No abstract

No abstract

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are considered persistent organic pollutants and can cause serious damage in some organisms, including mutagenic and carcinogenic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the PAH concentrations in an urban basin and use diagnostic ratios to possible distinguish sources of contamination. The surface water analysis showed predominance of compounds containing 3 to 4 aromatic rings while in suspended particulate matter and sediment there was a predominance of compounds containing 4, 5 and 6 rings. Although present in low concentrations in the sediment, assessment of toxicity equivalent factor (TEF) showed values higher than 3 ng g -1 pellet to 50% of the samples with values of up to 125.35 ng g -1. The use of diagnostic ratios allowed verifying that the main source of PAHs in these aquatic environments, are pyrogenic sources. Still, the use of such relations should be done with caution, trying to assess possible interference of degradation factors Keywords: Diagnostic ratios; Risk assessment; Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; Environmental contamination. RESUMOHidrocarbonetos policíclicos aromáticos (HPAs) são poluentes orgânicos considerados persistentes e que podem causar sérios danos em alguns organismos, incluindo propriedades mutagênicas e carcinogênicas. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar as concentrações de HPAs em uma bacia urbanizada e utilizar relações diagnósticas para tentar distinguir fontes de contaminação. A análise de água superficial mostrou um predomínio de compostos de 3 a 4 anéis aromáticos, enquanto que para material particulado suspenso e sedimentos houve uma predominância de compostos com 4, 5 e 6 anéis aromáticos. Apesar de baixas concentrações no sedimento, avaliação de equivalentes de toxicidade mostraram valores superiores a 3 ng g -1 de sedimento para 50% das amostras, com valores de até 125.35 ng g PAHs diagnostic ratios for the distinction of petrogenic and pirogenic sources: applicability in the Upper Iguassu Watershed -Parana, Brazil