Concentration Levels and Potential Ecological Risk

Authors: Chenglian Feng Qian Luo Zijian Wang

Publish Date: 2009/03/04

Volume: 1, Issue: 2, Pages: 105-113

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Abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons PAHs are one of the most important persistent organic pollutants POPs and are widespread in surface waters in China Based on the literature surveyed concentration levels and geographic distribution of 16 PAHs in major Chinese rivers were summarized The results showed that 23ring PAHs were predominated in water 4ring PAHs were abundant in suspended particular matter SPM and 36 ring PAHs were the main chemical forms in sediment In general concentration levels of PAHs in rivers from northern China were higher than those from southern China There existed a significant difference between concentration level of PAHs from the north and from the south In comparison with concentration levels of PAHs in the world rivers level of PAHs in dissolved phase in Chinese rivers was higher than those from other countries while PAHs concentration in SPM and sediment of Chinese rivers was in the middle range The quotient method was used to screen the potential risk of PAHs to aquatic organisms It appeared that 7 among 16 PAHs ie phenanthrene anthracene fluoranthene pyrene benzoaanthracene chrysene and benzoapyrene might have potential adverse effects to aquatic system which should be particularly concerned

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