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Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Characterization in Otter Creek, Northwest Ohio

Bobak, Deanna M.
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271441527

Abstract Details

2010, Master of Science, University of Toledo, Geology.
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are globally found contaminants, classified into two main groups: petrogenic and pyrogenic. Petrogenic PAHs are introduced naturally into the environment by oil seeps or anthropogenically by spills of crude or refined petroleum product. Pyrogenic PAHs are formed from the incomplete combustion of fossil fuel or biomass and are commonly distributed by atmospheric deposition and urban runoff. The persistence and toxicity of PAHs make them a target for remedial investigations. Otter Creek, northwest Ohio, is a small tributary to Maumee Bay and has been associated with natural oil and multiple incidents of crude/refined oil spills. As part of the greater Maumee River Area of Concern, PAH contamination has been documented, but never attributed to sources. Knowledge of PAH type may help in remedial actions planned for the creek. A modified EPA Method 8270 was used for the analysis of 23 Otter Creek sediment samples by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A suite of 44 non-alkylated and alkylated PAHs was identified and quantified in selected ion monitoring mode. PAH source allocation was accomplished through compilation of diagnostic data, including distribution histograms of homologous PAH series, key diagnostic ratios, and principal component analysis. Total PAH concentrations in Otter Creek ranged from 10.9 to 3015.0 mg kg-1. Sites located at the headwaters had relatively low concentrations compared with downstream sites associated with PAH point sources and were considered baseline values of PAH contamination. Pyrogenic PAHs associated with urban background were prevalent in the headwaters section of the creek. As proximity to known point sources increased, total PAH concentrations increased and sediments exhibited mixing of petrogenic and pyrogenic sources. Mixed signatures were predominant over the refinery and residential stretches of the creek. Furthest downstream, the industrial portion of Otter Creek contained the highest PAH concentrations and mainly petrogenic features.
Alison L. Spongberg, PhD (Advisor)
Daryl F. Dwyer, PhD (Committee Member)
David Krantz, PhD (Committee Member)
107 p.
Environmental Science; Geology
polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons; PAHs; environmental forensics; Otter Creek; source allocation; petrogenic; pyrogenic

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Bobak, D. M. (2010). Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Characterization in Otter Creek, Northwest Ohio [Master's thesis, University of Toledo]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271441527

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Bobak, Deanna. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Characterization in Otter Creek, Northwest Ohio. 2010. University of Toledo, Master's thesis. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271441527.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Bobak, Deanna. "Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Characterization in Otter Creek, Northwest Ohio." Master's thesis, University of Toledo, 2010. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=toledo1271441527

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

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This open access ETD is published by University of Toledo and OhioLINK.