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PAHs in dated sediments of Ashtabula River, Ohio, USA
K Li1, E R Christensen, R P Van Camp
1Department of Civil Engineering and Mechanics and Center for Great Lakes Studies, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53201, USA.
Environmental Science & Technology
|August 2, 2001
Summary
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Ashtabula River sediments were analyzed using a chemical mass balance (CMB) model. Highway dust and coke ovens were identified as major PAH sources, with limited wood burning and no anaerobic degradation observed.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Geochemistry
- Sedimentology
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants originating from incomplete combustion.
- Sedimentary records provide valuable archives for reconstructing historical pollution events and sources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine PAH concentrations in Ashtabula River sediments.
- To identify and quantify sources of PAHs using a chemical mass balance (CMB) model.
Main Methods:
- Sediment core collection and dating using uranium-supported 210Pb.
- Analysis of PAH concentrations in sediment layers.
- Application of a CMB model for source apportionment.
Main Results:
- Sedimentation rates varied significantly across cores (4.4–27.8 cm/year).
- Highest PAH concentrations were observed in recent sediment layers.
- CMB model attributed major PAH contributions to highway dust (78.1–83.8%) and coke ovens (16.8–22.8%).
- Petroleum-derived PAHs peaked during 1977-79; wood burning PAHs were minimal during 1975-77.
- Phenanthrene showed potential for aerobic degradation, while no anaerobic degradation was detected.
Conclusions:
- Sediments of the Ashtabula River act as a sink for PAHs, primarily from highway dust and coke oven emissions.
- The CMB model effectively apportioned PAH sources in the studied sediments.
- Phenanthrene is susceptible to aerobic degradation, influencing its environmental persistence.