PAHs, nitro-PAHs, hopanes, and steranes in lake trout from Lake Michigan

Novel Insights into the Promoted Accumulation of Nitro-Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the Roots of Legume Plants

Substituted polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (sub-PAHs) are receiving increased attention due to their high toxicity and ubiquitous presence. However, the accumulation behaviors of sub-PAHs in crop roots remain unclear. In this study, the accumulation mechanism of sub-PAHs in crop roots was systematically disclosed by hydroponic experiments from the perspectives of utilization, uptake, and elimination. The obtained results showed an interesting phenomenon that despite not having the strongest hydrophobicity among the five sub-PAHs, nitro-PAHs (including 9-nitroanthracene and 1-nitropyrene) displayed the strongest accumulation potential in the roots of legume plants, including mung bean and soybean. The nitrogen-deficient experiments, inhibitor experiments, and transcriptomics analysis reveal that nitro-PAHs could be utilized by legumes as a nitrogen source, thus being significantly absorbed by active transport, which relies on amino acid transporters driven by H+-ATPase. Molecular docking simulation further demonstrates that the nitro group is a significant determinant of interaction with an amino acid transporter. Moreover, the depuration experiments indicate that the nitro-PAHs may enter the root cells, further slowing their elimination rates and enhancing the accumulation potential in legume roots. Our results shed light on a previously unappreciated mechanism for root accumulation of sub-PAHs, which may affect their biogeochemical processes in soils.

Sedimentary spatial variation, source identification and ecological risk assessment of parent, nitrated and oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in a large shallow lake in China

Because polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) are persistent, universal, and toxic pollutants, understanding the potential source and ecological risk thereof in lakes is critical to the safety of the aquatic environment. Here, a total of 25 sedimentary samples were collected from Lake Taihu, China, in 2018. The total concentrations of 16 parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), 15 nitrated PAHs (NPAHs), nine oxygenated PAHs (OPAHs), and five hydroxy-PAHs (OH-PAHs) ranged from 294 to 1243, 3.0 to 54.5, 188 to 1897, and 8.3 to 51.7 ng/g dw, with the most abundant compounds being fluoranthene, 1,8-dinitropyrene, 6H-Benzo[cd]pyren-6-one, and 2-phenylphenol, respectively. The spatial distribution of PACs in sediments of Lake Taihu showed elevated concentrations from east to west due to economic development and transportation. The positive correlations between most paired PAHs indicate that these compounds likely originated from similar sources. The total organic carbon and organic matter contents affected the distribution characteristics of PACs in sediments. Diagnostic ratios, principal component analysis-multiple linear regression (PCA-MLR), and positive matrix factorization (PMF) were integrated to identify the sources. PACs had various sources including combustion, petroleum leakage, traffic emissions, hydroxyl metabolism, and other oxidation pathways in sediments of Lake Taihu. The PMF (R² > 0.9824), which showed better optimal performance compared with PCA-MLR (R² > 0.9564) for PAHs and derivatives, is recommended as the preferred model for quantitative source analysis. Ecological risk assessment showed that the risk quotient values of OPAHs in sediments were much higher than those of other PACs and should be given special attention.

Predictive Models of Gas/Particulate Partition Coefficients (KP) for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons and Their Oxygen/Nitrogen Derivatives

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their oxygen/nitrogen derivatives released into the atmosphere can alternate between a gas phase and a particulate phase, further affecting their environmental behavior and fate. The gas/particulate partition coefficient (KP) is generally used to characterize such partitioning equilibrium. In this study, the correlation between log KP of fifty PAH derivatives and their n-octanol/air partition coefficient (log KOA) was first analyzed, yielding a strong linear correlation (R2 = 0.801). Then, Gaussian 09 software was used to calculate quantum chemical descriptors of all chemicals at M062X/6-311+G (d,p) level. Both stepwise multiple linear regression (MLR) and support vector machine (SVM) methods were used to develop the quantitative structure-property relationship (QSPR) prediction models of log KP. They yield better statistical performance (R2 > 0.847, RMSE < 0.584) than the log KOA model. Simulation external validation and cross validation were further used to characterize the fitting performance, predictive ability, and robustness of the models. The mechanism analysis shows intermolecular dispersion interaction and hydrogen bonding as the main factors to dominate the distribution of PAH derivatives between the gas phase and particulate phase. The developed models can be used to predict log KP values of other PAH derivatives in the application domain, providing basic data for their ecological risk assessment.

