Petrogenic Origin Research Articles

Multi-class organic pollutants in atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) from a Southwestern Europe industrial area: Levels, sources and human health risk

The occurrence of 50 multi-class pollutants comprising 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 12 phthalate esters (PAEs), 12 organophosphorus flame retardants (OPFRs), 6 synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) and 2 bisphenols was studied in atmospheric particulate matter (PM2.5) samples collected at an industrial area focused on automotive manufacturing located at the Southwestern Atlantic European region (Vigo city, Spain) during 1-year period. Among all quantitated pollutants in PM2.5 samples, bisphenol A (BPA) was the most predominant with an average concentration of 6180 pg m−3, followed by PAHs comprising benzo(b+j)fluoranthene (BbF + BjF) and benzo(g,h,i)perylene (BghiP), accounting for 546 pg m−3 and 413 pg m−3 respectively. In addition, two OPFRs concerning tris(chloropropyl) phosphate (TCPP) and triphenyl phosphine oxide (TPPO) were the next following the concentration order, accounting for 411 pg m−3 and 367 pg m−3 respectively; being butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) the most profuse PAE (56.1 pg m−3 by average). High relative standard deviations (RSDs) were observed during the whole sampling period, while statistically significant differences were only observed for PAHs concentrations during cold and warm seasons. Furthermore, some water-soluble ions and metal(oid)s were analysed in PM2.5 samples to be used as PM source tracers, whose concentrations were quite below the target levels set in the current legislation. Data obtained from principal component analysis (PCA) and PAHs molecular indices suggested a pyrogenic and petrogenic origin for PAHs, whereas occurrence of the remaining compounds seems to be attributed to resources used in the automotive industrial activity settled in the sampling area. Moreover, although a substantial anthropogenic source to PM2.5 in the area was observed, marine and soil resuspension contributions were also accounted. Finally, carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks posed by PM2.5-bound pollutants inhalation were assessed, being both averages within the safe level considering the whole period.

Investigation of monthly residues of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and sediment samples from Kirikkale Kizilirmak River Basin.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) contain two or more benzene rings and are categorized as general environmentally harmful pollutants. PAHs occur because of various combustion and pyrolysis processes with different environmental and anthropogenic sources. The Kizilirmak River is one of the major important water sources used for drinking water and irrigation purposes in Turkey. There are important industrial facilities around the river and PAH pollution is important in terms of environmental health. This study was carried out to determine the residues of PAHs in water and sediment samples according to month and to identify the pollution sources. Thus, water and sediment samples were collected from five different stations in the Kirikkale basin of the Kizilirmak River every 15days for a year. In this way, 120 water and 120 sediment samples were collected over a year and analyzed in terms of 16 priority PAHs according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The monthly average of the water and sediment samples was calculated. Analyses were carried out with high-performance liquid chromatography based on solid phase extraction. GC-MS was used for confirmation. Acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, and dibenzo[a,h]anthracene were not found in the water samples. The total PAH levels in water and sediment were detected in the range of 0.04 to 1.545μg/L and 43.15-386.115μg/kg, respectively. PAHs found in water and sediment samples had pyrogenic and petrogenic origin and pollution changed significantly between autumn and winter. As a result, precautions should be taken in terms of preventing environmental pollution.

An insightful overview of the distribution pattern of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in the marine sediments of the Red Sea

AbstractPolycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are produced during the combustion of coal and oil, and they can cause sediment contamination. Marine sediments are an important source of information regarding human activities in coastal regions and the long-term fate of xenobiotics. PAHs are a serious environmental problem for marine ecosystems because of their detrimental health impacts on species, including endocrine-disrupting activities. The type of organic contaminants in marine sediments is determined by their origin, with PAHs classed as either petrogenic or pyrogenic. Accidental or deliberate discharges and spills of oil from ships, particularly tankers, offshore platforms, and pipelines, especially in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, are the most obvious and visible sources of oil pollution in the marine environment. The current review study will be extremely important and beneficial as a desk review as a result of the growing human population and rapid development in the area. The distribution pattern of PAHs along the Red Sea coastal sediments was limited. The majority of research along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast demonstrates pyrogenic and petrogenic origins of PAHs, as well as in other parts of the world. Industrial activity, municipal waste runoff, petroleum spills, and sewage runoff have a significant impact on PAH distribution throughout the Red Sea’s coastal estuaries. However, after the Gulf war in 1992, much of the attention was occurred especially in the Arabian Gulf coast of Saudi Arabia. This study portrayed a comparison of distribution pattern of PAHs with the other parts of the world as well.

Sedimentary Record of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Gulf of Trieste (Northern Adriatic Sea) - Distribution, Origin and Temporal Trends

A mid-term study (2003-2013) of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Gulf of Trieste sediments was conducted at seven sampling sites. The PAH spatial and temporal distribution and origin were determined. The sediments were sampled with a gravity core sampler. After extraction of PAH, their concentrations were determined by gas chromatography. The results of the study show PAH spatial and temporal variability. The highest mean concentration was measured in the marina of Portoroz (1168 ng/g dw), and the lowest at an offshore site (320 ng/g dw). The results show higher concentrations of PAH in coastal areas and a decreasing trend towards the central part of the Gulf of Trieste. The interannual differences in the concentrations of PAH showed a significant downward trend in the marina of Portorož, in the port of Koper and in the offshore site off Piran. No trend was observed at all other sites. Various evaluation indices showed that PAH are predominantly of pyrolytic origin, with a lower proportion of petrogenic origin, especially in the Bay of Koper. The ecological risk assessment found that concentrations of PAH are well below levels associated with adverse biological effects. According to the presented results, this area can be considered as only moderately contaminated with PAH. However, the applied measures to reduce pollution should be continued and intensified.

Assessment of PAHs accumulation in Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Bivalvia, Donacidae) from the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast

Anthropogenic pollution of marine ecosystems is one of the main sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Marine bivalves are often used as bioindicators of environmental pollution due to their wide distribution and capability of xenobiotic bioaccumulation. The aim of the present study was to assess the presence of PAHs in soft tissues of wedge clams Donax trunculus (Linnaeus, 1758), collected from sublittoral sandy habitats at different locations off the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. Wedge clams from the different locations showed variations in the content of accumulated PAHs’ compounds. The concentrations of PAHs were measured by gas chromatography system with mass spectrometry detection. The total PAHs content (sum of 13 PAHs’ compounds) measured was in the range from 5.59 to 50.50 ng/g wet weight and was comparable with other European studies. The compounds phenanthrene and fluorene were most abundant in all analyzed samples. The results showed that low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs (2 and 3 aromatic rings) were predominant, accounting for 91% of the total PAHs levels, while high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (4–5- and 6- rings) presence was 8.9% on average. The ratio LMW/HMWPAHs was higher than one, suggesting predominant pollution of petrogenic origin. The concentrations of benzo (a)pyrene did not exceed the limit set in EC Regulation although it was detected in 20% of the analyzed samples. In conclusion, maximum overall PAHs content was found in clams from Arkutino, while minimum PAHs content was present in samples from Elenite. The Sum PAH4 (sum of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: benzo[a]pyrene, chrisene, benzo[a]anthracene, and benzo[b]fluoranthene) in the wedge clams for all localities studied was below legislation limits. Data from the present research can be used for assessing pollution levels in the marine environment and also risk of human exposure to PAHs using D. trunculus as bioindicator species.

Kontaminace příbřežních sedimentárních těles řeky Odry u Bohumína organickými polutanty

The aim of this study is to investigate present-day contamination levels of selected organic pollutants (POPs) in channel side bars and identify their sources. The studied area is located on the Odra River in the north-eastern part of the Czech Republic (at the border between the Czech Republic and Poland), between the city Bohumín and Odra´s confluence with Olše River. Sediment samples were taken directly from the channel side bars and subsequently measured for grain size analysis, concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) and specific biomarkers (terpenoids). Three main facies were recognized in channel side bars. Grain-size analysis showed the predominance of silt fraction, followed by variable sand contents, whereas the contents of clay fraction were almost stable. No statistically significant correlation was found between grain size and the concentrations of POPs except a weak correlation between PAHs, PCBs and sand fraction. POPs including PAHs, PCBs and OCPs showed high variability. In all samples, the sum of PAHs (maximumvalue of 78.1 mg kg-1) greatly exceeded the Czech preventive limit for dry soil. The sources of PAHs were analysed by employing diagnostic ratios and plots of specific PAH compounds. The results showed a high degree of correspondence suggesting a petrogenic origin associated with direct input into the river system. Relatively high concentrations of PAHs are a consequence of the vicinity of the pollution source and location in natural river reach enabling sedimentation of polluted sediments. Concentrations of PCB, hexachlorobenzene and DDT metabolites were almost insignificant in most of the samples, except for several samples having higher PCB values (maximum value of 47.6 μg kg-1). Specific biomarker compounds were used as an indicator of the presence of fossil matter, and H29 17α(H),21β(H) hopane showed the highest concentrations. The homohopane index indicated petroleum and vehicle exhausts origin. TOC revealed a positive correlation with specific biomarkers (homo hopanes and 16 α(H)- phyllocladane, hexachlorbenzene and PCB.

Environmental Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons pollutants in the waters of the side branches of the Shatt Al-Arab River

This study was conducted in the water branches of Shatt Al-Arab River. Water samples were collected from six stations during 2013. Gas chromatography was used to identify the concentrations and type of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs). Total concentration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water ranged from 7.24 to 17.39 ng/l. The sources of PAHs in waters were Pyrogenic and Petrogenic with predominance of etehahthNaN, Fluoreneand B(b+ k) fluoranthene the most presence and focused from PAHs compound which indicate a Pyrogenic, as well as presents of Indeno (1,2,3,cd) pyrene+ dibenzo, Benzo(g, h, i) perylene in high concentration which indicate a Petrogenic origin .This study is a first of its kind in the branches of Shatt Al-Arab River and its represent as a background for futures studies.

Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Content in Marine Organisms of Commercial Interest from the Romanian Black Sea Coast

The purpose of this work was to assess the levels of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in some mollusks and fish species, collected during the summer of 2016–2018, from three sites representing the southern, middle, and northern areas of the Romanian Black Sea coast. The PAHs concentrations were determined from the edible tissues of some important seafood (Rapana venosa and Mytilus galloprovincialis mollusk species; Sprattus sprattus, Engraulis encrasicolus, and Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus pelagic fish species and Neogobius cephalarges benthic fish species). The PAHs were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The average concentrations of these PAHs ranged from below detection limit of 0.0001 to 103.09 ± 11.18 µg/kg wet wt. in mollusk species, from 0.0001 to 147.45 ± 9.28 µg/kg wet wt. in pelagic fish species and from 0.0001 to 45.73 ± 5.28 µg/kg in benthic fish species. Among the two mollusks species, Rapana venosa accumulated significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) of PAHs, while among fish species, Trachurus mediterraneus ponticus accumulated significantly higher concentrations (p < 0.05) of total PAHs. Total PAH concentrations varied between the sites; the main presence of PAHs was observed in site 2 (middle location), the major contribution being given by the presence of phenanthrene (Ph), anthracene (An), and naphthalene (Na). PAHs contents in organisms varied according to the different species, their location in the water, their feeding habits (pelagic and benthic organisms) and differences in the quantification of LMW and HMW PAHs. PAH distribution patterns in pelagic and mollusk species are characterized by the abundance of LMW-PAHs. Most of the PAHs had a petrogenic origin, which indicates that the anthropogenic activities influenced PAH concentrations. Apart from Neogobius cephalarges species, the benzo[a]pyrene concentrations, measured in mollusks and fish species did not exceed the EU recommended limit.

Pollution investigation and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil and water from selected dumpsite locations in rivers and Bayelsa State, Nigeria.

