Source identification of aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments using GC/MS

Abstract

A method that may distinguish between input of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) from petroleum and combustion sources is demonstrated on sediment samples.Selected series of aromatics (unsubstituted compounds and their C^-Cs alkyl homologues) are quantified by computerized GC/MS. The alkyl homologue distribution (AHD) within each series and the sum of components in each series relative to the sum of all components measured (relative amount of each aromatic series (RAA)) are graphically visualized. In combination these parameters give a first-order indication of the PAH source. Pyrene/fluoranthene AHD series appear to be especially sensitive as an indicator for detecting PAH from combustion sources. Interestingly the dibenzothiophene AHD series does not discriminate between crude oil and soot samples. The method is demonstrated on sediments from the North Sea and from Norwegian and Swedish fjords.

Association of soil polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon levels and anthropogenic impacts in a rapidly urbanizing region: Spatial distribution, soil–air exchange and ecological risk

“…They were similar to those in typical emission sources dominated by 3-and 4-ring PAHs (Fig. S4) (Xu et al, 2006), suggesting that soil PAHs in the present study were mainly derived from residues of combustion of coal, refined petroleum and biomass (Sporstol et al, 1983;Levendis and Atal, 1998;Larsen and Baker, 2003;Robinson et al, 2006).…”

“…The first factor, accounting for 53% of the total variance, predominantly contained 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-and 7-ring PAHs except for Flo, Ace, Per and DPA, and is related to PAHs from combustion of coal and refined petroleum products (Sporstol et al, 1983;Levendis and Atal, 1998;Larsen and Baker, 2003;Robinson et al, 2006). This is consistent with the fact that coal has remained the most important energy source in the PRD and surrounding areas, accounting for 48% of all energy consumption in 2010 (Statistical Bureau of Guangdong Province, 2011).…”

“…This is consistent with the fact that coal has remained the most important energy source in the PRD and surrounding areas, accounting for 48% of all energy consumption in 2010 (Statistical Bureau of Guangdong Province, 2011). The second factor, responsible for 18% of the total variance, was enriched with 1-mNa, 2-mNa, Bp, 2,6-dimNa and Flo from petroleum spill (Sporstol et al, 1983). In addition, the third and fourth factors, contributing to 9% and 4% of the total variance, were related to Ace, Per and DPA from diagenesis and diesel combustion (Table S5), respectively (Hites et al, 1980;Concord Scientific Corporation and Beak Consultants, 1992;Larsen and Baker, 2003).…”

Evaluation of a protocol for the quantification of black carbon in sediments

“…While the "purity" of any BC isolate is difficult to completely constrain, the purity of individual molecules is assessable. The methylphenanthrenes-phenanthrene ratio of SRM-1649a (0.5; calculated by us from information in NIST certificate) indicates that the PAHs must derive overwhelmingly from pyrogenic sources [Youngblood and Blumer, 1975;Sporstol et al, 1983]. These compounds thus serve as useful molecular markers of combustion-derived material in this sample.…”

“…The BC analysis techniques that have emerged as the more tractable and quantitative are generally based on either chemical or thermal oxidation to isolate the polyaromatic BC from the less condensed nonpyrogenic organic carbon (NPOC), followed by elemental C determination (after conversion of residue to CO2). Middelburg et al [1999] recently reviewed published techniques and selected for their detailed empirical evaluation one method based on hot nitric acid chemical oxidation [Verardo, 1997] •ngelholm, Sweden) were subjected to the CTO method to evaluate the charring potential of such matter. To further constrain the applicability of the method to aquatic particles, we tested a freeze-dried phytoplankton exudate from a laboratory culture of the coccolitophoridae Emiliana huxleyi which had been harvested using a 1000 D cutoff cross-flow ultrafiltration system and was kindly donated by Dan Repeta (Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution).…”