Seasonal variations of metal pollution and distribution,sources, and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment of the Al Hawizah wetland,Iran

The pollution of surface sediments of Al Hawizah wetland by metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been fully investigated. For determination of PAHs and metals concentration in sediments, eight sampling stations were selected in the study area. The results showed that the concentration of Mn is the highest, while the content of Cr is the lowest in both the seasons. The concentration of Cr and V is lower than mean crust content, while Cu concentration is more than mean crust content. The results obtained from Muller's geochemical index are indicative of range from uncontaminated to moderately contaminated. Based on potential ecological risk (RI), the Al Hawizah wetland had low ecological risk. The total PAHs concentrations ranged from 1071 to 15540 ng/g dry weight, with a mean of 9417.50 ng/g in the summer, while total amounts of PAHs in the winter ranged from 1542 to 17283 with a mean 10321.25 ng/g dry weight. The area of study was affected by pyrogenic and petrogenic sources (51.74 and 48.26%, respectively), in the winter. The concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) compounds were lower than effects range median (ERM) standard while were higher than effects range low (ERL) standard, except station 1, in both seasons.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Surface Sediments of Lake Manzala,Egypt

This investigation represents the first extensive study of the spatial distribution, sources, and potential effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from Lake Manzala, the largest of Egypt's Mediterranean coastal lakes. The concentrations of PAHs (Σ39 components) ranged from 246 to 9910 ng g^?1 dry wt., the highest values corresponding to urban hotspots with high anthropogenic input coming from wastewater discharges and combustion activities and decreasing offshore. The levels of PAHs were significantly lower compared to values reported in several coastal/estuarine areas (e.g., in Spain, Italy, USA, and Egypt) receiving substantial anthropogenic inputs from urban and industrial activities. Source ratios indicated that the PAHs were mainly from petrogenic sources in near-shore urban hotspots, with higher contributions of pyrolytic sources in coastal and offshore areas which are little influenced by human activities. Sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) showed that except at one station heavily impacted by sewage discharge, the total and individual PAH concentrations were below effect range low (ERL) concentrations that are not likely to adversely affect benthic biota.     

Characterization,source apportionment,and human health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in road dust of a small island state in the Caribbean

Sixty-four and fifty-six road dust samples were collected over two seasons from various locations throughout the island of Trinidad and analyzed for the 16 priority PAHs. Total PAH concentrations ranged from 21 ng g^?1 to 4723 ng g^?1 (d.w.) for the rainy season and 36 ng g^?1 to 2428 ng g^?1 (d.w.) for the dry season. The Σ4–6 ring PAHs accounted for 88% and 63% of the 16 PAHs in road dust samples for the rainy and dry seasons, respectively. PAH diagnostic ratios, principal component analysis, and cluster analysis revealed both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources in road dust for the two seasons, with major contributions from vehicular emissions. Contributions from incomplete combustion and petroleum sources were also identified. The estimated Incremental Lifetime Cancer Risk (ILCR) associated with exposure to road dust PAHs in Trinidad for the rainy and dry seasons indicated no potential risk for both children and adults, as denoted by ILCR values lower than 10^?6.     

Influence of anthropogenic activities on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from mangrove wetland at Dongzhai Harbor,China: distribution,sources, probability risk,and temporal trend

Sixteen polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in 37 surface sediments and a sediment core from the Dongzhai National Nature Reserve in Hainan island of China were analysed. The total concentration of the 16 PAHs ranged from 15.7 to 464.0 ng g^?1 (mean value of 76.7 ng g^?1) in the surface sediments, and 8.6–115.9 ng g^?1 (average 39.3 ng g^?1) in the sediment core. Combustions of petroleum, biomass, coal, and grass were the major pyrogenic sources in surface sediments, and some areas had petrogenic sources (mainly petroleum spills). Results of the ecological risk assessment show little negative effect of most of the PAHs in the study area. The depositional flux of PAHs generally increased from the deeper layers toward the upper layers of the sediments. The flux rate rapidly increased after the 1980s, in contrast to that of some developed countries.     

Characterization,sources and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments from the mangroves of China

We characterized 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments of natural mangrove habitats in China, as well as assessed their sources and the risks they pose. Our results indicate that the total concentrations of the 16 PAHs ranged from 3.16 to 464.05 ng g^?1 dw (mean value of 72.80 ng g^?1 dw), which were generally lower than those in other coastal environments in China and in other countries. The compositional patterns were dominated by four-ring PAHs, including fluoranthene, pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene and chrysene. Petrogenic sources, specifically, petroleum spills, were the dominant sources of PAHs in the surficial sediments of mangroves in China. Selected ratios of PAHs from two-tailed Pearson correlation analysis and principal-component analysis for different sites also indicate pyrolytic sources of PAHs. Results of the ecological risk assessment show little negative effect of most of the PAHs in the surface sediments. Overall, the data obtained in this study reveal relative low PAHs pollution in the mangrove swamps of China.     

PAH contamination in road dust from a moderate city in North China: The significant role of traffic emission

To investigate the contamination level, distribution, possible source, and human exposure risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the urban traffic environment, 15 PAHs were measured in 34 road dust samples (particle size < 25 μm) collected from three grades of roads and park paths in Xinxiang, China. ΣPAHs concentrations ranged from 311 to 21200 ng g^?1, with a mean of 5890 ng g^?1 and decreased in the following order: main roads (7650 ng g^?1) > collector streets (7410 ng g^?1) > bypasses (2970 ng g^?1) > park paths (1570 ng g^?1), indicating that significant positive correlation existed between PAH contamination and traffic density. PAHs in all samples were dominantly composed of 4-ring PAHs, accounting for 44.8% of the total. Pyrene, fluoranthene, and chrysene were the predominant individual components and accounted for 14.7% (1.2–19.2%), 12.9% (3.3–20.3%), and 11.0% (2.5–18.6%) of ΣPAHs, respectively. The specific isomer ratios indicated that traffic emission was the dominant source of PAHs in road dust. The incremental lifetime cancer risk values showed that cancer risk from exposure to road dust–borne PAHs was acceptable for local residents in Xinxiang.     

Distribution, sources and potential toxicological significance of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Taihu Lake sediments, China

Taihu Lake is one of the largest freshwater lakes in China. The lake is very shallow with a mean depth of 1.9 m and an area of 2428 km². This is the first time that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon concentrations in the surface sediments of Taihu Lake have been analyzed. A distinctive spatial distribution of PAHs was observed. Sediments from Lake Wulihu and Meiliang Bay (sites 1–5) had significantly higher PAH concentrations (858–5260 g kg^–1 dw) than any other area of Taihu Lake. These high PAH levels were associated with the input of untreated and partially treated domestic and industrial sewage from Wuxi, Changzhou, Wujin and other cities. Special PAH ratios, such as phenanthrene/anthracene and fluoranthene/pyrene, were calculated to evaluate the relative importance of different origins. The data confirmed a relatively high level of petrogenic contamination in sites 1–5 (mainly sewage discharge and the river runoff). The other samples were further from the sources of pollution and have relatively low PAH concentrations (410–768 g kg^–1 dw). The sources of PAHs in these sites (6–13) were characterized by combustion-derived PAH contamination associated with atmospheric deposition. In addition, effects range low (ERL) and effects range median (ERM) guidelines (Long et al., 1995) were used to estimate the potential of adverse effects resulting from PAH contamination in Taihu Lake sediments. The results indicated that some sites in the northern part of the lake had levels of PAH that exceeded the ERL value. This was interpreted to mean that acute biological effects may occasionally be expected to occur.     

Integrated assessment of the heavy metal pollution status and potential ecological risk in the Lagos Lagoon,South West,Nigeria

This study was carried out to assess the heavy metal pollution status and potential ecological risk in the Lagos lagoon, Nigeria. The concentrations of twelve heavy metals commonly associated with environmental pollution were determined in the sediments of the lagoon by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometry (AAS) and the cold vapor method was employed for Mercury (Hg). Nonempirical risk indices and empirical Sediment Quality Guidelines (SQGs) were used to assess the ecological risk associated with heavy metal in the sediments. The nonempirical risk indices showed that Hg, Arsenic (As), and Cadmium (Cd) are the major contributors to the ecological risk associated with heavy metal pollution in the ecosystem. Comparison of heavy metal concentrations to the Screening Quick Reference Table (SQuiRT) showed that mean concentration of Cd (5.22 and 4.88 mg kg^?1 in dry and rainy seasons, respectively) exceeds the effect range low (ERL) value (1.20 mg kg^?1) in effect to biota. Industries sited around the lagoon have effluent output points in the lagoon serving as a major source of heavy metals coupled with indirect discharges from other sources. Heavy metals are nonbiodegradable, toxic and have the potential to alter ecosystem health, thus pollution sources should be effectively monitored and contained.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) concentration levels,pattern, source identification,and human risk assessment in foliar dust from urban to rural areas in Nanjing,China