The transfer ratio of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil dumpsite to borehole water is dependent of polluting source and exposure matrices that causes immerse health risk to man and environment over a period of time. PAHs were assessed in selected soil dumpsite and borehole water located at Rivers state (Eleme, Eliozu, Eneka, Oyigbo, and Woji) and Bayelsa state (Yenagoa), Nigeria. Soil samples were collected at four different points 30 m (North, South, East and West) locations at a depth of 15 cm for each dumpsite using soil auger while control samples were collected 200 m away (farmland), where there were little anthropogenic activities and no presence of active dumpsites. Borehole water samples were collected from 300 m distance, which were packaged in an amber container, labeled, and transported to the laboratory for analysis. Standard analytical methods were employed. PAHs concentrations were analyzed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) after extraction of water and soil using liquid-liquid and soxhlet extraction methods respectively and clean-up of the extracts, thereafter the laboratory data generated were subjected to statistical analysis. Total PAHs (∑PAHS) concentrations in soil samples from the study sites ranged from 2.4294 mg/kg in Yenagoa to 5.1662 mg/kg in Eleme while in water samples the total PAHs ranged from 1.3935 mg/L in Woji to 3.009 mg/L in Eleme. The total PAH concentrations in the soil were above the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry levels of 1.0 mg/kg for a considerably contaminated site except for the control sites. The total concentration of carcinogenic PAHs ranged from 0.0038 to 1.1301mg/kg in soil samples and 0.0014 to 0.9429 mg/L in borehole water samples, therefore raising concern of human exposure via food chain. The results indicate that low molecular weight PAHs were more dominant than high molecular weight PAHs in both soil and water samples, however molecular diagnostic ratio shows that pyrogenic activities are major sources of PAHs as compared to petrogenic origin. Multivariate analysis (principal component analysis and Pearson correlation) showed strong negative correlation implying that they were from dissimilar sources and different migratory route. Cancer and non-cancer risk showed that children were more at risk compared to adults, where inhalation exposure were major contribution as compared to ingestion and dermal exposure, as such there is a need to implement regulatory laws on indiscriminate release of PAHs contaminants to maintain sustainability.

Bioaccumulation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Solea solea from Bizerte and Ghar El Melh Lagoons (Tunisia) and human health risk assessment

The present study objective was to assess polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Bizerte and Ghar El Melh Lagoons Solea solea and to assess the potential risk to human health from its consumption. To reach these objectives twenty fish samples from each site were collected and 15 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in their muscles using high-performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Total PAH sole concentrations from Bizerte and Ghar El Melh Lagoons were similar or lower to those recorded in other species from other regions across the world. In the studied fish species, the 2 and 3 ring PAHs are the dominated compounds that enter to the composition of PAHs which indicates that PAHs could be principally derived from a petrogenic origin for the both studied lagoons. The human health risk by sole consumption was evaluated and revealed to exhibit no hazard to the local population health concerning PAH intakes. The findings of this biomonitoring study will help in the implementation of sustainable environmental policies for effective water pollution control and the two investigated lagoons management.

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Bottom Sediments of the River – Sea Mixing Zone on the Example of the River Chernaya and the Sevastopol Bay (the Black Sea)

Purpose. The study is aimed at determining concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and at revealing their pattern distribution in the bottom sediments of the "river – sea" contact zone on the example of the Sevastopol Bay and the river Chernaya. Methods and Results. Granulometric composition of the bottom sediments was determined by the decantation and dispersion method. Identification and quantitative determination of PAHs were carried out by the high performance liquid chromatography method. The total PAHs content in the bottom sediments of the area under study varied from 12 to 670 ng/g of dry weight. The pollutant content was minimum in the river site beyond the geochemical barrier. In the area where the river Chernaya flows into the Sevastopol Bay, the PAHs content was 121 ng/g. The highest PAHs content was revealed in the Sevastopol Bay bottom sediments, more precisely, in 1.5 km southwest of the river Chernaya flowing into the bay. 14 PAHs were identified in the estuary zone of the river, 4 of them (naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, fluorene, anthracene) were in the trace amounts. The maximum concentration (99%) of silty material was observed in the Sevastopol Bay water area. The silt fractions were distributed as follows: 20% – aleuritic-pelite fraction, 79% – pelitic-aleurite fraction. Directly in the area of the river inflow into the bay, accumulation of the sand fraction (7%) and the maximum portion of pelitic silts were noted. Conclusions. The recorded values of PAHs corresponded to the natural non-toxic levels. PAHs identified in the bottom sediments of the river estuary zone are of the mixed, predominantly petrogenic origin. The obtained data show that in the conditions of the "river – sea" contact zone, the PAHs accumulation in general and their individual fractions were governed mainly by presence of silt in the bottom sediments.

