Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Sediments of Marinas, Western Basin Lake Erie, U.S. A. PDF Download

Author: Donald E. Nelson (Jr.)
Publisher:
ISBN:
Category : Contaminated sediments
Languages : en
Pages : 230

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Book Description
Recreational boating facilities have historically been areas of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination brought upon by a variety of sources including stormwater runoff, petroleum product combustion, atmospheric deposition, and fueling operations. These compounds can be released to the environment through disturbance of the sediments. Physicochemical reactions of particulate phase organic matter with organic contaminants in contaminated sediments are one of the factors that may influence the release of these contaminants to the surrounding environment. Relationships between these organic matter components and PAHs may be a deciding factor in determining the fate of these dredged sediments, including their possible re-use. In this study, the relationships between PAH concentrations and organic matter components are presented. Desorption kinetics are examined in a laboratory setting using Tenax® TA resin beads that act as an infinite sink for hydrocarbons. Three marinas, along the Western Basin of Lake Erie were chose to represent common marina settings throughout the basin. Samples were analyzed for organic matter, total organic carbon, black carbon, and PAHs. Concentrations of PAH compounds were variable within and between marinas. Ratios of PAH compounds indicated that most chemicals are from a pyrogenic origin. Although it was the smallest portion of the quantified organic matter, black carbon showed the best correlation to PAH concentrations. Desorption trials show compounds desorb in a biphasic component manner, a fast desorbing component and a slow more "refractory" component. Desorption kinetics were mostly related to the quality of organic matter present, with slow desorbing sites having higher black carbon quantities.