Past, present, and future perspectives on the assessment of bioavailability/bioaccessibility of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: A 20-year systemic review based on scientific econometrics

Bioaccessibility/bioavailability (bioac-bioav) is an important criterion in the risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), especially in the restoration of contaminated sites. Although, the bioac-bioav concept is widely employed in PAH risk assessment for both humans and wildlife, their growth and integration in risk assessment models are seldom discussed. Consequently, the relevant literature listed on Web of Science (WOS)™ was retrieved and analyzed using the bibliometric software Citespace in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of this issue. Due to the limitations of the literature search software, we manually searched the articles about PAHs bioac-bioav that were published before 2000. This stage focuses on research on the distribution coefficient of PAHs between different environmental phases and laid the foundation for the adsorption-desorption of PAHs in subsequent studies of the bioac-bioav of PAHs. The research progress on PAH bioac-bioav from 2000 to the present was evaluated using the Citespace software based on country- and discipline-wise publication volumes and research hotspots. The development stages of PAH bioac-bioav after 2000 were divided into four time segments. The first three segments (2000-2005, 2006-2010, and 2011-2015) focused on the degradation of PAHs and their in vivo (bioavailability)-in vitro (bioaccessibility) evaluation method and risk assessment. Meanwhile, the current (2016-present) research focuses on the establishment of analytical methods for assessing PAH derivatives at environmental concentrations and the optimization of various in vitro digestion methods, including chemical optimization (sorptive sink) and biological optimization (Caco-2 cell). The contents are aimed at supplying researchers with a deeper understanding of the development of PAH bioac-bioav.

Anthropogenic and natural inputs of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in the sediment of three coastal systems of the Brazilian Amazon

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were measured in 32 surface sediment samples collected around three cities (Barcarena, Belém, and Santana) located on the coast of the Brazilian Amazon. The concentration of total PAHs ranged from lower than detection limit to 33,101 ng g-1 in a sample from Barcarena and was related to a large aluminum industrial complex and port activities. In Belém, which is the most populated area in the Amazon region, PAHs were probably derived from untreated sewage discharge and inputs from a large municipal landfill. Pyrogenic PAHs were predominant in both cities, with a smaller contribution of petrogenic PAHs. Low alkylated PAH levels may be associated with small boats and ship traffic. Santana had low total PAH concentrations, with a predominance of unusual alkylated PAHs, probably related to diagenetic transformations of organic matter in the sediment. In general, PAH concentrations in the samples were low and may reflect baseline levels for this Amazon estuarine system.

Nitrated and parent PAHs in the surface water of Lake Taihu, China: Occurrence, distribution, source, and human health risk assessment

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) have toxic potentials that are higher than those of their corresponding parent polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and thus have received increasing attention in recent years. In this study, the occurrence, distribution, source, and human health risk assessment of 15 NPAHs and 16 PAHs were investigated in the surface water from 20 sampling sites of Lake Taihu during the dry, normal, and flood seasons of 2018. The ΣPAH concentrations ranged from 255 to 7298 ng/L and the ΣNPAH concentrations ranged from not-detected (ND) to 212 ng/L. Among the target analytes, 2-nitrofluorene (2-nFlu) was the predominant NPAH, with a detection frequency ranging from 85% to 90% and a maximum concentration of 56.2 ng/L. The three-ringed and four-ringed NPAHs and PAHs comprised the majority of the detected compounds. In terms of seasonal variation, the highest levels of the ΣNPAHs and ΣPAHs were in the dry season and flood season, respectively. Diagnostic ratio analysis indicated that the prime source of NPAHs was direct combustion, whereas in the case of PAHs the contribution was predominantly from a mixed pattern including pollution from unburned petroleum and petroleum combustion. The human health risk of NPAHs and PAHs was evaluated using a lifetime carcinogenic risk assessment model. The carcinogenic risk level of the targets ranged from 2.09 × 10^-7 to 5.75 × 10^-5 and some surface water samples posed a potential health risk.

Polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) in the Canadian environment: A review of sampling techniques, strategies and instrumentation

A wide variety of sampling techniques and strategies are needed to analyze polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) and interpret their distributions in various environmental media (i.e., air, water, snow, soils, sediments, peat and biological material). In this review, we provide a summary of commonly employed sampling methods and strategies, as well as a discussion of routine and innovative approaches used to quantify and characterize PACs in frequently targeted environmental samples, with specific examples and applications in Canadian investigations. The pros and cons of different analytical techniques, including gas chromatography - flame ionization detection (GC-FID), GC low-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-LRMS), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet, fluorescence or MS detection, GC high-resolution MS (GC-HRMS) and compound-specific stable (δ¹³C, δ²H) and radiocarbon (Δ¹⁴C) isotope analysis are considered. Using as an example research carried out in Canada's Athabasca oil sands region (AOSR), where alkylated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and sulfur-containing dibenzothiophenes are frequently targeted, the need to move beyond the standard list of sixteen EPA priority PAHs and for adoption of an AOSR bitumen PAC reference standard are highlighted.

Bioavailability of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) to the Sydney rock oyster (Saccostrea glomerata) from sediment matrices of an economically important Australian estuary

Improving risk assessment and remediation rests on better understanding of contaminant bioavailability. Despite their strong toxicological attributes, little is known about the partitioning behaviour and bioavailability of polar polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in aquatic environments. The present study provides an insight into the bioavailable fractions of polar PAHs and their parent analogues in the tissues of the Sydney rock oyster, Saccostrea glomerata, a model aquatic bio-indicator organism. The concentration and distribution patterns of parent and polar PAHs including oxygenated PAHs (oxyPAHs), nitrated PAHs (NPAHs) and heterocyclic PAHs (HPAHs) were determined in water, sediment and oysters from an ecologically and economically important estuary of New South Wales, Australia. Total concentrations of PAHs, oxyPAHs, NPAHs and HPAHs were higher in sediments compared to oyster tissue and water. For most polar PAHs, total concentrations for water, sediment and oyster samples were <1 μg/g (μg/l for water) while parent PAH concentrations were several orders of magnitude higher. Computed biota-sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) on lipid-normalized oyster concentrations revealed that while ∑oxyPAHs and ∑HPAHs exhibited low accumulation from sediment to oyster tissues (BSAF <1), ∑PAHs and ∑NPAH were found to be accumulated at high levels (BSAF >1). BSAF individual computation showed that bioaccumulation of nine investigated HPAHs in oyster tissues were relatively low and only 2-EAQ (oxyPAH) and 1N-NAP (NPAH) showed high levels of accumulation in oyster tissues, similar to parent PAHs. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first known study on the bioavailability of polar and non-polar PAHs in an Australian aquatic environment. The outcome of this study might be a useful indicator of the potential risks of polar PAHs to humans and other living organisms.

Risk assessment of the lipid metabolism-disrupting effects of nitro-PAHs

Nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) are of increasing global concern due to their ubiquitous occurrence and long-range transport in the environment. However, their potential metabolism-disrupting effects, especially nuclear receptor-related lipid disorders, are still poorly understood. Targeting estrogen receptor α (ERα), this study for the first time evaluated the lipid metabolic effects of NPAHs using in vitro and in vivo models. The results indicated that four of the five NPAHs tested exhibited significant ERα agonistic activities, and induced increased secretion of 17β-estradiol (E₂) in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, lipidomic analysis showed that exposure to the candidate NPAH (3-nitrofluoranthene, 3-NFA) led to elevated hepatic levels of triacylglycerols (TAGs) and cholesteryl esters (CEs). Importantly, the lipid overload induced by 3-NFA was verified in the livers of zebrafish larvae using Oil Red O staining. Additionally, significant increases in E₂ production and the expression levels of associated genes (17βHSD and C/EBP-α) further supported the involvement of the ERα signaling pathway in the lipid metabolic perturbation induced by 3-NFA. These results provide novel insight into the lipid metabolism-disrupting effects induced by NPAHs and may offer a better understanding of the environmental risks of NPAHs.

