Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Waters from India: Possible Sources and Risk Assessment

Abstract

Priority 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were examined in the surface water from urbanized rivers and drains. The concentration in the Hindon River, Yamuna River, and drains, respectively, varied from 1.64 to 73.4, 1.98 to 93.0, and 1.99 to 67.4 µg L⁻¹. Total concentrations of PAHs in winter were 4.1, 2.9, and 3.6 times higher than in summer, respectively. Naphthalene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, (low molecular weight compounds) and chrysene contributed 62.3% to 74.4% and 17.7% to 24.8%, respectively, to the overall concentration. Their predominance suggested emissions from the combustion of industrial oil, wood, and grass. Due to the impact of waste water discharges, the spatial distribution was unpredictable. In comparison to the lower section of the rivers, the upper stretch had a low concentration. This suggested that it came from sources of urban emissions. Emission sources from unintentional spills and auto shops, along with local emissions and long-range atmospheric transport, were found in the source apportionment analysis. Locations where some PAHs surpassed chronic values could be hazardous to aquatic life. A thorough investigation was necessary because there are relatively few studies on persistent organic contaminants, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, in surface waters from the area.

Keywords:

• PAHs
• river water
• waste water
• source apportionment
• health hazard

Acknowledgements

The authors are grateful to authorities of Central Pollution Control Board for support and providing the necessary facilities to conduct study. The views expressed in this paper are those of authors and do not necessarily reflect the organization’s.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).