Archives of Environmental Protection

Abstract

The research determined the concentrations of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and sediments of Kłodnica River reservoirs and distribution depending on number of rings, ecotoxicological impact on studied ecosystems and possible sources of origin. Samples were subjected to qualitative and quantitative analysis by gas chromatography coupled with a GC-MS mass detector, using a ZB-5MS column and electron ionization. The sum of 16 PAHs in water ranged 0.111-0.301 μg/L (mean 0.200 μg/L) in Dzierżno Duże, 0.0410-0.784 μg/L (mean 0.303 μg/L) in Dzierżno Małe and 0.0920-1.52 μg/L (mean 0.596 μg/L) in Pławniowice. While in sediments respectively: 17.5-37.2 μg/g (mean 26.8 μg/g), 4.33-8.81 μg/g (6.43 μg/g) and 2.27-9.50 μg/g (5.30 μg/g). The concentration of PAHs in sediments of reservoirs, which spatial management of the catchment area accounts for over 90% of agricultural and forest land, was up to eight times lower than in sediments of the reservoir which is 69%, while built-up and transport areas are 24%. In sediments of Dzierżno Małe and Pławniowice PAHs with 5 and 6 rings dominate, while in Dzierżno Duże -2 and 3 rings. Higher concentrations of PAHs with higher molecular weight, found in the bottom water layers, confirm the role of the sedimentation process in the transport of these compounds in reservoirs. Assessment of sediment quality, based on ecotoxicological criteria, showed that PAHs may cause toxic effects in Dzierżno Duże, while in Dzierżno Małe and Pławniowice can cause sporadic adverse effects. The likely source of PAHs in reservoirs is low emissions. Precision reproducibility range [%] Water 0.00200 μg/L for benzo(a)piren 0.00600 μg/L for benzo(a)piren 0.00800 μg/L for benzo(a)piren 90-115 15 up to 20.0 0-20 0.00300 μg/L for others PAHs 0.00800 μg/L for others PAHs 0.0100 μg/L for others PAHs Bottom sediments 7.00 μg/kg 21.0 μg/kg 30.0 μg/kg 70-115 15 up to 30.0 0-25