Evaluation of Generic PAH Profiles Commonly Used in Receptor Models: Implications for Source Control Policy

Correspondence on “Sediment Sources and Sealed-Pavement Area Drive Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon and Metal Occurrence in Urban Streams”

“…The assertion that sediment PAH profiles are more similar to RTS-related sources than other potential sources is incorrect. The statement is based on comparisons of PAH profiles to generic source profiles, such as those published by Li et al 4 As described in detail elsewhere, 5 Li's profiles are unreliable, do not represent the sources claimed, and should not be used in source characterization studies.…”