Analysis of polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contaminated riparian sediment and source identification

摘要

Sediment in the Grand Calumet River, Indiana, USA was analyzed for criterion polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). The sediment was freeze dried, extracted with methylene chloride using a Soxhlet apparatus, and followed by Florisil clean up. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry was used to separate and characterize the PAHs. Of the United States priority pollutants for PAH, the major contaminant was chrysene. Other priority PAH contaminants detected were pyrene, benzo[b]fluoranthene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, phenanthrene, and fluoranthene. Three methyl-substituted PAHs were detected in the sediment. 5-methylchrysene is used to examine possible source of contaminant and weathering time.