Concentrations and source identification of priority polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in sediment cores from south and northeast Thailand
Siwatt Pongpiachan, Danai Tipmanee, Chomsri Choochuay, Woranuch Deelaman, Natthapong Iadtem, Qiyuan Wang, Xing Li, Guohui Li, Yongming Han, Muhammad Zaffar Hashmi, Junji Cao, Apichart Leckngam, S. Poshyachinda
Abstract
, respectively. While the exponential decline of ΣPAH contents were detected in SKL sediments, NHL showed a trend of enhancing PAH contents with depth. The averaged benzo [a]pyrene (B [a]P) contents of surface sediments in both lakes were much below the value stipulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US-EPA) guidelines for carcinogen risk assessment. Based on numerous multivariate statistical techniques coupled with source apportionment analysis, "biomass burning" and "anthropogenic activities" are two potential contributors of the PAHs detected in the study areas. To achieve the long-term conservation of nature with related ecosystem services and cultural values, it is therefore important to promote decision-making based on ecotoxicological studies of carcinogenic substances.