Exploring the Cumulative Selectivity of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Phytoplankton, Water, and Sediment in Typical Urban Water Bodies

Abstract

To understand the interactions among eutrophication, algal bloom, and POPs (persistent organic pollutants) in freshwater ecosystems, the cumulative selectivity of PAHs (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) in phytoplankton, water, and sediment with different eutrophication level waters were identified in a typical plain river network region located in Nanjing City. Results showed that a total of 33 algal species belonging to 27 genera and 4 phyla were identified in 15 sites of urban water bodies, and most of them belonged to the type Cyanobacteria–Bacillariophyta. The eutrophication level of these rivers and lakes led to the sample site specificity of algal composition and abundance. The planktonic algae mainly accumulated the 2-ring and 3-ring PAHs, and the sediment mainly enriched the high-ring PAHs. However, the enrichment capacity of planktonic algae on PAHs was much higher than that of sediment. Cyanophyta and some species of Bacillariophyta and Chlorophyta in mesotrophic (βm) and meso-eutrophic water bodies (ßαm) preferentially accumulated lower-ring PAHs (naphthalene, acenaphthylene, and phenanthrene). Some other specific algae species, such as Euglenophyta, some species of Bacillariophyta, and most Chlorophyta in mesotrophic and moderate eutrophic water bodies, had strong capacities to enrich high-ring PAHs subsuming benzo[a]anthracene, chrysene, and anthracene. The eutrophication level of water bodies affected the cumulative selectivity of PAHs by shaping the site specificity of phytoplankton composition, which may be related to water quality, sediment characteristics, phytoplankton composition, and the algal cell walls.

Analysis of water quality and the response of phytoplankton in the low-temperature environment of Majiagou Urban River, China

“…Similarly, Ma et al concluded through canonical correspondence analysis that DO, TP, and COD are the key environmental factors influencing phytoplankton [ 18 ]. However, Xia's study indicated that temperature, TN, and TP are the key factors affecting phytoplankton, suggesting variations due to different environmental parameters at the study sites [ 38 ]. Therefore, in our study of the Majiagou River, we recognize the need to address this issue.…”

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Freshwater Systems: A Comprehensive Review of Sources, Distribution, and Impacts

“…Increase in industrialization, agricultural practices, and socio-economic development near freshwater systems, contributes with diverse organic pollutants that impacts environmental quality [56]. Among organic micropollutants, PAHs are one of the most abundant in freshwater systems and present toxic properties even at low doses, leading to bioaccumulation in fishes [57], invertebrates [7], and algae [58]. The prevalence of PAHs in freshwater systems poses a significant environmental concern, with their discharge into aquatic environments occurring through various pathways, including atmospheric deposition, runoff, and wastewater inputs [59].…”

Bioremediation of n-alkanes, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and heavy metals from wastewater using seaweeds

“…Due to their numerous negative impacts and cancer-causing nature, these contaminants are extremely harmful. (Xia et al 2022 ). Due to their noxiousness and abundance in the environment, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has named 16 unsubstituted PAHs as the most aggressive pollutants (Qari and Hassan 2017 ).…”