Characterization and distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon in surface water and sediment from Qiantang River, China

The spatial and temporal distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) has been investigated in Qiantang River, an important drinking water resource in Yangzi River Delta, China. A total of 218 samples, including 180 water and 38 sediment samples were collected in January, April, July and October, 2005. The concentrations of total PAHs in water ranged from 70.3 to 1844.4 ng/L with the mean value of 283.3 ng/L, which were predominated by two- and three-ring PAHs. The concentration of total 15 PAHs in sediment ranges from 91.3 to 614.4 ng/g dry weight with the mean value of 313.1 ng/g dry weight, and three- and four-ring PAHs were dominant species. The ratios of AN/(AN + Phen) and Flur/(Flur + Pye) were calculated to evaluate the possible sources of PAHs. These ratios reflected a pattern of petrogenic input of PAHs in Qiantang River. The contents of PAHs in city zones were much higher than those in rural areas. It may be concluded that the urbanization and industrialization are causing some negative effect on the drinking water resource. As a drinking water resource, there existed certain potential health risks to drinking water consumers and organism in Qiantang River Basin.