High-resolution depositional records of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the central continental shelf mud of the East China Sea

Journal Article · Fri Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 2006 · Environmental Science and Technology

OSTI ID:20790876

Guo, Zhigang; Lin, Tian; Zhang, Gan; Yang, Zuosheng; Fang, Ming ^[1]

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1. Ocean University of China, Qingdao (China). College of Marine Geosciences

A well-placed {sup 210}Pb-dated sediment core extracted from the distal mud in the central continental shelf of the East China Sea is used to reconstruct the high-resolution atmospheric depositional record of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), believed to be transported mainly from China in the past 200 years due to the East Asian Monsoon. Total PAHs (TPAHs), based on the 16 USEPA priority PAHs, range from 27 in 1788 to 132 ng g{sup -1} in 2001. TPAH variation in the core reflects energy usage changes and follows closely the historical economic development in China. PAHs in the core are dominantly pyrogenic in source, i.e., they are mainly from the incomplete combustion of coal and biomass burning. Several individual PAHs suggest that contribution from incomplete petroleum combustion has increased during recent years. Analysis of the 2 + 3 ring and the 5 + 6 ring PAHs and principle component analysis provide more evidence in the change in the energy structure, especially after 1978 when China embarked on the 'Reform and Open' Policy, indicating the transformation from an agricultural to an industrial economy of China. The historical profile of PAH distribution in the study area is obviously different from the United States and Europe due to their difference in energy structure and economic development stages. 39 refs., 5 figs.

• OSTI ID: 20790876
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Vol. 40, Issue 17; Other Information: [e-mail]; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
02 PETROLEUM
09 BIOMASS FUELS
POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS
SEDIMENTS
ENVIRONMENTAL TRANSPORT
COAL
BIOMASS
PETROLEUM
COMBUSTION PRODUCTS
SAMPLING
POLLUTION SOURCES
ANNUAL VARIATIONS
HISTORICAL ASPECTS
DEPOSITION
DEPTH
SEAS
CHINA
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
ENERGY CONSUMPTION
LONG-RANGE TRANSPORT
LEAD 210