Priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Levels Research Articles

Pollution level and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in marine fish from two coastal regions, the South China Sea

Marine fishes are consumed in large quantities by humans as nutritious food. However, the intake of fish polluted by chemicals may pose a severe threat to human health. This study measured the concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the muscles of 22 species of marine fish from two coastal regions, i.e., Tanmen and Zhuhai, identified the source of PAHs, and assessed the human health risk by dietary exposure. Total PAH (Σ16PAHs) levels in Tanmen and Zhuhai fish were in the range of 24.29–684.83 ng g−1 dry weight (dw) and 13.74–42.59 ng g−1 dw, averaging 161.46 ng g−1 dw and 31.21 ng g−1 dw, respectively. Compared with other regions in the world, PAH concentrations in Tanmen fish were at median levels, and Zhuhai fish were at low levels. Low molecular weight PAHs (with 2- and 3-rings) were the predominant compounds detected. Molecular diagnostic ratios suggested that PAHs in Tanmen mainly originated from petrogenic sources such as vessel operations or tanker accidents, while Zhuhai fish were mainly polluted by pyrolytic sources such as combustion of coal and wood. The human health risk assessment results indicated that the risk of PAH intake via fish consumption from Zhuhai was negligible, while five species from Tanmen may pose potential health risks to local residents.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Amazon River Estuary (Amapá, Northern Brazil): Distribution, sources and potential ecological risk

The distribution, sources and potential ecological risk of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediment from the Amazon River Estuary (Macapá and Santana, Amapá, Northern Brazil) were investigated. The total PAHs concentration (∑PAH) ranged from 22.2 to 158.9 ng g−1 dw (mean value 49.4 ng g−1 dw). PAHs levels in the study area were relatively low than those in nearby areas and other coastal zones worldwide, and could be considered as baseline for PAHs in Amazonic sediments. PAHs ratios and the statistical analysis showed that fossil fuel and biomass combustions, primarily from local sources, were the dominant PAHs origins. The potential ecological risk was assessed on the basis of the sediment quality guidelines, and it was found that PAHs in the sediments of the Amazon River Estuary do not cause adverse effects on living organisms; however, the abundance of naphthalene and the presence of dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene deserve more attention.

Concentration and Potential Ecological Risk of PAHs in Different Layers of Soil in the Petroleum-Contaminated Areas of the Loess Plateau, China.

The three most representative areas of petroleum pollution on the Loess Plateau are the research subjects of this study. In this study, 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by the QuEChERS method combined with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS). The total concentrations of ∑16PAHs in top layer soils (0–10 cm), middle layer soils (10–30 cm), and bottom layer soils (30–50 cm) ranged from 1010.67 to 18,068.80, 495.85 to 9868.56 and 213.16 to 12,552.53 μg/kg, with an average of 5502.44, 2296.94 and 2203.88 μg/kg, respectively. The 3-ring and 4-ring PAHs were the most prominent components in all soil samples. Meanwhile, the average value of ∑16PAHs decreased with the depth, from 5502.44 μg/kg (0–10 cm) to 2203.88 μg/kg (30–50 cm). The PAHs levels in the studied soils were heavily polluted (over 1000 μg/kg) according to the Soils Quality Guidelines and 95% of PAHs come from petroleum sources. Moreover, the total of PAHs in petroleum-contaminated soils was assigned a high ecological risk level. Toxic equivalency quantities (TEQs) indicated that PAHs in petroleum-contaminated soils presented relatively high toxicity.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments and marine organisms: Implications of anthropogenic effects on the coastal environment

Intensive human activities aggravate environmental pollution, particularly in the coastal environment. Sixteen priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined in the sediments and marine species from Zhanjiang Harbor, a large harbor in China. The total PAH concentrations ranged from 151 to 453 ng/g dry weight (dw) in sediments and from 86.7 to 256 ng/g wet weight (ww) in organism tissues. High levels of PAHs occurred in the sample sites next to the estuary. A decrease in PAH levels was observed in comparison to the previous survey prior to 2012. Fish exhibited lower lipid weight normalized PAH concentrations than the other species, which may be related to their efficient metabolic transformation. Three ring PAHs dominated both in marine sediments and species, but low molecular weight PAHs exhibited higher proportions in biota than in sediments (p < 0.05). Petrogenic and pyrolytic sources both contributed to the occurrence of PAHs, and the latter became increasingly important in the study area. The ecological risk from PAHs in the sediments was relatively low (9% incidence of adverse biological effect) according to the effects-based sediment quality guideline values. Exposure to PAHs via consuming seafoods might pose a health risk to local residents. Overall, these results revealed anthropogenic activities in the coastal area have an impact on the local ecosystem.

