Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and sediment samples from KwaZulu Natal Province, South Africa

Author(s):  
Ayanda Ngubo ◽  
Precious N. Mahlambi ◽  
Stephen O. Ojwach
2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Dhananjayan ◽  
S. Muralidharan ◽  
Vinny R. Peter

This study investigated the occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediment samples collected along the harbour line, Mumbai, India. The ∑PAHs quantified in water and sediment samples were ranged from 8.66 ng/L to 46.74 ng/L and from 2608 ng/g to 134134 ng/g dry wt., respectively. Significantly high concentration of ∑PAHs was found in water samples of Sewri and sediment samples of Mahul (P<0.05). PAH concentrations detected in the present study were several folds higher than the existing sediment quality criteria suggested by various statutory agencies. The PAH composition patterns in water and sediments suggest the dominance of high molecular weight compounds and indicate important pyrolytic and petrogenic sources. The occurrence of PAHs in the marine environment has attracted the attention of the scientific community as these compounds are frequently detected in seawater and sediments at increasing levels and can have adverse health effects on marine organisms and humans. PAH concentrations detected at Sewri-Mahul site were sufficiently high to pose a risk to marine organisms if they are exposed continuously to this concentration. Hence, continuous monitoring of the ecosystem is highly warranted.


2019 ◽  
pp. 2572-2582
Author(s):  
Fikrat M. Hassan ◽  
Abdul Hameed M. Jawad Alobaidy ◽  
Jasim M. Salman ◽  
Sara H. Abdulameer

The monitoring of lotic ecosystems is important for environmental health after war crisis. This study aimed to detect the fate of the sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds (PAHs) as priority pollutants in the water and sediment of Al-Hussainya River in Karbala Province. The results indicated that the concentrations in water samples ranged from 0.24–58.72 ηg.L-1 for each of the benzo(a) pyrene and benzo(g, h, i)perylene. The concentrations in sediment samples have been observed to be in a range of 0.36–119.06 μg.g-1 for naphthalene and benzo(g,h,i)perylene. Benzo(g,h,i)perylene recorded the highest concentrations in each of water and sediment samples as compared with the other compounds. The ratios of the specific PAH compounds were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAH contamination. These ratios reflected pyrogenic and petrogenic origins in both water and sediments.


1989 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 161-165 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. I. Kayal ◽  
D. W. Connell

Results of the analysis of twenty-three composite sediment samples revealed that PAHs are widely distributed in the Brisbane River estuary. Mean concentrations for individual compounds, on a dry weight basis, ranged from 0.03 µg/g for dibenz [ah] anthracene to 2.34 µg/g for fluoranthene. Observed PAH assemblages were rich in compounds having pyrolytic origins. However, the presence of petroleum derived compounds was indicative of the importance of petroleum as a PAH source in the estuary. Petroleum refineries, a coal loading terminal and a major treated sewage outfall located at the mouth were not indicated as major contributing sources of PAH pollution in the estuary.


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