Toxicities of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons for Aquatic Animals

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic compounds that are widely distributed in the air, water, and soil. Recently, the amount of PAHs derived from fuels and from incomplete combustion processes is increasing. In the aquatic environment, oil spills directly cause PAH pollution and affect marine organisms. Oil spills correlate very well with the major shipping routes. Furthermore, accidental oil spills can seriously impact the marine environment toxicologically. Here, we describe PAH toxicities and related bioaccumulation properties in aquatic animals, including invertebrates. Recent studies have revealed the toxicity of PAHs, including endocrine disruption and tissue-specific toxicity, although researchers have mainly focused on the carcinogenic toxicity of PAHs. We summarize the toxicity of PAHs regarding these aspects. Additionally, the bioaccumulation properties of PAHs for organisms, including invertebrates, are important factors when considering PAH toxicity. In this review, we describe the bioaccumulation properties of PAHs in aquatic animals. Recently, microplastics have been the most concerning environmental problem in the aquatic ecosystem, and the vector effect of microplastics for lipophilic compounds is an emerging environmental issue. Here, we describe the correlation between PAHs and microplastics. Thus, we concluded that PAHs have a toxicity for aquatic animals, indicating that we should emphasize the prevention of aquatic PAH pollution.

Forage fish and polycyclic aromatic compounds in the Fort McMurray oil sands area: Body burden comparisons with environmental distributions and consumption guidelines

The Fort McMurray region in northeastern Alberta (Canada) is rich in natural sources of polycyclic aromatic compounds (PACs) from exposed bitumen beds; anthropogenic sources are being released with increased oil sands industry expansion. Here we report on investigations of PACs (47 compounds) in three species of forage fish collected during the 2012-2013 Joint Oil Sands Monitoring Program (JOSMP) fish health investigations and compare results with PAC data for sediment and water collected under JOSMP and earlier programs. PAC concentrations in sediments varied three orders in magnitude and were highest at downstream tributary mouths, which flowed through the exposed McMurray Formation, and along reaches of the Athabasca River where the formation was exposed. PAC concentrations in water were less variable but with higher concentrations near exposed bitumen beds. Forage fish exhibited the weakest spatial gradients in ΣPACs concentration, which averaged 102 ± 32 ng/g in trout-perch from the Athabasca River, 125 ± 22 ng/g in lake chub from the Ells River, and 278 ± 267 ng/g in slimy sculpin from the Steepbank, Firebag, and Dunkirk Rivers. Low-molecular weight compounds, particularly naphthalenes and fluorenes, dominated fish PACs. Phenanthrenes occurred in greater percent composition in fish caught in areas where PAC concentrations in sediments were higher due to the proximity of bitumen sources than in other areas. Dibenzothiophene, a major component of bitumen PAC, was a minor component of fish ΣPACs. Forage fish PAC concentrations were below fish consumption guidelines established by the European Commission (2011) and for the reopening of the commercial fisheries closed by the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. PAC concentrations in forage fish were similar to concentrations observed in many other studies (fish market surveys, estuaries, and marine waters) and lower than in fish sampled from highly impacted areas (near refineries, harbors, and other industrialized areas).

Existence, removal and transformation of parent and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in two biological wastewater treatment processes

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) are pollutants commonly present in the environment. Some NPAHs are considered to have more severe toxic effects than their parent PAHs. The existence of 16 PAHs (678.5-3817.8 ng/L in wastewater, 499.9 ng/g-1239.6 ng/g in sludge) and 5 NPAHs (175.8-1392.4 ng/L in wastewater, 483.5 ng/g-2763.1 ng/g in sludge) was determined in a biological wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) in Qingdao, China. Anthracene and naphthalene were the predominant PAHs, and 2-nitrofluorene and 9-nitroanthracene were the predominant NPAHs. Petroleum, liquid fossil fuel combustion and exhaust emissions were the main sources of PAHs and NPAHs in this study. In both the sequencing batch reactor/moving-bed biofilm (SBR/MBBR) and the anaerobic-anoxic-aerobic (A²O) process, low-molecular-weight PAHs were mainly removed through volatilization and biodegradation/biotransformation. Meanwhile, the removal of high-molecular-weight PAHs and NPAHs depended on adsorption and sedimentation. The transformation from PAHs to NPAHs mainly occurred in the aqueous-phase, especially in summer and that was confirmed by mass flow and ratios variation. Overall, the removal capacity of the A²O process for PAHs and NPAHs was better than that of the SBR/MBBR process. Tertiary treatment processes had little effect or even a negative effect on the removal of PAHs and NPAHs.

