Abstract
The question is investigated whether polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the annual sediment layers of a lake mainly result from air dust pollution. Sample layers taken from drilling cores going back to 1915 show no significant differences at the forest shore (no buildings) during this period. In contrast, samples taken from a built-up area of the shore (with a highway and a main railway line) show today 5 times the amount of PAH compared with 1915. The same trend is observed in the content of Zn, whereas Pb, Fe, Cr, Ni, Cu and Mn levels are constant. Identification or characterization of PAH was accomplished by comparison of the retention times and mass spectrometry of authentic compounds. Sixty-four PAH are described. The results indicate that the burden of carcinogenic PAH air pollutants has increased 5-fold from 1915-1970.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
