Field monitoring of volatile organic compounds using passive air samplers in an industrial city in Japan

Highly portable, sensitive, and selective passive air samplers were used to investigate ambient volatile organic compound (VOC) levels at multiple sampling sites in an industrial city, Fuji, Japan. We determined the spatial distributions of 27 species of VOCs in three campaigns: Mar (cold season), May (warm season), and Nov (mild season) of 2004. In all campaigns, toluene (geometric mean concentration, 14.0microg/m3) was the most abundant VOC, followed by acetaldehyde (4.76microg/m3), and formaldehyde (2.58microg/m3). The spatial distributions for certain VOCs showed characteristic patterns: high concentrations of benzene and formaldehyde were typically found along major roads, whereas high concentrations of toluene and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) were usually found near factories. The spatial distribution of PCE observed was extremely consistent with the diffusion pattern calculated from Pollutant Release and Transfer Register data and meteorological data, indicated that passive air samplers are useful for determining the sources and distributions of ambient VOCs.     

C1–C8 volatile organic compounds in the atmosphere of Hong Kong: Overview of atmospheric processing and source apportionment

We present measurements of C₁–C₈ volatile organic compounds (VOCs) at four sites ranging from urban to rural areas in Hong Kong from September 2002 to August 2003. A total of 248 ambient VOC samples were collected. As expected, the urban and sub-urban sites generally gave relatively high VOC levels. In contrast, the average VOC levels were the lowest in the rural area. In general, higher mixing ratios were observed during winter/spring and lower levels during summer/fall because of seasonal variations of meteorological conditions. A variation of the air mass composition from urban to rural sites was observed. High ratios of ethyne/CO (5.6 pptv/ppbv) and propane/ethane (0.50 pptv/pptv) at the rural site suggested that the air masses over the territory were relatively fresh as compared to other remote regions. The principal component analysis (PCA) with absolute principal component scores (APCS) technique was applied to the VOC data in order to identify and quantify pollution sources at different sites. These results indicated that vehicular emissions made a significant contribution to ambient non-methane VOCs (NMVOCs) levels in urban areas (65±36%) and in sub-urban areas (50±28% and 53±41%). Other sources such as petrol evaporation, industrial emissions and solvent usage also played important roles in the VOC emissions. At the rural site, almost half of the measured total NMVOCs were due to combustion sources (vehicular and/or biomass/biofuel burning). Petrol evaporation, solvent usage, industrial and biogenic emissions also contributed to the atmospheric NMVOCs. The source apportionment results revealed a strong impact of anthropogenic VOCs to the atmosphere of Hong Kong in both urban/sub-urban and rural areas.     

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban atmosphere of Hong Kong

The assessment of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) has become a major issue of air quality network monitoring in Hong Kong. This study is aimed to identify, quantify and characterize volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in different urban areas in Hong Kong. The spatial distribution, temporal variation as well as correlations of VOCs at five roadside sampling sites were discussed. Twelve VOCs were routinely detected in urban areas (Mong Kok, Kwai Chung, Yuen Long and Causeway Bay). The concentrations of VOCs ranged from undetectable to 1396 microg/m3. Among all of the VOC species, toluene has the highest concentration. Benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene and xylenes (BTEX) were the major constituents (more than 60% in composition of total VOC detected), mainly contributed from mobile sources. Similar to other Asian cities, the VOC levels measured in urban areas in Hong Kong were affected both by automobile exhaust and industrial emissions. High toluene to benzene ratios (average T/B ratio = 5) was also found in Hong Kong as in other Asian cities. In general, VOC concentrations in the winter were higher than those measured in the summer (winter to summer ratio > 1). As toluene and benzene were the major pollutants from vehicle exhausts, there is a necessity to tighten automobile emission standards in Hong Kong.     

