The Distribution of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Water of Taihu Lake

Abstract

The water samples were collected from different regions in a shallow eutrophic lake, Taihu Lake, China. The distribution and the possible pollution sources of n-alkanes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Taihu water were analyzed. The results showed that the concentrations ranged between 0.045 and 0.281 mg/L for n-alkanes which were dominated by C8-C33 with no odd–even carbon number predominance, 0.011-0.034 mg/L for total PAHs which were predominated by two- and three-ring PAHs. The concentrations of n-alkanes and PAHs were higher in those samples collected near industrial locations than those from few or no industrial areas. Relatively high concentrations in water were measured from sampling sites S10 (Dapu in Yixing) and S16 (Zhu Shan Bay). The contamination of n-alkanes in Taihu water mainly derived from petroleum pollution caused by human activities, while the PAHs contamination was the result of both petroleum pollution source and combustion source according to the sources apportionment of n-alkanes and PAHs pollution.