Occurrence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Soan River, Pakistan: insights into distribution, composition, sources and ecological risk assessment

Ecotoxicol Environ Saf. 2014 Nov:109:77-84. doi: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2014.07.022. Epub 2014 Aug 28.

Abstract

Present study investigates the occurrence, distribution and sources of ∑17 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the surface water of Soan River, Pakistan. The concentrations of total PAHs ranged from 61 to 207 ng/l. Low molecular weight (LMW) PAHs were recorded higher in concentrations (64.7 percent) as compared to high molecular weight (HMW) PAHs (35.6 percent). Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed domestic and industrial wastewater discharge, vehicular exhaust, petroleum residues and biomass combustion as the main sources for PAHs contamination. Using the USEPA toxic equivalency factor (TEF) approach: Benzo(a)Pyrene and Dibenzo(a,h)Anthracene contributed highly carcinogenic exposure equivalent. The surface water of the Soan River is found to be slightly polluted with PAHs thereby posing health risks to aquatic bodies.

Keywords: Ecological risk assessment; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Soan River; Source apportionment; Spatial distribution.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Benz(a)Anthracenes / analysis
  • Benzo(a)pyrene / analysis
  • Environmental Monitoring*
  • Pakistan
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / analysis*
  • Principal Component Analysis
  • Risk Assessment
  • Rivers / chemistry*
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical / analysis*

Substances

  • Benz(a)Anthracenes
  • Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
  • Vehicle Emissions
  • Water Pollutants, Chemical
  • Benzo(a)pyrene
  • 1,2,5,6-dibenzanthracene