Environmental health is an essential component of quality of life in modern societies. Foliar dust contains polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) that may have harmful effects on human health. The PAHs concentration of foliar dust is useful to assess environmental air pollution. Our results indicate that: (1) the highest levels of PAHs were distributed in urban areas, with a mean of 3430.23 ng·g^?1, lower mean concentrations were found in suburban (2282.12 ng·g^?1), and rural areas (1671.06 ng·g^?1). (2) Diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis were used to identify the sources of PAHs: Gasoline vehicle traffic emissions were the predominant source in urban areas, along with coal and coke combustion. In suburban areas, the main sources were petroleum combustion (especially liquid fossil fuels) and coal combustion. Coal and wood combustion were the primary source of PAHs in foliar dust in rural areas. (3) The incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR), estimated based on the results of this study indicate that urban residents were potentially exposed to high cancer risk via both dust ingestion and dermal contact. We conclude that urbanization has significant effects on the PAH concentrations of foliar dust, illustrating the importance of trees in improving air quality in urban areas.     

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in traffic soil and Pinus needles of Beijing,China

Abstract

This study was conducted to examine the impact of vehicular traffic on the contamination status of urban traffic sites in Beijing with respect to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The soil and Pinus pinea needle samples were collected at 12 sites on Three Ring Road in Beijing, China, from July 2009 to March 2010. Total PAH concentrations at traffic sites ranged from 113.86 to 2226.24 ng g^?1 with an average value of 658.71 ± 742.41 ng g^?1 in soil samples and 112.03 to 2016.80ng g^?1 with an average value of 680.29 ± 485.61 ng g^?1 in needle samples. The PAH pattern was dominated by two- and three-ring PAHs (contributing >80% to the total PAHs) at all the 12 traffic sites. Seasonal variations of PAHs compounds indicated the PAHs concentrations in autumn and winter were higher than those in spring and summer due to temperature effects. This work indicates that the low ring PAHs were the major profile at the roadside of a busy street with heavy traffic in Beijing.     

Risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from a mixed-use reservoir

Although reservoirs in China are of great significance, very few studies on risk assessment have been reported for reservoirs. This study investigated distribution characteristics, cancer and ecological risks, and source diagnosis of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments from Shitou Koumen Reservoir in Jilin Province, China. A total of 12 sediment samples were collected from the reservoir in August (wet season) 2014. Total PAH concentrations in sediment samples ranged from 1294.51 ng/g to 2755.35 ng/g with a mean concentration of 1757.54 ng/g. For individual PAHs, average concentration of Nap was the highest, 800.56 ng/g, while Acy, Fla, BkF, and DahA were undetected in sediment samples. Light PAHs (2–3 rings) accounting for 74.21% was a dominant PAH compositional pattern. Pearson correlation analysis was carried out; results showed that total PAHs was strongly correlated with the highly enriched sedimentary PAHs, and pH was a major factor in controlling PAH distribution. Lifetime cancer risk was employed to assess cancer risk; results indicated that the fish-culturing area was exposed to cancer risk. The molecular diagnostic ratios of isomeric PAHs were applied to identify possible PAH sources; primary PAH sources were identified as oil-related activities, burning agricultural wastes, vehicular emissions, and industrial discharges.     

Occurrence and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Hanjiang River Basin and the Danjiangkou Reservoir,China

This study was conducted to investigate the occurrence, distribution, and source of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Hanjiang River Basin and the Danjiangkou (DJK) Reservoir. The concentrations of total PAHs in surface water, sediments, and bank soils ranged from 9.42 to 137.94 ng/l, 86.23 to 2514.93 ng/g, and 133.17 to 671.93 ng/g dry weight, respectively. The composition pattern of PAHs showed that 3-ring PAHs were dominated in all of the samples, while the proportion of high molecular weight PAHs (5- to 6-ring PAHs) in sediments and bank soil samples was almost three times higher than water. The source apportionment analysis showed that most of the PAHs in water were derived from sources of petroleum and combustion, while combustion was the predominant source of PAHs in sediments and bank soils. The methods based on toxic equivalency factors, risk quotient, and incremental lifetime cancer risk were used to assess the ecosystem risk and potential health risk of PAHs. The risk assessments showed that PAHs in the DJK Reservoir were out of potential health risk, but the ecological risk for majority of 16 PAHs was in the moderate level.     

