed in the laboratory to determine the levels of nine PAHs, namely naphthalene, acenaphthene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, and benz[a]pyrene (BaP), which were detected by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The total average concentration of PAHs was 26.90?±?49.50 ng g^?1 (min 0.60, max 275.75 ng g^?1). Analysis showed that 9.20 % of the fish muscles exceeded the maximum levels of 2 ng g^?1 set for BaP by European regulations (Commission Regulation (EC), 2006). Values measured for benz[a]pyrene ranged from 0.05 to 8.20 ng g^?1 (mean 1.07?±?1.58 ng g^?1). Chrysene and benz[a]anthracene, both considered potential human carcinogens (PAH2), were found at levels of 4.40 and 0.05 ng g^?1 (mean values), respectively. The highest mean concentration was recorded for anthracene (12.92 ng g^?1), which has been recently included in the list of substances of very high concern (SVHC) as reported by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA 1–9, 2009).     

Distributions, sources, and ecological risks of DDT-related contaminants in water, suspended particulate matter, and sediments from Haihe Plain, Northern China

The residual levels of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (DDXs, including p,p′-DDT, DDD, and DDE) in water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from major rivers, lakes, and reservoirs in Haihe Plain were measured with a gas chromatograph equipped with a ⁶³Ni microelectron capture detector. In the fall of 2004, the contents of the total DDXs in the water and SPM were 0.29?±?0.69 ng L^?1 and 423.13?±?577.85 ng g^?1 dry wt., respectively. In the spring of 2005, the total DDXs were 0.36?±?0.91 ng L^?1 for water and 35.93?±?62.65 ng g^?1 dry wt. for SPM. The average concentration of DDXs for sediments was 7.10?±?7.57 ng g^?1 dry wt. during the two seasons. The Eastern-Hebei-Province Coastland River System was the most polluted, which was mainly attributable to the extensive use of DDT pesticide and dicofol in that system. Recent DDT inputs still occur in some regions, as indicated by DDT/(DDD + DDE) > 1 at 29–36 % of the sites for water and 55–61 % of the sites for SPM. The potential ecological risks of DDT in the water were assessed using a species sensitivity distribution model. Only shrimp and crabs were found to have potentially affected fraction values of 1.63?×?10^?3 to 2.27?×?10^?4, with probabilities beyond the hazardous concentration for 5 % of species (HC5) values of 1.90–2.56 %, suggesting only slight risks. DDXs in the sediments of some sites were also of potential risk to benthic organism based on consensus-based sediment quality guidelines.     

Profile of PAHs in the inhalable particulate fraction: source apportionment and associated health risks in a tropical megacity

The present study proposed to investigate the atmospheric distribution, sources, and inhalation health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in a tropical megacity (Delhi, India). To this end, 16 US EPA priority PAHs were measured in the inhalable fraction of atmospheric particles (PM₁₀; aerodynamic diameter, ≤10 μm) collected weekly at three residential areas in Delhi from December 2008 to November 2009. Mean annual 24 h PM₁₀ levels at the sites (166.5–192.3 μg m^?3) were eight to ten times the WHO limit. Weekday/weekend effects on PM₁₀ and associated PAHs were investigated. Σ₁₆PAH concentrations (sum of 16 PAHs analyzed; overall annual mean, 105.3 ng m^?3; overall range, 10.5–511.9 ng m^?3) observed were at least an order of magnitude greater than values reported from European and US cities. Spatial variations in PAHs were influenced by nearness to traffic and thermal power plants while seasonal variation trends showed highest concentrations in winter. Associations between Σ₁₆PAHs and various meteorological parameters were investigated. The overall PAH profile was dominated by combustion-derived large-ring species (85–87 %) that were essentially local in origin. Carcinogenic PAHs contributed 58–62 % to Σ₁₆PAH loads at the sites. Molecular diagnostic ratios were used for preliminary assessment of PAH sources. Principal component analysis coupled with multiple linear regression-identified vehicular emissions as the predominant source (62–83 %), followed by coal combustion (18–19 %), residential fuel use (19 %), and industrial emissions (16 %). Spatio-temporal variations and time-evolution of source contributions were studied. Inhalation cancer risk assessment showed that a maximum of 39,780 excess cancer cases might occur due to lifetime inhalation exposure to the analyzed PAH concentrations.     

Sources and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in street dust from the Chang-Zhu-Tan Region, Hunan, China

Street dusts collected from 20 locations in the Chang-Zhu-Tan (Changsha, Zhuzhou, and Xiangtan) region, Hunan, China, in May to July 2006, were investigated for sources of polycylic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The individual PAH concentrations were in the range of 10–4316 ng g^?1, and ∑PAHs₁₆ levels were in the range of 3,515–24,488 ng g^?1, with a mean of 8,760 ng g^?1. The high-molecular-weight PAHs (four to six rings), ranging from 47.51 to 82.11 %, with a mean of 74.79 %, were the dominant PAH compounds in almost all of the dusts. The isomer ratios suggested a rather uniform mixture of coal combustion and petroleum PAH sources. Factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis indicate that the main sources of the 16 PAHs were coal combustion/vehicle exhaust, coking/petroleum, and plant combustion, with contribution rates of 50.9, 35.01, and 14.08, respectively. The spatial distributions of PAH concentrations were significantly related to the distribution of industries, traffic circulation, and farmland in this region.     

Seasonal and spatial distribution of 4-tert-octylphenol, 4-nonylphenol and bisphenol A in the Huangpu River and its tributaries, Shanghai, China

The seasonal variations and spatial distributions of 4-tert-octylphenol (OP), 4-nonylphenol (NP) and bisphenol A (BPA) in surface waters, suspended solids and surface sediments in the Huangpu River and its tributaries (Suzhou River and Yunzao Brook) were firstly investigated. The mean concentrations of OP, NP and BPA in the three rivers were 10.59, 120.96 and 22.93 ng L^?1 in surface waters, 199.87, 2,300.87 and 84.11 ng g^?1 in suspended solids and 9.49, 119.44 and 7.13 ng g^?1 dry weight in surface sediments, respectively. The concentrations of NP and OP were higher in summer than in winter in the suspended solids and surface sediments, while the reverse was true in surface waters. Similarly, the levels of BPA were lower in summer than in winter in surface sediments, while the opposite was true in surface waters and suspended solids. These seasonal variations might be attributed to temperature and stream flows. High levels of OP, NP and BPA were found in surrounding river intersections, residential and industrial areas. Their concentrations decreased gradually with increasing distance from those areas, while the lowest levels were measured in near less urbanized and agricultural areas. These phenomena might indicate that the stream current and pollutant source were the major factors that affect the spatial distributions of OP, NP and BPA in the three rivers. Ecological risk assessment indicated that NP was the only one of the three pollutants with the potential to influence local aquatic organisms. The results of this study provide scientific support for control of these pollutants.     

Chemometrics in assessment of seasonal variation of water quality in fresh water systems

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) was investigated in Gomti River, a major tributary of the Ganga river (India). A total of 96 samples (water and sediments) were collected from eight different sites over a period of 2 years and analysed for 16 PAHs. The total concentrations of 16 PAHs in water and bed sediments ranged between 0.06 and 84.21 ??g/L (average (n?=?48), 10.33 ± 19.94 ??g/L) and 5.24?C3,722.87 ng/g dw [average (n?=?48): 697.25 ± 1,005.23 ng/g dw], respectively. In water, two- and three-ring PAHs and, in sediments, the three- and four-ring PAHs were the dominant species. The ratios of anthracene (An)/An + phenenthrene and fluoranthene (Fla)/Fla + pyrene were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAHs. These ratios reflected a pattern of pyrolytic input as a major source of PAHs in the river. Principal component analysis, further, separated the PAHs sources in the river sediments, suggesting that both the pyrolytic and petrogenic sources are contributing to the PAHs burden. The threat to biota of the river due to PAHs contamination was assessed using effect range low and effect range median values, and the results suggested that sediment at some occasions may pose biological impairment.     

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.     

Residues and ecological risks of organochlorine pesticides in Lake Small Baiyangdian, North China

The levels of hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) and dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT) in the water, suspended particulate matter (SPM), and sediments from Lake Small Baiyangdian were measured by gas chromatograph with a ⁶³Ni microelectron capture detector. The residual levels of the total HCHs in the water, SPM, and sediments were 1.59?±?2.24 ng L^?1, 25.42?±?1.72 ng g^?1 dw (dry weight), and 0.86?±?1.44 ng g^?1 dw, respectively. DDTs were not detected in the water samples. The concentrations of total DDTs were 158.79?±?1.67 ng g^?1 dw in SPM and 0.46?±?1.97 ng g^?1 dw in the sediments. Compared to other areas in China and abroad, the levels of residual HCH and DDT were relatively low in the water and sediments, but they were moderate to high in the SPM. Organic carbon partition coefficient values for HCH in this study were higher than previously published values and may reflect new input in this area. The residual HCHs in this area could be derived from a mixture of technical HCH and lindane because ongoing lindane use may be occurring. DDT in the majority of the study area was primarily attributed to historical discharge, but some regions may be receiving new input. The ecological risks of γ-HCH in the water were very low according to species sensitivity distribution models. The concentrations of HCH and DDT in the sediments from the study area did not exceed the sediment quality guidelines, which indicate little risk for benthic organisms.     

Distribution and bioaccumulation of organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) in food web of Nansi Lake,China

The concentration of 12 organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) were measured in water, sediment, aquatic plant, and animal (shrimp and fish) of Nansi Lake by gas chromatography equipped with an electron capture detector. The total OCPs concentrations were 65.31–100.31 ng L^?1 in water, 2.9–6.91 ng g^?1 dry weight (dw) in sediments, 1.29–6.42 ng g^?1 dw in aquatic plants and 7.57–17.22 ng g^?1 dw in animals. The OCPs composition profiles showed that heptachlor compounds was also the predominant OCPs contaminants in addition to hexachlorocyclohexanes (HCHs) and dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes (DDTs) in Nansi Lake. According to the source of HCHs and DDTs in sediment samples, there was no new input and the HCHs pollution mainly came from the use of Lindane in Nansi Lake. Bioaccumulation of OCPs in aquatic biota indicated that DDTs and heptachlor compounds had a strong accumulation, followed by HCHs and drins. The accumulation abilities of fish for OCPs were higher than those of plants and shrimps. The OCPs biota-sediment accumulation factor values of Channa argus was the highest in fish samples, followed by Carassius auratus, and Cyprinus caspio. Risk assessment of sediment showed that heptachlor epoxide had a higher occurrence possibility of adverse ecological effects to benthic species. Based on the calculation of acceptable daily intake and hazard ratio, HCHs in fish and shrimps from Nansi Lake had a lifetime cancer risk of greater than one per million. The risk assessment of water, sediment, and fish indicated the water environment of Nansi Lake is at a safe level at present.     

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.     

The Distribution and Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments Along the Egyptian Mediterranean Coast

Coastal marine sediment samples were collected from 31 sampling stations along the Egyptian Mediterranean Sea coast. All sediment samples were analyzed to determine aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) as well as total organic carbon (TOC) contents and grain size analysis. Total concentrations of 16 EPA-PAHs in the sediments were varied from 88 to 6338 ng g⁻¹ with an average value of 154 ng g⁻¹ (dry weight). However, the concentrations of total aliphatic were varied from 1.3 to 69.9 ng g⁻¹ with an average value of 15.6 ng g⁻¹ (dry weight). The highest contents of PAHs were found in the Eastern harbor (6338 ng g⁻¹), Manzala (5206 ng g⁻¹) and El-Jamil East (4895 ng g⁻¹) locations. Good correlations observed between a certain numbers of PAH concentrations allowed to identify its origin. The average total organic carbon (TOC) percent was varied from 0.91 to 4.54%. Higher concentration of total pyrolytic hydrocarbons (∑COMB) than total fossil hydrocarbons (∑PHE) declared that atmospheric fall-out is the significant source of PAHs to marine sediments of the Egyptian Mediterranean coast. The selected marked compounds, a principal component analysis (PCA) and special PAHs compound ratios (phenanthrene/anthracene vs fluoranthene/pyrene; ∑COMB/∑EPA-PAHs) suggest the pyrogenic origins, especially traffic exhausts, are the dominant sources of PAHs in most locations. Interferences of rather petrogenic and pyrolytic PAH contaminations were noticed in the harbors due to petroleum products deliveries and fuel combustion emissions from the ships staying alongside the quays.     

A complex investigation of the extent of pollution in sediments of the Sava River: part 2: persistent organic pollutants

Sediment pollution of the biggest Danube tributary, the Sava River, was investigated within the sixth framework European Union project “Sava River Basin: Sustainable Use, Management and Protection of Resources” (SARIB). The extent of pollution was estimated by determining the amount of inorganic and persistent organic pollutants in sediment samples at 20 selected sampling sites along the Sava River. For the purpose of clarity, the findings are presented and published separately (part I: selected elements and part II: persistent organic pollutants). This study presents an investigation into the presence of organic pollutants in the Sava River sediment. According to the Water Framework Directive, the following persistent organic pollutants were investigated: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), selected chlorinated pesticides and organotin compounds. The results reveal that PAHs were present in moderate concentrations (sum of 16 PAHs: up to 4,000 ng g^???1) and their concentrations increased downstream. Concen trations of PCB were low (sum of seven indicator PCBs: below 4 ng g^???1) and among the pesticides analyzed only p,p-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane was found in moderate concentrations at two sampling sites in Croatia (up to 3 ng g^???1) and hexachlorobenzene was found in a high concentration in the city of Belgrade (91 ng g^???1), although the use of these persistent pesticides has been banned for decades. Repeated sampling at the same location revealed point pollution near Belgrade. Among the organic pollutants surveyed, organotin compounds were not detected. Overall results reveal the presence of persistent organic pollutants in 20 of the Sava River sediments tested that is, in general, comparable or lower than the levels in the Danube River and other moderately polluted European rivers.