Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Distribution characteristics and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Liao River drainage basin, northeast China

  • Published:
Environmental Monitoring and Assessment Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

The Liao River drainage basin, which is one of China’s seven major rivers basins, is located in northeast China. This region is characterized by important industrial bases including steel factories and oil and chemical plants, all of which have the potential to contribute pollutants to the drainage basin. In this study, 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water and suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the major rivers of the Liao River drainage basin were identified and quantified by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The total PAH concentrations ranged from 0.4 to 76.5 μg/g (dry weight) in SPM and 32.6 to 108 ng/L in surface water, respectively. Low-ring PAHs (including two- and three-ring PAHs) were dominant in all PAH samples, and the level of low-ring PAHs in surface water was higher than that in SPM. The proportion of two-ring PAHs was the highest, accounting for an average of 68.2 % of the total PAHs in surface water, while the level of three-ring PAHs was the highest in SPM, with an average of 66.3 %. When compared with other river systems, the concentrations of PAHs in the Liao River drainage basin were lower. Identification of the emission sources based on diagnostic ratios suggested petroleum and fossil fuel combustion were important contribution to PAHs in the study area.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Barreca, S., Bastone, S., Caponetti, E., Chillura Martino, D. F., & Orecchio, S. (2014). Determination of selected polyaromatic hydrocarbons by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for the analysis of wood to establish the cause of sinking of an old vessel (Scauri wreck) by fire. Microchemical Journal, 117(1), 116–121.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bergamasco, A., Culotta, L., De Stefano, C., Orecchio, S., Sammartano, S., Barreca, S., et al. (2014). Composition, distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediments of the Gulf of Milazzo (Mediterranean Sea, Italy). Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds, 34(4), 397–424.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Cao, Z., Wang, Y., Ma, Y., Xu, Z., Shi, G., Zhuang, Y., Zhu, T., et al. (2005). Occurrence and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in reclaimed water and surface water of Tianjin, China. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 122(1–2), 51–59.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Chen, B., Xuan, X., Zhu, L., Wang, J., Gao, Y., Yang, K., Lou, B., et al. (2004). Distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface waters, sediments and soils of Hangzhou City, China. Water Research, 38(16), 3558–3568.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dickhut, R. M., Canuel, E. A., Gustafson, K. E., Liu, K., Arzayus, K. M., Walker, S. E., MacDonald, E. H., et al. (2000). Automotive sources of carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with particulate matter in the Chesapeake Bay Region. Environmental Science & Technology, 34(21), 4635–4640.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Doong, R. A., & Lin, Y. T. (2004). Characterization and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon contaminations in surface sediment and water from Gao-ping River, Taiwan. Water Research, 38(7), 1733–1744.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Du, Q. G. (2004). Stratagem study on sustainable development and environmental protection in Liaoning province (1st Edn., pp. 11–15). Beijing: Science (in Chinese).

    Google Scholar 

  • Fang, G.-C., Chang, C.-N., Wu, Y.-S., Fu, P. P.-C., Yang, I. L., Chen, M.-H., et al. (2004). Characterization, identification of ambient air and road dust polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in central Taiwan, Taichung. Science of the Total Environment, 327(1–3), 135–146.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fernandes, M. B., Sicre, M.-A., Boireau, A., & Tronczynski, J. (1997). Polyaromatic Hydrocarbon (PAH) distributions in the Seine River and its Estuary. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 34(11), 857–867.

  • Frenna, S., Mazzola, A., Orecchio, S., Tuzzolino, N., et al. (2013). Comparison of different methods for extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from Sicilian (Italy) coastal area sediments. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 185(7), 5551–5562.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gustafson, K. E., & Dickhut, R. M., (1997). Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in Southern Chesapeake Bay surface water: evaluation of three methods for determining freely dissolved water concentrations. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, 16(12), 452–461.

  • IARC (2001). Monographs programme on the evaluation of carcinogenic risks to humans, Lyon, France.

  • Johnsen, A. R., Wick, L. Y., Harms, H., et al. (2005). Principles of microbial PAH-degradation in soil. Environmental Pollution, 133(1), 71–84.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Khalili, N. R., Scheff, P. A., Holsen, T. M., et al. (1995). PAH source fingerprints for coke ovens, diesel, and gasoline engines, highway tunnels, and wood combustion emissions. Atmospheric Environment, 29(4), 533–542.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Li, G., Xia, X., Yang, Z., Wang, R., & Voulvoulis, N. (2006). Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the middle and lower reaches of the Yellow River, China. Environmental Pollution, 144(3), 985–993.

  • Li, Y., Liu, J., Cao, Z., Lin, C., & Yang, Z. (2010). Spatial distribution and health risk of heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the water of the Luanhe River Basin, China. Environmental Monitor Assessment, 163(1), 1–13.

  • Mai, B.-X., Fu, J.-M., Sheng, G.-Y., Kang, Y.-H., Lin, Z., Zhang, G., Zeng, E. Y., et al. (2002). Chlorinated and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in riverine and estuarine sediments from Pearl River Delta, China. Environmental Pollution, 117(3), 457–474.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Malik, A., Verma, P., Singh, A., Singh, K., et al. (2011). Distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water and bed sediments of the Gomti River, India. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 172(1-4), 529–545.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Manoli, E., Samara, C., Konstantinou, I., Albanis, T., et al. (2000). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the bulk precipitation and surface waters of Northern Greece. Chemosphere, 41(12), 1845–1855.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Maskaoui, K., Zhou, J. L., Hong, H. S., Zhang, Z. L., et al. (2002). Contamination by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the Jiulong River Estuary and Western Xiamen Sea, China. Environmental Pollution, 118(1), 109–122.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Menzie, C. A., Potocki, B. B., Santodonato, J., et al. (1992). Exposure to carcinogenic PAHs in the environment. Environmental Science & Technology, 26(7), 1278–1284.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mitra, S., & Bianchi, T. (2003). A preliminary assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbondistributions in the lower Mississippi River and Gulf of Mexico. Marine Chemistry, 82(3), 273–288.

