Probabilistic Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in a Colombian Reservoir

Area of Science:

• Environmental Chemistry
• Ecotoxicology

Background:

• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) are persistent organic pollutants with potential ecological impacts.
• Understanding PAH levels and risks in aquatic ecosystems is crucial for environmental protection.
• The La Fe reservoir in Colombia is a key water source requiring environmental monitoring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify concentrations of sixteen PAHs in La Fe reservoir water.
• To identify the sources and assess the ecological risk of these PAHs.
• To evaluate PAH reactivity and bioavailability using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs).

Main Methods:

• Water samples collected in October and November 2017 and 2018.
• PAH concentrations measured using semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs).
• Analysis performed via gas chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (GC/MS-MS).

Main Results:

• Dissolved PAH concentrations were determined, reflecting environmental reactivity and bioavailability.
• Ecological risk assessment using probabilistic methods indicated negligible risk (RQ < 0.1) for all evaluated PAHs.
• Gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry provided precise quantification of sixteen PAHs.

Conclusions:

• The probabilistic risk assessment suggests a low ecological risk from PAHs in La Fe reservoir water.
• SPMDs effectively capture bioavailable PAHs, providing insights into environmental exposure.
• Continued monitoring is recommended to ensure the long-term health of the reservoir ecosystem.