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Nitromusk compounds in San Francisco Bay sediments
Sarah A Rubinfeld1, Richard G Luthy
1Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4020, United States.
Chemosphere
|September 12, 2008
Summary
Synthetic nitromusk fragrances like musk xylene (MX) and musk ketone (MK) were detected in San Francisco Bay sediments. Higher concentrations were found near a wastewater outfall, indicating it as a significant source.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Ecotoxicology
- Analytical Chemistry
Background:
- Synthetic nitromusks are common in consumer products and enter aquatic systems via wastewater.
- Their hydrophobic nature suggests accumulation in sediments, yet their behavior there is understudied.
- Understanding nitromusk fate in sediments is crucial for assessing aquatic ecosystem health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and apply a method for analyzing nitromusks in aquatic sediments.
- To quantify musk xylene (MX) and musk ketone (MK) concentrations in San Francisco Bay sediments.
- To investigate the distribution and sources of nitromusks in the studied environment.
Main Methods:
- A novel sediment extraction technique utilizing sonication was developed.
- Sediment samples were collected from San Francisco Bay and a nearby tidal channel.
- Samples were analyzed for MX, MK, and a MX metabolite using the developed method.
Main Results:
- MX and MK were detected at low concentrations (0.034-0.038 ng/g) in San Francisco Bay sediments.
- Significantly higher concentrations of MX (0.13-0.24 ng/g) and MK (1.08-2.74 ng/g) were found in a tidal channel near a wastewater outfall.
- A musk xylene metabolite was quantified at levels up to 4.08 ng/g, highlighting its environmental relevance.
- Concentrations decreased with distance from the wastewater outfall and temporal trends indicated higher levels initially.
Conclusions:
- Wastewater effluent is a primary source of synthetic nitromusks to aquatic sediments.
- Nitromusk metabolites can be significant environmental contaminants.
- The developed sonication method is effective for analyzing nitromusks in sediments, aiding future environmental monitoring.
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