Politsiklicheskiye aromaticheskiye uglevodorody v donnykh otlozheniyakh zony smesheniya reka – more na primere reki Chernoy i Sevastopol'skoy bukhty (Chernoye more)

Purpose. The study is aimed at determining concentrations of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and at revealing their pattern distribution in the bottom sediments of the "river – sea" contact zone on the example of the Sevastopol Bay and the river Chernaya. Methods and Results. Granulometric composition of the bottom sediments was determined by the decantation and dispersion method. Identification and quantitative determination of PAHs were carried out by the high performance liquid chromatography method. The total PAHs content in the bottom sediments of the area under study varied from 12 to 670 ng/g of dry weight. The pollutant content was minimum in the river site beyond the geochemical barrier. In the area where the river Chernaya flows into the Sevastopol Bay, the PAHs content was 121 ng/g. The highest PAHs content was revealed in the Sevastopol Bay bottom sediments, more precisely, in 1.5 km southwest of the river Chernaya flowing into the bay. 14 PAHs were identified in the estuary zone of the river, 4 of them (naphthalene, 2-methylnaphthalene, fluorene, anthracene) were in the trace amounts. The maximum concentration (99%) of silty material was observed in the Sevastopol Bay water area. The silt fractions were distributed as follows: 20% – aleuritic-pelite fraction, 79% – pelitic-aleurite fraction. Directly in the area of the river inflow into the bay, accumulation of the sand fraction (7%) and the maximum portion of pelitic silts were noted. Conclusions. The recorded values of PAHs corresponded to the natural non-toxic levels. PAHs identified in the bottom sediments of the river estuary zone are of the mixed, predominantly petrogenic origin. The obtained data show that in the conditions of the "river – sea" contact zone, the PAHs accumulation in general and their individual fractions were governed mainly by presence of silt in the bottom sediments

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and fish species from the White Nile, East Africa: Bioaccumulation potential, source apportionment, ecological and health risk assessment.

The impact of oil exploration and production activities on the environment of sub-saharan African countries is not well studied. This study aimed at determining concentrations, sources, and bioaccumulation of 13 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments and fish from the White Nile near Melut oil fields, South Sudan. The study also assessed the ecological and human health risk associated with PAHs in this aquatic system. Total (∑13) PAH concentrations ranged from 566 to 674ng g-1dry weight (dw) in sediments, while those in fish were 191-1143ngg-1 wet weight (ww). ∑13PAH concentrations were significantly higher in C.gariepinus than in other fish species. Low molecular weight PAHs (LPAHs) dominated the profile of PAHs in sediments (constituted 95% of ∑13PAHs) and fish (97% of ∑13PAHs). Compared to Sediment Quality Guidelines of the United States Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the levels of LPAHs in this study were all above the threshold effect limits, but below the probable effect level, while those of high molecular weight PAHs (HPAHs) were all below the lowest effect levels. The carcinogenic potency equivalent concentrations of PAHs in L.niloticus and C.gariepinus were above the US EPA screening level; suggesting consumption of these species could adversely affect human health. Biota-sediment accumulation factor values (range: 0.006-3.816g OC g-1 lipid) for PAHs showed high bioaccumulation of LPAHs in fish muscle, and that bioaccumulation decreased with increase in hydrophobicity of the compounds. This is possibly because LPAHs have higher aqueous solubilities which increases their bioavailability through water-gill transfers compared to HPAHs. Profiles of PAHs in the White Nile environment indicate predominant contribution from petrogenic sources, which could be attributed to presence of crude oil reservoirs and oil production operations. More research into the levels of other environmental pollutants in the oil-rich area is recommended.

Aliphatic hydrocarbons in urban runoff sediments: a case study from the megacity of Tehran, Iran.