A study of the atmospheric VOCs of Mount Tai in June 2006

Intensive field investigations were conducted at the summit of Mount Tai in June 2006 to understand the effects of the local and regional sources on atmospheric volatile organic compounds (VOCs) distributions. A total of 60 samples were collected and determined by quantitative analytical methods. The concentrations of the total VOCs (TVOCs) observed in the air of Mount Tai were 6.95 ± 5.71 ppb. Aromatic hydrocarbons provided the largest contribution to TVOCs, followed by alkanes and halocarbons. High levels of halocarbons accounted for 20% of TVOCs due to emission from a PVC plant located at the foot of Mount Tai. Alkenes and cycloalkanes contributed little to the total VOCs. The day-and-night differences and day-to-day variations in the concentrations of four selected species were investigated and the effects of several factors such as meteorological parameters, sources and transport characteristics on them were discussed in details. A back trajectory analysis showed that relatively higher levels of VOCs were related to long-range transport of pollutants from polluted areas. The vertical motions of air masses also had a large impact on the variations of the levels of VOCs. The result of the variability–lifetime relationships of VOCs, which is used to estimate the remoteness of the sampling location, showed that Mount Tai represents intermediate conditions between remote sites and sites in the vicinity of sources.     

Regional measurements of PCDD/PCDF concentrations in Korean atmosphere and comparison with gas-particle partitioning models

The current investigation was aimed at determining the levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/PCDFs) in the Korean atmosphere along with their estimation using gas-particle partitioning. Samples collected from six cites showed that large cities were polluted with a concentration of 0.593 pg TEQ/m3. Samples were also collected from residential (nine sites), commercial (five sites), and industrial (seven sites) districts in each city. Higher levels of PCDDs/PCDFs were observed in industrial area than other areas, since it includes many sources. Higher chlorinated 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners were predominantly found in the particulate phase. HpCDD/Fs and OCDD/Fs shared 97-99% of the particulate phase, whereas TCDD/Fs, which dominated the gaseous phase, shared 34.8% and 42.8% in 2,3,7,8-substituted congeners. The regression dataset was transformed due to the relationship between log K(P) and log P(L)o. A wide variation was observed in the slopes for the residential areas when compared with the slopes for the commercial and industrial areas. The Junge-Pankow model and K(oa) adsorption model were both found to be helpful in describing the gas-particle partitioning in the current study.     

Chemical response of the lichen Punctelia subrudecta (Nyl.) Krog transplanted close to a power station in an urban-industrial environment

The lichen Punctelia subrudecta (Nyl.) Krog was transplanted to 22 biomonitoring sites in a northwestern area of Córdoba city, Argentina and tested for chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, phaeophytin a, soluble protein, hydroperoxy conjugated dienes (HPCD), malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and sulphur accumulation. A pollution index (PI) was calculated for each biomonitoring site. The biomonitoring sites were set according to (1) traffic levels, (2) industrial density and (3) distance of the power station close to each site. The biomonitor's chemical response was associated with industries as well as power stations. Significant differences were observed in sulphur content, MDA concentration and PI values in lichen material transplanted to sites with different industrial densities. The higher values for these parameters were found at sites with high industrial levels. At the same time, significant differences were detected for sulphur content in samples at different distances from the power station, with higher accumulation in samples located far from the power plant. For MDA concentration, effect of different levels of industrial density was observed only at points close to the power station, probably because of higher levels of humidity near the power plant. For PI significantly higher values were observed in samples at points far from the power station and with high industrial density. This shows the additive effect of the principal emission sources that act on the response of P. subrudecta to air pollutants.     

Polar and non-polar volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in urban Algiers and saharian sites of Algeria

For the first time, polar and non-polar organic compounds from C₄ to C₂₀ have been identified and quantified in one urban and two saharan sites located in Algeria. They were collected on adsorption traps filled with graphitic carbons and analyzed by high-resolution gas chromatography–mass spectrometry after thermal desorption. More than 190 compounds released by man-made and biogenic sources or formed in air by degradation of photochemical smog precursors were identified in the city center of Algiers. Some of them were never reported before. During our determinations, high levels of pollution characterized the city. Transport of anthropogenic pollutants together with some biogenic emission from date palm trees was mainly responsible for the levels of VOCs measured in Melika oasis located at the entrance of the Sahara desert. Background tropospheric levels of VOCs were instead detected in Bouchene sandy site of the Sahara desert where no biogenic sources were present.     

