University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Determination of the fate of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in natural water systems

McGinnes, Paul R.; Snoeyink, Vernon L.

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https://hdl.handle.net/2142/90393

Description

Title
Determination of the fate of polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons in natural water systems
Author(s)
  • McGinnes, Paul R.
  • Snoeyink, Vernon L.
Contributor(s)
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Issue Date
1974-03
Keyword(s)
  • Water resource development--Illinois
  • Water resource development
  • Water quality
  • Polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons
  • Photodecomposition
  • Trace organics
  • Gas chromatography
  • Carcinogens
  • Ultraviolet light
Geographic Coverage
Illinois (state)
Abstract
The polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAH, are of current concern as water pollutants and potential health hazards. The presence of PAH in natural water systems was evaluated and an analytical technique for specific PAH was developed. It was found that the PAH are not soluble in water but they either are present as particulate material or as material adsorbed on solid surfaces in natural water systems. The photodecomposition of two PAH, 1,2 benzanthracene, or BA, and 3,4 benzpyrene, or BP, was examined. Both compounds decompose under ultraviolet light to form their quinones, which then further decompose. Both BP and BA decompose following first order kinetics in true solution in 20 percent acetone in water. Particulate BA also decomposes following first order reaction kinetics, a1 though particulate BP will decompose only to a depth of 0.2 pm before decomposition stops. This decomposition is relatively unaffected by water chemistry and will occur under solar radiation and in turbid waters.
Publisher
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Water Resources Center
Type of Resource
text
Language
en
Permalink
http://hdl.handle.net/2142/90393
Sponsor(s)/Grant Number(s)
  • U.S. Department of the Interior
  • U.S. Geological Survey
Copyright and License Information
Copyright 1974 held by Paul R. McGinnes, Vernon L. Snoeyink

Owning Collections

Illinois Water Resources Center - Water Quality PRIMARY