Distribution patterns of nitrobenzenes and polychlorinated biphenyls in water, suspended particulate matter and sediment from mid- and down-stream of the Yellow River (China).
Samples of water, suspended particulate matter (SPM) and sediment were collected from mid- and down-stream of the Yellow River. The distribution and concentration of 10 nitroaromatic compounds and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were extensively studied. The total concentration of 10 nitrobenzenes (SigmaNBs) varied from 0.269 to 9.052 microg l(-1) in water, from 2.916 to 164.4 microg kg(-1) dry weight in SPM, and from 0.954 to 14.72 microg kg(-1) dry weight in sediment. PCBs associated with the sediments, measured as the summed responses of Aroclor 1242, 1248, 1254, 1260 (in comparison to those of a standard 1:1:1:1 mixture), were found to be in the range of non-detectable to 5.98 microg kg(-1). In the samples collected, various PCB congeners showed similar distribution characteristics with congeners containing 3-5 chlorine atoms accounting for more than 96.4% of total PCB. In most of the samples, PCB concentrations occurred in the order: TetraCB > TriCB > PentaCB. Levels of SigmaNBs in the Yellow River were relatively low in comparison with values reported from other river and marine systems, and PCB levels were comparatively low. Relative to the PCBs, SigmaNBs showed significantly more difference among the various stations, presumably due to the influence of different pollution sources. No obvious correlation was observed between the pollutant concentrations and either the TOC or the grain size of the sediments.
He
Meng-chang
MC
State Key Joint Laboratory of Environment Simulation and Pollution Control, School of Environment, Beijing Normal University, Beijing 100875, People's Republic of China. hemc@bnu.edu.cn
Sun
Yan
Y
Li
Xing-ru
XR
Yang
Zhi-feng
ZF
D002681:China; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D019015:Geologic Sediments / Q000737:chemistry*; D009578:Nitrobenzenes / Q000032:analysis*; D010316:Particle Size; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls / Q000032:analysis*; D045483:Rivers / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D009578:Nitrobenzenes; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; D011078:Polychlorinated Biphenyls