Heavy metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and polychlorinated biphenyls in surface sediments of the Naples harbour (southern Italy)

The Naples's harbour is one of the largest and most important commercial and tourist port of the Mediterranean basin. It is located on the southeast coast of Italy and receives industrial and municipal wastewaters from the city of Naples. Due to its social and economic impact, a comprehensive assessment of levels and sources of contamination of bottom sediments in this area of the Mediterranean basin is essential to identify potential danger due to mobilization of contaminants produced by managing of the same sediments. In this study, superficial sediments collected from 189 sampling sites were analyzed for grain size, heavy metals (Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, V, Zn, Co, Sn, Cd, Hg, As, Al and Fe), 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and perylene and 38 individual polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) congeners. Compared to the estimated local background, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Sn and Hg show enrichment factors >3 and only Hg evidences a median value higher than the NOAA (effects range - median) guidelines. Principal component analysis allowed us to clearly discriminate two areas mainly affected by heavy metals contamination and influenced by different sources related to industrial, commercial and/or urban activities. Priority PAHs are predominantly represented by three-five-ring compounds with concentrations ranging between 9 and 31774 ng g(-1) and frequently higher than the NOAA ER-M index. A prevalent pyrolitic origin of PAH was assessed on the basis of the relative abundance of the different congeners and selected isomer ratios. The concentrations of PCBs, as sum of the 38 congeners, ranged from 1 to 899 ng g(-1), with a predominance of highly chlorinated (tetra- and penta-chlorobiphenyls) congeners. WHO-TEQ values, calculated for the PCDD-like PCB congeners, suggest a relatively high level of toxicity. Generally, the concentration of PAHs and PCBs were higher near the sites of intense industrial, shipping and/or commercial activities suggesting a direct influence of these sources on the pollutant distribution patterns.     

Determination of Source Contributions to Ambient Volatile Organic Compound Concentrations in Berlin

ABSTRACT

During three measuring campaigns in June, July, and August 1996, volatile organic compound (VOC) concentrations were measured at a rural background site, a city residential site, and a street site in Berlin. In addition, samples were taken near relevant sources of VOCs. The meaurements covered the volatile hydrocarbons in the range C₁-C₁₄ and included aldehydes and ketones. Samples were taken at four characteristic periods of 2 hr/day: during the night, during the early morning rush hour, at midday, and during the evening rush hour. An assessment of the contribution of emission categories to the observed concentrations was made with the chemical mass balance (CMB) modelling technique.

The VOC concentrations at the residential area and at the street site in the inner city were, respectively, a factor of 3 and 7 above the background concentration. Traffic exhaust contributed approximately 80-90% of the non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC) concentration in the inner city and approximately 60% at the background area. Evaporative losses of motor fuel are estimated to account for approximately 7% at all sites. Natural gas leakage also contributed significantly to the observed VOC concentrations: in the inner city approximately 510% and at the background area approximately 30%. The measurements also showed a contribution of smaller sources, such as dry cleaning, use of solvents, and bio-genic emissions. However, the contribution of these sources to the total observed concentrations at the sites is estimated to be very small.     

Use of principal component analysis to profile temporal and spatial variations of chlorinated solvent concentration in groundwater

This work aims at evaluating spatial distribution patterns of concentration variations for chlorinated solvents in groundwater, based on principal component analysis and geographic information system (GIS) tools. The study investigates long-time series of chlorinated solvent concentrations in groundwater measured for 18 contaminated industrial sites. The characterization of contaminant plumes and delineation of pollutant sources are essential for choosing appropriate monitoring and remediation strategies, as contaminated groundwaters are characterized by complex patterns of spatial and temporal concentration variability, with wide unpredictable fluctuations over time. The present work describes the results of a new exploratory statistical method called the Variability Index Method (VIM) applied to environmental data to assess the performance of using concentration variations as molecular tracers to reveal aquifer dynamics, industrial impacts, and point sources for contamination plumes. The application of this method provides a useful assessment of controls over contaminant concentration variations as well as support for remediation techniques.     

Airborne lead concentration levels on the Korean peninsula between 1991 and 2004

In this study, a comprehensive analysis was made to describe the environmental behavior and pollution status of lead (Pb) in 13 major cities in Korea in a 14-year time span (1991–2004). The results clearly indicate that spatial distribution of Pb is clearly distinguished between different city types and between different temporal intervals. The Pb concentration levels in the cities of strong industrial activities are found to be higher than those of relatively clean ones by approximately an order of magnitude. Examination of the seasonal patterns indicated a strong consistency in almost all cities so that Pb concentration peaked during spring and winter, while it dropped noticeably during summer. If the long-term trend of Pb pollution is examined for the entire study period (14 years), it appears to contrast between different city types in relation with the relative intensity of Pb pollution. In cities of strong industrial activities, the reduction of Pb seemed to occur more effectively due to the stringent measures implemented to ban metal emissions over the past decades. In contrast, such temporal patterns appear to be more complicated in cities with moderately or fairly clean environments. This is possibly due to the fact that the effect induced by the phase-out of the dominant source (i.e., leaded gasoline) became less significant, while other sources were further diversified and/or intensified through time. The overall results of this comprehensive study confirm the fact that the status of Pb pollution in most city areas can be reflected fairly sensitively by changes in social and environmental conditions.     

