Monitoring Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Research Articles

Wavelength dependent light absorption as a cost effective, real-time surrogate for ambient concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Abstract Many monitoring stations used to assess ambient air concentrations of pollutants regulated by European air quality directives suffer from being expensive to establish and operate, and from their location being based on the results of macro-scale modelling exercises rather than measurement assessments in candidate locations. To address these issues for the monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), this study has used data from a combination of the ultraviolet and infrared channels of aethalometers (referred to as UV BC), operated as part of the UK Black Carbon Network, as a surrogate measurement. This has established a relationship between concentrations of the PAH regulated in Europe, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), and the UV BC signal at locations where these measurements have been made together from 2008 to 2014. This relationship was observed to be non-linear. Relationships for individual site types were used to predict measured concentrations with, on average, 1.5% accuracy across all annual averages, and with only 1 in 36 of the predicted annual averages deviating from the measured annual average by more than the B[a]P data quality objective for uncertainty of 50% (at −65%, with the range excluding this value between + 38% and −37%). These relationships were then used to predict B[a]P concentrations at stations where UV BC measurement are made, but PAH measurements are not. This process produced results which reflected expectations based on knowledge of the pollution climate at these stations gained from the measurements of other air quality networks, or from nearby stations. The influence of domestic solid fuel heating was clear using this approach which highlighted Strabane in Northern Ireland as a station likely to be in excess of the air quality directive target value for B[a]P.

Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons on agricultural lands surrounding Tehran oil refinery.

Soil samples at two depths were collected and analyzed to determine the concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), organic carbon, and soil pH. The Σ16PAHs were 0.13 to 3.92mgkg(-1) at depth 1 and 0.21 to 50.32mgkg(-1)at depth 2. The averages of the PAH compounds indicate that the area is contaminated with oil, and this pollution was greater at depth 2. Interpolation maps showed that the southern region, especially at depth 2, has been contaminated more by anthropogenic activity. The diagnostic ratios indicate several sources of pollution of the agricultural soil. A comparison of average PAHs and standard values revealed that higher molecular weight compounds in the topsoil (InP and BghiP) and subsoil (BaA, BkF, BaP, DBA, and BghiP) exceed standard values for farmland. The pH interpolation map for both depths showed that most of the area has alkaline soil from long-term irrigation with untreated urban wastewater.

Temporal patterns and potential sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in xylem of Pinus kwangtungensis

The temporal patterns and the possible sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the xylem formed from 1883 to 2007 of Kwangtung pine (Pinus kwangtungensis), growing in the Nanling Mountains of Southern China, were detected whether dendrochemistry was sufficient to monitor historical changes in regional airborne PAHs. The total concentrations of 17 PAHs (ΣPAHs) distributed in the xylem of P. kwangtungensis did not progressively increase over time. Temporal patterns of high molecular weight PAHs (HMW–PAHs) coincided to a certain extent with the historical–socioeconomic changes in China. Based on the compositional analysis, PAHs absorbed by and accumulated in the xylem of P. kwangtungensis in the Nanling Mountains might be of pyrogenic origin. Although the possible sources of xylem PAHs were diverse over the studied period, principal component analysis could not convincingly distinguish the main contributors to xylem PAHs. Using only xylem of P. kwangtungensis was not adequate for retrospective monitoring of airborne PAHs in the atmosphere of the Nanling Mountains. Sampling other trees along a gradient and combining other meteorological and socioeconomic index data might provide more reliable information on historical changes in regional airborne PAHs.

Application of the triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membrane passive sampler for monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water.

Triolein-embedded cellulose acetate membrane (TECAM) can be used as a passive sampler to measure hydrophobic organic contaminants in water. Uptake constant rates (k u ) for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) by TECAM sampling were measured under different hydrodynamic conditions. The measured k u values were modeled to enable the quantification of time weighed average (TWA) concentrations of PAHs in the field. An empirical relationship that enables the calculation of in situ k u values of chemicals using performance reference compounds (PRCs) was derived and its application was demonstrated in a field study. The results showed that freely dissolved concentrations of hydrophobic organic compounds (HOCs) can be accurately measured in the field using TECAM method based on empirical uptake models calibrated with PRCs.

