Quality, Quantity and Origin of PAHs (Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons) in Lotic Ecosystem of Al-Hilla River, Iraq

Abstract

The quality, quantity and the origin of Poly Aromatic Hydrocarbon (PAHs) were studied in the water and sediment of Al-Hilla river (branch of the Euphrates river inside Iraq). In addition, some physical and chemical properties were studied at six sites along the studied area, for the period March, 2010 to February, 2011. Sixteen Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) that are listed by USEPA as priority pollutants ( Naphthalene, Acenaphthylene, Acenaphthene, Fluorene, Phenanthrene, Anthracene, Fluoranthene, Pyrene, Benzo(a)Anthracene, Chrysene, Benzo(b) Fluoranthene, Benzo(k) Fluoranthene, Benzo(a) Pyrene, Dibenzo(a,h) Anthracene, Benzo(ghi) Perylene and Indeno (1,2,3-cd) Pyrene) were detected in Al-Hilla river. High concentrations of PAHs were detected in the sediment relative to that within the water. The present study revealed that the origin of PAHs in water and sediment might be the Pyrogenic origin.