Abstract
Concentration, source, and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in 22 stations from surface sediments in the areas of anthropogenic pollution in the Klang Strait (Malaysia). The total PAH level in the Klang Strait sediment was 994.02±918.1 µg/kg dw. The highest concentration was observed in stations near the coastline and mouth of the Klang River. These locations were dominated by high molecular weight PAHs. The results showed both pyrogenic and petrogenic sources are main sources of PAHs. Further analyses indicated that PAHs primarily originated from pyrogenic sources (coal combustion and vehicular emissions), with significant contribution from petroleum inputs. Regarding ecological risk estimation, only station 13 was moderately polluted, the rest of the stations suffered rare or slight adverse biological effects with PAH exposure in surface sediment, suggesting that PAHs are not considered as contaminants of concern in the Klang Strait.
Highlights
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination is a major hazard that is a concern for aquatic life in marine sediments, in areas close to anthropogenic sources [1,2]
The PAH contamination was estimated for surface sediments all over the strait, with higher concentrations observed at the stations close to the berth line, especially in front of the container terminal in the West Port, in front of the dry and liquid terminal in the North Port, and in stations located adjacent to the mouth of the Klang River in the South Port (16: 2397.1 mg/ kg dw and 17: 2902.1 mg/kg dw)
Exploratory source identification of PAHs in Klang Strait sediment was based on the distribution pattern of the individual PAHs, principal component analysis, and paired isomer ratios
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination is a major hazard that is a concern for aquatic life in marine sediments, in areas close to anthropogenic sources [1,2]. The aromatic fraction of C11–C22 was selected as being representative of aromatic hydrocarbon compounds for the purpose of assessment of ecological and human risks. This fraction is associated with the release of petroleum products to the environment, and is potentially toxic due to its mobility and stability in sediments [8,9]. Physicochemical properties of these fractions are provided in the Supplementary data (Table S1). Pyrogenic sources are thought to be more thermodynamically stable and toxic than petrogenic sources due to their high concentrations of non-alkylated PAHs [11,13,14]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary 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.
