Abstract
Background: This study reports the data on the contamination caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) drained into the Volturno River and its environmental impact on the Tyrrhenian Sea (Central Mediterranean Sea). One of the key aims of this study is to use the PAHs as indicators of pollution, by identifying the main sources from which these pollutants originate. Also, the ecosystem health risk and the seasonal and spatial distribution of PAHs in samples of water and sediment was assessed. The 16 PAHs identified by the USEPA as priority pollutants were determined in the water dissolved phase, suspended particulate matter and sediments collected from 10 sites in four seasons.Results: A multidimensional statistical approach was used to identify three pollution composite indicators. Contaminant discharges of PAHs into the sea were calculated in about 3.158,2 kg/year showing that this river should account as one of the main contribution sources of PAHs to the Tyrrhenian Sea. Total concentrations of PAHs varied in ranges 434.8 to 872.1 ng g-1 and 256.7 to 1686.3 ng L-1 in sediment samples and in water (total of water dissolved phase and suspended particulate matter), respectively. Conclusion: The statistical results indicated that the PAHs mainly had a pyrolytic source and the rainy season was the most polluted time. The toxic equivalent concentration (TEQ) of carcinogenic PAHs was 130.3 to 302.1 ngTEQ g-1, implying that the Volturno River basin presents a definite carcinogenic risk.
Distribution and Source of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Water Dissolved Phase, Suspended Particulate Matter and Sediment from Weihe River in Northwest China
