title: Assessment of PAH contamination in estuarine sediments using the equilibrium partitioning-toxic unit approach.
abstract: Estimates of the potential acute toxicity of PAH residues to aquatic organisms in UK estuarine sediments using the equilibrium partitioning-toxic unit (EqP-TU) approach indicate that sediments from the Clyde and Mersey estuaries and Southampton Water will have the highest mean toxicities. The PAH residues probably originate from a combination of specific industrial sources and inputs from surrounding conurbations via combustion and run-off. Maximum sediment toxicities were evident at specific locations in Southampton Water near a chemical plant outfall and in sediments in docks on the Wear and Clyde. The limitations of the EqP-TU approach, particularly with regard to the potential for the over estimation of toxicity due to high levels of non-bioavailable high molecular weight PAHs occluded in combustion particles are discussed.
authors.affiliation: WRc-NSF Ltd, Marlow, Bucks., UK. rogers_h@wrcplc.co.uk
authors.forename: Howard R
authors.initials: HR
authors.lastname: Rogers
mesh_terms: D001682:Biological Availability; D002617:Chemical Industry; D017753:Ecosystem; D004739:England; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D007220:Industrial Waste; D008970:Molecular Weight; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity*; D012016:Reference Values; D018675:Toxicity Tests; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis* / Q000633:toxicity*
chemical_list: D007220:Industrial Waste; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical