Monitoring the freely dissolved concentrations of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylphenols (AP) around a Norwegian oil platform by holistic passive sampling.
In order to assess the environmental impact of aquatic discharges from the offshore oil industry, polar organic chemical integrative samplers (POCIS) and semipermeable membrane devices (SPMDs) were deployed around an oil platform and at reference locations in the North Sea. Exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and alkylated phenols (AP) was determined from passive sampler accumulations using an empirical uptake model, the dissipation of performance reference compounds and adjusted laboratory derived sampling rates. Exposure was relatively similar within 1-2 km of the discharge point, with levels dominated by short chained C1-C3 AP isomers (19-51 ngL(-1)) and alkylated naphthalenes, phenanthrenes and dibenzothiophenes (NPD, 29-45 ngL(-1)). Exposure stations showed significant differences to reference sites for NPD, but not always for more hydrophobic PAH. These concentrations are several orders of magnitude lower than those reported to give both acute and sub-lethal effects, although their long term consequences are unknown.
Harman
Christopher
C
Norwegian Institute for Water Research (NIVA), Oslo Centre for Interdisciplinary Environmental and Social Research Gaustadalléen 21, NO-0349 Oslo, Norway. CHA@niva.no
Thomas
Kevin V
KV
Tollefsen
Knut Erik
KE
Meier
Sonnich
S
Bøyum
Olav
O
Grung
Merete
M
D000818:Animals; D004784:Environmental Monitoring / Q000379:methods*; D019652:Extraction and Processing Industry; D009281:Naphthalenes / Q000032:analysis; D009664:Norway; D010578:Petroleum; D010616:Phenanthrenes / Q000032:analysis; D010636:Phenols / Q000032:analysis*; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons / Q000032:analysis*; D012621:Seasons; D012623:Seawater / Q000737:chemistry*; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical / Q000032:analysis*
D009281:Naphthalenes; D010578:Petroleum; D010616:Phenanthrenes; D010636:Phenols; D011084:Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons; D014874:Water Pollutants, Chemical; C031721:naphthalene; C031181:phenanthrene