Spatial distribution of atmospheric PAHs and their genotoxicity in petrochemical industrialized Lanzhou valley, northwest China.

The present study investigated the spatial and seasonal variations and sources of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Lanzhou, a petrochemical industrialized and the capital city of Gansu province, northwest China. The human health risks to these PAHs were assessed using an in vitro genotoxic bioassay technique. Associations among direct genotoxic potency, atmospheric PAH concentrations, and potential carcinogen risks were examined. Due to high PAH emissions from fossil fuel combustion and petrochemical industries, considerable higher PAH levels in the atmosphere were observed in Xigu district, a suburb featured by heavy petrochemical industry, compared with those collected at downtown and rural sampling sites. Ambient PAH levels at all sampling sites during the wintertime were higher than that in the summertime due to the winter domestic heating. BaP equivalent (BaPeq) concentrations in winter (41ng/m3) and summer (28ng/m3) exceeded the China's new national daily BaPeq standard. The average excess inhalation cancer risks (ECR) due to human exposure to PAHs during winter and summer sampling periods were 45-3540 cancer cases and 31-2451 cases per million people, respectively. The average ECR in the industrial area of Lanzhou valley was 1.97 (winter) and 1.88 times (summer) higher than that in other sampling areas. The higher ECR in the industrial area was resulted primarily by industrial activities and insufficient emission control measures. Extracts from passive air samples in genotoxicity SOS/umu test demonstrated that the genotoxic effect of atmospheric PAHs in Lanzhou was seasonal dependent. PAH air samples collected in winter showed more statistically significant genotoxicity, as manifested by a strong correlation between in vitro genotoxicity and atmospheric PAH concentrations. This indicates that the local residents were under higher potential cancer risk through the inhalation of ambient PAH air concentrations in Lanzhou valley during the wintertime.

Bioaccumulation and cancer risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in leafy vegetables grown in soils within automobile repair complex and environ in Uyo, Nigeria.

Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and an incremental lifetime cancer risks (ILCRs) assessment model, the bioaccumulation and cancer risk of 16 USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in leafy vegetables (Vernonia amygdalina and Lasianthera africanum) grown in soils within an automobile repair complex environment in Uyo, Nigeria was studied. The total PAHs concentrations recorded for soils ranged from 0.02 to 1.77mg/kg. The highest level of 1.77mg/kg was recorded for soils from the main automobile repair complex (site 1). Low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were predominant although some high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs suites (0.04mg/kg of chrysene and 0.04 of benzo[k]fluoranthene) were also found in site 1. The leafy vegetables accumulated PAHs were mostly LMW. Accumulation levels were similar but the extent of PAH uptake in vegetables was species dependent as V. amygdalina accumulated more (0.81mg/kg). The bioaccumulation factors (BaFs) calculated ranged from 0.22 to 0.63 for L. africanum, and 0.18 to 0.55 for V. amygdalina in site 1 where high PAH levels were recorded in soil. Pearson correlation coefficient analysis revealed a strong positive relation between the PAH content of soil and the amount accumulated by L. africanum (r=0.5) and V. amygdalina (r=0.8) at p=0.05. The vegetable's potential to bioaccumulate PAHs is indicative of their use as good bioindicators for PAH contamination in soil. Only two of the USEPA possible human carcinogenic PAHs were detected, and carcinogenic risk assessment based on occupational exposures to soil particles by adults revealed that the total risk level (7.17×10-5) contribution from incidental soil ingestion, dermal contact, and soil particle dust inhalation slightly exceed the USEPA acceptable limits (< 1.00×10-5). There is a need for public education on consumption of vegetables grown in and around automobile repair complexes across Nigeria.

