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Biosensor applications in contaminated estuaries: Implications for disaster research response.
Krisa Camargo1, Mary Ann Vogelbein2, Jennifer A Horney3
1Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences - Interdisciplinary Faculty of Toxicology (IFT), Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA; Texas A&M University Geochemical and Environmental Research Group, College Station, TX, 77845, USA.
A new biosensor rapidly characterizes polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environmental samples, aiding disaster research response (DR2). This method helps screen PAH contamination and prioritize analysis for potential health risks.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Analytical Chemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Traditional analytical chemistry methods are time-consuming and costly for environmental sample analysis.
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are common environmental contaminants, especially at National Priority List sites.
- Rapid characterization of PAHs is crucial for disaster research response (DR2) and assessing post-disaster exposures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the field applicability of the KinExA Inline Biosensor for characterizing PAH profiles in soils and sediments.
- To assess the potential environmental risks associated with PAH contamination in Galveston Bay, Houston Ship Channel, and Elizabeth River.
- To validate biosensor-derived PAH data using established analytical techniques like gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
Main Methods:
- Field deployment of the KinExA Inline Biosensor to measure total free PAHs (C free) in porewater.
- Confirmation of biosensor results using GC-MS analysis.
- Risk assessment using the EPA's Regional Screening Level (RSL) Calculator, Ecological Screening Values (R4-ESV), and Refined Screening Values (R4-RSV).
Main Results:
- GC-MS analysis indicated low noncarcinogenic risks (hazard indices < 1) but identified some samples exceeding cancer risk screening levels for PAHs.
- Biosensor-based C free measurements, combined with Total Organic Carbon, accurately predicted total PAH concentrations and associated risks (correlation coefficient r > 0.5).
- Elevated concentrations of individual parent PAHs in sediments exceeded R4-ESV and R4-RSV, necessitating further investigation.
Conclusions:
- The KinExA Inline Biosensor is a valuable tool for rapid PAH contamination characterization in environmental samples.
- The biosensor facilitates preliminary exposure risk screening, crucial for prioritizing analytical efforts in DR2.
- The study highlights the need for follow-up sediment studies in the investigated regions due to detected PAH levels.
