Hydrocarbon distributions and transport in an urban estuary

Samples of settling particulate matter and bottom sediments were collected in Puget Sound to quantify the vertical and horizontal distributions of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Samples were analysed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total 4, 5...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Environmental science & technology 1987-02, Vol.21 (2), p.193-198
Main Authors: Bates, Timothy S, Murphy, Paulette P, Curl, Herbert C, Feely, Richard A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Applied sciences
Exact sciences and technology
Natural water pollution
Pollution
Seawaters, estuaries
Water treatment and pollution
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Summary:Samples of settling particulate matter and bottom sediments were collected in Puget Sound to quantify the vertical and horizontal distributions of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). Samples were analysed using gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Total 4, 5-, and 6-ring PAH concentrations ranged from 0.6-3.2 ug per g dry weight of sediment. Concentrations of total n-alkanes and the unresolved complex mixture (UCM) ranged from 3-35 and from 35-1100 ug per g respectively. Highest hydrocarbon concentrations were found on surface water particulates near Seattle. Concentrations decreased with water depth. The major particulate hydrocarbon transport processes were a rapid vertical transport through the water column and resuspension and lateral transport in the bottom nepheloid layer.
ISSN:0013-936X
1520-5851
DOI:10.1021/es00156a010