Distribution, sources, and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the water and suspended sediments from the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China.

Samples were collected from the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River, China, to study the concentrations, distributions, and compositions of 16 US-EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and suspended particulate matter (SPM). We also evaluated sources of the PAHs and their potential toxicity. Total concentrations of the PAHs (ΣPAHs) in water ranged from 17.33 to 77.12ngL(-1), and in SPM, the levels ranged from 595.91 to 2473.74ngg(-1). Total concentrations of seven carcinogenic PAHs (ΣCPAHs) ranged from 7.63 to 13.02ngL(-1) in water and 276.55 to 1216.89ngg(-1) in SPM. PAH levels in water samples were relatively low, and those in the lower reaches were higher than in the middle reaches. SPM samples had higher levels of PAHs, especially in the lower reaches and in Dongting Lake and Poyang Lake. Principal component analysis (PCA) with multiple linear regression analysis (MLR) was performed to quantitatively characterize the PAH sources. Two factors and their contributions were identified from water samples. Coal and wood combustion accounted for 74.1% of the PAHs, and petroleum emissions explained 25.9% of the PAHs. Three source factors were identified from SPM samples: these were vehicular emissions (46.3% of PAHs), wood and coal combustion (40.4% of PAHs), and petrogenic sources (13.3%). Ecological risk assessment indicated that a moderate undesirable impact will be caused by PAHs, and some control measures and remedial actions should be conducted.

Diurnal and nocturnal variations of PAHs in the Lhasa atmosphere, Tibetan Plateau: Implication for local sources and the impact of atmospheric degradation processing

Due to the unique characteristics, such as intensive radiation, high altitude and low humidity, plateau climate importantly affects the airborne organic contaminants' behavior in the environment. In this study, USEPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and benzo[e]pyrene were detected in the air samples collected at two suburban sites in Lhasa city. The total concentrations of USEPA priority fifteen PAHs (except naphthalene) in the particulate phase ranged from 4.4 to 60ng/m3, while in the gas phase from 79 to 350ng/m3. Integrated results of the multiple diagnostic ratios indicated that the major potential sources of PAHs in Lhasa city were local incomplete combustion of wood and cow dung cake. Particulate and gaseous PAH levels in this study displayed two clear and different diurnal and nocturnal concentration patterns, however, no distinct diurnal and nocturnal variation was observed for the total suspended particles (TSP) concentrations. No significant correlation was found between TSP concentrations and particle-bound PAHs, meaning physicochemical processes play an important role in diurnal and nocturnal variations of PAHs in the atmosphere except emission sources in this study. Based on the diurnal and nocturnal changes of the percentage of particulate phase PAHs in total PAHs, it suggested that gas–particle partitioning driven by temperature makes a great contribution to the variations of PAHs concentrations. The most susceptible to transformation between gas and particle phase chemicals are PHE, ANT, FLA, PYR, BaA and CHR. In addition, our observation suggested that atmospheric reaction and photolytic degradation also exert an important impact on the variations of PAHs in both phases in the atmosphere of Lhasa city.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from Urumqi, China: distribution, source contributions, and potential health risks

Concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 28 surface soils samples collected from Urumqi, northwest China, for examination of distributions, source contributions, and potential health effects. The results indicated that the sum of 16 PAHs concentration ranged from 331 to 15,799 μg kg(-1) (dw) in soils, with a mean of 5,018 ± 4,896 μg kg(-1) (n = 28). The sum of seven carPAHs concentration ranged from 4 to 1,879 μg kg(-1) (dw; n = 28). The highest ∑PAHs concentrations were found at roadsides and industrial sites, followed by those at parks, rural areas, and business/residential areas. Coal combustion, emission of diesel and gasoline from vehicles, and petroleum source were four sources of PAHs as determined by PMF analysis, which contributed 51.19, 19.02, 18.35, and 11.42% to the PAH sources, respectively. Excellent coefficients of correlation between the measured and predicted PAHs concentrations suggested that the PMF model was very effective to estimate sources of PAHs in soils. Incremental lifetime cancer risk values at the 95th percentile due to human exposure to surface soils PAHs in Urumqi were 2.02 × 10(-6) for children and 2.72 × 10(-5) for adults. The results suggested that the current PAHs levels in soils from Urumqi were pervasive and moderately carcinogenic to children and adults.