Volatile organic compounds in the air of Izmir,Turkey

A sampling program was conducted to determine the ambient VOC levels in the city of Izmir, Turkey during daytime and overnight periods between mid-August and mid-September 1998. Sampling sites were selected at high-density traffic roads and junctions far from stationary VOC sources. Samples were analyzed for benzene, toluene, m, p-xylene and o-xylene (BTX), alkylbenzenes (ethylbenzene, 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene, 1,2,4-trimethylbenzene), n-hexane and, n-heptane. Results were compared with similar data from other cities around the world and for probable health dangers and sources of the compounds. Results of this study indicated that Izmir has rather high ambient BTX concentrations compared to many polluted cities in the world. Toluene was the most abundant VOC in Izmir air and was followed by xylenes, benzene and alkylbenzenes, respectively. All were strongly dependent on the expected daily variations of traffic flow in the city. The concentrations of other VOCs correlated well with benzene concentration at most sampling sites, excluding Gumuldur station indicating that ambient VOC levels were mainly affected by motor vehicle emissions. The toluene-to-benzene ratios for urban and non-urban sites were in good agreement with previously reported values, indicating a good relationship between the motor vehicle emissions and ambient VOC levels.     

Differences in responses to urban air pollutants by Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and Ligustrum lucidum Ait. f. tricolor (Rehd.) Rehd

This study examined the chemical response of Ligustrum lucidum Ait. and Ligustrum lucidum Ait. f. tricolor (Rehd.) Rehd. when exposed to different sources of atmospheric pollutants. Dry weight/fresh weight ratio, specific leaf area (SLA), sulfur content, chlorophyll concentration, carotenoids, soluble proteins, malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydroperoxy conjugated dienes (HPCD) were determined for leaf samples taken from different sites in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. These sites were categorized in terms of their traffic levels and industrial levels. Both L. lucidum as well as L. lucidum f. tricolor accumulated sulfur in their leaves in sites with high traffic levels, the former being the most sensitive to this type of pollution. Ligustrum lucidum exhibited significantly low concentrations of soluble proteins, in sites with high industrial pollution levels. Ligustrum lucidum f. tricolor did not exhibit a significant response to industrial pollution.     

Daily, weekly, and seasonal time courses of VOC concentrations in a semi-urban area near Barcelona

In order to study the daily, weekly, and seasonal patterns and possible origins of air concentrations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), measurements were taken on a minute-by-minute basis with a PTR-MS in the vicinity of a highway in a semi-urban site near Barcelona. Four periods of the year were chosen and samples were taken under different meteorological conditions and at different phenological stages of the surrounding vegetation. None of the measured VOCs concentrations exceeded air-quality guidelines. The results showed that diurnal, weekly, and seasonal fluctuations in measured VOC concentrations depended on variations in the strength of sources, as well as on photochemical activity and meteorological conditions. There was a decrease in concentrations in most VOCs when mixing depth, photochemical destruction, and wind speed increased at midday. On the other hand, high values of some VOCs occurred at night when the strength of their sinks and the mixing layer decreased. Interestingly, in June, night emissions and concentration peaks of methanol and acetone occurred in periods with dew formation and no wind. VOCs related to anthropogenic emissions presented a weekly pattern of variation with a clear distinction being found between working days and the weekend. The seasonal variation showed higher levels in December for all VOCs, except for isoprene. The thinning of the mixing layer leading to greater concentrations of volatiles and lower wind speeds in winter could account for those higher VOC levels. Benzene and toluene originated mainly from anthropogenic emissions. The sources of acetaldehyde, methanol, and acetone appeared to be mainly biogenic and these compounds were the most abundant of all the measured VOCs. Isoprene concentration patterns suggest a predominantly anthropogenic origin in December and March and a mainly biogenic origin in June and October. All these data provide useful information on the dynamics of VOCs in an area where ozone levels in summer exceed quite often the standard protection thresholds for O₃.     

