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Systematic underestimation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon aqueous concentrations in rivers
Ottavia Zoboli1, Nikolaus Weber2, Katharina Braun3
1Institute for Water Quality and Resource Management, TU Wien, Karlsplatz 13, 1040, Vienna, Austria. ottavia.zoboli@tuwien.ac.at.
Summary
Analyzing river water for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) using only bulk water samples significantly underestimates contamination. Separate analysis of suspended particulate matter (SPM) is crucial for accurate PAH assessment and transport studies.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Chemistry
- Water Quality Monitoring
- Organic Contaminants
Background:
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are prevalent organic contaminants of concern in aquatic environments.
- PAHs are hydrophobic and strongly adsorb to suspended particulate matter (SPM), influencing their transport in rivers.
- Analytical challenges exist in extracting PAHs from solids, potentially biasing bulk water analyses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that exclusive reliance on bulk water sampling underestimates PAH contamination and transport in rivers.
- To evaluate the accuracy of PAH measurements in bulk water compared to analyses involving SPM.
Main Methods:
- Six high-turbidity river events were sampled using time-integrated methods.
- PAHs were simultaneously analyzed in total bulk water, filtered water, SPM, and supernatant.
- Three Austrian rivers were investigated during high-flow events.
Main Results:
- Bulk water PAH measurements accounted for only about 40% of the total PAHs estimated from SPM analysis.
- This indicates a systematic underestimation of PAH levels when only bulk water is analyzed.
- Significant deviations were observed even with best available standard methods.
Conclusions:
- Exclusive monitoring of bulk river water leads to a substantial underestimation of PAH contamination.
- Accurate assessment of environmental quality standards and riverine PAH loads requires complementary SPM analysis.
- Improved methods for PAH analysis in high-solids-content water samples are needed.