Anthropogenic PAHs in lake sediments: a literature review (2002-2018)

Lake sediments are an important reservoir for toxic and hydrophobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Monitoring of PAHs in sediment is helpful to understand pollution mechanisms and anthropogenic activities. This study reviews studies of PAHs in lake sediments published during 2002-2018. The studies' findings are analyzed, distributions of PAHs in lake sediments are summarized, and the applicability of lake sediments for tracking changes in PAH emission sources is emphasized. Lake sediments heavily polluted with PAHs are distributed in China, Egypt, the USA, and some urban lakes in Africa. The high levels of PAHs are predominantly associated with human activities such as anthropogenic combustion, petroleum industries, road traffic, and socioeconomic factors. However, the concentrations of sedimentary PAHs in most lakes were below the international guideline values.

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) in the environment - A review

Nitrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs) are derivatives of PAHs with at least one nitro-functional group (-NO₂) on the aromatic ring. The toxic effects of several nitro-PAHs are more pronounced than those of PAHs. Some nitro-PAHs are classified as possible or probable human carcinogens by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Nitro-PAHs are released into the environment from combustion of carbonaceous materials (e.g. fossil fuels, biomass, waste) and post-emission transformation of PAHs. Most studies on nitro-PAHs are about air (gas-phase and particulate matter), therefore less is known about the occurrence, concentrations, transport and fate of nitro-PAHs in soils, aquatic environment and biota. Studies on partition and exchange of nitro-PAHs between adjacent environmental compartments are also sparse. The concentrations of nitro-PAHs cannot easily be predicted from the intensity of anthropogenic activity or easily related to those of PAHs. This is because anthropogenic source strengths of nitro-PAHs are different from those of PAHs, and also nitro-PAHs have additional sources (formed by photochemical conversion of PAHs). The fate and transport of nitro-PAHs could be considerably different from their related PAHs because of their higher molecular weights and considerably different sorption mechanisms. Hence, specific knowledge on nitro-PAHs is required. Regulations on nitro-PAHs are also lacking. We present an extensive review of published literature on the sources, formation, physico-chemical properties, methods of determination, occurrence, concentration, transport, fate, (eco)toxicological and adverse health effects of nitro-PAHs. We also make suggestions and recommendations about data needs, and future research directions on nitro-PAHs. It is expected that this review will stimulate scientific discussion and provide the basis for further research and regulations on nitro-PAHs.

Photo-induced toxicity and oxidative stress responses in Tigriopus japonicus exposed to nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and artificial light

Photo-induced toxicity is an important phenomenon in ecotoxicology because sunlight reaches many organisms in their natural habitats. To elucidate whether sunlight enhances the toxicity of nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (nitro-PAHs), the acute toxicities of 10 nitro-PAHs and the related compound 1-nitropyrene (1-NP) to Tigriopus japonicus were assessed in darkness or under light conditions. In addition, the relationships among the toxicity of 1-NP to T. japonicus, lighting condition, and the concentration of reactive oxygen species (ROS) formed were investigated in the presence or absence of the ROS scavenger ascorbic acid in the test solutions. Light irradiation increased the toxicity of all tested nitro-PAHs except 1,5-dinitronaphthalene. Among the compounds tested, 1-NP was the most phototoxic: it was more than 1000 times more toxic under the light conditions than in darkness. In contrast, at the same light levels, pyrene was not phototoxic. Light irradiation induced the generation of ROS in the 1-NP exposure groups, and the immobilization rate of T. japonicus increased with the amount of ROS produced. The addition of ascorbic acid to the test solutions suppressed both the generation of ROS and the light-induced immobilization of T. japonicus. To accurately assess the ecotoxicologic risk of nitro-PAHs, their overall photo-induced toxicity must be considered.

Seawater Polluted with Highly Concentrated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons Suppresses Osteoblastic Activity in the Scales of Goldfish, Carassius auratus