Ecotoxicological Risk Assessment of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) in Bank Sediments from along the Yamuna River in Delhi,India

The River Yamuna originates from the Yamunotri glacier of the Himalayas and travels 22 km in the Delhi region. The river is used for various purposes in Delhi including drinking water supply. Twenty-eight polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) congeners were measured in bank sediments along the river, and their ecotoxicological risk was evaluated. Concentrations of ∑28PCBs varied from 0.20–21.16 ng g^?1 (dry wt.) with mean and median values of 6.63 ng g^?1 and 5.84 ng g^?1 (±0.69 ng g^?1), respectively. The concentration of 12 dl-PCBs concentrations varied from 0.04–2.86 ng g^?1 with a mean of 1.04 ± 0.11 ng g^?1, and their toxic equivalency ranged between <0.01–28.67 pg WHO-TEQ g^?1 with a mean of 10.77 ± 1.06 pg WHO-TEQ g^?1. CB-37, CB-44, CB-114, and CB-118 congeners were dominant among all PCBs congeners. The tri-PCBs (49%) were the main contributors to the PCB homolog followed by tetra-PCBs (35%), and penta-PCB (14%). Because there are no environmental guidelines in India for PCBs in river and marine sediments, concentrations of PCBs and their toxic equivalents were compared in a screening-level assessment with established freshwater sediment quality guidelines and found lower than those guideline values, which suggests no adverse ecotoxicological effect.     

Bioaccessibility-Based Risk Assessment of PAHs in Soils from Sites of Different Anthropogenic Activities in Lagos,Nigeria Using the Fed Organic Estimation Human Simulation Test Method

The aim of this study was to carry out a bioaccessibility-based risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils from sites of different anthropogenic activities in Lagos, Nigeria. Using an in vitro gastrointestinal model—Fed Organic Estimation Human Simulation Test method (FOREShT), the concentration of bioaccessible 16 priority US Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) PAHs in soils were determined. Total concentration of 16 priority USEPA PAHs was also determined. The concentration range was 702–253,922 ng g^?1 and 92–760 ng g^?1 for total and bioaccessible PAHs, respectively. For persons involved with activities at these sites no health risks were observed, based on bioaccessibility values of PAHs. Mean daily intake of PAHs from these soils were below the oral mean daily intake threshold for PAHs in food. Also, overall estimated theoretical cancer risk (2.5 × 10^?09, 6.5 × 10^?07, 5.5 × 10^?10, 2.7 × 10^?09, 6.5 × 10^?10, 9.5 × 10^?10, 2.0 × 10^?09, and 4.1 × 10^?07 for the eight sites based on their bioaccessible concentration) for exposure to PAHs in surface soils were below the health guidelines for extreme (1 × 10^?04) and normal (1 × 10^?06) exposures.     

Pollution,sources, and ecological-health risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in coastal waters along coastline of China

Abstract

This study investigated the distribution, sources, and potential risks of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in coastal waters along over 18,000?km of coastline in China. Concentrations of PAHs in coastal waters ranged from 141.99 to 717.72?ng/L. Approximately 84.38% of sampling sites were determined at moderate PAH pollution level. PAHs in coastal waters at most of sampling sites mainly originated from combustion based on characteristic ratios of PAHs. Ecological risks posed by PAHs in coastal waters were evaluated as high level at 59.38% of sampling sites and moderate level at 40.63% of sampling sites although toxic equivalent quotients of PAHs only ranged from 2.86 to 126.52?ng/L benzo[a]pyrene that was not detected at all sampling sites. Maximal cancer risk/hazard quotient of total PAHs in coastal waters for adults and children reached 6.34?×?10^?4/5.85?×?10^?2 and 2.25?×?10^?3/7.72?×?10^?2, respectively. PAHs exerted high cancer risks for children at 31.25% of sampling sites. Health risks posed by PAHs in coastal waters of this study were higher than those of Japan, Belgium, Greece, Italy, Spain, USA, and Australia, but much lower than those of Singapore, Iran, Brazil, and Egypt. These findings indicate that PAH pollution has become a crucial stress affecting the sustainable development of coastal regions.     

PAHs,OCPs and PCBs in sediments from three catchments in Durban,South Africa

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were analysed from sediment samples collected in 2012 from rivers, surface runoff canals and estuaries in three highly urbanised catchments in durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. PAHs were ubiquitous, at concentrations between 36–6 800 ng g^?1 dry mass (dm). Congener ratio diagnosis suggests the PAHs were derived predominantly from pyrogenic sources. Four OCPs and/or their metabolites were detected at varying frequencies and concentrations. Of these, dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (ddT) and metabolites were most frequently detected and were at a high concentration in sediment in some systems. Toxaphene was detected at a high concentration at some sites. The total PCB concentration varied widely, from below the method detection limit to 110 ng g^?1 (dm). Based on the comparison of chemical concentrations to international sediment quality guidelines, PAH, OCP and PCB concentrations in most sediment samples posed a low risk to sediment-dwelling organisms. However, in some instances the risk was moderate or high. It is recommended that these compounds be monitored more frequently and comprehensively in aquatic ecosystems to better understand the ecological and human health implications.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Soils of Kunming,China: Concentrations,Distribution, Sources,and Potential Risk