Characterization of hydrocarbons, halocarbons and carbonyls in the atmosphere of Hong Kong

Ambient air quality measurements of 156 species including 39 alkanes, 32 alkenes, 2 alkynes, 24 aromatic hydrocarbons, 43 halocarbons and 16 carbonyls, were carried out for 120 air samples collected at two sampling stations (CW and TW) in 2001 throughout Hong Kong. Spatial variations of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the atmosphere were investigated. Levels of most alkanes and alkenes at TW site were higher than that at the CW site, while the BTEX concentrations at the two sites were close. The BTEX ratios at CW and TW were 1.6:10.1:1.0:1.6 and 2.1:10.8:1.0:2.0, respectively. For major halogenated hydrocarbons, the mean concentrations of chloromethane, CFCs 12 and 22 did not show spatial variations at the two sites. However, site-specific differences were observed for trichloroethene and tetrachloroethene. Furthermore, there were no significant differences for carbonyls such as formaldehyde, acetaldehyde and acetone between the two sites. The levels of selected hydrocarbons in winter were 1-5 times that in summer. There were no common seasonal trends for carbonyls in Hong Kong. The ambient level of formaldehyde, the most abundant carbonyl, was higher in summer. However, levels of acetaldehyde, acetone and benzaldehyde in winter were 1.6-3.8 times that in summer. The levels of CFCs 11 and 12, and chloromethane in summer were higher than that in winter. Strong correlation of most hydrocarbons with propene and n-butane suggested that the primary contributors of hydrocarbons were vehicular emissions in Hong Kong. In addition, gasoline evaporation, use of solvents, leakage of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), natural gas leakage and other industrial emissions, and even biogenic emissions affected the ambient levels of hydrocarbons. The sources of halocarbons were mainly materials used in industrial processes and as solvents. Correlation analysis suggested that photochemical reactions made significant contributions to the ambient levels of carbonyls in summer whereas in winter motor vehicle emissions would be the major sources of the carbonyls. The photochemical reactivity of selected VOCs was estimated in this study. The largest contributors to ozone formation were formaldehyde, toluene, propene, m,p-xylene, acetaldehyde, 1-butene/i-butene, isoprene and n-butane, suggesting that motor vehicles, gasoline evaporation, use of solvents, leakage of LPG, photochemical processes and biogenic emission are sources in the production of ozone. On the other hand, VOCs from vehicles and gasoline evaporation were predominant with respect to reactions with OH radical.     

An on-line analysis of 7 odorous volatile organic compounds in the ambient air surrounding a large industrial complex

The concentrations of seven odorous volatile organic compounds (VOCs) including styrene (S), toluene (T), xylene (X), methyl ethyl ketone (MEK), isobutyl alcohol (i-BuAl), methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and butyl acetate (BuAc) were measured continuously at hourly intervals from an on-line odor monitoring station in Ansan city, Korea (August 2005 to December 2007). Their concentration data (ppb) exhibited a narrow range of mean values despite large variabilities: 1.33 ± 8.81, 16.1 ± 96.6, 3.32 ± 11.5, 7.45 ± 10.3, 20.4 ± 2.38, 1.31 ± 1.16, and 2.43 ± 3.02, respectively. However, unlike aromatics, the distribution of other VOCs was characterized by infrequent occurrences, e.g., as large as 97.5% of i-BuAl data below detection limit. Comparison of temporal patterns indicates that aromatic VOCs are the highest in summer, while others tend to peak during fall (or summer). If the relative compositions of these VOCs were compared in terms of odor intensity, their contribution in the study area is unlikely significant as the malodor components. Evaluation of the data suggests that the distribution of the target VOCs should be affected more sensitively by local traffic activities rather than industrial processes in the surrounding area. Nonetheless, the potent roles of these volatile components should not be underestimated with respect to human health.     

The historical record of PAH, PCB, trace metal and fly-ash particle deposition at a remote lake in north-west Scotland

Sediment cores taken from the deep basin of Loch Coire nan Arr in north-west Scotland were dated using 210Pb calibrated spheroidal carbonaceous particle (SCP) profiles and analysed for trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These data show that the site is one of the least contaminated by atmospheric pollution in the UK. Peak concentrations of PAHs were found to be equivalent to background values at sites in the English Lake District. The date of concentration maxima for SCP, PCB and some metals were in agreement with previously published polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxin/polychlorinated dibenzofuran (PCDD/F) data suggesting long-range industrial sources. The date of individual PAH concentration maxima were earlier, but concomitant with each other, possibly suggesting the influence of a local source. Comparison with remote European mountain lakes shows Loch Coire nan Arr to be one of the least contaminated sites in Europe with respect to PCBs, but more contaminated with respect to PAHs.     