We have developed an original in vitro bioassay using teleost scale, that has osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and bone matrix as each marker: alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for osteoblasts and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) for osteoclasts. Using this scale in vitro bioassay, we examined the effects of seawater polluted with highly concentrated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (NPAHs) on osteoblastic and osteoclastic activities in the present study. Polluted seawater was collected from two sites (the Alexandria site on the Mediterranean Sea and the Suez Canal site on the Red Sea). Total levels of PAHs in the seawater from the Alexandria and Suez Canal sites were 1364.59 and 992.56 ng/l, respectively. We were able to detect NPAHs in both seawater samples. Total levels of NPAHs were detected in the seawater of the Alexandria site (12.749 ng/l) and the Suez Canal site (3.914 ng/l). Each sample of polluted seawater was added to culture medium at dilution rates of 50, 100, and 500, and incubated with the goldfish scales for 6 hrs. Thereafter, ALP and TRAP activities were measured. ALP activity was significantly suppressed by both polluted seawater samples diluted at least 500 times, but TRAP activity did not change. In addition, mRNA expressions of osteoblastic markers (ALP, osteocalcin, and the receptor activator of the NF-κB ligand) decreased significantly, as did the ALP enzyme activity. In fact, ALP activity decreased on treatment with PAHs and NPAHs. We conclude that seawater polluted with highly concentrated PAHs and NPAHs influences bone metabolism in teleosts.

In vivo and in vitro effects of tunnel wash water and traffic related contaminants on aquatic organisms

In order to maintain the construction and safety of road tunnels, they are routinely washed. The wash water appears to be highly polluted with a plethora of contaminants in elevated concentrations. In addition, new and emerging compounds are likely to occur. The discharge water has shown acute toxic and sub-lethal effects in several organisms. In this study, ecotoxicity tests with algae (Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata) and in vitro tests with primary rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes were used to characterize the effect of TWW from three different tunnels. In addition, selected N- and Cl-PAHs were tested for cytotoxicity, EROD activity and CYP1A protein production. TWW samples and/or extracts from two tunnels reduced the algal growth and induced cytotoxicity, EROD activity and CYP1A protein production in vitro. Four of the eight tested Cl- and N-substituted PAHs induced EROD activity and CYP1A protein production at micro-molar concentrations. N-PAHs were detected in samples from the tunnel wash, highlighting substituted PAHs as potentially important traffic-related contaminants.

Characterization of parent and oxygenated-polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in Xi'an, China during heating period: An investigation of spatial distribution and transformation

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and its oxygenated derivatives (OPAHs) are toxins in PM2.5. Little information has been known for their transformation in the ambient airs. In this study, PM2.5 samples were collected at 19 sampling sites in Xi'an, China during the heating period, which is classified into: urban residential, university, commercial area, suburban region, and industry. Organic compounds including PAHs, OPAHs, hopanes and cholestanes were quantified. The average of total quantified PAHs and OPAHs concentrations were 196.5 ng/m(3) and 29.4 ng/m(3), respectively, which were consistent with other northern cities in China. Statistical analyses showed that there were significant differences on the distributions of PAHs between urban and suburban regions. The industry also had distinguishable profiles compared with urban residential and commercial area for OPAHs. The greater diversity of OPAHs than PAHs might be due to different primary emission sources and transformation and degradation pathways. The ratios of OPAHs to the corresponding parent PAHs, including 9-fluorenone/fluorene, anthraquinone/anthracene, benz[a]anthracene-7,12-dione/benzo[a]anthracene were 6.2, 12.7, and 1.4, respectively, which were much higher than those for the fresh emissions from coal combustion and biomass burning. These prove the importance of secondary formation and transformation of OPAHs in the ambient airs. Biomarkers such as retene, cyclopenta[CD]pyrene and αα-homohopane were characterized for the source apportionment. With Positive Matrix Factorization (PMF) model analysis, biomass burning was recognized as the most dominant pollution sources for PAHs during the heading period, which accounted for a contribution of 37.1%. Vehicle emission (22.8%) and coal combustion (22.6%) were also contributors in Xi'an.

PAH distributions in sediments in the oil sands monitoring area and western Lake Athabasca: Concentration, composition and diagnostic ratios

Oil sands activities north of Fort McMurray, Alberta, have intensified in recent years with a concomitant debate as to their environmental impacts. The Regional Aquatics Monitoring Program and its successor, the Joint Canada-Alberta Implementation Plan for Oil Sands Monitoring (JOSM), are the primary aquatic programs monitoring this industry. Here we examine sediment data (collected by Ekman grabs) to investigate trends and sources of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), supplementing these data with sediment core studies. Total PAH (ΣPAH) concentrations were highest at Shipyard Lake (6038 ± 2679 ng/g) in the development center and lower at Isadore's Lake (1660 ± 777 ng/g) to the north; both lakes are in the Athabasca River Valley and lie below the developments. ΣPAH concentrations were lower (622-930 ng/g) in upland lakes (Kearl, McClelland) located further away from the developments. ΣPAH concentrations increased at Shipyard Lake (2001-2014) and the Ells River mouth (1998-2014) but decreased in nearshore areas at Kearl Lake (2001-2014) and a Muskeg River (2000-2014) site. Over the longer term, ΣPAH concentrations increased in Kearl (1934-2012) and Sharkbite (1928-2010) Lakes. Further (200 km) downstream in the Athabasca River delta, ΣPAH concentrations (1029 ± 671 ng/g) increased (1999-2014) when %sands were included in the regression model; however, 50 km to the east, concentrations declined (1926-2009) in Lake Athabasca. Ten diagnostic ratios based on anthracene, phenanthrene, fluoranthene, pyrene, benz[a]anthracene, chrysene, indeno[123-cd]pyrene, dibenz[a,h]anthracene, dibenzothiophene and retene were examined to infer spatial and temporal trends in PAH sources (e.g., combustion versus petrogenic) and weathering. There was some evidence of increasing contributions of unprocessed oil sands and bitumen dust to Shipyard, Sharkbite, and Isadore's Lakes and increased combustion sources in the Athabasca River delta. Some CCME interim sediment quality guidelines were exceeded, primarily in Shipyard Lake and near presumed natural bitumen sources.

Exposing native cyprinid (Barbus plebejus) juveniles to river sediments leads to gonadal alterations, genotoxic effects and thyroid disruption

Juveniles (50 days post hatch) of a native cyprinid fish (Barbus plebejus) were exposed for 7 months to sediments from the River Lambro, a polluted tributary impairing the quality of the River Po for tens of kilometers from their confluence. Sediments were collected upstream of the city of Milan and downstream at the closure of the drainage basin of the River Lambro. Chemical analyses revealed the presence of a complex mixture of bioavailable endocrine-active chemicals, with higher exposure levels in the downstream section of the tributary. Mainly characterized by brominated flame retardants, alkylphenols, polychlorinated biphenyls, and minor co-occurring personal care products and natural hormones, the sediment contamination induced reproductive disorders, as well as other forms of endocrine disruption and toxicity. In particular, exposed male barbel exhibited higher biliary PAH-like metabolites, overexpression of the cyp1a gene, vitellogenin production in all specimens, the presence of oocytes (up to 22% intersex), degenerative alterations in their testis, liver fat vacuolization, a marked depression of total thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) plasma levels, and genotoxic damages determined as hepatic DNA adducts. These results clearly demonstrate that Lambro sediments alone are responsible for recognizable changes in the structure and function of the reproductive and, in general, the endocrine system of a native fish species. In the real environment, exposure to waterborne and food-web sources of chemicals are responsible for additional toxic loads, and the present findings thus provide evidence for a causal role of this tributary in the severe decline observed in barbel in recent decades and raise concern that the fish community of the River Po is exposed to endocrine-mediated health effects along tens of kilometres of its course.

Multimedia model for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and nitro-PAHs in Lake Michigan

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) contamination in the U.S. Great Lakes has long been of concern, but information regarding the current sources, distribution, and fate of PAH contamination is lacking, and very little information exists for the potentially more toxic nitro-derivatives of PAHs (NPAHs). This study uses fugacity, food web, and Monte Carlo models to examine 16 PAHs and five NPAHs in Lake Michigan, and to derive PAH and NPAH emission estimates. Good agreement was found between predicted and measured PAH concentrations in air, but concentrations in water and sediment were generally under-predicted, possibly due to incorrect parameter estimates for degradation rates, discharges to water, or inputs from tributaries. The food web model matched measurements of heavier PAHs (≥5 rings) in lake trout, but lighter PAHs (≤4 rings) were overpredicted, possibly due to overestimates of metabolic half-lives or gut/gill absorption efficiencies. Derived PAH emission rates peaked in the 1950s, and rates now approach those in the mid-19th century. The derived emission rates far exceed those in the source inventories, suggesting the need to reconcile differences and reduce uncertainties. Although additional measurements and physiochemical data are needed to reduce uncertainties and for validation purposes, the models illustrate the behavior of PAHs and NPAHs in Lake Michigan, and they provide useful and potentially diagnostic estimates of emission rates.