The concentrations, distribution, possible sources, and potential risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface soils were studied in Kunming, which is situated in a lake basin of the Yunnan-Guizhou plateau. 15 PAHs were analyzed in 40 surface soil samples (0–5 cm layer) collected from six types of land uses in the Kunming urban area. Meanwhile, the potential sources of PAHs in surface soils of Kunming were investigated by PAH composition ratios, isomer ratios, and principal component analysis (PCA). The total concentrations of 15 PAHs ranged from 101.64 to 6,208.25 ng/g (dry weight basis). The concentrations in different land uses increased in an order as: green space (541.43 ng/g) < education area (756.49 ng/g) < business area (810.17 ng/g) < residential area (1,034.36 ng/g) < industrial area (1,166.79 ng/g) < roadside greens (2,146.76 ng/g). The results of sources identification suggested that PAHs in surface soils of the Kunming urban area were greatly affected by combustion activities which came mainly from coal combustion and vehicular traffic. In addition, the toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) were used to estimate benzo[a]pyrene-equivalent concentration in surface soils of Kunming, and the risk level of PAHs in Kunming's urban surface soils was low as a whole.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) Contamination in the Urban Topsoils of Shenyang,China

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface urban soils of Shenyang in Northeastern China were investigated. The total concentration of the PAHs ranged from 0.09 to 8.35 mg kg^?1, with an average value of 1.51 ± 1.64 mg kg^?1. 3–5-ring PAHs accounted for 90% of total PAHs. The functional areas, such as the industrial regions (4.95 mg kg^?1) and main roads (1.56 mg kg^?1), as well as the administrative divisions, including the districts of Shenhe (1.49 mg kg^?1), Heping (2.08 mg kg^?1), and Tiexi (2.14 mg kg^?1), were heavily polluted by PAHs. The diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis (PCA) for PAHs indicate that the pollutants probably originated primarily from coal combustion and petroleum sources. The Nemerow composite index, used to assess environmental quality, shows that the soil samples were heavily polluted with PAHs, and although 52.8% of the soil sampling sites were safe, 47.2% of the soil sampling sites registered different grades of PAH pollution. The PAH contamination in Shenyang emphasizes the need for controlling fossil fuel combustion and traffic exhaust.     

Distribution Characteristics and Risk Assessments of PAHs in Fish from Lake Taihu,China

The concentrations of PAHs in four species of fish (Common carp, Crucian carp, Bighead carp, and Topmouth culter) from Lake Taihu were tested, and the human health risks of PAHs by fish consumption were evaluated. Results showed that concentrations of PAHs in fish from Lake Taihu were 52.5–247.6 ng/g wet weight (ww), and the BaP equivalent concentrations of total PAHs (B[a]P_eq) were 0.2–0.6 ng/g ww, which were less than the screening value of 2.6 ng/g wet for human consumption. The concentration sequences of PAHs in fish from Lake Taihu from high to low were Bighead carp > Crucian carp > Common carp > Topmouth culter. The human health risk level of PAHs by fish consumption was 5.8 ± 2.5 × 10^?6, which was less than the maximum acceptable risk level of 1 × 10^?5 for human health set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. The tissue residue guideline (TRG) of PAHs for protecting aquatic wildlife was 1.3 mg/kg diet ww, which was higher than the concentrations of PAHs in fish from Lake Taihu. The results indicated that fish consumption from Lake Taihu would not cause health risk or harmful effects on wildlife that consume aquatic biota.     

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Soil and Sediment from Industrial,Residential, and Agricultural Areas in Central South Africa: An Initial Assessment

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of global concern due to their ubiquitous presence, toxicity, and carcinogenicity. No data on PAHs in soils from South Africa have been published, even though it has the largest economy and industrial base in Africa. During this initial assessment, the levels of PAHs were determined in soils and sediments collected from central South Africa, specifically targeting industrial, residential, and agricultural areas. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The total concentration of PAHs (Σt-PAH) ranged between 44 and 39,000 ng/g, dw and the concentration of carcinogenic PAHs (Σc-PAH) ranged between 19 and 19,000 ng/g, dw. Pyrogenic processes were the most likely sources, with minimal petrogenic contributions. PAH levels were in the same range as levels reported from other countries, and the majority of the sites did not exceed Canadian environmental quality guidelines. Based on assumptions for dermal contact and ingestion of PAH-contaminated soil, we provisionally calculated only a small increase in cancer risk, but additional PAH inhalation could add considerably to this risk. Our data indicates a need for more analysis in industrial and residential areas, and should include air.