Evaluation of surface sediment contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the “Saco do Laranjal” – (Patos Lagoon, Brazil)

This paper evaluates the concentration of Polyaromatic hydrocarbons – PAHs in the Estuarine area of the Patos Lagoon, more precisely in a local named “Saco do Laranjal” in Pelotas City (southern Brazil). The samples were collected in May 2008. The concentrations of 16 US-EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometry detector (GC/MS). The sum of PAHs concentration ranged from 7.3 to 92.8μgkg−1 in dry weight. The positive correlation (Pearson test) between the total organic material (TOM) and the total PAH concentration (0.98) suggests that TOM plays an important role in controlling the PAHs levels in the sediments. According to the observed ratios of individual PAHs, the contamination in the studied area is originated, predominantly pyrolytic sources. The values found are considered under normal levels and indicates a not impacted area.

Sources and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of different glaciers over the Tibetan Plateau

Twenty snow samples were collected from the Qiyi glacier in Qilian Mountains, the Yuzhufeng glacier in eastern Kunlun Mountains, the Xiaodongkemadi glacier in Tanggula Mountains, and the Gurenhekou glacier in Nyainqentanglha Range over the Tibetan Plateau. The concentration and distribution features of sixteen priority Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). The sources of these PAHs were explored as well. Our results indicated that the average concentrations of PAHs in snow were in the range of 20.45–60.57 ng/L. Maximum PAHs levels were found in the YZF glacier and minimum in the XDKMD glacier. However, no apparent regional distribution pattern of PAHs was found in the glaciers over the Tibetan Plateau. Moreover, the 2–4 ring low molecular weight PAHs predominated in snow samples and the concentrations of phenanthrene was the highest. Integrated factor analysis and isomer pair ratios suggested that PAHs of glaciers over the Tibetan Plateau were derived from low temperature combustion of coal and biomass, and partially from the exhaust gas of locomotives. Air mass back trajectory indicated that organic compounds detected in snowpit of these four glaciers, in the period of time they represented, mainly came from Central Asia and the arid area of Northwest China by westerly wind circulation.

Impact of forest fires on PAH level and distribution in soils

Surface (0–5 cm) and subsurface (−5 to 15 cm) soils from burned forest areas in South of France were analyzed to determine contents of 14 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their distribution profile. The sampling procedure allowed us to study the effect of the frequency of fire as well as the influence of the time elapsed since the last fire. The contribution of forest fires to the content of PAHs in soils was demonstrated, as well as the decrease of their total level with time. The hypothesis is that a natural remediation takes place a few years after the last fire event. The lowest molecular weight studied PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphtene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene, fluoranthene and pyrene) appear to be the major ones produced by forest fire. Naphtalene levels are remarkably high in burned soils (more than 70 μg kg −1, i.e. more than 20 times higher than in the control soils) and still remain important years after the last fire event. The time elapsed since the last fire appears to be a more influencing factor than the fire frequency. The index defined from the PAH levels shows values reflecting the time elapsed since the last fire.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons from rural household biomass burning in a typical Chinese village

Biomass energy sources are still popular in the rural areas of developing countries for cooking and space heating. Since the incomplete combustion of agricultural residues in home-made ranges might lead to both outdoor and indoor air pollution and cause potential health threat to the rural population, we monitored the ambient levels of 16 US EPA priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) at a typical rural site. Ambient particulate PAH samples (PM2.5 and PM10) were taken during both cooking and non-cooking periods. Source emission monitoring was also conducted for both improved and traditional cooking stoves used in the area. Ambient PAHs had a significant increase during the cooking periods and varied from 72.1 to 554.4 ng/m3. The highest total PAH levels were found during the supper cooking time, in which five-and six-ring species accounted for a large proportion. The observed PAH levels during cooking periods at this rural site were even higher than those in urban areas. A good correlation was found between the benzo[a]pyrene level and the total PAH concentration (r=0.98), making benzo[a]pyrene a potential molecular marker for PAH pollution in the rural areas, where biomass burning is typical. The profiles of the particulate PAHs in both ambient air and source emissions showed a high proportion of high molecular-mass PAHs. In addition, emission factors of 16 PAHs from an improved household stove were found to be significantly lower than those from traditional stoves used in China and in other Asian countries.

