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PAH deposition to snow surface

Chemical analysis and interpretation of results

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Abstract

The urban snowpack effectively acts as a collection device for atmospheric-deposited PAHs. When these PAHs are flushed out in a short time interval along with springtime snowmelt, these cause shockloading to receiving waters. In order to assess the PAH deposition and accumulation in urban snowpacks, a deposition survey of PAH for the winter months of 1991–92 from the city of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada was undertaken. The results of the survey are interpreted in view of prevailing meteorology and various emission sources in the study area. The relative PAH deposition levels (to BaP) are compared with relative source emission fingerprints to examine consistency in sampling and analysis.

While analyzing the PAH samples using the ASTM (1987) method, the problem of concentration levels being below the detection level was encountered. The ASTM method for PAH analysis was modified to enhance the detection limit of the PAHs by concentrating the PAH extract to very low volumes, on the order of 200–300 μL.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Civil Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, 208016, Kanpur, India

    Mukesh Sharma

  2. CRA Engineering Inc., 651 Colby Drive, N2V 1C2, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada

    Edward A. McBean

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  1. Mukesh Sharma
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  2. Edward A. McBean
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Correspondence to Mukesh Sharma.

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Sharma, M., McBean, E.A. PAH deposition to snow surface. Environ Sci & Pollut Res 8, 11–18 (2001). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02987290

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02987290

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