Urban runoff is known as an important contributor to diffuse a wide range of pollutants to receiving environments. Hydrocarbons are common contaminants in runoff mainly transported coupled to suspended particles and sediments. The aim of the study was to investigate the distribution and sources of Aliphatics in the sediments of Tehran's runoff drainage network. Thirty surface sediment samples were collected along with three main sub-catchments of Tehran during April 2017. The concentrations of n-Alkanes (nC-11-nC-35) and isoprenoids were determined by GC-MS, and their possible emission sources were evaluated using the biomarkers and the diagnostic ratios. Total aliphatic hydrocarbon (n-alkanes + isoprenoids) concentrations were found in the range of 2.94 to114.7mg.kg-1 dw with the total mean of 25.4mg.kg-1 dw in the whole catchment. The significant concentrations of n-alkanes between n-C20 and n-C24 indicate the predominance of petrogenic origins at all stations. The CPI values range from 0.7 to 3, except the station C1S28 (CPI = 4.2). The CPI values were less than 1.6 at 70% of the stations which indicate the petrogenic nature of the aliphatic origins. Pr/Ph and LMW/HMW ratios ranged from 0.3 to 2.5 and 0.3 to 5.6 confirmed the petrogenic sources as the major origin of Aliphatics in urban runoff sediments. The ratios of n-C17/Pr and n-C18/Ph vary from 0.4 to 2.1 and 0.2 to 2.1, respectively which showed that petroleum contamination is mainly due to the degraded oil products with a lesser extent of fresh oil. Results revealed that the aliphatic hydrocarbons in the sediment samples were derived mainly from petrogenic sources such as leakage and spillage of fuels and petroleum derivatives with a relatively low contribution of biogenic sources. Vascular plants' waxes and microbial activities are identified as the most important biogenic sources of the samples. The mean concentrations of total organic carbon were 13.3,12 and14.7mg.g-1 dw in the sub-catchments 1, 2, and 3, respectively. Pearson correlation test demonstrated a weak correlation between the concentrations of n-alkanes and TOC (P > 0.05) with a correlation coefficient of less than 0.54 for all the sub-catchments.

Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in runoff from different land use at Amman Zarqa Basin-Jordan

ABSTRACT A study of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in stormwater runoff was conducted at seven locations in semi-arid Amman Zarqa Basin (AZB) for two winter seasons during 25 October 2012 to 31 May 2014. The selected sites are representing residential, commercial, industrial and agricultural areas. The concentrations of total PAH at all sites were in the range of 0.18–11.03 ppb. The highest average total concentration of PAHs of the runoff samples was found at industrial area (2.42 ppb), while the lowest concentrations was found at residential area (1.66 ppb). Average Daily Traffic was not found to be correlated to total PAHs carried by stormwater runoff from studied land uses (All sites). Isomer pair ratios and individual compound ratios are suggesting that the main source of PAHs in AZB catchment is from a pyrolytic origin especially at commercial, residential, and agriculture area, while industrial area is mainly polluted by PAHs with petrogenic origin. This study is providing a reliable data on PAHs loads carried by storm water runoff from different land uses.

BILIARY PAH METABOLITES IN FISH FROM THE HIGHLY IMPACTED GUANABARA BAY, IN SOUTHEASTERN BRAZIL, DETERMINED BY FIXED AND SYNCHRONOUS FLUORESCENCE SPECTROSCOPY

Guanabara Bay (GB) covers the metropolitan region of the state of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil. GB is subject to heavy contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), from intense oil activities, which pose an ecotoxicological threat. The aim of this study is to implement and optimize a fluorescence methodology for the determination of biliary PAH metabolites in fish species (burrfish and whitemouth croaker), in order to evaluate biliary PAH metabolites as a biomarker of exposure. Fish were sampled from GB and a control region. Naphthalene, pyrene and benzo(a)pyrene metabolites were determined by Fixed Fluorescence Method (FF), while 1-hydroxypyrene was assessed by Synchronous Fluorescence Spectroscopy (SFS). The implementation and optimization of the FF and SFS methods allowed the determination and evaluation of the exposure of these species to PAHs of pyrogenic and petrogenic origin. Biliary PAH metabolite determinations was proven to be a useful tool for environmental monitoring contamination assessments.

Correlation between Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Wharf Roach (Ligia spp.) and Environmental Components of the Intertidal and Supralittoral Zone along the Japanese Coast.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) concentrations in wharf roach (Ligia spp.), as an environmental indicator, and in environmental components of the intertidal and supralittoral zones were determined, and the PAH exposure pathways in wharf roach were estimated. Wharf roaches, mussels, and environmental media (water, soil and sand, and drifting seaweed) were collected from 12 sites in Japan along coastal areas of the Sea of Japan. PAH concentrations in wharf roaches were higher than those in mussels (median total of 15 PAHs: 48.5 and 39.9 ng/g-dry weight (dw), respectively) except for samples from Ishikawa (wharf roach: 47.9 ng/g-dw; mussel: 132 ng/g-dw). The highest total PAH concentration in wharf roach was from Akita (96.0 ng/g-dw), followed by a sample from Niigata (85.2 ng/g-dw). Diagnostic ratio analysis showed that nearly all PAHs in soil and sand were of petrogenic origin. Based on a correlation analysis of PAH concentrations between wharf roach and the environmental components, wharf roach exposure to three- and four-ring PAHs was likely from food (drifting seaweed) and from soil and sand, whereas exposure to four- and five-ring PAHs was from several environmental components. These findings suggest that the wharf roach can be used to monitor PAH pollution in the supralittoral zone and in the intertidal zone.