Biologic risk and source diagnose of 16 PAHs from Haihe River Basin, China

Surface sediments of rivers can exhibit spatial and temporal variations in contaminant concentrations that may significantly affect risk evaluations. As to pollution control and remediation of watershed, large-scale and further background data on PAHs in China were required urgently. Spatial distribution and compositional characteristics of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from Haihe River Basin were investigated. A method based on effects range (ER) was used to assess ecosystem risk of ΣPAHs (the total of 16 PAH) sensitively and accurately. The results indicated that ΣPAHs content levels ranged from 257 to 16901 μg·kg−1 dry weight. The lower rings predominated in the samples, and 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- and 6-ring PAHs accounted for 12%, 21%, 30%, 30%, and 7% respectively in total PAHs. The ratio of Fl / (Fl + Py) uniformly distributed in the interval 0.20–0.80, indicating that it may be affected by petroleum origin, oil combustion, biomass and coal combustion jointly. ΣPAHs in Cetian (S6), Dongwushi (S19), Handan (S20), Aixinzhuang (S21) and Tianjin (S37) exceeded effects range low (ERL), in which biologic effects were in a medium level with an adverse effect on biologic organisms. Thus, it is necessary to strengthen the PAHs monitoring and research of the Haihe River Basin.

Time trends of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon exposure in New York city from 2001 to 2012: Assessed by repeat air and urine samples

BackgroundExposure to air pollutants including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and specifically pyrene from combustion of fuel oil, coal, traffic and indoor sources, has been associated with adverse respiratory health outcomes. However, time trends of airborne PAH and metabolite levels detected via repeat measures over time have not yet been characterized. We hypothesized that PAH levels, measured repeatedly from residential indoor and outdoor monitors, and children׳s urinary concentrations of PAH metabolites, would decrease following policy interventions to reduce traffic-related air pollution. MethodsIndoor PAH (particle- and gas-phase) were collected for two weeks prenatally (n=98), at age 5/6 years (n=397) and age 9/10 years (n=198) since 2001 and at all three age-points (n=27). Other traffic-related air pollutants (black carbon and PM2.5) were monitored indoors simultaneous with PAH monitoring at ages 5/6 (n=403) and 9/10 (n=257) between 2005 and 2012. One third of the homes were selected across seasons for outdoor PAH, BC and PM2.5 sampling. Using the same sampling method, ambient PAH, BC and PM2.5 also were monitored every two weeks at a central site between 2007 and 2012. PAH were analyzed as semivolatile PAH (e.g., pyrene; MW 178–206) (∑8PAHsemivolatile: Including pyrene (PYR), phenanthrene (PHEN), 1-methylphenanthrene (1-MEPH), 2-methylphenanthrene (2-MEPH), 3-methylphenanthrene (3-MEPH), 9-methylphenanthrene (9-MEPH), 1,7-dimethylphenanthrene (1,7-DMEPH), and 3,6-dimethylphenanthrene (3,6-DMEPH)) and the sum of eight nonvolatile PAH (∑8PAHnonvolatile: Including benzo[a]anthracene (BaA), chrysene/iso-chrysene (Chry), benzo[b]fluoranthene (BbFA), benzo[k]fluoranthene (BkFA), benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), indeno[1,2,3-c,d]pyrene (IP), dibenzo[a,h]anthracene (DahA), and benzo[g,h,i]perylene (BghiP); MW 228–278). A spot urine sample was collected from children at child ages 3, 5, 7 and 9 between 2001 and 2012 and analyzed for 10 PAH metabolites. ResultsModest declines were detected in indoor BC and PM2.5 levels between 2005 and 2012 (Annual percent change [APC]=−2.08% [p=0.010] and −2.18% [p=0.059] for BC and PM2.5, respectively), while a trend of increasing pyrene levels was observed in indoor and outdoor samples, and at the central site during the comparable time periods (APC=4.81%, 3.77% and 7.90%, respectively; p<0.05 for all). No significant time trend was observed in indoor ∑8PAHnonvolatile levels between 2005 and 2012; however, significant opposite trends were detected when analyzed seasonally (APC=−8.06% [p<0.01], 3.87% [p<0.05] for nonheating and heating season, respectively). Similarly, heating season also affected the annual trends (2005–2012) of other air pollutants: the decreasing BC trend (in indoor/outdoor air) was observed only in the nonheating season, consistent with dominating traffic sources that decreased with time; the increasing pyrene trend was more apparent in the heating season. Outdoor PM2.5 levels persistently decreased over time across the seasons. With the analyses of data collected over a longer period of time (2001–2012), a decreasing trend was observed in pyrene (APC=−2.76%; p<0.01), mostly driven by measures from the nonheating season (APC=−3.54%; p<0.01). In contrast, levels of pyrene and naphthalene metabolites, 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol, increased from 2001 to 2012 (APC=6.29% and 7.90% for 1-hydroxypyrene and 2-naphthol, respectively; p<0.01 for both). ConclusionsMultiple NYC legislative regulations targeting traffic-related air pollution may have led to decreases in ∑8PAHnonvolatile and BC, especially in the nonheating season. Despite the overall decrease in pyrene over the 2001–2012 periods, a rise in pyrene levels in recent years (2005–2012), that was particularly evident for measures collected during the heating season, and 2-naphthol, indicates the contribution of heating oil combustion and other indoor sources to airborne pyrene and urinary 2-naphthol.

Water analysis of the sixteen environmental protection agency—polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons via solid-phase nanoextraction-gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

The growing concern with a sustainable environment poses a new challenge to analytical chemists facing the routine monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water samples. The new method presented here meets several features of green analytical chemistry. PAHs are extracted from 500μL of water sample with 1mL of a gold nanoparticles aqueous solution and released with 100μL of organic solvents for subsequent analysis via gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The relative standard deviations of the overall procedure ranged from 2.4 (acenaphthene) to 7.8% (dibenz[a,h]anthracene). The limits of detection were excellent as well and varied from 4.94 (fluoranthene) to 65.5ngL−1 (fluorene). The excellent analytical figures of merit, the simplicity of the experimental procedure, the short analysis time and the reduced solvent consumption demonstrate the potential of this approach for the routine monitoring of the sixteen priority pollutants via and environmentally friendly methodology.

Spatial distribution and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Camphor (Cinnamomum camphora) tree bark from Southern Jiangsu, China

The concentrations and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were investigated in Camphor tree bark from Southern Jiangsu, China. Tree bark samples were collected in August 2012. The Σ15PAHs concentrations were ranged from 6.18 to 1560ngg−1dry weight (dw), with an average value of 407ngg−1dw. Generally, the concentrations of PAHs in the suburban areas were the highest, followed by urban and rural areas. Principal component analysis and diagnostic ratios results showed that vehicle emission, biomass and coal combustion and industrial emission were the major sources of PAHs in tree bark from Southern Jiangsu. Good correlation was found between tree bark and polyurethane foam (PUF) samplers, indicating that both of them respond well to the gas-phase PAHs monitoring.

Chronic toxicity of heavy fuel oils to fish embryos using multiple exposure scenarios

The chronic toxicity to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) embryos of heavy fuel oil (HFO) 6303, weathered HFO 6303, HFO 7102, and medium South American (MESA) crude oil was assessed by different exposure regimes. These included water accommodated fractions (WAF; water in contact with floating oil), chemically enhanced WAF (CEWAF; oil dispersed with Corexit 9500), and effluent from columns of gravel coated with stranded oil. Heavy fuel oil WAF was nontoxic and did not contain detectable concentrations of hydrocarbons, likely because the high density and viscosity of HFO prevented droplet formation. In contrast, chemically dispersed HFO and effluent from columns of stranded HFO contained measurable concentrations of alkyl polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), coincident with embryo toxicity. These exposure regimes enhanced the surface area of oil in contact with water, facilitating oil-water partitioning of hydrocarbons. Heavy fuel oil was consistently more toxic to fish than crude oil and the rank order of alkyl PAH concentrations in whole oil were sufficient to explain the rank order of toxicity, regardless of exposure method. Thus, the propensity of HFO to sink and strand in spawning shoals creates a long-term risk to developing fish because of the sustained release of PAHs from HFO to interstitial waters. Further, PAH monitoring is key to accurate risk assessment.

Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Water of Shatt Al-Hilla River

Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Water of Shatt Al-Hilla River

Preparation of SPE hybrid mesoporous silica sorbents for the analysis and removal of organic pollutants in water

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic pollutants that threaten the health of humans and the environment. PAHs are found naturally in the environment but they can also be man-made. PAHs are produced when products like coal, oil, gas, and garbage are burned in an incomplete burning process. PAH’s can be introduced into water bodies in several ways including industrial, domestic and commercial effluents, sewage, agricultural runoff and wastes. Monitoring of PAH’s in water is of great importance because of their mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. The aim of this study was to develop the hybrid mesoporous silica sorbents for the analysis and removal of organic pollutants (OPs) in water especially PAH’s. The determination of PAHs was performed using gas chromatography coupled to time of flight mass spectrometry (GC×GC–TOFMS). The hybrid materials were successfully synthesized using silica gel as a source of silica followed by modification with organic compounds. However the performance of the materials was evaluated using GC×GC–TOFMS for the determination of recovery PAH’s concentrations. At optimum conditions sorbent materials were able to remove 95.9±12.21% of the PAHs in spiked water samples at a laboratory scale.

Relationship between the Concentrations of Dissolved Organic Matter and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Typical U.K. Upland Stream

Concentrations of total and freely dissolved polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC) were measured in water collected during four sampling events at five sites from the River Wyre. The sites are typical of streams draining upland organically rich soils in northwest U.K. Freely dissolved PAHs were separated from those associated with DOC using a flocculation method. The sum of concentrations of the total and freely dissolved PAHs analyzed ranged from 2.71 to 18.9 ng/L and 2.61 to 16.8 ng/L, respectively. PAH concentrations and PAH fluxes derived from concentrations and water flow rates generally increased downstream, the trend in the latter being more pronounced. The concentration of individual PAHs containing five or more aromatic rings was found to be strongly correlated to the DOC concentration (p < 0.0001), suggesting common terrestrial sources and hydrological pathways. In contrast, no significant relationships were observed between concentrations of PAHs with four or fewer rings and DOC. Concentrations of PAHs with more than four rings showed similar seasonal variation as DOC concentration (peaking in the late summer), while variation in two or three ring PAHs was out of phase with DOC (peaking in the winter). As the PAH-DOC relationship appeared partly dependent on the molecular weight of the PAHs, a linear regression function that included an interaction between this variable and DOC concentration was used to model PAH concentrations over a 2 year period to estimate annual fluxes. The relationship identified between PAH concentrations and DOC should help to enhance interpretation of PAH monitoring data that are currently sparse both spatially and temporally and, thus, enable more robust assessments of the potential risks of these environmental pollutants to sensitive aquatic organisms and human water supplies.

Monitoring of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Water during Preparation Processes

This article presents results on investigation of quantitative changes of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) during water treatment processes. PAHs constitute one of several classes of organic pollutants consisting of three or more fused benzene rings. Many of them are quite persistent and some are known to be carcinogens. That is why presentation of quantitative PAHs changes in water during preparation processes is very important. In Polish legislation and European Union law there are recommendations for PAHs concentration in drinking water. The limit value of the sum of 4 PAHs (benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[g,h,i]perylene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene) is 100 ng/L. Limit concentration of benzo[a]pyrene defined in regulations (Polish and UE) is 10 ng/L. The purpose of the present study was to determine changes of concentrations of PAHs in various stages of water treatment process and comparison the values of this index with the limits specified in valid Minister of Health Regulation and Council Directive 98/83/EC. A total concentration of 16 PAHs in the investigated water treatment processes was in the range of 39–204 ng/L. The maximum level was recorded for water after intermediate ozonation. In different water treatment processes were observed fluctuations in PAHs concentrations. Decreased values were recorded among others after pre-ozonation and coagulation and after sedimentation process. Increase of PAHs level occurred after filtration through sand filters. Concentrations of 4 PAHs in drinking water is much below the limit value defined in Polish and UE legislation. Concentration of 16 PAHs in water after final chlorine-disinfection also meets the requirements of the regulation for 4 PAHs.

Highly Selective Detection of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Using Multifunctional Magnetic–Luminescent Molecularly Imprinted Polymers

A facile method is presented for the selective luminescence detection of trace polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) based on a combination of the specific recognition of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) and magnetic separation (MS). Multifunctional magnetic-luminescent MIP nanocomposites were fabricated via a one-pot emulsion strategy using polystyrene-co-methacrylic acid copolymer, hydrophobic Fe3O4 nanoparticles and luminescent LaVO4:Eu(3+) nanoparticles as building blocks with a phenanthrene template. The resulting nanocomposites can be employed in a simple method for the luminescence detection of phenanthrene. Furthermore, magnetic separation of the nanocomposites from the target mixture prior to luminescence detection of phenanthrene affords significantly enhanced selectivity and sensitivity, with a 3σ limit of detection (LOD) as low as 3.64 ng/mL. Milk samples spiked with phenanthrene (5.0 μg/mL) were assayed via this method and recoveries ranging from 97.11 to 101.9% were obtained, showing that our strategy is potentially applicable for the preconcentration, recovering, and monitoring of trace PAHs in complex mixtures.

ASSESSMENT OF LONG-TERM SPATIAL VARIATION OF HEAVY METALS AND POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN URBAN AREAS OF BASEL

Background:Most existing studies relied on measurements of particulate chemical constituents such as metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a few locations only. Assessment of long-term spatial variation of exposure to these hazardous air pollutants (HAP) within urban area thus poses a primary challenge. This study presents a new cost-effective and maintenance-free approach to monitor HAPs using moss as biomonitors. Aims: Primary aims were to assess the within-city spatial variation of heavy metals and PAHs and their determinants in Basel and compare them against corresponding standard gravimetric PM10 (particulate matter mass &lt;10mm diameter) based methods. Methods: We conducted 2-week as well as 2-month monitoring of heavy metals and PAHs using moss bags (Hylocomium splendens) at 20 residential outdoor locations in Basel in spring and summer 2011. Concurrently, PM10 was also measured at the same locations. Collected moss and PM10 samples were analyzed for 13 heavy metals and 12 PAHs (&gt;4-ring) using standard ICP-SFMS and GC-MS methods, respectively. Comparisons between seasons, different exposure windows and the two methods are made. Univariate as well as multivariate linear regressions are performed to find the determinants of spatial variation of these HAPs. Results: Long-term moss samples (2-month) have an order of magnitude higher levels than biweekly samples for heavy metals (435+ 370 vs 58.1+37.9 micrg/kg moss) as well as PAHs (23.6+27.4 vs 4.9+2.2 micrg/kg moss); biweekly spring samples were higher than summer for most metals and PAHs. Sn, Sb, Mo, Ni showed a highly correlated cluster (R&gt;0.95) implying their common origin from traffic sources. All PAHs and Sb, Ni and Mo are higher at traffic impacted sites than urban background sites. Comparison of these HAPs between moss and PM10 as well as their spatial determinants is currently underway. Conclusions: Our first results suggest traffic as the main driver of hazardous air pollutants’ variability in Basel.

Monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the atmosphere of southern Luxembourg using XAD-2 resin-based passive samplers

XAD-2 resin-based passive samplers (PAS) with dimensions adapted to 100 mL accelerated solvent extraction cells were used to study the temporal and spatial variations of 17 PAHs on five sites in the atmosphere of southern Luxembourg. This new design allowed extracting the PAS without emptying the resin from the shelter. PAH analyses were done with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. PAS were deployed for 1 year with varying sampling periodicities, and 16 PAHs were detected with concentrations ranging from 1 ng/PAS for chrysene to 9,727 ng/PAS for naphthalene. The PAS were found adapted to the monitoring of temporal and spatial variations for lightweight PAHs (up to four aromatic rings) though not for heavy PAHs with five aromatic rings or more, as these compounds are preferably in the particle phase of the atmosphere and the amount of these PAHs trapped on the PAS will be too low.

