Abstract
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are of great concern due to their persistence, bioaccumulation and toxic properties. The occurrence, source and ecological risk assessment of 26 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in industrial and agricultural effluents affecting the Wadi El Bey watershed were investigated by means of gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric analysis (GC/MS). Total PAHs (Σ 26 PAH) ranged from 1.21 to 91.7 μg/L. The 4 and 5-ring compounds were the principal PAHs detected in most of the 5 sites examined. Diagnostic concentration ratios and molecular indices were performed to identify the PAH sources. Results show that PAHs could originate from petrogenic, pyrolytic and mixed sources. According to the eco-toxicological assessment, the potential risk associated to PAHs affecting agricultural and industrial effluents of Wadi El Bey Watershed ranged from moderate to high for aquatic ecosystem and human health. The Toxic Equivalency Factor (TEF) approach indicated that benzo (a) pyrene and benzo (a) anthracene were the principal responsible for carcinogenic power of samples.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