  • Nagy, A. S., Simon, G., Szabó, J., Vass, I., et al. (2013). Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water and bed sediments of the Hungarian upper section of the Danube River. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 185(6), 4619–4631.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orecchio, S. (2010). Assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soil of a natural reserve (Isola delle Femmine) (Italy) located in front of a plant for the production of cement. Journal of Hazardous Materials, 173(1-3), 358–368.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Orecchio, S., Cannata, S., Culotta, L., et al. (2010). How building an underwater pipeline connecting Libya to Sicilian coast is affecting environment: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments; monitoring the evolution of the shore approach area of the Gulf of Gela (Italy). Journal of Hazardous Materials, 181(1-3), 647–658.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Patrolecco, L., Ademollo, N., Capri, S., Pagnotta, R., Polesello, S., et al. (2010). Occurrence of priority hazardous PAHs in water, suspended particulate matter, sediment and common eels (Anguilla anguilla) in the urban stretch of the River Tiber (Italy). Chemosphere, 81(11), 1386–1392.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Qin, R., Wu, Y., Xu, Z., Xie, D., Zhang, C., et al. (2013). Assessing the impact of natural and anthropogenic activities on groundwater quality in coastal alluvial aquifers of the lower Liaohe River Plain, NE China. Applied Geochemistry, 31, 142–158.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rogge, W. F., Hildemann, L. M., Mazurek, M. A., Cass, G. R., Simoneit, B. R. T., et al. (1993). Sources of fine organic aerosol. 2. Noncatalyst and catalyst-equipped automobiles and heavy-duty diesel trucks. Environmental Science & Technology, 27(4), 636–651.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Shi, Z., Tao, S., Pan, B., Fan, W., He, X. C., Zuo, Q., et al. (2005). Contamination of rivers in Tianjin, China by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Environmental Pollution, 134(1), 97–111

  • Simcik, M. F., Eisenreich, S. J., & Lioy, P. J. (1999). Source apportionment and source/sink relationships of PAHs in the coastal atmosphere of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Atmospheric Environment, 33(30), 5071–5079.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Song, X. Y., Hu, X. J., He, M. M., Liang, R. J., Li, Y. S., Li, F. M., et al. (2013). Distribution and sources of polycyclic aromatichydrocarbons in the surface water of Taizi River, Northeast of China. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 185(10), 8375–8382.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Tolosa, I., Bayona, J. M., Albaigés, J., et al. (1996). Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur/oxygen derivatives in Northwestern Mediterranean sediments: spatial and temporal variability, fluxes, and budgets. Environmental Science & Technology, 30(8), 2495–2503.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wang, X. C., Zhang, Y. X., Chen, R. F., et al. (2001). Distribution and partitioning of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different size fractions in sediments from Boston Harbor, United States. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 42(11), 1139–1149.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yim, U. H., Hong, S. H., Shim, W. J., Oh, J. R., Chang, M., et al. (2005). Spatio-temporal distribution and characteristics of PAHs in sediments from Masan Bay, Korea. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 50(3), 319–326.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Yu, H. (2002). Environmental carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: photochemistry and phototoxicity. Journal of Environmental Science and Health. Part C, Environmental Carcinogenesis & Ecotoxicology Reviews, 20(2), 149–183.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Yunker, M. B., Macdonald, R. W., Vingarzan, R., Mitchell, R. H., Goyette, D., Sylvestre, S., et al. (2002). PAHs in the Fraser River basin: a critical appraisal of PAH ratios as indicators of PAH source and composition. Organic Geochemistry, 33(4), 489–515.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Y., & Tao, S. (2008). Seasonal variation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) emissions in China. Environmental Pollution, 156(3), 657–663.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhang, Z., Huang, J., Yu, G., Hong, H., et al. (2004). Occurrence of PAHs, PCBs and organochlorine pesticides in the Tonghui River of Beijing, China. Environmental Pollution, 130(2), 249–261.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Zhu, L. Z., Chen, B. L., Wang, J., Shen, H. X., et al. (2004). Pollution survey of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water of Hangzhou, China. Chemosphere, 56(11), 1085–1095.

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by the National Grand Science and Technology Special of China through grant 2012ZX07503-003-001, the National Natural Science Foundation of China through grant 40703021 and the Chinese Academy of Sciences for Key and Innovation Projects through grant KZCX2-EW-102. We also thank Professor Bixian Mai’s team in Guangzhou for their assistance with laboratory analysis.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. State Key Laboratory of Environmental Geochemistry, Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, No.46 Guanshui Road, Guiyang, Guizhou, 550002, People’s Republic of China

    Jian Hu, Congqiang Liu, Guoping Zhang, Siliang Li & Zhiqi Zhao

  2. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China

    Yanlin Zhang & Baojian Liu

  3. Institute of Geographic Sciences and Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 10049, People’s Republic of China

    Qinjun Guo

Authors
  1. Jian Hu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Congqiang Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Guoping Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Yanlin Zhang
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Siliang Li
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Zhiqi Zhao
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  7. Baojian Liu
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  8. Qinjun Guo
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Jian Hu.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Hu, J., Liu, C., Zhang, G. et al. Distribution characteristics and source apportionment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in the Liao River drainage basin, northeast China. Environ Monit Assess 188, 227 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5123-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-016-5123-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation