Sources and distribution of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons in sediments from the Neuquen River, Argentine Patagonia

Spatial distribution and probable sources of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (AHs, PAHs) were investigated in surface sediments collected along the bank of the Neuquen River, Argentina. Total concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons ranged between 0.41 and 125 μg/g dw. Six stations presented...

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Published in:Journal of environmental science and health. Part A, Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering Toxic/hazardous substances & environmental engineering, 2013-03, Vol.48 (4), p.370-379
Main Authors: Monza, Liliana B, Loewy, Ruth M, Savini, Mónica C, Pechen de d’Angelo, Ana M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Argentina
baseline levels
biogenic source
cities
Contaminated sediments
Environmental Monitoring - methods
Environmental science
evaluation indexes
Geologic Sediments - analysis
Geologic Sediments - chemistry
hydrocarbon pollution
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons - analysis
Neuquen River
oil shale
petrogenic source
pollutants
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons - analysis
Rivers
sediments
Water Pollutants, Chemical - analysis
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Summary:Spatial distribution and probable sources of aliphatic and polyaromatic hydrocarbons (AHs, PAHs) were investigated in surface sediments collected along the bank of the Neuquen River, Argentina. Total concentrations of aliphatic hydrocarbons ranged between 0.41 and 125 μg/g dw. Six stations presented low values of resolved aliphatic hydrocarbons and the n–alkane distribution indexes applied suggested a clear biogenic source. These values can be considered the baseline levels of aliphatic hydrocarbons for the river sediments. This constitutes important information for the assessment of future impacts since a strong impulse in the exploitation of shale gas and shale oil in these zones is nowadays undergoing. For the other 11 stations, a mixture of aliphatic hydrocarbons of petrogenic and biogenic origin was observed. The spatial distribution reflects local inputs of these pollutants with a significant increase in concentrations in the lower course, where two major cities are located. The highest values of total aliphatic hydrocarbons were found in this sector which, in turn, was the only one where individual PAHs were detected.
ISSN:1532-4117
1093-4529
1532-4117
DOI:10.1080/10934529.2013.728097