Human health risks from fish consumption following a catastrophic gas oil spill in the Chiquito River, Veracruz, Mexico

An industrial accident resulted in a gas oil spill of 11,808 barrels in the upper part of the Coatzacoalcos River watershed. After river shore cleanup, concentrations of total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH) and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in muscle (+ skin) were determined in captured fish to evaluate human health risk due to fish consumption post-spill in the most affected communities. Data on fish consumption, body weight, and diet factor were collected by questionnaires and field observations. Using standard formulas for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic substances, site-specific remediation levels were calculated in fish, comparing them to the real levels observed. Likewise, the levels of PAHs in fish captured pre- and post-spill were compared to determine their origin (pyrolytic vs. petrogenic). The TPH concentrations were between 119,000 and 523,000 ng/g (dry weight) and no significant difference (P > 0.05) was found pre- vs. post-spill. The concentration of total PAHs varied between 2494.83 and 35,412.23 ng/g (dry weight), with the concentrations of naphthalene (520.9 ng/g) and phenanthrene (7532.7 ng/g) being much higher than in control samples, and being from the gas oil spill (petrogenic origin). The site-specific remediation levels calculated for TPH and PAH were much higher than the maximum levels actually detected. No human health risks were found from hydrocarbons from the spill, at least after cleanup efforts and natural attenuation (six months).

Sediment contamination by PAHs in Northern Aegean Sea, Gökçeada: Seasonal variations, source determination, and ecological risks

In this study, concentrations of 16 PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) have been determined in surface sediments from Gökçeada being the largest island of Turkey and located in the North Aegean Sea, during winter, spring, summer, and fall seasons in 2017. The main object of this study is to understand the levels, seasonal distribution, and the origins of PAHs in the sediments of Gökçeada. During the sampling period, the total PAH (TPAH − Σ16PAH) values varied between 26 and 5408.7 ng/g dw. TPAH values in winter season have been found considerably higher due to residential heating. Besides, the origins of PAH pollution were investigated by using certain PAH ratios. The source of the pollution at all stations during the sampling period was found to be both petrogenic and pyrolytic origin so far as to the phenanthrene/anthracene (PHE/AN) and benzo(a)anthracene/chrysene (BaA/CHR) ratios.

PAH bioaccumulation in two polluted sites along the eastern coast of the Red Sea, Saudi Arabia

Significant amounts of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) accumulate in specific habitats and organisms, such as mangroves and benthic organisms, due to the PAHs’ direct attachment to sediments in the environment or the feeding activity of the organisms, especially in contaminated coastal areas. The present study investigates the effect of sewage effluents on the bioaccumulation of PAHs in two polluted sites along the coastal area of Jeddah city. PAH levels in the mangrove sediments, roots, and leaves ranged between 230.09 and 17.94, 32.79 and 409.86, and 111.14 and 795.2 ng/g, respectively, following the general trend of sediments < roots < leaves. Though all mangrove roots showed bioaccumulation factors (BAFroots) higher than 1, the leaves bioaccumulation factors (BAFleaves) exceeded 26, clearly indicating PAHs accumulated not only via a translocation pathway but also from the surrounding atmosphere. These results suggest that mangroves could serve as an in situ eco-friendly resource for the dissipation of PAHs in marine sediments and the atmosphere. Although higher levels of PAHs were detected in Al-Arbaeen Lagoon sediments (ranging between 89.18 and 1056.46 ng/g), lower levels of PAHs were observed in the gastropod Littorina Littorea (range 113.21–265.96 ng/g) in this area, with biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAF) ranging from 0.23 to 2.10. Only one Al-Arbaeen site presented sediments with a petrogenic origin, with a BSAF value higher than 1 in the gastropod. Based on sediment quality guidelines, adverse biological effects should rarely occur at the studied sites under the present PAH levels.