Evaluation of pollutant exposure by chemical and biological markers in a Mediterranean French urban stream: A step for in situ calibration of multixenobiotic resistance transporter expression as biomarker in Chironomidae larvae

This study was aimed at semi-quantifying the membrane density of multixenobiotic resistance (MXR) transporters in Chironomidae Orthocladiinae larvae from an urban stream by ELISA assay. The relationships between the MXR transporter membrane density and limnological parameters and pollutant concentrations, 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), as per the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and seven polychlorobiphenyl congeners (PCBs), were assessed. Midge larvae were collected, and limnological parameters and pollutant concentrations were measured in three sites of a French Mediterranean urban stream, two located after sewage treatment plants, and one closed to the river mouth, and in two additional sites, one on the stream tributary, and one in a non-urbanized stream located in the same region. Results show that the PAH and PCB contamination levels are different between sites and that some congener concentrations are above their threshold toxic effect level (TEL). The MXR transporter membrane density was significantly higher in larvae from the tributary, the most polluted site, as compared with larvae from the non-urbanized stream. The MXR transporter density was positively correlated with 10 of the 16 US-EPA PAH concentrations and the increase in the MXR transporter density seems to be due to the US-EPA PAH concentrations that were above their TEL. No relations with PCB concentrations or limnological parameters were found. The results suggest that the MXR transporter membrane density in Chironomidae larvae could be an interesting biological marker of PAH exposure in freshwater ecosystems.

Assessment of PAHs in soil around the International Airport in Delhi, India

Present study was undertaken to determine the level of PAH contamination due to jet turbine exhaust in the peripheral soil of the International Airport in Delhi, India. Densely populated residential areas surrounding the airport come directly under both the landing and take-off flight paths. Twelve priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were analyzed in the <2 mm surface soil fraction. Identification and quantification of PAHs was done by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The sum of 12 PAHs ranged from 2.39 μg g −1 to 7.53 μg g −1 with a mean concentration of 4.43 ± 1.45 μg g −1. PAH levels observed in the present study were found to be higher as compared to most of the literature values. Among the three sampling sites selected around the International Airport, the site near landing point revealed maximum concentration of PAHs, while minimum concentration was observed at the site near take-off point. Predominance of pyrene was observed in the airport soil. Factor analysis and isomer pair ratios suggest pyrogenic origin of PAHs in the study area.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the surface sediments from Yellow River, China

Fourteen surface sediment samples were collected from Lanzhou Reach of Yellow River, China in July 2005. The concentrations of 16 priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined by gas chromatography equipped with a mass spectrometry detector (GC-MS). Total concentrations of the PAHs ranged from 464 to 2621 ng/g dry weight. Sediment samples with the highest PAH concentrations appeared at the downstream of Lanzhou City, where there was the biggest wastewater discharge pipeline from Lanzhou Oil Refinery Factory and Lanzhou Chemical Industry Company. Municipal sewage also contributed to the PAH contamination in the sediments. A correlation existed between the sediment organic carbon content (f(oc)) and the total PAH concentrations (r(2)=0.57), suggesting that sediment organic carbon content played an important role in controlling the PAHs levels in the sediments. According to the observed molecular indices, PAHs contamination in Lanzhou Reach of Yellow River originated both from the high-temperature pyrolytic processes and from the petrogenic source, showing a mixed PAH input pattern, which was also confirmed by the results of a principal component analysis (PCA). According to the numerical effect-based sediment quality guidelines (SQGs) of the United States, the levels of PAHs at most studied sites in Lanzhou Reach of Yellow River should not exert adverse biological effects. Although at some sites (such as S10, S12, etc.) one PAH may exceed the effects range low (ERL), individual PAH did not exceed the effects range median (ERM). The results indicated that sediments in all sites should have potential biological impact, but should have no impairment.