Source identification of aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments using GC/MS
A method that may distinguish between input of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from petroleum and combustion sources is demonstrated on sediment samples. Selected series of aromatics (unsubstituted compounds and their C/sub 1/-C/sub 3/ alkyl homologues) are quantified by computerized GC/MS. The alkyl homologue distribution (AHD) within each series and the sum of components in each series relative to the sum of all components measured (relative amount of each aromatic series (RAA)) are graphically visualized. In combination these parameters give a first-order indication of the PAH source. Pyrene/fluoranthene AHD series appear to be especially sensitive as an indicator for detecting PAH from combustion sources. Interestingly the dibenzothiophene AHD series does not discriminate between crude oil and soot samples. The method is demonstrated on sediments from the North Sea and from Norwegian and Swedish fjords.
- Research Organization:
- Central Inst. for Industrial Research, Oslo, Norway
- OSTI ID:
- 5040554
- Journal Information:
- Environ. Sci. Technol.; (United States), Vol. 17:5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Bioaccumulation of PAHs by the estuarine polychaete, Streblospio benedicti: Comparison between radioisotope and GC/MS analyses
Photoactivation and toxicity of mixtures of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon compounds in marine sediment
Related Subjects
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
SEDIMENTS
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
FIORDS
NORTH SEA
NORWAY
POLLUTION SOURCES
SWEDEN
AROMATICS
ATLANTIC OCEAN
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
CHROMATOGRAPHY
ESTUARIES
EUROPE
HYDROCARBONS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
SCANDINAVIA
SEAS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
SPECTROSCOPY
SURFACE WATERS
WESTERN EUROPE
400104* - Spectral Procedures- (-1987)
520200 - Environment
Aquatic- Chemicals Monitoring & Transport- (-1989)