Pre-concentration of water samples with BEA zeolite for the direct determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with laser-excited time-resolved Shpol'skii spectroscopy

A unique method for screening fifteen US Environmental Protection Agency polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (EPA-PAHs) in drinking and lake water samples is reported. One milliliter volume of water sample is mixed and centrifuged with 2 mg of BEA zeolite. The precipitate is subsequently treated with equal volumes (100 μL) of a 70/30 methanol–water mixture and n-octane. Fifteen EPA-PAHs are directly determined (no chromatographic separation) in the layer of n-octane via 4.2 K laser-excited time-resolved Shpol'skii spectroscopy. A mathematical equation is derived to correlate the PAH concentration in the water sample to its concentration in the layer of Shpol'skii solvent (n-octane). Qualitative and quantitative analyses are based on the collection of wavelength–time matrices, i.e. data formats that carry with them spectral and lifetime information. With 1 mL of water, the limits of detection varied from 1.1 ng L − 1 (benzo[ a ]pyrene) to 194 ng L − 1 (naphthalene). The analytical recoveries of the new method are in good agreement with those obtained via high-performance liquid chromatography. The simplicity of the experimental procedure and the use of microliters of organic solvent make the new method a valuable and environmentally friendly alternative for the routine monitoring of EPA-PAHs in water samples. • Green methodology is presented for monitoring of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. • Complete analysis is possible with 1 mL of water. • Sample analysis consumes 2 mg of zeolite and 170 μL of solvent. • Limits of detection are at the ng L − 1 to pg L − 1 concentration level.

A multi-approach monitoring of particulate matter, metals and PAHs in an urban street canyon

For the first time until now, the results from a prediction model (Atmospheric Dispersion Modelling System (ADMS)-Road) of pollutant dispersion in a street canyon were compared to the results obtained from biomonitors. In particular, the instrumental monitoring of particulate matter (PM10) and the biomonitoring of 14 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and 11 metals by Quercus ilex leaves and Hypnum cupressiforme moss bags, acting as long- and short-term accumulators, respectively, were carried out. For both PAHs and metals, similar bioaccumulation trends were observed, with higher concentrations in biomonitors exposed at the leeward canyon side, affected by primary air vortex. The major pollutant accumulation at the leeward side was also predicted by the ADMS-Road model, on the basis of the prevailing wind direction that determines different exposure of the street canyon sides to pollutants emitted by vehicular traffic. A clear vertical (3, 6 and 9 m) distribution gradient of pollutants was not observed, so that both the model and biomonitoring results suggested that local air turbulences in the street canyon could contribute to uniform pollutant distribution at different heights.

Long-term PAH monitoring results from the Anacostia River active capping demonstration using polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fibers

In this paper, the long-term monitoring results for hydrophobic organic compounds, specifically polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), from a field demonstration of capping contaminated sediments at the Anacostia River in Washington DC are presented and analyzed. In situ pore water concentrations in field-contaminated sediments in the demonstration caps were quantified using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based passive sampling device. High resolution vertical pore water concentration profiles were measured using the device and were used to infer fate and transport of polycyclic aromatics hydrocarbons (PAHs) at the site. The derived pore water concentrations were compared with observed bioaccumulation and solid-phase concentration profiles to infer contaminant migration rates and mechanisms. Observed pore water concentrations were found to be a better predictor of bioaccumulation than solid-phase concentrations. Solid-phase concentrations were low in cores which implied containment of contamination; however pore water profiles showed that contaminant migration had occurred in the first few years after cap placement. The discrepancy is the result of the low sorption capacity of the sand. Because of surface re-contamination, low sorption capacity in the demonstration caps and strong tidal pumping effects, steady state contaminant profiles were reached in the caps several years after placement. Despite re-contamination at the surface, steady state concentrations in the capped areas showed decreased contamination levels relative to the control area.

Twenty years of measurement of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in UK ambient air by nationwide air quality networks

The impact of human activities on the health of the population and of the wider environment has prompted action to monitor the presence of toxic compounds in the atmosphere. Toxic organic micropollutants (TOMPs) are some of the most insidious and persistent of these pollutants. Since 1991 the United Kingdom has operated nationwide air quality networks to assess the presence of TOMPs, including polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), in ambient air. The data produced in 2010 marked 20 years of nationwide PAH monitoring. This paper marks this milestone by providing a novel and critical review of the data produced since nationwide monitoring began up to the end of 2011 (the latest year for which published data is available), discussing how the networks performing this monitoring has evolved, and elucidating trends in the concentrations of the PAHs measured. The current challenges in the area and a forward look to the future of air quality monitoring for PAHs are also discussed briefly.