DETERMINATION OF REST-OIL POLLUTION (POLYCYCLIC AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS) IN SURFACE WATER OF THREE INTERNATIONL WETLANDS OF IRAN

L. Taheri Azad*¹, A. Esmaili Sari² and K. Rezai Tavabe³

1. Department of Environmental Science, Young Researcher Club Member of Arak (IRAN)
2. Department of Envir. Science, Natural Resources Faculty, Tarbiyat Modares University (IRAN)
3. International Coexist Research Centre of Tehran University (ICRCTU) (IRAN))

*E-mail : ltaheriazad@yahoo.com, krtavabe@ut.ac.ir

Received on August 02, 2009 and accepted on December 03, 2009

ABSTRACT

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) occur in the environment as complex mixtures resulting from natural and anthropogenic pyrolysis of organic matter during forest fires, fossil fuel utilization, and chemical manufacture. Several PAH have been classified as probable or possible human carcinogens. Sixteen un substituted PAHs, some of which are considered as being possible or probable human carcinogens, have been listed by the environmental protection agency of the USA (USEPA) as priority pollutants. According to effects of these compounds on human this study for the first time is necessary in Iran. In this study sixteen 2-5 rings compound determined and compared. Water samples from 3 international wetlands (Alagol, Almago and Agigol), were taken monthly during two season (summer and autumn) from province Golestan in order to investigate PAHs pollutions in surface of water. In this survey after transferring samples to laboratory and processing, they were analyzed by GC-1000 (Dany model). Determination and revelation were done with FID (flame ionization detector) detector that is suitable for organic compounds with aromatic rings. Extraction method in this survey was SPE (Solid-phase extraction). The results of this study indicated that the mean concentrations of total PAHs compounds during the summer and autumn in these wetlands were 0/112 µg/L and 0/019 µg/L respectively which was the highest amount detected in Alagol and Almagol wetlands in july because of increasing consumption of fossil fuels in this area. Also Naphthalene, Benzo (b) fluoranthene and Benzo (k) fluoranthene compounds have maximum levels in Alagol and Almagol wetlands in summer respectively. Where a Benzo (k) fluoranthene compound has maximum levels in these wetlands in autumn (mean: 0/367 µg/L). On the other hand, during the season study the mean values of PAHs in comparison with the US EPA permissible levels for fresh waters were significantly less than the standards during this time zone.

Keywords : Rest-oil Pollution, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), Water, International wetlands