Primary Sources of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons to Streambed Sediment in Great Lakes Tributaries Using Multiple Lines of Evidence.

ABSTRACT: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are among the most widespread and potentially toxic contaminants in Great Lakes (USA/Canada) tributaries. The sources of PAHs are numerous and diverse, and identifying the primary source(s) can be difficult. The present study used multiple lines of evidence to determine the likely sources of PAHs to surficial streambed sediments at 71 locations across 26 Great Lakes Basin watersheds. Profile correlations, principal component analysis, positive matrix factorization source-receptor modeling, and mass fractions analysis were used to identify potential PAH sources, and land-use analysis was used to relate streambed sediment PAH concentrations to different land uses. Based on the common conclusion of these analyses, coal-tar-sealed pavement was the most l

SUBMITTER: Baldwin AK 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7383861 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature