Occurrence, source identification, and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Pearl River Delta, China

Li, Haiyan; Lai, Zini; Zeng, Yanyi; Gao, Yuan; Yang, Wanling; Mai, Yongzhan; Wang, Chao

Occurrence, source identification, and ecological risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Pearl River Delta, China

2021

The pollution characteristics, sources, and ecological risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediment samples from the river networks and outlets of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) were investigated. The total PAH concentrations were in the range of 69.1–1297 ng g⁻¹ in river networks and 56.6–617 ng g⁻¹ in river outlets. The results of source identification showed that PAHs in sediments were mainly derived from combined sources of coke tar and liquid fossil fuel combustion, coal/wood combustion, and petroleum contamination. The ecological risks of PAHs were evaluated based on sediment quality guidelines (SQG), mean probable effects levels quotient values (PEL-Q), and the toxicity equivalence factor (TEQBₐP) method. The ecological risks of PAHs in sediments were at moderate levels in the Pearl River Delta. Although no high risk was found, regular and continuous monitoring of PAHs in sediments needs to be performed.

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