Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Finnish Water. Part I: Water Supplies. Part II: Drinking Waters

摘要

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are widespread pollutants in the environment. Many PAH compounds are known to have carcinogenic properties and particular attention is accordingly being paid to their presence in air, soil, water and food. The 32 samples of water collected in various parts of Finland were analyzed for PAH compounds. Many of the lakes and rivers from which samples were collected serve as water supplies to municipalities. Part I of an inter-Nordic research program on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the environment, 32 samples of water were collected in various parts of Finland were analyzed for 23 PAH compounds. The combined PAH concentrations ranged from 0.2 to 14.2 ppb. Part II of an inter-Nordic research program on polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in the environment, 9 water samples of drinking waters in the larger Finnish cities and towns were analyzed for 35 PAH compounds. The combined PAH concentrations in tap waters, measured in springtime just after the snow had melted, ranged from 80 to 443 nanograms per liter.