Microwave-induced combustion of volatile organic compounds in an industrial flue gas over the magnetite fixed-bed

A modified domestic microwave oven was applied to heat a magnetite (Fe₃O₄) fixed-bed for continuous decomposition of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as acetone, n-hexane, and dichloromethane (DCM), in a simulated flue gas which contains VOCs equivalent to 2000 ppmv as DCM. Experimental results revealed that effect of the addition of water to the inlet stream on decomposition of DCM in the overall experiment was insignificant. Bulk temperature of the Fe₃O₄ fixed-bed was also found to reach 600 °C from an initial room temperature by 6.5 min under microwave radiation, even though the inlet gas was at a high gas hourly space velocity of 5240 h⁻¹ and a high relative humidity of 75%. Moreover, the VOCs in the inlet stream could be decomposed completely over the Fe₃O₄ fixed-bed by microwave heating at a power level of 645 W at heating time of 10 min. The conversion of VOCs is stable when the Fe₃O₄ fixed-bed has been heated longer than 10 min with microwave radiation. The microwave-induced heating upon Fe₃O₄ fixed-bed processing appears to be not only an energy efficient technique for air pollutions treatment but also a promising technology for variety of VOCs in a flue gas from industrial factory being decomposed simultaneously and completely.     

Spatial and seasonal variations of atmospheric BTEX,sulfur dioxide,nitrogen dioxide,and ozone concentrations in Istanbul,and health risk assessment of BTEX

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) such as benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylene (BTEX) along with inorganic gases such as sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and ozone (O₃) levels were found in the atmosphere of the Kemerburgaz region where environmental issues became a major concern due to nearby incineration plant and waste disposal facility in Istanbul. Ten sampling locations were selected considering possible sources in the study area. The sampling areas were classified as suburban, industrial, rural, and background regions. Sampling campaigns were carried out for four-week periods from March 2011 to August 2012 in all locations. Elevated concentrations of BTEX around roads and the industrial locations indicated that vehicle exhaust and industrial activities were the main sources of these pollutants in the region. Concentrations of NO₂ were also high around roads. A much more uniform distribution was observed for SO₂ during sampling periods. However higher levels were observed at suburban locations due to the use of coal for local heating especially during winter. Ozone concentrations were low at the industrial locations and roadsides, but high in suburban and rural locations downwind from the sources. The results of these organic and inorganic gases meet the national limit values. Furthermore, a lifetime risk assessment methodology was used to evaluate the potential adverse health effects of BTEX. The mean cancer risk level for benzene was estimated to be 7.71E-07 that is lower than assigned acceptable risk level of 1.0E-04. Toluene, ethylbenzene, and xylenes were lower than the specified level of 1.0 with respect to mean non-carcinogenic risks. The findings reveal that determined BTEX emissions do not pose a health threat to residents in the studied region.     

Occurrence and possible sources of polychlorinated biphenyls in surface sediments from the Wuhan reach of the Yangtze River, China

Twenty-seven surface sediment samples were collected from the mainstream and eight tributaries of the Wuhan reach of the Yangtze River, China, in 2005, in order to assess the distribution, possible sources, and potential risk of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment. The total concentrations of PCBs (the sum of 39 congeners) ranged from 1.2 to 45.1 ng g⁻¹ dry weight, with a mean value of 9.2 ng g⁻¹. Sediment samples with the highest PCB concentrations came from the tributary sites, which are closer to PCB sources. Conversely, PCB concentrations in the sediment from the mainstream sites of Yangtze River were relatively low. The observed PCB levels were higher than those found in the sediments of other rivers in China, but lower than those in river sediments from other urban areas and harbors around the world. Low-chlorinated PCBs, dominated by tetra-PCBs and penta-PCBs, were identified as being prevalent in the surface sediments. Correlation analyses between the PCBs and the geochemistry and heavy metal content of the sediments suggest that the washing of these compounds from the land into the river by floods and heavy rains, or industrial wastewater and domestic sewage, may be the major sources of the PCBs. According to established sediment quality guidelines, the risk of adverse biological effects from the levels of PCBs recorded at most of the studied sites should be insignificant, although the higher concentrations at other sites could cause acute biological damage.