Abstract
This study systematically analyzed the contents, compositions, and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river sediments near an important energy and chemical base in northwest China. In addition, their possible adverse effects on the ecology and human health were assessed. The PAH concentrations in this study area ranged from 2641.28 to 16783.72 (ng/g dw). PAHs of medium molecular weight (3-ring and 4-ring) showed the largest proportion, followed by PAHs of higher molecular weight (5-ring and 6-ring). The results of molecular diagnostic ratios and principal component analysis revealed that PAHs in the region have complex sources, with incomplete combustion of local fossil fuels and traffic exhaust factors being the main sources. The total toxic equivalent concentration of PAHs varied from 10.05 to 760.26 ng/g, and according to the sediment quality guidelines, PAHs have high potential ecological risk in the lower reaches of the river. The mean effect range-median quotient for the region was 0.46, and the combined ecological risk was at moderate to high levels (21% probability of toxicity). The lifetime carcinogenic risks for adults and children exposed to PAHs were 2.95 × 10−3 and 1.87 × 10−2, respectively, which are much higher than the limit of 10−4, indicating moderate to high potential cancer risks. Therefore, the local government should consider taking some environmental remediation measures. This study can provide theoretical support for pollution prevention measures and ecological restoration strategies for rivers in resource-rich areas.
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This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 51978559), the Key research and development project of Shaanxi province (Grant No. 2019ZDLSF05-06).
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ZW, YJL, LY: Sample collection and processing, Conceptualization, Methodology, Data curation, Data Analysis, Writing—original draft. ZZY and ANZ: Validation, Data analyses, and Revision. ZHL: Visualization, Investigation, Supervision. ZL: Writing—review and editing.
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Wang, Z., Liu, Y.J., Yang, L. et al. Distribution, sources, and risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Kaokaowusu river sediments near a coal industrial zone. Environ Geochem Health 45, 6853–6867 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01454-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10653-022-01454-y