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The physico-chemical speciation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in aquatic systems

Die physikalisch-chemische Speziation polycyclischer aromatischer Kohlenwasserstoffe (PAH) in aquatischen Systemen

  • Original Papers
  • Chemical Concepts in Organic Micropollutant Behaviour
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Zusammenfassung

Die „physikalisch-chemische Speziation“ wird dargestellt zur Beschreibung der Umweltchemie organischer Verbindungen in aquatischen Systemen. Dabei dienen die PAH als Beispiel. Es werden Meßergebnisse und experimentelle Befunde gegeben, die die Anwesenheit verschiedener physikalisch-chemischer Spezien von PAH in der Mündung des Tamar-Flusses (UK) demonstrieren. Es wird gezeigt, daß der Grad und damit der Chemismus der Teilchenbindung von PAH im Tamarfluß nicht den üblichen Sorptionsmodellen entspricht. Diese Feststellung hat beträchtliche Auswirkungen auf die Voraussehbarkeit des aquatischen Chemismus der PAH einschließlich der Verfügbarkeit dieser Verbindungen für Photooxidation und biologische Aufnahme (Toxizität).

Summary

‘Physico-chemical speciation’ is presented as a concept to describe the environmental chemistry of organic compounds in aquatic systems, using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons as an example.

Survey data and experimental results are reported which demonstrate the presence of different physico-chemical species of PAH in the Tamar Estuary, UK.

The degree, and hence chemistry of binding of PAH to particulates in the Tamar is shown to be incompatible with current sorption modelling techniques. This finding has extensive repercussions on prediction of the aquatic chemistry of PAH, including availibility of the compounds for fates such as photo-oxidation and biological uptake/ toxicity.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Masspec Analytical, Hazleton Laboratories Europe Ltd., Wallbridge, GL5 3JA, Stroud, Gloucestershire

    J. W. Readman

  2. The Institute for Marine Environmental Research, Prospect Place, The Hoe, PL1 3DH, Plymouth, Devon

    R. F. C. Mantoura

  3. Faculty of Science, Department of Environmental Sciences, Plymouth Polytechnic, Drake Circus, PL4 8 AA, Plymouth, Devon, England

    M. M. Rhead

Authors
  1. J. W. Readman
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  2. R. F. C. Mantoura
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  3. M. M. Rhead
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Readman, J.W., Mantoura, R.F.C. & Rhead, M.M. The physico-chemical speciation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in aquatic systems. Z. Anal. Chem. 319, 126–131 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00584673

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00584673

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